Will Privatizing Airport Security Be Cheaper AND Safer? Many Airports Think So

A new law has made it easier for airports to privatize their security, and after years of passenger complaints, many are interested in making the change.

Mr. Dale, who is the president and chief executive of Orlando Sanford International Airport, said, “We’ve visited a number of airports who have opted out of the T.S.A. screenings, and no one wants to go back…We think this will be more efficient and customer-friendly for us.”

According to the New York Times:

Sixteen of the nation’s 450 airports use private contractors, including larger ones like San Francisco International Airport as well as smaller ones like Jackson Hole Airport in Wyoming.

Those that want to leave the agency’s screening program must prove to the federal government that contractors are more cost-effective and would not be detrimental to security. The private screeners have to follow T.S.A. guidelines and fall under its supervision, although the agency will not conduct private screeners’ training. The T.S.A. will pay for the private screeners.

The description of the potential privatization leads some to ask whether the result would be truly “privatized,” or whether the TSA would simply be one step further away.

But what are the downsides to airports privatizing their security?  Would it be more expensive?  Less safe?

A House transportation committee reported that, on the contrary, if the nation’s top 35 airports switched to private contractors taxpayers would save $1 billion in just over five years.  Similarly, Justin Harclerode, a spokesman for the committee, said that private contractors “exceeded or provided the same level of security as T.S.A. screeners.”

Forbes on Fox recently hosted six guests to discuss the issue.  Ideas ranged from replacing the TSA with Marines, to emulating El Al’s profile-intensive method.

Watch the full clip, below:

Comments (61)

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  • Codybrownie
    Posted on March 18, 2012 at 8:33pm

    As a conservative I am really ashamed of these Fox commentators. I have never heard them speak so uninformed as they did on this subject.
    Mr. Forbes, really? You think making screeners private will all of a sudden make TSA change the rules and let the airlines and airports do whatever it is they want in how they screen? Wake up sir, you are smarter than that. I agree with “Cottonmpg”, nothing will change with a private company running the show. These paid under the table politicians need to concentrate on getting rid of over the 10,000 bureaucrats that make over 100k a year.
    Fox, you really need to work on the “Balanced” in your fair and balanced logo. You are sounding as bad as the Dems and their drive by media.

    Report Post »  
  • angeleyes63
    Posted on March 18, 2012 at 8:15pm

    It will only be cheaper if it’s based on economic competition and they keep the commie exstortionist unions the hell out.

    Report Post »  
    • barryeod
      Posted on May 21, 2012 at 8:35pm

      Then it will not be cheaper. Most private screeners are unionized. Only about 40% of federal screeners are union. I’m against workers rights too.

      Report Post »  
  • Kinnison
    Posted on March 18, 2012 at 4:54pm

    It’s hard to visualize private security people being any worse than the TSA… Hey, it’s worth a shot.

    Report Post »  
  • ContinentalArmy
    Posted on March 18, 2012 at 4:03pm

    Like I have stated before, Obama Storm Troopers= TSA; DOJ: DOL; DOT; etc., etc.. Obama is the Idiot in Charge, Axlerod is Brains behind Obama!! Axlerod a Genius ( Officials Claim ) no just Another Communist Moron, Power Hungry Infidel! TSA world wide, Ban The TSA and all other LAME Govt. Departments! I Am An American, and I’ll NOT become A Communist! This is AMERICA!!!!!!

    Report Post »  
    • CottonMPG
      Posted on March 18, 2012 at 4:14pm

      You’re an idiot. Obama didn‘t create TSA and the majority of TSA employees don’t support him. airport security isn’t going away and the government WILL be the ones regulating it so we will all have to deal with it. Let’s focus on getting some decent government officials in place, once that happens regulations will likely dial back some. We need good legislators to get rid of the nanny state mentality. If we can do that we can prevent more government control and hopefully repeal some that already affects us.

      Report Post » CottonMPG  
  • CottonMPG
    Posted on March 18, 2012 at 3:30pm

    TSA will still be regulatory whether the screeners are private or not. TSA is the one that decides what equipment and procedures are required and how much of what type of training is necessary. We have private security in several airports already and have had for years. We have a good idea of how much cost difference there is. Some smaller airports may be better off but medium sized and larger will be worse off financially. Before 9/11 FAA was regulatory and they transitioned into TSA so they are actually the same thing but with a different mind set. The biggest cost with TSA is for upper management and the FSD staff which will not change if the airport is privatized. So, in short, the answer is no. It will neither be cheaper nor safer. We will probably go back to under paid former burger flippers who are too lazy to work a real job and don’t speak English. I worked for the private security company and I’m telling you, a lot of the people I worked with were not so good at what they did.

    Report Post » CottonMPG  
    • barryeod
      Posted on May 21, 2012 at 8:39pm

      Actually, Congress stands in the way of most necessary changes at TSA, Congress mandates that screeners will take all knives over 1/2″ long. Ok, I exaggerate because I don’t know the rules, but it‘s congress that’s the problem.

      Report Post »  
  • Rightsofman
    Posted on March 18, 2012 at 3:18pm

    Its sure worth a trial run.

    Report Post »  
    • CottonMPG
      Posted on March 18, 2012 at 4:01pm

      I know, the grass is greener on the other side. I remember private security. It wasn’t any better. You don’t want private security. You want the good old days when you were allowed to bring your 4 inch knife on board, keep your shoes on and the screeners would basically pretend to check you and let you walk to the gate with your friends. Well, there was a time when you could carry a gun on a plane and there was no security at all. I don‘t think we’ll ever go back to that though, and if you do, I think your kidding yourself. After 9/11 private security had already started prohibiting every sharp object including fish hooks and the tiny nail file in your nail clippers. They required all shoes that had metal in them removed and x-rayed, and they required random/continuous wanding and explosive testing of carry on bags,laptops and shoes. That was required before TSA took over our airport.

      Report Post » CottonMPG  
  • B-Neil
    Posted on March 18, 2012 at 10:56am

    The President said he will build an Army. His Army is taking over our Armys duties. Will his Army take over the duties of the TSA?? Will his Army take over the Highway Patrol?? Will his Army take over Prison security??? Will his Army take over the Border Patrol??? On and On and On, ect. ect. ect. Thank GOD they won’t be wearing brown shirts. I’m affraid they will be wearing black. Who was wearing black during the Second World War??? I PRAY I wake up soon. GOD BLESS AMERICA and INDIVIDUAL FREEDOM

    Report Post »  
    • black9897
      Posted on March 18, 2012 at 12:04pm

      Yes! The whole government needs to be privatized, that is if we want to have freedom in the future.

      Report Post » black9897  
    • db321
      Posted on March 18, 2012 at 1:17pm

      B-Neil – You were so Close – yes the President said he would build his Army – His Army is the Union TSA – it’s World Wide.

      Here’s the test – Does Obama demonize the US Army and he supports the TSA 100% – Obama will never apologize for anything the TSA does.

      He will cut Defense and increase the TSA. Next time you go into an Airport you might me starring into the eyes of the Man or Women who is going to come for your Weapons. So many American will peacefully hand them over.

      Report Post » db321  
  • piper60
    Posted on March 18, 2012 at 8:27am

    I love the idea of getting rid of the TSA, but Obama would never allow it to happen. Because it makes too much sense. Also, because it takes away control. He worships control.

    Report Post » piper60  
    • CLG 4
      Posted on March 18, 2012 at 10:14am

      This is something good to talke about in a election year. Truth, this will not happen no matter how much HOPE.

      Report Post »  
    • Ruler4You
      Posted on March 18, 2012 at 10:48am

      Frankly, IMHBLO, if you want REAL security I’d benchmark El Al. And then ‘try’ to duplicate that as closely as possible.

      But, as we have recently found, the ‘T’ in “TSA” stands for ‘Transportation’. And that goal was NEVER about ONLY airport security. Now the TSA “IS” stopping motor vehicles on the nations highways. Our own home grown KGB.

      Report Post » Ruler4You  
    • GrayPanther
      Posted on March 18, 2012 at 10:55am

      Then we remove Obama. That will solve a lot of problems. Then, there are a lot of repairs to be made beyond the TSA.

      Report Post » GrayPanther  
    • hidden_lion
      Posted on March 18, 2012 at 11:21am

      TSA stopping cars is a serious overreach of their authority, I would not stop for their warrant-less search.

      Report Post » hidden_lion  
  • Moozmom
    Posted on March 18, 2012 at 8:05am

    Who in their right mind would open a private company and train security staff to serve in airports? Should one of their security employees allow someone on a flight who was a terrorist and brought down a plane, the individual(s) owning the private security company would be sued for everything they currently hold, any assets they hold in the future, and their heirs would also be required to give up assets to settle a wrongful death suit. Could this happen?

    Report Post »  
    • brian9711
      Posted on March 18, 2012 at 11:12am

      There are currently pilots that are non-union and non-government employees, the same thing you posted could go for pilots as well, but that seems to be working just fine! Your argument is flawed! There is ALWAYS a chance something terrible will happen, but do Union employees make it safer than private employees? I think the answer is “NO”…What does the article say. “Every airport that has went to private screeners will never go back” ?? Hmm, what does that tell you??

      Report Post »  
    • CottonMPG
      Posted on March 18, 2012 at 4:05pm

      I’m pretty sure there are security companies that would take that chance but as for how it works out….ask the owners of Argenbright. That was the main security company that worked almost all airports before 9/11. It no longer exists so I‘m not sure how you’d track them down, but good luck.

      Report Post » CottonMPG  
    • barryeod
      Posted on May 21, 2012 at 9:14pm

      You obviously haven’t read the 2002 Safety Act.
      They will not be liable even if they miss several bombs. Ironically, the US Govt will still be responsible. Secretary Pistol will be forced to oversee a hodgepodge of different security companies each one with a different security contract. If he wants to change security requirements, contract amendments will be required. If you think dealing with one union is a problem, try dealing with 75 different private companies each with their own contractual agreements.

      “Liability protection pursuant to the SAFETY Act for services ”designated” as a qualified anti-terrorism technology will result in limited liability risks for the private screening company and its contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, vendors and customers as well as the contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors of the customer.”

      Report Post »  
  • wntsmallgov
    Posted on March 18, 2012 at 4:53am

    Lets not forget the DHS as well as they build their Police Force

    Report Post » wntsmallgov  
  • Allliars
    Posted on March 18, 2012 at 4:31am

    Anything to get the TSA out of the airports malls highways, TSA procedures are not done in communist countries, your not stopped or searched, only in America your treated like a criminal…America free? not true anymore,
    UK has pulled X-ray machines and will pull out more in the next year, other European countries are doing the same stating they are not proven safe and it violates peoples rights..Any American who claims he is free needs to go to other countries and just see how much they are being lied to

    Report Post »  
  • Baddoggy
    Posted on March 18, 2012 at 4:28am

    Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
    Benjamin Franklin

    End the TSA and all GOVERNMENT control. If people dont feel safe they dont have to fly. Let the free market rule. If an airport guard wants to stick their hands down my pants, they had better have someone to clean the blood off the floor.

    Report Post » Baddoggy  
    • lewdi28792
      Posted on May 11, 2012 at 6:39pm

      Baddoggy
      Posted on March 18, 2012 at 4:28am

      Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
      Benjamin Franklin

      End the TSA and all GOVERNMENT control. If people dont feel safe they dont have to fly. Let the free market rule. If an airport guard wants to stick their hands down my pants, they had better have someone to clean the blood off the floor.

      ==============================

      if the tsa inspector was a woman – i would NOT resist at all

      Report Post »  
  • Living In NYC
    Posted on March 18, 2012 at 4:26am

    Of course it will be cheaper and better service…let’s take a look at the Postal Service vs. FedEx, UPS or DHL.

    That was an easy answer!

    Report Post » Living In NYC  
  • Boulderite
    Posted on March 18, 2012 at 12:10am

    If it takes out of the hands of the government and the unions, it should be a vast improvement.

    Report Post »  
    • 2theADDLED
      Posted on March 18, 2012 at 12:19am

      Give it to Military control just like other countries.

      Report Post »  
    • lukerw
      Posted on March 18, 2012 at 12:31am

      @2…
      The FreeWorld… is this little piece in the West… and all those Troops at Airports in the rest of World are in Nations that want to see us attacked (they are immune).

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • Boulderite
      Posted on March 18, 2012 at 12:37am

      I like that. It would be safer!

      Report Post »  
    • hidden_lion
      Posted on March 18, 2012 at 11:25am

      Using the military to do police work, yeah good idea. Do you think they would be less likely to violate your rights? You are smoking crack. Anything that makes the citizen subordinate to the government (military is government) is anti-freedom, anti constitution, and unamerican as hell.

      Report Post » hidden_lion  
    • 2theADDLED
      Posted on March 18, 2012 at 6:31pm

      @ hidden_lion
      It would be cheaper to pay a soldier than some 300Lb union idiot who happens to be a pervert.
      Who you gonna feel more secure with a armed soldier or the union slob stuffing a doughnut in his face ?
      Just the presence is a Deterrent.

      Report Post »  
  • Melvin Spittle
    Posted on March 17, 2012 at 11:46pm

    I am sure the TSA union bosses will have something to say about this. They will sick their NLRB lap dogs on the airports that privatize security.

    TSA continues to expand as a department like a cancerous tumor. They are now everywhere and will soon be screening your carpool buddies. If it moves, TSA will be there: Elevators, escalators, carnival rides, taxis, buses, they will be there.

    Report Post » Melvin Spittle  
  • LeadNotFollow
    Posted on March 17, 2012 at 10:10pm

    …
    Maybe if it’s privatized, we can go back to the more effective, less invasive screening technique called “Profiling”.

    Report Post »  
  • SpeckledPup
    Posted on March 17, 2012 at 10:03pm

    when was it? 2010? LA hired and trained 2000 MUSLIMS to be TSA agents. nothing like Americans being restrained and sexually assaulted by the very terrorists we are trying to protect our planes against.

    Report Post »  
  • nonofmybiznez
    Posted on March 17, 2012 at 9:40pm

    I remember when we had private security at our major airport. They were poorly paid and an easy mark for people with bad intentions to pay them to let them through. Not saying it happened, but the what ifs are enough to keep anyone awake at night. What kind of oversight or supervision will be very important to monitor if this change happens.

    Report Post » nonofmybiznez  
    • TomFerrari
      Posted on March 17, 2012 at 9:58pm

      That was ore 9/11, when they were only used for “mall” type security.

      Now, with an entirely different usage and entirely different mission, they will be designed, staffed, trained, and utilized entirely differently! Zero comparison.

      Me? I say they WILL be more effective, and more efficient, and quicker.
      (I have a degree in Aviation Adminitration from the only “aeronautical university,”
      and I’m a commercial pilot.)

      Report Post » TomFerrari  
    • Stoic one
      Posted on March 17, 2012 at 10:16pm

      TOM I think the summary is quite correct.

      Report Post » Stoic one  
    • Baddoggy
      Posted on March 18, 2012 at 4:32am

      So Tom…I am sure you advocate putting hands down people’s pants and ignoring the 4th Ammendment?

      Why cant we be like Israel and do some serious screening that works…Its called profiling. I will tell you why…Because the GOVERNMENT says we have to follow their rules. Kinda like the FFAs rules on bagging a plane crash…What a waste of money…The FFA SUCKS!

      Report Post » Baddoggy  
    • hidden_lion
      Posted on March 18, 2012 at 11:29am

      How many terrorists have attacked in the history of US air transport? Overall, very good record, even under the weaker security measures. Consider the millions of flights. We have had more terrorists board planes since 9/11 then we have had before this TSA nonsense.

      Report Post » hidden_lion  
  • justangry
    Posted on March 17, 2012 at 9:40pm

    Think they’ll fire all those TSA agents that are there now? If they’re not going to be working the airports where will they be working?

    Report Post » justangry  
    • TomFerrari
      Posted on March 17, 2012 at 10:01pm

      Tennessee highways are full of TSA. NO JOKE. Recall the news story a couple months ago?
      No? Look it up. It’s true.

      Report Post » TomFerrari  
    • Stoic one
      Posted on March 17, 2012 at 10:15pm

      trains,harbors, highways, Like TOM said.
      You know the tsa will not be laidoff/fired.

      Report Post » Stoic one  
    • justangry
      Posted on March 17, 2012 at 10:33pm

      Yeah, I know. Was just hoping to get some people thinking about it, because we have a choice.

      Report Post » justangry  
  • youdidthis
    Posted on March 17, 2012 at 9:36pm

    govt or private…no one is jiggling the jewels.

    Report Post »  
    • TomFerrari
      Posted on March 17, 2012 at 10:03pm

      LOL @ jewel jiggling.

      I’m betting on the private sector. Government and unions never make things efficient.

      Report Post » TomFerrari  
  • LibertyAtStake
    Posted on March 17, 2012 at 9:33pm

    Privatizing would be a huge improvement in incentives over the TSA bureau-weenie disaster we have now. But the suggestion misses the point. Regardless of who runs the operation, the point is an effective approach is the the profiling / interview method the Israelis have used so successfully for so long. iow – prioritizing smart police work over political correctness.

    d(^_^)b
    http://libertyatstake.blogspot.com/
    “Because the Only Good Progressive is a Failed Progressive”

    Report Post » LibertyAtStake  
  • cassandra
    Posted on March 17, 2012 at 9:18pm

    privatize TSA yes replace union morons with x-military personal,

    Report Post »  
    • DEFCON4
      Posted on March 17, 2012 at 9:34pm

      I agree Cassandra with you.Better reference is former military personel.Ex-military usually means to those who were thrown out.

      Report Post » DEFCON4  
    • TomFerrari
      Posted on March 17, 2012 at 10:07pm

      Aka “military veterans” or “retired military”

      Report Post » TomFerrari  
    • CottonMPG
      Posted on March 18, 2012 at 3:40pm

      TSA is already largely military personnel, as well as retired police and corrections. There are also a fairly large amount of former private security screeners that were citizens and able to pass the back ground check, drug testing and english proficiency test.

      Report Post » CottonMPG  
  • Stuck_in_CA
    Posted on March 17, 2012 at 9:15pm

    President Obama signs Executive Order allowing for control over all US resources

    http://www.examiner.com/finance-examiner-in-national/president-obama-signs-executive-order-allowing-for-control-over-all-us-resources

    Get ready….here it comes

    Report Post » Stuck_in_CA  
    • Psychosis
      Posted on March 17, 2012 at 9:32pm

      and not a peep from the lame stream media

      im tired of asking why

      Report Post » Psychosis  
    • TomFerrari
      Posted on March 17, 2012 at 9:51pm

      Get out of CA!!!
      I did !!

      That is some SERIOUS NEWS!!!
      Normally, I dislike such off topic posts, but, WOW!

      Report Post » TomFerrari  
  • A Bit of Thought
    Posted on March 17, 2012 at 9:05pm

    The TSA does it all wrong. TSA “agents” all look for politically incorrect property. The TSA does not look for the people who have the malicious intentions. Please correct me if I’m wrong but I believe the 9/11 terrorists did not even carry their weapons on board – the weapons were already on board.

    Report Post »  
    • CottonMPG
      Posted on March 18, 2012 at 3:36pm

      You are wrong. FAA which regulated the security at the time permitted box cutters on board aircraft at the time. The terrorists brought box cutters aboard and the passengers passively allowed them to take over the plane because the conventional thinking at the time said cooperate and you’ll be okay. FAA no longer regulates security, TSA does. Box cutters are not permitted and most people would resist if a terrorist attacked a plane now.

      Report Post » CottonMPG  
  • Mateytwo Barreett
    Posted on March 17, 2012 at 8:49pm

    What has “safer and cheaper” got to do with it, How about speed, uniformity, less ceiminal,

    Report Post » Mateytwo Barreett  
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