Safer Skies Act Mandates TSA Screening for More Smaller Airlines Within 360 Days

The Safer Skies Act of 2025 aims to expand federal security screening requirements to a specific group of smaller air carriers currently operating outside standard TSA checkpoints. Within 360 days of becoming law, this act would require the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to apply its screening rules (specifically, section 1544.101(a) of title 49, CFR) to air carriers conducting scheduled passenger flights on planes with more than nine seats under Parts 135 and 380 of federal aviation regulations, especially those selling individual seats and not already using TSA-managed screening.

Closing the Checkpoint Gap

So, what does this actually mean? Think about those smaller airlines, maybe flying shorter regional routes or offering charter-like services with scheduled flights. If they fit the description in the bill – operating planes with 10+ passenger seats, selling tickets publicly, running on a schedule, and currently letting passengers board without going through a typical TSA checkpoint – they'll likely need to implement full security screening. This involves the TSA revising its own rules and guidelines to bring these operations into the fold. Essentially, the goal is to apply consistent security measures across more types of commercial passenger flights.

Balancing Security and Practicality

For passengers, this could mean a more standardized security experience, potentially increasing peace of mind knowing screening is happening. However, it also raises practical questions. Implementing these screenings will likely mean new costs for these smaller air carriers – think equipment, staffing, and updated procedures. These costs could potentially translate into higher ticket prices or even affect the availability of flights on certain routes, particularly those serving smaller communities where these carriers are vital.

The Rollout Realities

The act gives the TSA 360 days to get the updated rules and policies in place. While the intent is clear – enhance security – the definition of "covered air carrier operations" might require careful interpretation to ensure it's applied consistently without inadvertently grounding essential services. The focus is squarely on carriers operating scheduled, publicly available flights on slightly larger aircraft (more than nine seats) that currently bypass TSA checkpoints. It's a move to standardize security, but the real-world impact hinges on how smoothly and cost-effectively these changes can be implemented by both the TSA and the affected airlines.