Public charter carriers such as JSX will have to screen passengers like standard commercial airlines under new rules put forward by TSA.
The procedures could also apply to public charter operators Contour and Aero. They could also apply to SkyWest if it ultimately goes forward with a plan to operate commuter flights under its own brand using public air charter authority.
"TSA, in close consultation with DOT and FAA, determined this program change to be a prudent step in addressing potential aviation security risks," the agency said in a statement.
Under the change, public charter operators will have to screen passengers in accordance with Persons and Accessible Property screening requirements already in place at TSA checkpoints for standard commercial air travel.
Public charter model grows
Public air charters have grown as a business model in recent years, led by JSX, which now flies to 25 airports. JSX, Aero and others fly out of private terminals, but with regular schedules, enabling them to offer flyers the convenience of arriving at airports less than 30 minutes before a flight.
Public charters must limit their flights to no more than 30 passengers, but while subject to TSA oversight, up to now they haven't been subject to standard TSA screening.
The TSA said that to accommodate the new requirements, it is providing impacted operators with an implementation timeline to train staff, procure equipment and engage affected airports on any new requirements for flights.
New TSA rules take effect in six months
The new rules were first reported by the newsletter Private Jet Card Comparisons. They'll take effect in six months, Private Jet Card said, citing an email that the National Air Transportation Association, a general aviation trade group, sent to its members.
The rules won't impact scheduled operators who utilize planes with less than 10 seats, such as Tradewind Aviation.
In a statement, JSX said it supports and cooperates with TSA on security measures for public charter flights.
"JSX is proud of its outstanding security record and has modeled an industry-leading approach to aviation security for nearly eight years, having voluntarily invested millions of dollars into its comprehensive security program since inception," the company said.
In a late 2023 op-ed for Travel Weekly, JSX CEO Alex Wilcox said that the carrier's security protocols greatly exceed TSA requirements.
"We conduct explosive trace and weapons detection on every bag and customer using state-of-the-art technology. A secondary positive ID match is conducted at boarding. Our flight deck doors are armored," he said.
The new TSA rules are part of a broader look that regulators are taking toward public charters. The FAA is also moving ahead with regulations that would require public air charters to operate under the pilot training rules as commercial airlines as well as imposing the same mandatory retirement age of 65.