**BREAKING: TSA to Launch “Gold+” VIP Screening Program – But Is It Real or a Scam?**

BREAKING: TSA to Launch “Gold+” VIP Screening Program – But Is It Real or a Scam?

The Claim: A viral social media post claims the TSA is rolling out a new “Gold+” tier for airport security. For an annual fee of $299, passengers would allegedly get “skip-the-line” access to a private screening lane, complimentary shoe removal assistance, and a “Priority Pat-Down” option with heated gloves. The post promises “no more removing laptops or liquids” and includes a fake-looking TSA logo.

The Reality: ❌ Fake. The TSA has confirmed via its official X account that no such program exists. A spokesperson called the post “entirely fabricated,” noting that TSA PreCheck already offers expedited screening for $78/year (with no need to remove shoes, laptops, or liquids). The “Gold+” concept appears to be a satirical hoax, likely designed to troll frequent flyers or promote a third-party app. The fake logo uses a misspelled “TSA” (with a backwards “S”) and a font not used by the agency.

Verdict: Not real. If you see this, report it as misinformation. And no, you cannot pay for a “heated pat-down” – unless you count the warmth of a metal detector.