13. Airline Security Was Privatized
Before the establishment of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in 2001, airport security was managed by private companies or directly by airlines, leading to varying standards and practices across different airports. This privatized approach resulted in inconsistencies in security measures and personnel training. In response to these disparities and the need for a unified security strategy, the federal government created the TSA to oversee and standardize airport security operations nationwide. More on this transition can be found at Brookings Institution.
