Small Commuter Airlines Now Face Major Airline Security Rules Under Safer Skies Act

The Safer Skies Act of 2025 is all about closing a specific security loophole in air travel. Put simply, the bill mandates that certain smaller airlines and charter operations that sell individual tickets must adopt the same high-level security screening standards currently used by major commercial airlines. This isn’t about your local sightseeing helicopter; it targets carriers that fly planes holding more than nine passengers, sell seats publicly, publish schedules, and currently bypass the standard Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints.

The Security Gap Closes

For most travelers, flying means passing through a TSA checkpoint—shoes off, liquids out, the whole routine. But until now, some smaller commuter or regional carriers operating under Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Parts 135 and 380 haven’t had to implement those same rigorous standards, even if they operate like a mini-airline. This bill changes that by requiring these “covered air carrier operations” to comply with the security rules outlined in 49 CFR 1544.101(a), which governs the security programs for the big carriers. The logic is straightforward: if you’re selling tickets to the general public, your security should be the same as the general public expects. The TSA Administrator has 360 days to update all necessary rules and guidance to make this happen.

Who’s Getting Screened Now?

This change directly impacts smaller carriers that shuttle passengers between regional hubs or offer scheduled charter services, often in areas where major airlines don't fly. Think about a commuter service that flies workers to a remote industrial site or a regional airline connecting two smaller cities. If they sell you a ticket for a specific flight on a specific day and the plane holds ten or more people, they are now on the hook for implementing full security screening. For the traveling public, this is a clear win for safety, standardizing the security experience and eliminating a potential soft spot in the aviation network.

The Cost of Compliance

While the goal is better security, there's a real-world impact on the businesses targeted. These smaller carriers will now face significant new costs and administrative burdens. They will have to invest in screening equipment, train personnel, and implement the necessary infrastructure to meet the heightened security requirements. For the consumer, this could translate into slightly higher ticket prices or longer wait times at the smaller airports these carriers use, as they now have to process passengers through a formal screening process that didn't exist before. The bill is clear and specific about the standard (49 CFR 1544.101(a)), which is good because it limits the ambiguity for the operators, but the operational changes will be substantial for them.