TSA PreCheck and Global Entry Suspended as DHS Shutdown Deepens: What Travelers Need to Know
DHS will suspend TSA PreCheck and Global Entry starting Sunday due to the agency’s funding lapse, forcing all travelers into standard security and customs lines.
The Department of Homeland Security says it will pause TSA PreCheck and Global Entry starting at 6 a.m. ET Sunday, a move that’s expected to create one of the biggest travel slowdowns of the current government shutdown. The move, confirmed by DHS officials and reported by multiple national outlets, affects millions of travelers who rely on expedited screening and customs processing.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the agency is “prioritizing the general traveling population” during the funding lapse and temporarily halting “courtesy and special privilege escorts” until DHS receives new funding.
The shutdown started Feb. 14 when talks over immigration‑related provisions in the DHS funding bill broke down. TSA and CBP officers are continuing to work unpaid, and DHS says it needs to pull people from other areas to keep basic airport and border operations going.
What This Means for Travelers Starting Sunday
Beginning Sunday morning:
- TSA PreCheck lanes will be closed nationwide
- Global Entry kiosks will be unavailable at U.S. ports of entry
- All travelers will be routed through standard TSA security lines
- International arrivals will face regular customs processing
- Longer wait times are expected at major airports
It’s landing at a bad time. A winter storm has already caused major delays, and airports are gearing up for long lines as they try to catch up. The suspension also comes just before the spring break wave.
Why DHS Is Making This Change
According to DHS officials, the suspension is part of a broader emergency plan to redirect staff during the shutdown. The Washington Post reported that the agency is making “tough but necessary workforce and resource decisions” to keep core airport and border operations functioning.
These programs continued operating in earlier shutdowns. So putting them on hold this time marks a noticeable shift in how DHS is handling the lapse.
Traveler Confusion Is Already Spreading
As news broke Saturday evening, travelers across Facebook groups, Reddit threads, and airport forums expressed confusion about what exactly is changing.
Common questions included:
“Do we all have to use the regular line now?”
Yes. Once the suspension begins, all travelers — even those with active memberships — will go through standard TSA screening.
“I used PreCheck today. Is it already shut down?”
Not yet. Travelers flying on Saturday still reported normal PreCheck access. The suspension begins at 6 a.m. ET Sunday, Februrayt 22.
“Is CLEAR still operating?”
CLEAR is privately operated and may remain open, but CLEAR members will be funneled into the standard screening lane, not the PreCheck lane. CLEAR may still speed up ID verification, but not the security process itself.
“Will we get refunds for PreCheck or Global Entry?”
DHS has not issued guidance on refunds. Historically, program pauses have not resulted in reimbursements, but this shutdown‑related suspension is unprecedented.
Political and Industry Reaction
Democratic lawmakers on the House Homeland Security Committee criticized the decision, arguing that suspending trusted traveler programs makes travel less efficient and burdens staff already working without pay.
Travel industry leaders are also worried. U.S. Travel said travelers “should be prioritized, not leveraged,” noting that delays and longer lines don’t just frustrate passengers, they slow down the entire travel economy.
What to Do If You’re Flying Soon
Travelers should plan for:
- Arriving earlier than usual, especially at busy hubs
- Longer security lines, even during off‑peak hours
- Slower customs processing for international arrivals
- Potential delays as TSA reallocates staff
- Crowding during weather‑related disruptions and spring break travel
Check your airport’s social channels for real‑time updates, as some hubs may experience heavier impacts than others.
When Will PreCheck and Global Entry Return?
There is no timeline. The programs will remain suspended until the DHS shutdown is resolved, and negotiations in Congress remain stalled.
Probe the Globe will continue to monitor updates from DHS, TSA, and CBP as the situation develops.
Rachel K. Belkin is an Austin‑based and Pittsburgh-based educator, writer, marketing director, and travel advisor. She is the founder and editor‑in‑chief of Probe the Globe, a travel publication with content syndicated on national and global outlets. Rachel collaborates with businesses and community organizations to tell stories and create content that informs, inspires, and strengthens connections. Her travel, lifestyle, and health reporting has appeared on MSN, Yahoo News, AP News, HuffPost, Matador Network, EuroNews, the Associated Press, WGN, Hometalk, and in on‑air segments for Fox 7 Austin, KXAN, and CBS Austin. She also speaks at community and industry events, sharing stories on travel, marketing and branding strategy, and breast cancer survivorship.
