Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has suggested scrapping the federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and returning to privatised airport security to reduce travel delays during government shutdowns. In a post on X, DeSantis questioned whether the TSA has made air travel safer over the past 25 years, arguing that airlines and airports could handle security themselves.
Before the 9/11 attacks, private firms contracted with airlines to handle security, with passengers only passing through metal detectors and not always required to show ID. Since then, robust security changes have been implemented. The debate over privatisation has resurfaced after funding lapses for the Department of Homeland Security in February, causing TSA agents to work without pay and leading to staffing shortages and long lines at major airports.
DeSantis was responding to a user who shared a 2017 ABC News article alleging an 80% failure rate at security checkpoints. However, there is limited data on such failure rates. A 2023 Government Accountability Office report found that TSA could improve scanning of dangerous items, while a 2024 report recommended addressing cybersecurity threats. In 2023, TSA prevented over 6,700 firearms from being brought into secure areas.
Currently, about 20 US airports use private security through TSA's Screening Partnership Program, which is less impacted by shutdowns as private firms continue paying staff. Critics, including the American Federation of Government Employees, warn that privatisation could compromise safety, as contracts often go to the lowest bidder, prioritising profit over worker well-being and leading to staffing shortages.
