TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa International Airport (TPA) has decided to continue using federal TSA officers for passenger screening after completing a review of the Transportation Security Administration’s Gold+ screening partnership program, the airport announced Monday.
Airport officials said the evaluation followed an invitation earlier this year from TSA to explore TSA Gold+, a program that would allow a private company and workforce — overseen by TSA — to conduct checkpoint screening operations instead of federal officers, according to a news release.
TPA said it joined the evaluation process to examine whether the program could help reduce disruptions during future government shutdowns, improve access to new screening technology and enhance the passenger experience.
According to the airport, officials spent several months reviewing security, workforce, technology, financial and legal considerations before deciding not to adopt the Gold+ model.
“We approached Gold+ carefully and deliberately, with a focus on our passengers, employees, airline partners and long-term operational excellence,” TPA CEO Michael Stephens said in a statement. “We are thankful to the TSA for bringing us the opportunity to learn more about a program with the potential to enhance operational resiliency and innovation, and to reach an informed decision.”
Stephens added that the airport values its partnership with TSA officers and plans to continue working closely with them during periods of heavy travel, severe weather and operational challenges.
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