Trump Wants More Airports Using Private Security; These 20 Already Do
Under President Donald Trump, the Transportation Security Administration is seeking to replace federal TSA screeners with private contractors in more airport security lines.
Twenty US airports already use private screeners through the TSA’s Screening Partnership Program, or SPP, which launched in 2004 and operates under TSA oversight. Eight are Montana airports, including several small regional ones served by Cape Air, though San Francisco — one of the US’ busiest airports — is also on the list.
The operational difference became especially apparent during the two government shutdowns in 2025 and 2026. TSA staffing shortages due to missed paychecks created airport chaos and hourslong wait times at airports like Houston Hobby and Atlanta; travelers in San Francisco waited just minutes.
After scrapping its recently introduced TSA Gold+ program — which sought to expand private airport security screening under federal oversight but faced union opposition — the TSA announced a new strategy, Horizon 25, on Monday.
Named in recognition of the TSA’s 25th anniversary, the agency said the initiative aims to “accelerate public-private partnerships” through an evolved SPP, modernize TSA checkpoints, and enhance TSA PreCheck.
The broader privatization push has faced criticism from opponents, who argue that the competitive nature of such partnership programs could compromise aviation safety and worsen working conditions. White House officials, meanwhile, have said it would save money.
As the Trump administration pushes for more privatization of airport security, take a look at the airports across the US that haven’t had TSA screeners for years.
Atlantic City International Airport — Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey
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Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport — Santa Rosa, California
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Great Falls International Airport — Great Falls, Montana
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Glacier Park International Airport — Kalispell, Montana
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Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport — Rochester, New York
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Havre City-County Airport — Havre, Montana
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Kansas City International Airport — Kansas City, Missouri
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L. M. Clayton Airport — Wolf Point, Montana
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Orlando Sanford International Airport — Sanford, Florida
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Portsmouth International Airport — Portsmouth, New Hampshire
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Punta Gorda Airport — Punta Gorda, Florida
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Roswell Air Center — Roswell, New Mexico
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San Francisco International Airport — San Francisco, California
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Sarasota Bradenton International Airport — Sarasota, Florida
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Sidney-Richland Municipal Airport — Sidney, Montana
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Sioux Falls Regional Airport — Sioux Falls, South Dakota
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Tupelo Regional Airport — Tupelo, Mississippi
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Wokal Field/Glasgow Valley Airport — Glasgow, Montana
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Yellowstone Airport — West Yellowstone, Montana
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