WASHINGTON — The Transportation Security Administration announced on May 14, 2026 a program that allows private contractors to operate security lines at participating airports. The initiative, called TSA Gold+, was outlined in an internal memo sent to employees that day.

The memo described TSA Gold+ as an "innovative extension" of the agency's Screening Partnership Program, which contracts with private companies to provide airline screening at 20 airports around the country. The new program further privatizes airport security work previously performed by federal employees.

Under TSA Gold+, airports will be able to opt in to receive a specifically designed screening service based on their location and needs at no additional cost. According to program materials, "Airports that opt-in will work with TSA and prospective vendors to develop and deploy solutions that leverage private-sector investment, cutting-edge technology, and human capital." Program materials also state, "This approach ensures airports meet robust federal security standards while driving operational excellence and responding to consumer needs."

The TSA Gold+ website describes the new partnership as "the future of aviation security." The website does not provide details about which private companies have agreed to participate in the initiative.

The rollout follows a partial government shutdown in the early months of 2026 that left 61,000 TSA workers without paychecks for months. Mass callouts among TSA employees during that period led to understaffed security checkpoints and caused some travelers to wait hours to pass security.

At an April 16 hearing, TSA Deputy Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill indicated that the agency was considering privatizing some TSA screenings to avoid future delays and travel disruptions. McNeill did not specify at the hearing which airports or screening functions would be targeted for privatization under any such plan.