TSA “Gold+” Program Moves Three Airports Toward Private Screening

Three regional hubs—Tampa International Airport (Florida), Des Moines International Airport (Iowa) and Charleston International Airport (South Carolina)—have elected to join the Transportation Security Administration’s “Gold+” initiative. Under Gold+, private contractors will manage checkpoint staffing and screening technology, while the TSA retains regulatory oversight. Tampa targets a transition on May 31, 2027; Des Moines and Charleston plan early-2027 transitions, though exact dates remain unconfirmed.

TSA Gold+ Program Transitions Tampa Charleston and Des Moines Airports to Private Security TSA Gold+ Program Expands Airport Private Security Screening: Tampa, Charleston, and Des Moines Set for 2027 Transition Federal News NetworkSeattle TimesCNNNew York Times

Gold+ expands the existing Screening Partnership Program (SPP), which already allows private firms to supply screeners at about 20 airports. The program was announced on July 23, 2026 with a revised request for proposals issued on July 17 and proposals due by July 31.

Federal News Network

• Approximately 47,000 TSA officers are employed nationwide.

WTVT - Fox 13 - Tampa Bay

• The FY 2027 budget proposes cutting more than 9,400 TSA positions by expanding privatized screening.

TSA Nominee Faces Grilling Over Security Privatization

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), representing TSA officers, warned that the shift could jeopardize public safety and erode career stability for federal screeners.

Seattle Times

• Transition dates differ: an internal email obtained by The New York Times lists January 2027 for Des Moines, February 2027 for Charleston and May 2027 for Tampa, while a TSA statement cites only the May 31, 2027 target for Tampa.

Seattle Times

• Reports list either 20 or 21 airports using private screeners, indicating no definitive count.

TSA Gold+ Program Expands Airport Private Security Screening: Tampa, Charleston, and Des Moines Set for 2027 Transition

• No contractor has been selected for any of the three Gold+ airports, and the procurement process remains undisclosed.

Federal News Network

• July 23, 2026 – TSA announces Gold+.

WTVT - Fox 13 - Tampa Bay

• July 17 – Revised request for proposals released.

Federal News Network

• July 31 – Deadline for contractor proposals.

Federal News Network

• May 31, 2027 – Targeted transition date for Tampa International Airport.

Seattle Times

• Early 2027 – Planned transitions for Des Moines and Charleston.

TSA Gold+ Program Transitions Tampa Charleston and Des Moines Airports to Private Security

• “Changes of this magnitude should not be made behind closed doors without the input of Congress, the flying public, the local airport authorities, and TSA employees themselves,” — Everett Kelley, AFGE national president

Seattle Times

• “This decision is about investing in the people who protect our travelers every day by providing them with better tools, greater workplace stability, and the support they deserve while continuing to deliver the highest level of aviation security,” — Elliott Summey, President and CEO of the airport

CNN

• “Tampa International Airport’s decision to join TSA Gold+ reflects the airport’s strong commitment to modernization, innovation, and operational resilience in aviation security,” — Emily Nipps, Tampa International Airport Director of Communications

Federal News Network