This website is pure slop. It’s incredible that there’s NO useful information whatsoever. Even the name and branding sounds like one of those scammy pawn your gold jewelry businesses that...
This website is pure slop. It’s incredible that there’s NO useful information whatsoever. Even the name and branding sounds like one of those scammy pawn your gold jewelry businesses that advertise on boomer media.
oh yeah i was definitely skeptical that this was an actual government website or something, i stopped and looked at that picture of the passengers walking through that portal thing and i'm like...
oh yeah i was definitely skeptical that this was an actual government website or something, i stopped and looked at that picture of the passengers walking through that portal thing and i'm like 90% sure it's ai generated.
This is a very vague program description. All I'm getting from the website is that private capital and vendors will be invited to build TSA screening solutions, which is somehow subsidized at no...
This is a very vague program description. All I'm getting from the website is that private capital and vendors will be invited to build TSA screening solutions, which is somehow subsidized at no cost to the airports.
Call me a pessimist, but this feels like an extension of lobbying-tied favors similar to how military contracts are won. Even though the TSA certainly could benefit from some innovation (but I have other strong feelings about that too).
What does it mean to opt-in to TSA Gold+?
TSA Gold+ will allow airports to voluntarily opt-in to a tailored security screening service unique to each airport’s needs and space configuration. Airports that opt-in will work with TSA and prospective vendors to develop and deploy solutions that leverage private-sector investment, cutting-edge technology, and human capital. This approach ensures airports meet robust federal security standards while driving operational excellence and responding to consumer needs.
Will TSA Gold+ cost money?
TSA Gold+ airports receive staffing, technology, and maintenance at no additional cost to airports. By enabling direct investment - without waiting on lengthy budget cycles - TSA Gold+ unlocks new revenue streams, empowers local decision-making, and accelerates the deployment of cutting-edge solutions nationwide.
It’s basically letting more airports opt into the SFO deal. If anyone hasn’t been there, SFO, San Francisco ‘s airport, notably does not have TSA. They have a custom deal where they run security...
It’s basically letting more airports opt into the SFO deal. If anyone hasn’t been there, SFO, San Francisco ‘s airport, notably does not have TSA. They have a custom deal where they run security themselves with TSA audits.
This is also the model we had before TSA was created in the wake of 9/11. There’s evidently a lot of nostalgia for that period, so I would assume the slow, privatized death of TSA will be cheered.
Well sort of because the baseline standard for security was about on par with train-travel, which is basically none. The clerk at the ticketing desk would ask you a few questions like “Did you...
This is also the model we had before TSA was created in the wake of 9/11. There’s evidently a lot of nostalgia for that period, so I would assume the slow, privatized death of TSA will be cheered.
Well sort of because the baseline standard for security was about on par with train-travel, which is basically none. The clerk at the ticketing desk would ask you a few questions like “Did you pack your bags yourself?” “Did you retain control over your bags the whole time?” “Are you carrying a bomb or anything that can be used as a weapon?” and that was it. As far as I remember metal detectors weren’t even standard.
I’m sure there were some standards followed that were basically invisible to passengers (which is how it should be), but for the most part it just relied on accepting that planes might get highjacked very occasionally and deal with it. That was fine at the time because “hijacking the plane” generally meant they’d take the plane hostage and negotiate with someone for conditions of some kind. People didn’t really think they’d turn the planes into a missile.
That was the standard pre-1973. January of 1973 was when the federal government began requiring passenger screening with metal detectors and carry-on inspections (checked baggage didn’t come until...
That was the standard pre-1973. January of 1973 was when the federal government began requiring passenger screening with metal detectors and carry-on inspections (checked baggage didn’t come until the 1980s I believe).
It's a hype-drivel single-page brochure marketing site with an AI-slop illustration and (likely) AI-slop copy that doesn't say anything at all, about handwavey "advanced technologies" that don't...
It's a hype-drivel single-page brochure marketing site with an AI-slop illustration and (likely) AI-slop copy that doesn't say anything at all, about handwavey "advanced technologies" that don't exist. Looks like a fly-by-night tech grift. Doubtless another scheme for Trump and his cronies to line their pockets at the public's expense.
They didn't have to make the site look like a gaudy ad. This is what they think official government messaging is supposed to look like — full of branding, sales fluff, and CTAs. The "An official website of the U.S. government" assertions at the top and bottom of the page are an indignity, but I suppose a necessary one, because when they're shitting out sites like this you genuinely can't tell anymore.
Taxpayers, since the appeal of this seems to be not having to go through normal procurement processes to acquire “new technologies.” People with budget authority will be free to funnel money to...
Taxpayers, since the appeal of this seems to be not having to go through normal procurement processes to acquire “new technologies.” People with budget authority will be free to funnel money to whatever sweetheart contractor they like.
I think the appeal is that the republicans are the majority party and after the last DHS funding shenanigans airports were pissed and they don’t want democrats to have more levers against them....
I think the appeal is that the republicans are the majority party and after the last DHS funding shenanigans airports were pissed and they don’t want democrats to have more levers against them.
Either way, this website is irrelevant. This is a program for airports - airports are big business that can afford to negotiate with TSA in person. This website will be completely irrelevant in that process.
I haven't looked at the website linked, but for what it's worth, SFO doesn't experience TSA based delays during government shutdowns. SFO opted into the Screening Partnership Program - they hire a...
I haven't looked at the website linked, but for what it's worth, SFO doesn't experience TSA based delays during government shutdowns. SFO opted into the Screening Partnership Program - they hire a private company employing people screened by TSA and trained to TSA standards. The SPP was created by Congress when they created TSA. So this TSA Gold seems redundant?
Despite sounding like PlayStation gold, this sounds more like a plan for TSA privatization. It’s not for travelers, it’s a program for airports. This is essentially a program that allows airports...
Despite sounding like PlayStation gold, this sounds more like a plan for TSA privatization. It’s not for travelers, it’s a program for airports. This is essentially a program that allows airports to start ramping into using private security.
Personally I think TSA is overhated, but most people seem to long for the days before TSA when airports ran their own security, so I guess this should be popular?
Saw this story in one of my travel newsletters, I travel a lot for fun and this seems like a really mixed idea. On one end it'll be nice to not have 5+ hour wait times at major airports anymore...
Saw this story in one of my travel newsletters, I travel a lot for fun and this seems like a really mixed idea. On one end it'll be nice to not have 5+ hour wait times at major airports anymore every time there's a shutdown, but at the same time, it just feels kinda wrong.
I wouldn't appreciate the patchwork and inconsistent security measures that vary by airport, despite being in the same country. To take a somewhat unrelated example: I just flew in and back from...
I wouldn't appreciate the patchwork and inconsistent security measures that vary by airport, despite being in the same country.
To take a somewhat unrelated example: I just flew in and back from Canada last week: flying in the US and to Calgary, no shoes off at checkpoint. Flying from Calgary to Vancouver, no shoes off. Flying from Vancouver to US, shoes must be removed. Whyyyy?
This website is pure slop. It’s incredible that there’s NO useful information whatsoever. Even the name and branding sounds like one of those scammy pawn your gold jewelry businesses that advertise on boomer media.
oh yeah i was definitely skeptical that this was an actual government website or something, i stopped and looked at that picture of the passengers walking through that portal thing and i'm like 90% sure it's ai generated.
100% AI-generated. Look at the mismatched bottom left and right corners of the thing. The angles don't make any sense, it's totally Escher-esque.
Everyone has weird forward lean that makes no sense at all too, that's the first thing that struck me.
I mean, it’s from the Trump Administration so…
Trump : Gold :: Musk : X
It's impressively slop-ish. Like I feel like I'm in a sitcom.
This is a very vague program description. All I'm getting from the website is that private capital and vendors will be invited to build TSA screening solutions, which is somehow subsidized at no cost to the airports.
Call me a pessimist, but this feels like an extension of lobbying-tied favors similar to how military contracts are won. Even though the TSA certainly could benefit from some innovation (but I have other strong feelings about that too).
It’s basically letting more airports opt into the SFO deal. If anyone hasn’t been there, SFO, San Francisco ‘s airport, notably does not have TSA. They have a custom deal where they run security themselves with TSA audits.
This is also the model we had before TSA was created in the wake of 9/11. There’s evidently a lot of nostalgia for that period, so I would assume the slow, privatized death of TSA will be cheered.
If this is true then I'm all for it. I wish the website listed SFO as a case study or other example instead of being overly vague about everything.
Republicans wouldn't dare reveal something in California is good.
Well sort of because the baseline standard for security was about on par with train-travel, which is basically none. The clerk at the ticketing desk would ask you a few questions like “Did you pack your bags yourself?” “Did you retain control over your bags the whole time?” “Are you carrying a bomb or anything that can be used as a weapon?” and that was it. As far as I remember metal detectors weren’t even standard.
I’m sure there were some standards followed that were basically invisible to passengers (which is how it should be), but for the most part it just relied on accepting that planes might get highjacked very occasionally and deal with it. That was fine at the time because “hijacking the plane” generally meant they’d take the plane hostage and negotiate with someone for conditions of some kind. People didn’t really think they’d turn the planes into a missile.
That was the standard pre-1973. January of 1973 was when the federal government began requiring passenger screening with metal detectors and carry-on inspections (checked baggage didn’t come until the 1980s I believe).
It's a hype-drivel single-page brochure marketing site with an AI-slop illustration and (likely) AI-slop copy that doesn't say anything at all, about handwavey "advanced technologies" that don't exist. Looks like a fly-by-night tech grift. Doubtless another scheme for Trump and his cronies to line their pockets at the public's expense.
They didn't have to make the site look like a gaudy ad. This is what they think official government messaging is supposed to look like — full of branding, sales fluff, and CTAs. The "An official website of the U.S. government" assertions at the top and bottom of the page are an indignity, but I suppose a necessary one, because when they're shitting out sites like this you genuinely can't tell anymore.
Who would they be grifting?
Taxpayers, since the appeal of this seems to be not having to go through normal procurement processes to acquire “new technologies.” People with budget authority will be free to funnel money to whatever sweetheart contractor they like.
I think the appeal is that the republicans are the majority party and after the last DHS funding shenanigans airports were pissed and they don’t want democrats to have more levers against them.
Either way, this website is irrelevant. This is a program for airports - airports are big business that can afford to negotiate with TSA in person. This website will be completely irrelevant in that process.
Some are big, but a lot aren’t. Many only have flights to five or fewer destinations, some just one EAS flight to a hub.
Had a good laugh at this bit:
Honesty this looks like a way to funnel federal money to security vendors outside of normal budgetary channels.
Jesus, not another streaming service!
I haven't looked at the website linked, but for what it's worth, SFO doesn't experience TSA based delays during government shutdowns. SFO opted into the Screening Partnership Program - they hire a private company employing people screened by TSA and trained to TSA standards. The SPP was created by Congress when they created TSA. So this TSA Gold seems redundant?
Please feel free to mark as "noise," but I couldn't help but sob-chuckle when I read this.
I hear ya
Despite sounding like PlayStation gold, this sounds more like a plan for TSA privatization. It’s not for travelers, it’s a program for airports. This is essentially a program that allows airports to start ramping into using private security.
Personally I think TSA is overhated, but most people seem to long for the days before TSA when airports ran their own security, so I guess this should be popular?
Ahh, good old CorpSeCorp.
Perhaps it's another way for Trump to arm, acquire, and grift via another paramilitia.
It's always the same AI slop CSS stylesheet
Saw this story in one of my travel newsletters, I travel a lot for fun and this seems like a really mixed idea. On one end it'll be nice to not have 5+ hour wait times at major airports anymore every time there's a shutdown, but at the same time, it just feels kinda wrong.
I wouldn't appreciate the patchwork and inconsistent security measures that vary by airport, despite being in the same country.
To take a somewhat unrelated example: I just flew in and back from Canada last week: flying in the US and to Calgary, no shoes off at checkpoint. Flying from Calgary to Vancouver, no shoes off. Flying from Vancouver to US, shoes must be removed. Whyyyy?