**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON, D.C. – October 26, 2023 – The Transportation Security Administration today announced the launch of a premium, fee-based security screening service designated “TSA Gold+,” a significant departure from the agency’s standard operating model. The announcement was made at a press conference at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Who: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), a federal agency under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
What: The introduction of “TSA Gold+,” an expedited security screening program. For an annual fee of $849 per passenger, the program offers dedicated, private screening lanes, priority over standard PreCheck and Clear lanes, and a guaranteed maximum lane wait time of 90 seconds. The service also includes a dedicated customer service representative to escort passengers from the check-in counter directly to the gate.
When: Program enrollment opens November 15, 2023, with the first screenings scheduled to begin at select major hubs—including Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, Los Angeles International, and John F. Kennedy International—on January 1, 2024.
Where: Initially available at five high-volume U.S. airports, with an expansion to an additional fifteen airports by the end of the second fiscal quarter of 2024.
Why: According to TSA Administrator David Pekoske, the program is a direct response to increasing passenger volume and demand for premium, predictable travel experiences. “TSA Gold+ is designed to address the needs of the high-frequency business traveler and those seeking the highest standard of convenience, while our standard PreCheck lanes remain free for members,” Pekoske stated. Critics, however, have questioned the equity of a two-tier security system, and lawmakers have pledged to hold hearings on potential conflicts with the agency’s core mission of uniform security standards.
How TSA Gold+ Operates:
- Dedicated Infrastructure: Passengers