Charleston Airport Pursues TSA Gold+ Shift, Bringing Private Screening and New Checkpoint Technology
Updated
Updated · Live 5 News WCSC · Jul 22
Charleston Airport Pursues TSA Gold+ Shift, Bringing Private Screening and New Checkpoint Technology
3 articles · Updated · Live 5 News WCSC · Jul 22
Summary
Charleston International Airport formally moved to join TSA’s Gold+ program, which would replace federal checkpoint screening staff with a private contractor under continued federal oversight.
TSA would still set security rules, inspect operations and enforce aviation regulations, while current TSA officers who stay on could transfer to the contractor with equivalent pay and benefits.
Airport leaders said the switch would shield screeners from missed pay during future federal shutdowns and gradually bring next-generation screening technology aimed at faster checkpoints and a smoother passenger experience.
Charleston is one of 3 U.S. airports identified this week as adopting the voluntary Gold+ model, which has drawn opposition from the union representing 47,000 TSA officers over safety and privatization concerns.