If you’re flying to Florida for a vacation and NOT flying into Orlando International Airport, you might be flying into Tampa International Airport instead.

©2025 Hillsbourgh County Aviation Authority

And why wouldn’t you? Tampa’s airport continues to grow with new nonstop flights getting added regularly. Well, now, something else is changing at this airport: TSA security. According to CNN,  Tampa International Airport will be privatizing TSA security soon.

A new 2027 federal budget proposal calling for handing airport security over to private companies has prompted Tampa International Airport to plan on privatizing its TSA operations. The airport said that it has chosen to opt in to the TSA Gold+ program, which is a new public/private partnership screening program that will still have TSA overseeing airport operations, but TSA employees and security equipment will be managed by a company, rather than the government.

©Hillsbourgh County Aviation Authority

Participation in the program is voluntary, and airports must apply to participate. So far, two other U.S. airports, in Iowa and South Carolina, have also taken steps to privatize their TSA security, too. Tampa International Airport hopes that the change to privatization will reduce disruption caused by government shutdowns and other issues, as well as offer a chance to explore “new screening checkpoint infrastructure and technology to enhance the customer experience.”

©Hillsbourgh County Aviation Authority

Tampa International Airport has chosen May 31st, 2027 as the date to have the new privatized security in place. As this will affect current TSA officers, those working in Tampa will get the first right of refusal for jobs when a private security firm is selected.

©Hillsbourgh County Aviation Authority

There are currently 20 airports in the U.S. that have privatized security checkpoints, including San Francisco International, Kansas City International, Orlando Sanford, and others. Not everyone is on board with privatization. It’s been a concern for the American Federation of Government Employees, and the union has vowed to fight against privatization, citing security concerns. 

Orlando Sanford has privatized TSA security

“It’s very important that people understand what privatization is,” Johnny Jones, secretary-treasurer for AFGE TSA Council 100, recently said at a news conference. “It has nothing to do with your security or your safety. It has everything to do with somebody making a profit.”

We’ll keep an eye out for more air travel news, so check back with AllEars again soon for more.

TSA Changes Might Impact Your Carry-On When Flying

 

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