TSA launches TSA Gold+
The federal agency responsible for screening more than 900 million passengers a year just took a significant step toward privatizing the checkpoint experience, and most travelers have no idea it’s happening.
On May 14, 2026, TSA sent an internal memo to employees announcing the launch of TSA Gold+, described as an “innovative extension” of the existing Screening Partnership Program (SPP) — the framework that already allows private contractors to run security at 20 U.S. airports.
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TSA Gold+ is a new public-private partnership program that expands the existing Screening Partnership Program model and is deemed “The future of aviation security.”
TSA Gold+ takes that model further. The program would have private contractors manage not just the workforce but also the technology used to screen passengers and baggage.
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What do we all think of this?