TSA Plans $781 Million Overhaul of U.S. Airport Checkpoints

TSA’s Horizon 25 strategy directs roughly $781 million toward reshaping airport checkpoints through 2028. Announced in August by Administrator David P. Cummins, it prioritizes checkpoint modernization, a better traveler experience and stronger protection across multiple forms of transportation. The effort addresses a system that screens more than 900 million flyers and 2 billion carry-on items annually.

Technology already being deployed includes about 1,162 Computed Tomography scanners at 296 U.S. airports. These systems create detailed three-dimensional baggage images, helping officers inspect items from several angles and spot possible explosives. The Checkpoint Property Screening System has $215 million in baseline funding for fiscal year 2026, while expected modernization costs range from $500 million to $700 million over five years. TSA also operates roughly 1,200 Advanced Imaging Technology units at nearly 400 airports to find metallic and non-metallic passenger threats.

Identity checks are changing as well. CAT-2 equipment, now present at approximately 350 airports, authenticates identification documents and confirms flight and vetting information. Facial comparison is available at selected locations, and TSA is preparing e-gates with that capability plus a redesigned lane setup for its 400 PreCheck lanes in the coming months. Horizon 25 also envisions more public-private cooperation through the existing Screening Partnership Program. TSA is building on that framework instead of proceeding with Gold+, which would have let private companies oversee checkpoint personnel and equipment. After considering Gold+, Tampa International Airport chose in August to retain federal TSA screeners.