Orlando International Airport is exploring a proposal to replace federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screeners with personnel from a private security firm.
A relatively obscure federal provision allows airports to subcontract screening duties to private companies. To date, roughly 22 of the roughly 450 commercial airports in the United States have taken advantage of this option under what is known as the Screening Partnership Program (SPP).
There are about 15 private security firms currently eligible and competing for contracts through the SPP. Under program rules, an airport that chooses to privatize screening cannot spend more than what it would cost for TSA to provide the same services, ensuring taxpayer neutrality in budgeting decisions.
Orlando International is Florida’s busiest airport and ranks 13th in the nation, serving approximately 44.6 million passengers annually. Rapid passenger growth has at times outpaced the airport’s security-processing capacity, and travelers have frequently encountered long lines at TSA checkpoints during peak periods.
Airport leaders argue that private contractors could offer more flexibility in staffing and management practices, potentially improving checkpoint throughput and customer service. Proponents also say private firms might be able to implement operational changes more quickly than a large federal agency.
However, the move to privatize screening has critics. Some commuters and advocates express concerns about consistency, oversight, training standards, and labor protections if private companies assume roles currently held by federal employees. Federal certification and regulatory oversight would still apply, but the shift raises questions about accountability and the long-term effects on service quality.
The TSA maintains that many of the delays and bottlenecks at busy airports can be addressed by infrastructure and operational changes—most notably, adding more security lanes and improving checkpoint layouts. The agency contends that expanding TSA staffing levels and lane capacity can reduce wait times while preserving standardized training and security protocols nationwide.
As Orlando evaluates the potential contract, decision-makers will weigh operational performance, cost comparisons, and passenger experience alongside regulatory requirements and public concerns. Any transition would require careful planning to ensure continued compliance with federal screening standards and to minimize disruption during implementation.
Ultimately, the discussion reflects broader national debates about the role of private contractors in airport security and how best to balance efficiency, cost, and consistent safety standards as passenger volumes continue to grow.