TSA Gold+ Program Expands to Three U.S. Airports

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that Tampa International Airport, Des Moines International Airport and Charleston International Airport will join the Gold+ program, a private‑contractor security screening model that keeps federal regulatory oversight. The airports are scheduled to transition in 2027—Des Moines in January, Charleston in February and Tampa in May. Gold+ builds on the existing Screening Partnership Program, which already involves 20 airports, and is promoted as a way to reduce delays during government shutdowns. The American Federation of Government Employees, representing thousands of TSA agents, has criticized the move, arguing that it was made without adequate congressional, public or employee input and could jeopardize safety. The rollout reflects a broader push to privatize aspects of airport security under federal supervision.