3 US airports plan to replace TSA agents with private contractors in a bid to reduce disruptions to passengers — see the list

Three US airports (Des Moines, Charleston, and Tampa) will adopt TSA Gold+, a public-private partnership replacing TSA agents with private contractors to improve efficiency. The program follows past government shutdowns that caused TSA staffing shortages and long wait times, contrasting with airports using private screeners under the Screening Partnership Program (SPP). The union AFGE criticized the move, arguing it risks safety and jobs.