Do you support or oppose the idea of privatizing airport security to replace the TSA?

Support (38%) – "It's a common sense solution to a problem that the government has created. While we're at it, maybe it's time to revisit the conversation about privatizing the air traffic control aspect of the FAA."

• "I travel frequently and find the TSA to be the worst. Many employees are sub-par, their policies and procedures are outdated and their equipment isn't great. I don't feel much safer with the TSA as the front-line keeping our skies safe and personally would welcome a change."

"I believe private security companies working under a federal oversight would provide greater efficiency, reduce wait times, improve staffing efficiency - no one should be expected to report to work without compensation. Private companies may also adopt new screening techniques due to not being bound by the same bureaucratic procurement processes as federal agencies which could lead to the implementation of advanced scanners, improve detection systems, and more efficient passenger screening methods. To me it’s a no brainer; privatizing companies would allow them to focus on efficiency, accountability, and innovation."

• "Having a government contract is a secure way of getting paid or getting sued. If not that, then more regulation on the current system of TSA should be considered."

Oppose (46%) – "Privatizing has not worked out to our benefit. Privatized prisons led to higher conviction rates. Privatized healthcare has led to impossibly high cost. Allowing private roadways to be built has also increased the cost and not solved any traffic problems."

• "If the government's job is, in fact, to protect us as citizens, the TSA needs to remain a government agency. With privatization, I fear cost increases and less security in order to be profitable. Profitability would take the place of the priority as opposed to safety if it is in the hands of private companies."

"This is all about the concept of security. When placing my faith in the vetting process, (background checks, etc.), I have a lot more confidence in a federal agency than a private entity. Can you tell me which one is profit driven? Just the thought that Private Equity could someday be in charge of airport security scares the hell out of me."

• "We’ve seen how privatization affects air travel. It sucks paying an arm and a leg for the bare minimum and a cramped seat you have to stay sardined into for HOURS. And it’s just getting worse. Air travel is travel. And travel is an essential function. TSA are essential workers and should be paid through shutdowns. End of story."

"Privatizing is basically normalizing a government shut down, which is not normal. Rather than deal with the actual problem of the government, balancing its budget and agreeing on it the US way is to just make another solution to privatize it so everybody gets charged more. This is bananas."

Unsure/other (16%) – "Many airports globally utilize private security and therefore is an option, however; if the concern surrounds safety and whose responsible for that than a hybrid system like the option suggested by opponents to secure pay regardless of a funding issue on capitol hill then that should be pursued. If they are considered essential workers then so is their pay!"

• "I'm usually certain and confident in my answers to your poll questions. However, this one is a tough one. I can see advantages both ways, but when it comes to security in this particular area (travel), there are many questions to be answered. Either way, laws should be passed to ensure that essential government workers continue to be paid during these idiotic, partisan-driven government shutdowns. The fact that elected officials of every political stripe in both Congress and the White House leave us in this state is unconscionable. They are ALL guilty of negligence."