5 Popular US Airports That Don't Use TSA For Security Screening

It may be hard to imagine a US airport without the presence of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staff. But, believe it or not, TSA-free airports do exist. Twenty airports across the country participate in the TSA's Screening Partnership Program (SPP). Established in 2004, the SPP allows airports to utilize private security companies to operate passenger screening checkpoints using equipment and protocols provided by the TSA. 

By law, the TSA must screen all passengers and baggage on commercial flights in the United States. However, the agency's head administrator can make certain exceptions for airports approved for the SPP if "the approval would not compromise security or detrimentally affect the cost-efficiency or the effectiveness of the screening of passengers or property at the airport," according to the TSA's website. These exceptions open the door to private companies to conduct the same screening services as the TSA. These companies have the freedom to hire more part-time staff to meet the demands of the airport. For travelers, this could mean less disruptions and shorter lines at security, especially in the event of a government shutdown. Sadly, you will still have to remove your shoes and take out your laptop if you do not have TSA PreCheck.

Below are five popular airports that participate in the Screening Partnership Program. They may not have the same eagle-eyed TSA officers scoping out strange behaviors, but they still operate under TSA oversight and are therefore expected to perform at the same level. The employees undergo background checks and training at the TSA Academy. Some of these airports are considered among the best in the US for passenger satisfaction.

If you've traveled through San Francisco International Airport (SFO), you've likely spotted what looks to be a TSA copycat. The uniform worn by SFO security staff looks nearly identical at first glance, but if you look closer, you'll notice the "team spirit" patch and ribbons are slightly different. These security officers work for Covenant Aviation Security LLC, a company that has operated security and baggage screening at SFO for over two decades.

The airport is by far the busiest airport in the SPP program. Over 27 million passengers departed from SFO in 2025 across the airport's four terminals. Security checkpoints open as early as 3:15 a.m. until after midnight and use state-of-the-art screening technology. In the security lines, you'll find trusted traveler programs, including TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, and TSA PreCheck Touchless ID programs.

San Francisco's airport has topped rankings for passenger satisfaction in recent years, largely due to its efficient security lines and on-time flights. Recently, it was also ranked the most beautiful airport in the world.

Kansas City International Airport (MCI) is one of the most traveler-friendly airports in the Midwest and the second-busiest airport in the SPP program. In 2024, the airport celebrated its busiest year of all time with 12.1 million passengers served. Once criticized for its antiquated design, MCI is now a passenger favorite, winning fourth place in JD Power's 2024 survey for customer satisfaction across all large airports in North America. In 2023, the airport introduced a centralized 16-lane security checkpoint staffed by VMD Corp. "This airport has less trafic than others and is 100 times better," reads one review on Google. "Security was well staffed and quick," says another recent review. Like other airports, passengers can opt for TSA PreCheck and CLEAR lines.

Past security, you'll find a host of favorite chains and local restaurants in a comfortable waiting area. The airport even has an immersive dining and performance space that showcases the city's famous barbecue and live music. Keep in mind that if you are flying on Southwest, United, Delta, or Spirit, you'll have to make a long trek to Concourse B. 

For SFO and MCI, 2.1 million annual passengers would not be a number to boast about. However, for Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), it's a major milestone. In 2021, passenger traffic at the Florida Gulf Coast airport grew at a rate of 155% year over year, turning it into the primary gateway to Southwest Florida. Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport has long participated in the SPP, first using Trinity Technology and later switching to Aviation Security Management (ASM) to operate the airport's security checkpoints. The airport is preparing for major growth in the coming decades and aims to welcome 8 million passengers per year by 2050. 

Sarasota-Bradenton International has two separate security checkpoints — one is at Concourse A, which services Allegiant Air flights only, and the other is at Concourse B. If you'll be traveling on Allegiant, note that food options are limited at Concourse A. More food and drink options were recently added at Concourse B, including the only Wahlburgers restaurant in the region. 

Whether you're heading south for the winter from Upstate New York or flying in for a laid-back getaway to an underrated small town, there's a good chance that you will pass through Fredrick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC). In 2025, the airport was named the sixth-best small airport in the country by USA Today 10Best, earning praise for improvements to the security checkpoint. For over a decade, VMD Corp has operated baggage and screening services at ROC, using the TSA's cutting-edge identification scanning machines and CT x-ray units to safely speed passengers through security. Thanks to the CT machines, passengers are not required to remove laptops and electronics at security, and fewer bag searches are conducted.

There are plenty of restaurants and activities at ROC — so much so, that you may hope your flight is a few minutes late. Post security, visit the World Video Game Hall of Fame and the National Toy Hall of Fame exhibits, or dive into local staples at the Taste of Rochester food court. Six airlines offer non-stop service from Rochester to eight destinations across Florida, making a weekend getaway in one of the Sunshine State's beautiful towns an easy flight away. 

Florida's sun-kissed Atlantic Coast and the magic of Disney World are just a hop away from Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), Orlando's secondary airport. Unlike busy Orlando International Airport — which handles nearly as many passengers in a single month as SFB does in an entire year – Sanford is a small hub with big plans. The airport is completing a $65 million renovation and expansion to provide greater convenience for passengers. It has a single TSA checkpoint operated by VMD Corp which, according to locals, is normally faster than TSA at Orlando International.

"Love the small yet big enough size of this airport," reads one review on Google. "From rental car drop off through security, we made it in less than 20 minutes." However, some reviews are not as flattering. Previous passengers report that security lines are either lightning fast or slow as molasses. Mornings and evenings, as well as Fridays and Sundays, tend to be on the busier side. Passengers can check the security line wait time online in advance on FlightQueue. Once on the other side, you'll find an eclectic mix of eats for such a small airport, including a Cuban cafe, Hollerbach's German cuisine, and classic American burgers at Brew Landing.