Due to the length of today’s release, you may have to visit Gate Access via your browser to read.
Happy Monday.
Tampa International Airport will no longer pursue a transition to TSA Gold+.
Bigger news: TSA has pulled the plug on Gold+ entirely. Also in today’s read, we officially have a new TSA administrator, and it’s time to put a spotlight on TSA’s plan to generate over $315,000,000 in revenue with ConfirmID.
Lots of TSA developments and more. But first, here’s what’s On The Radar this week.
On the radar
American Airlines is bringing seatback entertainment screens to its narrowbody fleet. I’m shocked this is news in 2026.
Beginning September 1, first-class travelers will no longer be allowed to hold service items during pushback, as the FAA plans to enforce a 1992 rule. I’m still looking into this and will share more next week.
Google has purchased Spirit Airlines’ data for $10 million. Travelers’ private information is not included. The airline has also sold its Fort Lauderdale HQ building for $93 million. Oh, how I miss Spirit Airlines…
ICYM the last release
TPA will no longer pursue a transition to TSA Gold+
I can’t prove it, but I believe the public backlash TPA received after announcing the plans to transition to TSA Gold+ influenced the agency's decision to drop the program entirely.
You can read more about that coverage here and view the internal note that was sent to the workforce informing them that they will no longer pursue TSA Gold+ below.
I would also like to add that moments before clicking send on this newsletter, I received an official statement from TPA.
Here’s their official statement. Their note to me below:
One point to clarify is that, while public input is certainly important to TPA, our decision to not proceed with TSA Gold+ came after months of careful review and consideration of the Gold+ details in determining whether it would be a fit for our Airport.
In short, they are viewing the former announcement as a review period and have concluded that it’s best for TPA to continue its checkpoint screening operations with its existing federal TSA officers. To that, I say… interesting.
Who is David Cummins?
President Donald J. Trump fired David Pekoske, the former TSA Administrator, back in early 2025. Since then, Ha Nguyen McNeil has served as the acting administrator. On August 7, David P. Cummins was sworn in as the new TSA Administrator.
How to avoid paying TSA’s new $45 fee
TSA estimates that over 7 million travelers will pay $45 to use the new TSA Confirm.ID system in the first year of operation. That’s over $315,000,000 dollars in revenue.
Recently, I overheard a conversation between a TSA officer and a traveler who was told that they had to use the new system because they were unable to provide an acceptable form of ID.
As of today, the following is the current list of acceptable IDs.
This list can change at any time, but be sure I will let you know if and when it does.
Today, I wanted to highlight some clauses I believe you should know about in case you find yourself in a situation similar to this traveler's.
TSA officers will never force you to use ConfirmID as it’s a voluntary service.
Using the system does not guarantee you will still fly.
This service is not only for folks who don’t have a Real ID. There are many situations where you may find yourself using this system, such as when you lose your wallet, etc.
In the traveler’s case, their Real ID had expired, and they didn’t present it because they didn’t realize it was still valid. TSA has a policy that allows you to use an expired ID for up to 2 years after it expires.
Unlocked by Gate Access
Unlocked is part of a new initiative to build out more content arms for Gate Access. This section is meant to provide deeper insights into specific areas. Of course, I’m starting with TSA, but I plan to branch out into other areas of travel.
Travel policy alert
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One last thing
My apologies for my two-week hiatus. I’ve been working on some things, including shooting something very special that will be on Netflix. I can’t believe I’m saying that!
I can’t wait to share more about this with you soon. Until then, catch you back here next week!
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