I believe that all the airports have an option of providing private security that meets FAA guidelines or allowing TSA to do it. In other words, they don't have to use TSA. Not sure the pros and cons, but I'm guessing that going with TSA reduces some liability exposure and it's cheaper, no doubt.

Was the ticket price higher at SFO as a result? If not, then the other airports are probably enjoying being able to feather their bank accounts with tax-payer supported corporate welfare.

0 ...

Report Post

Posted by notsince98

KC, MO

Member since Oct 2012

22028 posts

Posted on 3/28/26 at 5:46 pm to Lou

I think MCI in Kansas City is private.

0 ...

Report Post

Posted by F1y0n7h3W4LL

Below I-10

Member since Jul 2019

4066 posts

Posted on 3/28/26 at 6:37 pm to Lou

I don't like any of them...private or federal.

0 ...

Report Post

Posted by dallastigers

Member since Dec 2003

10525 posts

Posted on 3/28/26 at 6:55 pm to Lou

quote:
Screening Partnership Program

Twenty US airports outsource their security process to private companies.

The companies are still regulated and overseen by the TSA, but they hire their own agents..

Travelers may not notice the difference at the checkpoint, but contract security officers follow the same training, procedures, and oversight as the roughly 50,000 agents employed by the TSA.

And, unlike their TSA counterparts, contract screener pay isn't paused during the partial shutdown because it is pre-funded via federal contracts.

Atlantic City International Airport (New Jersey)
Charles M. Schulz—Sonoma County Airport (California)
Dawson Community Airport (Montana)
Great Falls International Airport (Montana)
Glacier Park International Airport (Montana)
Greater Rochester International Airport (New York)
Havre City-County Airport (Montana)
Kansas City International Airport (Missouri)
L. M. Clayton Airport (Montana)
Orlando Sanford International Airport (Florida)
Portsmouth International Airport (New Hampshire)
Punta Gorda Airport (Florida)
Roswell International Air Center (New Mexico)
San Francisco International Airport (California)
Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (Florida)
Sidney-Richland Municipal Airport (Montana)
Sioux Falls Regional Airport (South Dakota)
Tupelo Regional Airport (Mississippi)
Wokal Field/Glasgow International Airport (Montana)
Yellowstone Airport (Montana)

https://www.businessinsider.com/these-20-airports-dont-use-tsa-screeners-2026-3

quote:
Due to the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, TSA is required to make a determination on an application within sixty (60) days of application receipt. TSA is required to enter into a contract with a private screening company for the provision of screening at the airport not later than 120 days, as practicable, after the date of application approval.

https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/screening-partnerships

This post was edited on 3/28/26 at 6:58 pm

0 ...

Report Post

Posted by Flyin'Cajun

Wiregrass, AL

Member since Dec 2011

1019 posts

Posted on 3/28/26 at 10:08 pm to Lou

It’s a much smaller airport, but it’s the same way at PGD, in south FL. They are private agents and do a wonderful job of screening passengers.

And I agree, it’s time to privatize the TSA.

Something else that’s badly needed…updating the ATC system. It’s simply antiquated. It would be painful, considering how much air traffic is moving here in the U.S. every day, but it can be done.

Page 1 2