The announcement of the program follows the 75-day partial government shutdown, which saw hours-long wait times at TSA checkpoints across the country
NEED TO KNOW
- TSA Gold+ plans on “modernizing aviation security” by partnering with private companies and implementing new technology, according to an announcement from the agency
- The program allows for third-party vendors to replace TSA agents at security stations at some airports
- TSA Gold+ is an expansion of an existing program already in operation at 20 U.S. hubs
- The news follows funding challenges and worker shortages during the recent partial government shutdown that caused hours-long delays at many airports
After weeks of airport security chaos amid a partial government shutdown, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has officially unveiled TSA Gold+, a new initiative that's aim is "modernizing aviation security," according to an announcement from the agency.
According to the TSA's website, the Gold+ program will enable participating airports to partner with private, third-party security companies who will perform some of the functions of TSA agents and are less vulnerable to government funding crises.
"Rising travel volumes, evolving threats, and funding challenges present an opportunity to re-imagine aviation security," the agency said.
Credit: Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty
The program is an extension of TSA's existing Screening Partnership Program (SPP), which currently contracts with private companies to operate security screenings at 20 U.S. airports including San Francisco International Airport, Orlando Sanford International Airport, and Kansas City International Airport.
America's busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, is reportedly considering joining the program. The Atlanta City Council voted 11-1 to direct the Department of Aviation to commission a study to look at the possibility of converting to the private security model, Fox 5 Atlanta reports.
Airports can opt in to TSA Gold+ to receive a "tailored security screening service" based on their needs and space, with support from TSA and private vendors, the agency says. TSA Gold+ airports will receive staffing, technology, and maintenance at no additional cost to airports.
Credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty
But what will this mean for travelers?
No Gold+ airports have been announced yet, but TSA says travelers at these airports will experience faster and easier screenings.
The agency says the program will "rapidly enhance security by enabling faster deployment of advanced technologies, while TSA maintains robust oversight to ensure all operations meet or exceed federal security standards."
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The announcement of Gold+ follows the recent partial government shutdown that forced as many as 50,000 TSA agents across the country to work without pay for over a month beginning in February. In April, the Department of Homeland Security told PEOPLE that over 1,000 TSA workers had quit since the start of the shutdown.
As a result of the shutdown, some travelers saw TSA security checkpoint wait times over four hours. TSA workers began receiving some pay on March 30. The 75-day shutdown ended on April 30 after President Trump signed a funding bill passed by Congress.
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