TSA PreCheck and Global Entry Suspended
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security suspended both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry airport security programs amid a partial government shutdown. The suspension is expected to cause increased wait times and congestion at airports nationwide until the programs are reinstated.
- The partial government shutdown, which began on February 14, 2026, is due to a legislative impasse over funding for the Department of Homeland Security, stemming from disagreements on immigration enforcement policies. - This is the first instance of a nationwide suspension of both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs due to a government shutdown; in previous shutdowns, expedited lanes remained open. - As of 2024, over 20 million travelers are enrolled in TSA PreCheck and more than 12 million in Global Entry, all of whom will now face standard security and customs lines. - Members pay for these services; TSA PreCheck costs up to $85 and Global Entry is $120 for a five-year membership. - The suspension forces all travelers to use standard security lines, which could increase wait times that typically range from 15 to 45 minutes or more during peak times. - Approximately 95% of TSA employees are considered essential and are required to work without pay during the shutdown, which could lead to staffing shortages and further delays. - The shutdown affects about 13% of the federal civilian workforce and is causing agencies like FEMA to halt non-disaster-related responses to prioritize critical needs. - There is currently no clear timeline for when the programs will be reinstated, as it depends on Congress passing a funding agreement for the Department of Homeland Security.
