The US Department of Homeland Security has announced a temporary suspension of the TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs, disrupting expedited airport security services for registered travelers. The decision comes amid a partial government shutdown that began on February 14, 2026, following stalled negotiations over funding legislation.
TSA PreCheck allows pre-approved passengers to move through airport security faster, bypassing longer lines, while Global Entry speeds US customs and immigration clearance for low-risk international travelers. The suspension, which begins at 6 a.m. ET on Sunday, is expected to create longer wait times at airports and ports of entry, potentially causing widespread frustration for travelers.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem explained that the shutdown has “serious real world consequences” and emphasized that the department is prioritizing general passengers over special privileges. Courtesy escorts and other expedited services are being temporarily halted until the shutdown ends, according to official statements.
Airlines and travel industry groups expressed concern over the short notice provided to travelers. Chris Sununu, CEO of Airlines for America, said the decision “once again uses the traveling public as a political football” and urged Congress to reach a funding agreement quickly. He warned that a similar shutdown last year resulted in $6.1 billion in losses across the travel and related sectors.
The partial government shutdown stems from a deadlock between Congress and the White House. Democrats have sought modifications to immigration operations central to President Donald Trump’s deportation policies, but negotiations failed, leaving DHS without approved funding.
Lawmakers from both parties have criticized the timing of the suspension. Members of the House Committee on Homeland Security described the halt as “kneecapping the programs that make travel smoother and secure” and accused the administration of intentionally inconveniencing travelers.
The shutdown’s effects extend beyond airports. On Thursday, the Trump administration directed the Federal Emergency Management Agency, a division of DHS, to suspend the deployment of hundreds of aid workers to disaster-affected areas. This move illustrates the broader impact of the funding impasse on essential services nationwide.
Travelers are being advised to plan for additional delays, arrive at airports earlier than usual, and stay informed about updates from the TSA and Customs and Border Protection. Airlines are coordinating with passengers to provide guidance, but the short notice has left many travelers scrambling to adjust itineraries.
While TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are designed to reduce stress and waiting times, the suspension highlights how quickly government shutdowns can ripple across essential services. Experts say that even brief interruptions can have significant consequences for both domestic and international travel, particularly during peak travel periods.
The decision underscores ongoing tensions in Washington, where political disagreements have left federal agencies operating without full funding. DHS has maintained that security operations will continue, but expedited services for registered travelers will remain on hold until Congress resolves the budget stalemate.
For millions of Americans who rely on these programs, the suspension serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of convenience-focused travel services in times of political gridlock. Travelers are encouraged to monitor official updates closely, adjust schedules accordingly, and prepare for extended wait times at both airport security checkpoints and customs processing lines.
As the shutdown continues, lawmakers face mounting pressure to restore funding and resume normal operations for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, ensuring smoother travel experiences for registered passengers across the United States.
Source: The Guardian
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