The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced a significant evolution in airport security: the TSA Gold+ program. For airport operators, executive leadership teams, and aviation stakeholders, this initiative represents a meaningful shift toward greater operational flexibility, enhanced public-private partnerships, and faster adoption of modern security technologies.

For many airports, this program is not just a policy update—it is a strategic opportunity. TSA Gold+ builds on the foundation of the Screening Partnership Program (SPP) and introduces new capabilities that allow airports to rethink how security operations are delivered, funded, and optimized.

TSA Gold+ is a public-private partnership initiative designed to modernize aviation security at select airports across the United States. Unlike passenger-facing programs, TSA Gold+ is an operational framework that allows airport operators to partner with qualified private screening providers to manage more elements of their checkpoint operations.

Participating airports can leverage private-sector expertise to enhance performance while TSA continues to provide oversight, enforce federal standards, and ensure compliance with all security requirements.

The program’s goal is simple but impactful: create a more agile, innovative, and resilient airport security model that can adapt to increasing demand and evolving threats.

The Screening Partnership Program (SPP), launched in 2004, allows commercial airports to opt out of federally staffed screening and instead use private, TSA-approved contractors. These contractors perform the same functions as TSA officers while operating under TSA oversight and strict federal standards.

This model has been successfully implemented at multiple airports and demonstrates that private screening can deliver strong security performance while offering operational flexibility.

Private screening companies must meet rigorous hiring, training, and compliance requirements. TSA maintains full authority over security outcomes, ensuring consistency and effectiveness.

TSA Gold+ represents the next phase of evolution for airport security partnerships.

Under traditional SPP, private partners provide the workforce while TSA manages equipment. Under TSA Gold+, private partners can also manage screening technology, enabling:

• Greater innovation
• Faster modernization
• Customized airport solutions

This expanded model allows airports to align security operations more closely with their strategic and operational priorities.

Key drivers behind TSA Gold+ include:

• Increasing passenger volumes
• Rising technology and maintenance costs
• Staffing challenges
• The need for faster innovation

The program is designed to leverage private-sector strengths while maintaining federal oversight.

Airports evaluating TSA Gold+ can benefit from:

• Greater operational control
• Faster technology deployment
• Improved passenger experience
• Increased resilience during disruptions
• Access to private investment

These advantages can improve both performance outcomes and long-term strategic positioning.

BOS Security has been a trusted TSA partner and part of the Screening Partnership Program since 2009. With over 15 years of experience, BOS Security brings proven expertise in aviation security operations, TSA compliance, and workforce management.

This experience is critical as the scope of responsibility expands under TSA Gold+.

TSA Gold+ may be a strong fit for airports seeking:

• Greater control over screening operations
• Faster modernization
• Improved operational efficiency
• Enhanced passenger experience

Evaluating these factors can help determine if this model aligns with your airport’s goals.

TSA Gold+ represents a major step forward in airport security. By expanding public-private partnerships, it creates new opportunities for innovation, efficiency, and improved traveler experience.

BOS Security stands ready to support airports exploring SPP or TSA Gold+, leveraging deep experience as a trusted TSA partner since 2009.