While many US airports are dealing with lengthy security lines, 20 locations have largely avoided the worst of the delays.
San Francisco International, Kansas City International, and Orlando Sanford International are among a group of 20 airports where passengers are not facing the same slow-moving queues seen elsewhere.
Across the country, numerous terminals have been hit with disruption as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) faces widespread staff absences. Airports are still operating, but reduced staffing levels have contributed to significant wait times for travelers.
The staffing issues are tied to a partial US government shutdown, which has left some TSA employees unable to report to work, creating bottlenecks at checkpoints.
The Department of Homeland Security shutdown continues as lawmakers remain deadlocked over funding legislation for the department, which includes Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In some instances, ICE officers have been deployed to assist at airports.
So why have these 20 airports stayed relatively calm while others struggle?
The difference is the type of screening workforce they use. Rather than relying solely on TSA screeners, these airports participate in the TSA’s Screening Partnership Program (SPP), which allows checkpoints to be staffed by approved private contractors.
Because those contractors are not affected in the same way as federal employees during a shutdown, these airports have generally seen fewer staffing gaps and shorter lines than airports operating with standard TSA staffing.
VMD Corp, which provides screening services at Kansas City and Orlando Sanford International, highlighted the contrast in a social media post.
They wrote: “Airport lines got you down? The professional teams at our SPP (Screening Partnership Programs) airports have less than 3 minute lines.”
Sheldon Jacobson, a computer science professor who focuses on improving aviation security, also commented on the situation, saying: “These 20 airports are completely oblivious to the government shutdown.”
Nat Carmack works with BOS Security, a company responsible for screening travelers at Tupelo Regional Airport in Mississippi.
“All operations at the privatized airports are normal because we continue paying our employees during the shutdown,” said Carmack.
“Our employees have never missed a paycheck during any of the government shutdowns.”
Carmack added: “As a small business, it’s a burden, but we cover those payrolls until the government reopens and processes our invoices.”