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Tampa, Des Moines Airports Join TSA Gold+, Union Warns

7/23/2026

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Airports Privatize Screening

Tampa and Des Moines airports announced they will join the TSA Gold+ program, shifting screening to private contractors while keeping federal oversight.
The TSA said staff could exercise a right-of-first-refusal hiring option with the contractor, and the contract starts September 28.
Funding for screening is provided in advance to keep operations running during a federal shutdown.
The American Federation of Government Employees warned privatization could affect pay and urged wage-protection legislation.

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Airports Privatize Screening

Tampa, Des Moines and Charleston airports will join the TSA Gold+ program, moving security screening to private contractors under federal oversight starting in 2027.
Union leaders warn the privatization could jeopardize safety and undermine workers’ rights, urging congressional and public oversight.
The American Federation of Government Employees, representing 47,000 TSA agents, says the shift threatens safety and abandons the post-9/11 system.

History

Historical Context

The TSA created the Screening Partnership Program in 2004, letting private firms like Covenant Aviation Security run passenger checks at participating airports. By 2005 the pilot had expanded to at least 32 applicant airports and faced criticism after a 2006 inspector-general report revealed test-tip-offs. Today Tampa, Des Moines and Charleston join the TSA Gold+ scheme, reviving the private-screening model under federal oversight.

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Airports Privatize Screening

Tampa and Des Moines airports announced they will join the TSA Gold+ program, shifting screening to private contractors while keeping federal oversight.
The TSA said staff could exercise a right-of-first-refusal hiring option with the contractor, and the contract starts September 28.
Funding for screening is provided in advance to keep operations running during a federal shutdown.
The American Federation of Government Employees warned privatization could affect pay and urged wage-protection legislation.

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