Program Resumes
The Global Entry program restarted on Wednesday at 5 a.m. ET, after being paused during the Department of Homeland Security shutdown. The shutdown diverted Customs and Border Protection agents to help process travelers.
Traveler Impact
The restart comes as spring break travelers face long wait times at airports. Wait times of 3.5 hours have been reported at major hubs. Airlines for America projects 171 million travelers will take to the skies between March 1 and April 30, a 4% increase over last year.
DHS Statement
A DHS spokesperson stated the program was "reactivated" as the department "continually evaluates measures it can take amidst the continued shutdown." The spokesperson added that DHS is "working hard to alleviate the disruptions to travelers caused by the shutdown."
Application Details
Global Entry expedites the U.S. customs and immigration clearance process for pre-approved, low-risk travelers entering the United States. Travelers must apply for the program and pay a fee of $120 that lasts five years.
Airport Delays
Many airports have been struggling with massive security lines as spring break travel is in full swing. TSA advises passengers to arrive "as early as possible" to avoid missing their flights. Airlines expect to carry about 2.8 million passengers per day during this period.
TSA PreCheck Status
TSA PreCheck remains operational and open at most U.S. airports, though lanes are being evaluated on a case-by-case basis due to staffing constraints.
Call to Action
Airlines for America CEO Chris Sununu urged Congress and the administration to end the shutdown. Sununu said that "America's transportation security workforce is too important to be used as political leverage."
