TSA PreCheck Programs Suspended
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has suspended TSA PreCheck and Global Entry airport security programs as a partial government shutdown continues. Travelers who rely on expedited screening should prepare for longer lines and potential delays. The suspension affects millions of enrolled travelers who paid for faster security processing.
- The current partial shutdown, which began on February 14, 2026, exclusively affects the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It is the result of a congressional dispute over funding tied to demands for reforming federal immigration enforcement practices. - TSA PreCheck has more than 18 million enrolled travelers, with the TSA reporting that 99% of these passengers typically wait less than 10 minutes at airport security checkpoints. Global Entry provides expedited U.S. customs screening for international travelers and includes all TSA PreCheck benefits. - Membership for these programs is fee-based; a five-year enrollment in TSA PreCheck costs approximately $78, while a five-year Global Entry membership is $120. - This marks a change in shutdown protocol, as the trusted traveler programs were not suspended during the record 43-day full government shutdown in late 2025. DHS leadership called the current suspension a "tough but necessary" decision to prioritize screening for the general public. - While TSA officers are considered essential personnel and are required to work, they will not receive pay until the funding lapse ends. During a 34-day shutdown in 2018-2019, an increase in unscheduled absences among TSA staff led to longer lines and checkpoint closures at some airports. - The funding dispute that triggered the shutdown remains unresolved, with lawmakers in recess until at least February 23.
