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Happy Monday.
Charleston International Airport and Des Moines International Airport have now joined Tampa International Airport in deciding to transition to TSA Gold+.
I want to go deeper into this story because it has several angles I’d like to bring perspective to. Is TSA Gold+ a traveler issue, a worker issue, or a little of both?
I spoke to several TSA officers from TPA to help me with today’s edition of Gate Access. But first, here’s what’s on the radar.
On the radar
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The FAA is expanding testing of Mobile Clearance. This new digital tool lets general and business aviation pilots request departure clearances via apps such as ForeFlight and Garmin, rather than over the radio. Officials say the technology will reduce communication errors and improve safety, and that it is expected to begin rolling out nationwide in 2027.
Starbucks and Delta are bringing back one of their most popular loyalty perks. Beginning Aug. 5, eligible customers who link their Starbucks Rewards and Delta SkyMiles accounts will once again earn 1 SkyMile for every $1 spent at participating Starbucks locations.
United Airlines is delaying the launch of 11 new routes from Chicago O'Hare, after the FAA extended flight caps at the airport through October 2027. The restrictions are tied to ongoing O'Hare modernization projects aimed at reducing delays during major construction.
The Department of Homeland Security has released a new dataset of 250 synthetic X-ray images of carry-on bags to help researchers develop faster, more accurate airport screening technology. Officials say the initiative could improve threat detection while reducing false alarms that lead to manual bag checks and longer TSA checkpoint lines.
I have requested access to view the dataset and will report back with an update.
United Airlines reportedly approached Delta last year about a potential merger that would have created the nation’s largest airline, but the discussions never advanced beyond preliminary talks.
Dubai has launched "A Dubai Invite," a new program that rewards residents for inviting friends and family to visit the city. Eligible participants can unlock benefit packages worth more than AED 3,000, including discounts on hotels, attractions, dining, and experiences for qualifying visitors who travel before Oct. 31, 2026.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has expanded its International Remote Baggage Screening program to Qatar Airways' nonstop flights from Doha to New York (JFK). The system allows CBP officers to screen checked bags while the flight is still in the air, helping eligible connecting passengers skip reclaiming and rechecking their luggage upon arrival.
Delta Air Lines has partnered with The Wall Street Journal to give SkyMiles members 24 hours of complimentary access to the publication through Delta Sync Wi-Fi, along with a curated selection of WSJ video content on seatback screens. The move expands Delta's growing lineup of onboard digital content for travelers who want to stay informed while flying.
Did you miss last week’s release?
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Who does TSA Gold+ hurt most: travelers or TSA officers?
Although frowned upon by advocates such as myself and federal union organizations such as AFGE, airport security privatization is not a new concept, and we have evidence that the model does work.
The push to adopt TSA Gold+ stems from the previous government shutdown, which left thousands of federal workers, including TSA officers, without paychecks for months. The pay lapse caused major delays at airports across the country, and now TSA Gold+ is being positioned as the savior, when in fact the remedy should be on Congress to do its job and not allow shutdowns to happen.
TSA has stated that federal security guidelines and standards will remain fully in force. Still, I would like to know who would be responsible for ensuring these guidelines are met, and whether these private companies will be privy to SSI?
Travelers already complain that airport security rules in the U.S. seem to vary by airport, and I can confirm that this is by design. All U.S. airports follow the same rulebook for security, but they may run different security protocols at different times, which can make them seem out of sync.
With TSA Gold+, unlike the existing Screening Partnership Program (SPP), under which 20 airports are currently, TSA will now allow the selected private contractor to use their own technology to screen passengers. To my knowledge, we don’t have historical data on this, which can create friction in the passenger screening experience.
Ultimately, I believe security will remain strong for travelers under either model; however, I worry about how sensitive information will be protected under private contractors and how dedicated potential candidates will be to upholding the security measures that the Department of Homeland Security has led since the events of 9/11.
Which, at times, I feel we have forgotten about.
I spoke with several TSA officers at TPA last week. Here’s a bit of our conversation.
What has TPA's leadership told you about this transition?
They won’t tell the TSO agents very much. It’s extremely vague answers, and it’s really messing with people’s livelihoods. TPA did so much for us during the shutdown. They brought in food, gave us free gas multiple times, and our electric companies were covering our bills. Something has changed, and there are rumors that the government is strong-arming them because of the major airside renovation.
How do you feel about TSA Gold+? Is this good for travelers?
TSA Gold+ is simply Trump gold for billionaire donors. It is not a program for passengers but rather a public-private partnership, with public money going to private businesses, in which the exact screening process is handled by private companies.
Why do you think this switch is happening?
Prior government shutdowns left screeners unpaid, which in turn led many to quit or leave for higher-paying jobs elsewhere, causing staff shortages and longer screening times. If a private business takes over, the government must pay them, which in turn would pay screeners. But at what cost to taxpayers???
So you believe it’s a get-rich play?
Politicians saw an opportunity to push privatization, enrich their billionaire friends and themselves. Thus “TSA Gold+” was born. Rather than work to create a budget that ensured payment of TSA workers, they found gold or perhaps were told to make it happen. Since the government cannot default on payments to private businesses, it must take on more debt to meet those public-private obligations, thereby avoiding government shutdowns that would force debt management.
Some estimates put the cost of TSA Gold+ to taxpayers at up to 20%.
Unfortunately for TPA officers, the switch is happening. How would you like the transition to happen?
TSA going private is a bad idea, especially for the people currently working for the federal government. One thing to resolve with this going private is that current employees should have the option to stay within the federal government until they quit or retire, and then all new employees coming into TSA will be private. This is the best way to handle the situation, rather than what they’re doing now.
TPA is loved by travelers, often receiving the best reviews out of any airport regarding TSA. Why do you think that, and could this change impact that?
Tampa TSA had one of the highest attendance rates and minimum impact during recent shutdowns. A contributing factor is that Florida attracts many individuals who have retired from careers in the military and police departments. Tampa TSA has a more skilled workforce, where many officers are former veterans and law enforcement officers.
If Tampa privatizes, many of those officers will likely retire, while many more look for comparable-paying jobs elsewhere. Left will be the need to keep air travelers safe with lower-paid, less skilled workers.
Tampa will be on a fast track from being the best to being like the ones travelers don’t like.
There’s a lot to discuss here, but to put a bow on it, TSA Gold+ isn't a necessity and comes across as a gateway to capitalize on air safety. The technological advancements can be implemented within today’s model without requiring it.
The program only furthers the Trump administration's Project 2025 plan to privatize TSA. It’ll be interesting to know what companies are selected and if they have any affiliation with key decision-makers.
I believe it’s also important to highlight that TPA is gearing up for a major renovation, as mentioned above, for which the government will contribute $40 million. The total cost is over $1.5 billion, and it is set to open to the traveling public in 2029.
The comments are open to all, as I’m eager to hear your thoughts on this incredible story about the future of our air security.
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