Airports with special TSA screening machines avoid the staffing chaos of a lockdown
At least 20 airports across the country participate in TSA’s Screening Partnership Program (SPP), which was established in 2004 and allows private companies to conduct security screening under TSA supervision. Business Insider reported this week.
Travelers may not even notice the difference, since private screeners are held to the same federal standards as TSA employees.
“With private screening, employees still have to be trained and follow the same federal security standards as the TSA,” Daniel Pope, a former airline pilot and commercial aviation expert at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, told Fox News Digital.
While many airports are facing long lines and staff shortages, others using special screening programs have remained less affected. (Elijah Novelage/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
One key difference is that airports using private contractors reported fewer shutdown-related disruptions. Because private screening workers are paid through pre-funded federal contracts, they are not affected in the same way as TSA workers.
SPP hubs include San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Kansas City International Airport (MCI)In addition to smaller regional airports such as Orlando Sanford International Airport in Florida and multiple Locations throughout Montana.
Airport checkpoint closures spread as TSA warns of security ‘threat’, more travel delays
“Our screeners have continued to get paid throughout the government shutdown,” said Doug Yakel, a sfo spokesman, Fox News Digital said, noting it has helped maintain a “stable workforce” while other airports face staffing shortages.
The differences between TSA employment and private screening forms have become more apparent during recent government shutdowns. (Fox 26 Houston)
The ongoing unrest comes as the TSA reports national recall rates of more than 10%, with more than 360 officers resigning during the shutdown tied to a DHS funding standoff. Fox News Digital reported this week.
At Kansas City International Airport, private contractor VMD Corp. said: Operations are still “business as usual” despite the closure, according to Business Insider. Another TSA-approved contractor, BOS Security, said private screening can be more efficient and cost-effective and have lower turnover than federal employees.
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The use of private screening is still relatively limited, but Pope said the model is gaining importance because this marks the second partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security in about five months.
Private airport monitors continue to receive wages during the closure, while TSA officers are working without pay. (Valerie Blish/Getty Images)
“In some ways, Airports are conducting experiments “With private screening programs to see what works best,” he said, adding: “I wouldn’t be surprised if more airports move toward private screening to avoid this type of situation.”
However, critics, including labor groups, argue that privatization could undermine safety and accountability.
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“Security is inherently a government function,” said John Pistole, former TSA administrator. May 2025 blog post From the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), which represents federal workers, including TSA officers.
Some airports are seeing smoother operations during the lockdown period due to the use of privately contracted security screening machines. (Mark Felix/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
AFGE also argues that private screening companies are only in business to make money. “Their main concern is profit, not the security of passengers or the well-being of workers, both of which are integrally linked,” the group said in its post.
Aside from the political debate, Bob highlighted the impact on frontline workers.
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“Travelers should remember that TSA agents are basically… Unpaid work During the lockdown period,” he said.
He urged passengers to be patient and called on Congress to come up with at least a temporary solution.
Travelers are urged to be patient as TSA communications and staff shortages continue during the closure. (Mark Felix/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“If everyone can work together, be patient and be kind to each other, things will go better,” he added.
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Meanwhile, Elon Musk has offered to pay TSA employees during the funding crisis, although it remains unclear whether that is legally possible.
Fox News Digital has reached out to AFGE for comment.
Ashley J. DiMella and Michael Dorgan of Fox News Digital contributed reporting.
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