TSA PreCheck Still Works—But Global Entry Is Suspended During Shutdown
Revised after bias review
TSA PreCheck stays open: DHS reverses suspension after travel industry outcry
The Transportation Security Administration said Sunday that TSA PreCheck would remain fully operational, reversing its Sunday-morning statement that the program would be suspended due to the partial government shutdown. The reversal came after pushback from elected leaders, the White House, and the travel industry. But the initial announcement had already caused uncertainty among travelers. After DHS told carriers the program would halt, airlines including Southwest alerted customers that PreCheck access would end.
The Department of Homeland Security initially announced early Sunday that it would suspend both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry to redirect staff toward screening the majority of travelers. The agency also said it would halt all non-disaster FEMA response efforts and suspend courtesy escorts for lawmakers at airports. Within hours, DHS reversed course on PreCheck while keeping Global Entry suspended.
What's actually happening at airport security
TSA PreCheck lanes remain open and functional with no changes for travelers, according to the TSA. The agency said it will evaluate staffing constraints on a case-by-case basis and adjust operations as needed. DHS has suspended courtesy and special privilege escorts at airports, as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed in a statement.
Global Entry, the Customs and Border Protection program that expedites international arrivals, was also slated for suspension. CBP has not confirmed whether it has already halted interviews or kiosk access.
Why DHS backed down so quickly
Lawmakers from both parties accused the department of "ruining" travel "on purpose" by "kneecapping the programs that make travel smoother and secure." The House Committee on Homeland Security's Democratic members issued a statement to this effect on Sunday.
U.S. Travel Association President Geoff Freeman called the initial suspension announcement "extremely disappointing," stating that "travelers should be prioritized, not leveraged."
Noem framed the initial suspension as a necessary response to the shutdown, saying DHS was "making tough but necessary workforce and resource decisions to mitigate the damage inflicted by these politicians." Democrats disputed this framing, arguing the department was weaponizing travel disruptions rather than responding to genuine resource constraints.
Winter weather collided with shutdown chaos
The shutdown announcement came as a blizzard swept across the Northeast, triggering more than 2,900 flight cancellations within, into, or out of the U.S. by Sunday morning. Airlines had already issued travel advisories and waived change fees. Suspending PreCheck would have forced millions of travelers into standard security lines already strained by winter volume.
The partial government shutdown has lasted approximately 10 days, with Democratic leaders demanding immigration enforcement reforms following federal law enforcement shootings, while the shutdown continues over disagreements on DHS funding. For travelers heading to airports this week, PreCheck access is secure. Global Entry's status remains unclear.