Private TSA screening exists at a small number of U.S. airports

Private TSA screening is not available at most airports. The Transportation Security Administration runs security checkpoints at nearly all commercial U.S. airports. A handful of airports operate under a TSA Screening Partnership Program, which allows private security companies to perform the same screening duties under TSA supervision and rules.

As of now, only two airports use private screeners: San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Rochester International Airport (ROC) in New York. Both airports contract with private security firms, but TSA officers remain on-site to oversee operations, conduct random inspections, and enforce federal security standards. The screening process, rules, and requirements are identical to TSA-run checkpoints.

The program has existed since 2013, but expansion has been slow. TSA has not added new airports to the program in recent years, and several airports that previously participated have returned to TSA-operated screening.

Key Takeaways

  • Only San Francisco International (SFO) and Rochester International (ROC) currently operate private TSA screening under federal oversight.
  • Private screeners follow the exact same rules, procedures, and security standards as TSA officers.
  • TSA supervisors work on-site at both airports to monitor performance and conduct inspections.
  • Wait times and screening experience are not may provide to differ from TSA-operated airports.

How private screening works under TSA rules

At airports with private screeners, a contracted security company hires and trains the checkpoint staff. Those employees must meet the same background check requirements, training standards, and certification rules as TSA officers. They wear different uniforms and work for a private employer, but they enforce federal law and follow TSA protocols exactly.

TSA maintains a permanent presence at both SFO and ROC. Federal officers conduct unannounced inspections, monitor screening quality, and can take over any checkpoint if performance falls below standard. If a private screener fails to meet federal requirements, TSA can remove them from the checkpoint or terminate the contract entirely.

From a traveler's perspective, the screening experience is the same: the same rules about liquids, electronics, shoes, and carry-on bags explore. You will go through the same metal detectors or advanced imaging technology. The checkpoint procedures do not change.

Why most airports do not use private screening

The TSA Screening Partnership Program was created to let airports test whether private contractors could reduce costs or improve service. In practice, private screening has not delivered major savings or speed improvements that would justify switching from TSA operations.

Many airports that started with private screeners have switched back to TSA. For example, Kansas City International Airport (MCI) and several others ended their private screening contracts. The reasons vary, but cost savings were often smaller than expected, and TSA-operated checkpoints performed comparably.

TSA also has not actively promoted the program to new airports. The agency has focused resources on staffing its own checkpoints and has not prioritized expanding private screening partnerships.

Wait times at private screening airports

San Francisco and Rochester do not have significantly shorter or longer wait times than comparable TSA-operated airports. Wait times depend on passenger volume, time of day, staffing levels, and how many lanes are open — not on whether screeners are private or federal employees.

If you are traveling through SFO or ROC, expect the same wait times you would encounter at any major airport during peak hours. TSA PreCheck and other trusted traveler programs work the same way at private screening checkpoints as they do everywhere else.

TSA PreCheck and other programs at private screening airports

TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, and other trusted traveler programs operate at San Francisco and Rochester just as they do at TSA-operated airports. You do not need to do anything different if you hold one of these memberships.

If you have TSA PreCheck, you can use expedited screening lanes at SFO and ROC. CLEAR members can use the identity verification service to skip the document check line. The private screeners are trained to process these programs the same way TSA officers do.

What to expect if you travel through SFO or ROC

If you fly through San Francisco or Rochester, you will not notice a difference from any other airport. The checkpoint layout, signage, and procedures follow TSA standards. Screeners will ask the same questions, explore the same rules, and use the same equipment as federal TSA officers.

The only visible difference is the uniform and company badge of the private screeners. Behind the scenes, TSA supervision ensures that standards are met. If you have a complaint about screening, you can file it with TSA the same way you would at any other airport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is private TSA screening less safe than TSA screening?

No. Private screeners follow the same federal security standards, use the same equipment, and are supervised by TSA officers. The screening process is identical. TSA maintains on-site oversight to may support private contractors meet federal requirements.

Are wait times shorter at airports with private screening?

Not necessarily. Wait times depend on passenger volume, staffing, and how many lanes are open — not on whether screeners are private or federal. San Francisco and Rochester have wait times similar to other major airports during comparable hours.

Can I use TSA PreCheck at San Francisco or Rochester?

Yes. TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, and other trusted traveler programs work the same way at private screening checkpoints. Private screeners are trained to process these programs according to federal standards.

What happens if a private screener breaks the rules?

TSA officers on-site can remove the screener from the checkpoint when ready. TSA can also terminate the entire contract if the private company fails to meet federal standards. The airport would then return to TSA-operated screening.

Will more airports switch to private screening?

The program has not expanded significantly since 2013. Several airports have returned to TSA operations. TSA has not announced plans to add new airports to the private screening program.