Major Airports Mull Ditching TSA Over Outrage With Public Screening

By: Mary Smith
01/01/2011 09:41 AM ET

Major airports mull ditching TSA over outrage with public security screening. Major airports mull on the possibility of ditching TSA. They are considering whether to hire private contractors as public outrage over security screening is on the rise.

Sixteen airports, including San Francisco and Kansas City International Airport, have already made the switch since 2002. One Orlando airport approved the change but still needs to select a contractor, and several others are reportedly seriously considering privatization.

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, which oversees Dulles International and Reagan National airports, is studying the option, according to spokeswoman Tara Hamilton.

Airport managers say efficiency problems related to the bloated bureaucracy of the federal TSA system is the primary reason for making the switch, rather than cost concerns.

Airports are required to submit requests for private screeners to the TSA. While there are no specific criteria for approval, federal officials are believed to consider the airport’s security compliance record among other factors. The government agency, which pays for the cost of screening, must approve of the company to which a private contract is awarded.