Happy Monday.
Today, I received confirmation that TPA is transitioning to TSA Gold+, a public-private partnership framed to allow private companies to conduct screening at airports.
Unlike the decades-old Screening Partnership Program, TSA Gold+ allows the selected private company to manage both the checkpoint and technology, while TSA maintains oversight and sets the security standards.
For the officers on the ground, the announcement is heavy.
Over the coming months, they’ll have to choose from several options: take a job with the private screening company once one is selected, be reassigned to another airport with TSA vacancies, pursue a federal role with another agency, or retire if eligible.
This story is still developing. I’ll bring you more as I confirm it.
Here’s more on the radar.
On the radar
Southwest Airlines has launched its first-ever Rapid Rewards debit card, giving travelers a way to earn points and Companion Pass qualifying points without opening a credit card. The card includes Southwest perks like an annual flight discount and statement credit, but comes with a $6.99 monthly fee unless account balance requirements are met.
Frontier Airlines plans to introduce Starlink satellite Wi-Fi beginning in early 2027, giving passengers access to high-speed internet for streaming, gaming, and video calls.
United Airlines will introduce a new Economy Plus seating option later this year that permanently blocks the middle seat, giving travelers extra elbow room and a shared table between passengers. The new seats will debut exclusively on the airline's Airbus A321XLR aircraft, making United the first U.S. airline to offer this type of economy seating.
Congress is once again pushing to ban in-flight phone and video calls, introducing a bipartisan bill that would require federal regulators to prohibit voice calls on U.S. flights within 180 days. The effort comes as more airlines roll out high-speed satellite Wi-Fi, raising concerns that phone calls could soon become technically possible onboard.
Travelers heading to Europe should prepare for longer passport control lines. The EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES) continues to cause delays at some airports. Officials say the biometric border checks have increased processing times, while airlines like Ryanair are urging passengers to arrive earlier as the system continues to be refined.
President Trump is warning that the federal government could shut down this fall if Congress fails to pass funding legislation, raising the possibility of another lapse in funding before the Oct. 1 deadline. While no shutdown has been announced, the renewed political standoff has raised concerns among federal employees, including TSA officers, who could once again be required to work without pay if one occurs.
Federal employees seeking financial assistance should check out The Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund (FEEA).
The U.S. aviation industry is urging Congress to approve an additional $20 billion to modernize the nation's aging air traffic control system. The funding would replace outdated technology, improve controller tools, and help reduce delays and disruptions as air travel demand continues to grow.
The CDC has recently introduced temporary entry restrictions and enhanced health screenings for travelers in parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan due to an Ebola outbreak. Affected travelers may be routed through designated U.S. airports for screening and will be asked to monitor their health for 21 days after arrival.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released new guidance to help airlines standardize in-cabin pet travel, covering everything from booking and boarding to the onboard experience. The recommendations are designed to make flying with pets more predictable and address common traveler confusion about airline policies and pet eligibility.
JetBlue has partnered with ClarityPay to let eligible travelers finance flights booked directly through the airline's website and app. Customers can check their eligibility without affecting their credit score, and, for a limited time, qualifying bookings can receive 0% APR financing for up to 12 months.
The FAA has restored Boeing's authority to self-certify the airworthiness of its 737 MAX and 787 aircraft after determining the manufacturer's safety inspections now meet federal standards. While Boeing will resume issuing final certifications, FAA inspectors will continue to oversee production and monitor quality at the company's factories.
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