Private Security Screening at 20 U.S. Airports Avoids Shutdown Disruptions At 20 U.S. airports, security screening is managed by private companies rather than the Transportation Security Administration, and these facilities have not experienced long wait times despite the ongoing government shutdown. Airports such as San Francisco International, Kansas City International, Orlando Sanford International, and 17 smaller airports participate in TSA’s Screening Partnership Program, which contracts private firms to operate checkpoints. Unlike TSA-operated airports, which have faced staffing shortages due to the partial government shutdown, these private-run checkpoints remain unaffected. Sheldon Jacobson, a computer science professor who analyzes aviation security data, noted that the 20 airports “are completely oblivious to the government shutdown.” VMD Corp., which manages checkpoints at Kansas City and Orlando Sanford International, highlighted on social media that wait times at its facilities are under three minutes. In contrast, major airports like Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International have seen wait times exceed two hours this week. Over a third of TSA employees at these airports have not reported for duty, exacerbating delays. TSA workers, who are government employees, have not received pay for more than a month as Congress remains deadlocked over funding for the Department of Homeland Security, particularly regarding immigration reform. Private security screeners, however, continue to work without interruption.#american_federation_of_government_employees #sheldon_jacobson #vmd_corp #nat_carmack #k2_security_screening_group
Some advocate for TSA airport security privatization amid shutdown At least one expert suggests the government shutdown may persist for an extended period, creating challenges for TSA agents and travelers as peak spring break travel approaches. Despite smooth operations at Ronald Reagan National Airport, long security lines have emerged at other airports, such as Houston’s Hobby Airport and Armstrong International in New Orleans. These lines, which stretch into baggage claim areas and parking garages, highlight potential disruptions as the shutdown continues. The funding lapse for Homeland Security has forced essential TSA employees to work without receiving their first full paychecks of the year. This situation could lead to agent resignations, increasing tensions at crowded airports. Meanwhile, Senate Democrats have blocked DHS funding to address concerns about ICE and Border Patrol, proposing to separate funding for TSA, FEMA, the Coast Guard, and cybersecurity. Republicans accuse Democrats of creating a political crisis, while Democrats argue they have been in constant communication with the White House. A TSA union representative emphasized that the issue is not partisan and warned that prolonged shutdowns could worsen delays. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) operates under a federal program allowing private contractors to manage security screenings while TSA retains oversight. Unlike most airports, which rely on federal TSA officers, SFO’s contractors receive pay from federal contracts, ensuring continuity during shutdowns. SFO spokesperson Doug Yakel noted that payments continue uninterrupted, allowing the airport to maintain operations even during extended shutdowns. This model helped SFO manage screening during last year’s 43-day shutdown.#dhs #tsa #senate_democrats #american_federation_of_government_employees #sheldon_jacobson
