TSA Is Launching a New ‘Gold+’ Airport Security Program

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) plans to launch a new TSA Gold+ service as part of the agency’s push to integrate public-private partnerships into security screening efforts.

The new service, being introduced as part of the agency’s 25th anniversary, will allow airports to opt in to “advanced, reliable security solutions designed to keep you safe while making travel more comfortable,” according to the TSA. The new program does not currently have a public sign-up option and can only be utilized by airport operators.

“TSA Gold+ will rapidly enhance security by enabling faster deployment of advanced technologies, while TSA maintains robust oversight to ensure all operations meet or exceed federal security standards,” the TSA wrote on the service’s website.

The effort marks an expansion of the Screening Partnership Program, which uses private vendors to provide security screening at 20 different airports across the country. As part of that program, the TSA federal security director remains in charge and private vendors are required to use TSA-provided screening technologies. The program is currently in use at a mix of large and small airports, including San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Kansas City International Airport (MCI), Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), and Atlantic City International Airport (ACY).

At SFO, for example, the terminal utilizes private security services from Covenant Aviation Security. As a private contractor, its employees continued to be paid during the recent partial government shutdown, resulting in fewer screening delays, ABC7 Bay Area reported at the time.

The TSA said opting in to the TSA Gold+ program will come at no extra cost to airports.

When it comes to expediting security for passengers, one way to speed up the process is with the agency’s TSA PreCheck program, which allows travelers to leave large electronics and small liquids in their bags and leave their shoes and light jackets on when going through airport security. Passengers can also opt-in for the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program, which uses biometric scans to verify a traveler’s identity.

TSA PreCheck costs as little as $76.75 to enroll for five years with several credit cards offering benefits that reimburse the cost. 

Another paid service is Clear Plus, which similarly uses biometric scanning technology to expedite security. The company is also rolling out eGates in select terminals across the country to make the process even smoother. These are currently available at several major airports, including John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).

Clear Plus costs $209 per year to enroll.