TSA PreCheck Stays Open
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security reversed its decision to suspend TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs within hours of the initial announcement on February 22. The programs remain fully operational at airports nationwide despite the ongoing government shutdown. The brief confusion led to long lines at some airports before the reversal.
- The initial decision to suspend the programs was announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as a measure to conserve resources and redirect personnel to screen the general traveling public during the partial government shutdown that began on February 14, 2026. - This was the first instance of a nationwide suspension of both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry benefits during a government shutdown; in previous shutdowns, only enrollment operations were affected. - The partial shutdown affects the Department of Homeland Security and stems from a legislative impasse over funding tied to disagreements on immigration enforcement policies. - As of early 2026, there are over 20 million members enrolled in TSA PreCheck and more than 12 million in Global Entry. These programs are funded by the application fees paid by users, not taxpayer dollars. - During the shutdown, approximately 95% of TSA's workforce, around 61,000 employees, are considered "essential" and are required to work without pay. A previous 43-day government shutdown in late 2025 led to a 25% increase in attrition among TSA officers. - The U.S. Travel Association criticized the initial suspension, stating that the programs strengthen aviation security and improve efficiency. A government shutdown in 2025 was estimated to have caused over $6 billion in economic losses to the travel industry. - While TSA PreCheck operations were quickly restored, the suspension of Global Entry, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program, initially remained in place. - The reversal on the TSA PreCheck suspension came after conversations between DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, the White House, and the TSA, and followed an outcry from industry groups and passengers.
