US News
TSA seeks to expand private screening contractors at US airports
The agency announced its Horizon 25 strategy to accelerate public-private partnerships, expanding on 20 airports currently using non-federal screeners.
The short version
- The Transportation Security Administration announced its Horizon 25 initiative to expand private contractor screening under federal oversight, replacing the scrapped Gold+ program.
- Twenty U.S. airports currently use private screeners through the TSA's Screening Partnership Program, including San Francisco International Airport and eight airports in Montana.
- White House officials contend that expanded privatization reduces costs, while opponents argue competitive contractor programs could compromise aviation security and working conditions.
Key facts
- The TSA introduced a strategy named Horizon 25 to expand public-private partnerships, modernize checkpoints, and enhance TSA PreCheck.[Business Insider]
- Twenty U.S. airports employ private security contractors rather than federal TSA screeners via the Screening Partnership Program established in 2004.[Business Insider]
- Eight of the 20 participating airports are located in Montana, though major travel hubs like San Francisco International Airport also utilize private screeners.[Business Insider]
- During government shutdowns in 2025 and 2026, federal screener shortages caused severe wait times at several airports, while contract-screened San Francisco reported normal operations.[Business Insider]
What remains uncertain
- The overall financial savings and long-term impacts on aviation safety and screener working conditions remain disputed between White House officials and program critics.[Business Insider]
Sources
- These 20 US airports don't use TSA screeners — and Trump wants more to go privateBusiness Insider metered