Ruth Haines
The Screening Partnership Program (SPP), established in 2004 by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), allows airports to employ private security agencies to conduct screenings instead of the TSA. Private screening contractors are often more efficient, can set their staffing targets, and are not subject to government shutdown-induced delays. However, the TSA has shown resistance to the program, with John S. Pistole, the former Administrator of the TSA, stating that he did not see any clear and substantial advantage to expanding the program. As of 2016, 23 airports participated in the SPP, with 22 airports currently participating.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the program that allows airports to employ private security agencies | Screening Partnership Program (SPP) |
| Year of institution of SPP | 2004 |
| Agency that instituted SPP | Transportation Security Administration (TSA) |
| Number of airports participating in SPP in 2009 | 13 |
| Number of airports participating in SPP in 2012 | 21 |
| Number of airports participating in SPP in 2016 | 23 |
| Number of airports participating in SPP in 2025 | 22 |
| Largest airports with private security screeners | San Francisco, Orlando-Sanford, Kansas City, Atlantic City, Sonoma County |
| Advantages of SPP | Private companies can set their own staffing targets, hire as many screeners as needed, and aren't subject to government shutdown-induced delays |
| Disadvantages of SPP | Private screening agencies work for the TSA rather than the airport authority |
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What You'll Learn
Advantages of private screening
The Screening Partnership Program (SPP) allows airports to employ private security agencies to conduct screenings instead of the TSA. Here are some advantages of private screening:
Improved Efficiency
Private screening agencies can improve the efficiency of airport procedures. They can set their own staffing targets and hire as many screeners as needed, which means they are not subject to government shutdown-induced delays. For example, during the government shutdown in 2019, San Francisco International Airport did not experience any terminal checkpoint closures due to a lack of staffing.
Enhanced Quality of Service
Private screening agencies can provide a higher quality of service compared to the TSA. They can respond to issues faster and remedy them quickly. Airport executives and lawmakers believe that private agencies can take actions that the TSA does not, making them more desirable.
Job Creation
Implementing a private security/screening force creates jobs. Aviation-security-affiliated individuals support moving towards a private screening force to ensure accountability and constant quality of service.
Flexibility in Staffing
Private screening contractors offer flexibility in staffing. They are not bound by federal staffing guidelines and can hire additional screeners as needed to meet the demands of the airport. This flexibility can help reduce delays and improve the overall efficiency of the screening process.
Customization
Private screening agencies can also offer customized services to meet the specific needs of each airport. They can work closely with airport executives to understand their unique challenges and implement tailored solutions to enhance the screening process. This level of customization can further improve the efficiency and effectiveness of security checks.
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TSA resistance to private screening
The Screening Partnership Program (SPP), established in 2004, allows airports to employ private security agencies to conduct screenings instead of the TSA. Despite this, the TSA has faced criticism for its resistance to the program.
There are several reasons for the TSA's resistance to private screening. Firstly, there is a concern that airports want to reduce the influence of the Federal Government. The TSA has already established policies for airport security, and private agencies must adhere to these policies. As a result, the debate is narrowed down to customer service quality and efficiency rather than security matters.
Secondly, there have been instances of cheating on screening tests and failures in passenger and baggage screening operations. In 2006, TSA agents were found cooperating with workers from Covenant Aviation Security, allowing luggage to pass through without proper inspection. While the TSA and Covenant Aviation Security officials were disciplined, this incident raises concerns about the potential drawbacks of privatizing airport security.
Additionally, lawmakers and airport executives argue that private agencies can offer faster response times to issues, making them more desirable. They also emphasize that the SPP creates jobs and improves the quality of service. Despite these advantages, the TSA has faced criticism for its resistance to the program, with lawmakers expressing their inability to understand the TSA's stance.
The TSA's resistance to private screening has been a topic of discussion, with a 2012 congressional hearing titled "Why is a job-creating, public-private partnership meeting resistance at the TSA?" exploring the causes of their opposition. As of 2016, 23 airports have participated in the SPP, indicating a gradual shift towards private screening agencies.
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Private screening agencies
The Screening Partnership Program (SPP), established in 2004 by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), allows airports to hire private security firms to carry out screenings instead of the TSA. Private screening agencies must adhere to all TSA screening policies and procedures and use equipment approved by the TSA.
Airports and security agencies must submit applications to be considered for the program. Private screening contractors are often more efficient, and they are not subject to government shutdown-induced delays. Private screeners are also not subject to federal staffing guidelines, allowing them to set their staffing targets and hire as many screeners as needed.
Several airports, such as Midway International Airport and O'Hare International Airport, have advised travellers to arrive three hours before their flights to account for delays caused by the TSA's supposed inefficiency. Many high-ranking aviation security officials believe that transitioning to a private screening force is essential to ensuring accountability and consistent quality of service.
As of 2016, 23 airports participated in the SPP, with 22 airports participating as of 2025. The largest airports with private security screeners include San Francisco, Orlando-Sanford, Kansas City, Atlantic City, and Sonoma County.
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Private screening complaints
Passengers have the right to request a private screening at airports. This may be done in the case of a pat-down, or to opt out of facial recognition technology. Passengers can also request to be accompanied by a companion of their choice during private screening.
The TSA has been criticised for its treatment of travellers' electronic devices, with civil liberty and privacy advocates arguing that tapping into private citizens' devices at ports of entry has gone too far. In response to this, U.S. courts began limiting government officials' rights to search travellers' electronics without a warrant or reasonable suspicion. However, recent legal cases have created uncertainty, with different federal courts ruling differently on the matter.
Complaints can be lodged against the TSA, and travellers can file a claim if they are injured or their property is lost or damaged during the screening process.
In addition to security screening, travellers have other rights at airports, including the right to clean, accessible, private rooms for nursing mothers, and exemptions to the 3-1-1 liquids rule for those transporting breast milk, formula, or food for infants and toddlers.
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Private screening injuries/damages
Private screening at airports is a basic right of every flier. Travellers can opt out of facial scans and request a private screening. For instance, if a pat-down scenario arises, passengers have the right to request their screening occur in a private room. Similarly, nursing mothers can request a private room at the airport.
Airports are hectic environments, with millions of travellers passing through them daily. With so much activity within a contained space, travellers rushing to catch their flights, and many moving parts, airports can be common sites for injuries. If you’re injured at an airport, you may wonder what your rights are and what steps you need to take to receive compensation for your injuries.
Every area of an airport poses some risk of injury, whether it’s the parking lots, baggage claim areas, onboard an aircraft, or anywhere in between. Some of the most common ways airport injuries occur include vehicle crashes, runway accidents, turbulence, objects falling from unsecured overhead compartments, and other human and mechanical errors. Faulty equipment is another common cause of airport injuries. Escalators, elevators, moving sidewalks, and other equipment must be maintained and in working order to ensure the safety of all visitors.
Determining who is at fault for an airport injury depends on where the injury occurred and whose actions (or lack thereof) caused the injury. Airport management is responsible for maintaining a safe and clean environment for visitors, and this responsibility extends to every area of an airport, including terminals, gates, waiting areas, food courts, and all other public spaces. Therefore, if an injury occurs in any of these areas due to negligence on behalf of the airport, they may be liable for damages. In general, airlines are liable when they are directly at fault for injuries that occur on their airplanes or in areas under their control within the airport, such as ticketing counters. However, other parties besides airports and airlines may also be liable for injuries, such as the manufacturer of faulty equipment.
If you are injured at an airport, the first and most important thing to do is to seek immediate medical attention, especially for any serious injuries. Even injuries that don’t initially seem serious can later become more severe, so getting proper medical care is essential. Make sure to report your injury to the person(s) in charge of the area and provide as much detail as possible about what happened, where, and when. Do not sign anything without a lawyer present, but do review any incident reports for accuracy. Finally, seek out a personal injury attorney who can help you pursue your case and get the compensation you deserve.
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Frequently asked questions
The Screening Partnership Program (SPP) is a program that allows airports to employ private security agencies to conduct screenings instead of the TSA. Private screening contractors are often more efficient and are not subject to government shutdown restrictions.
Airports that opt for the SPP can avoid government shutdown-induced delays as private companies can set their own staffing targets and hire as many screeners as needed. Private agencies can also respond to issues faster than the TSA.
Airports must complete applications to be eligible to participate in the SPP. If approved, issuing the contract may take up to 12 months, and the transition into the program may take another four to six months.
