Private Security Helps Insulate Some US Airports from Government Shutdown Chaos

The partial government shutdown has caused major disruptions and long security lines at airports across the US. However, travelers at airports like San Francisco, Orlando Sanford, and Kansas City have not faced similar delays. This is because these airports participate in the Transportation Security Administration’s Screening Partnership Program (SPP), which uses contract screeners instead of federally employed TSA agents.

The SPP was created in 2004 and currently includes twenty airports across the country. These airports outsource their security process to private companies, which are still regulated and overseen by the TSA. Private screeners undergo the same training, follow the same procedures, and are subject to the same oversight as the TSA agents. However, unlike their TSA counterparts, private screeners are not affected by government shutdowns because their pay is pre-funded through federal contracts.

The shortage of TSA agents caused by the shutdown has led to hours-long security lines at airports from New York to Texas. More than 300 TSA agents have left the agency since the shutdown began and others have stopped showing up for work. This has caused major disruptions at airports such as New Orleans, Houston Hobby, Atlanta, and New York-JFK.

Private security has proven to be beneficial, especially at smaller airports where it can be easy for TSA agents to become overwhelmed. According to travel analyst Sally French, private security is more efficient and cost-effective for airports. The list of SPP airports includes Atlantic City International Airport, Charles M. Schulz—Sonoma County Airport, Great Falls International Airport, and Orlando Sanford International Airport, among others.

The largest program participant, San Francisco International Airport, has not experienced any excessive line waits during the shutdown. This is due to the private screeners from Covenant Aviation Security, one of the 27 TSA-approved contract security companies. Similarly, Kansas City International Airport, which contracts VMD Corp, has reported no disruptions in operations due to the shutdown.

In contrast, Orlando International Airport, which relies on TSA agents, has seen longer-than-usual security lines due to call-outs during peak spring break travel. Private screening has been touted as a more efficient and cost-effective option, with lower turnover rates and cost savings for taxpayers. In fact, it is used by airports in Canada and most European countries.

However, TSA union officials have warned that switching from federal to private security could have negative consequences such as eroding job protections and weakening security standards. They also point out potential inconsistencies across airports and the pressure for private operators to cut costs, which could compromise safety.

In conclusion, private security has helped insulate certain US airports from the chaos caused by the government shutdown. These airports have been able to maintain normal operations and avoid long security lines thanks to the use of contract screeners. While there are arguments for and against private security, it is clear that it has been beneficial for these airports during this time of turmoil.