The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has reinstated TSA PreCheck security screening lanes at airports across the country while keeping the Global Entry trusted-traveler program suspended, following confusion caused by an earlier announcement tied to the ongoing partial government shutdown that began in mid-February 2026.
The reversal came within hours of the original notice that both programs would halt due to funding constraints, after travel industry backlash and operational disruptions at several airports.
The department said TSA PreCheck will continue operating with available staffing resources, while Global Entry remains paused because it is administered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which has been more directly affected by the shutdown. The changes affect millions of frequent travelers who rely on expedited airport security and immigration clearance.
PreCheck lanes remain open as DHS prioritizes airport security flow
Homeland Security officials initially announced that both trusted-traveler programs would be suspended as a result of the funding lapse impacting agency operations. The decision prompted immediate concern from airlines, airports, and travel groups, citing longer wait times and operational strain at major hubs.
Later the same day, DHS reversed course on TSA PreCheck, confirming that expedited security screening would remain available at participating airports. Officials said staffing would be adjusted to ensure core security functions remain operational while limiting non-essential services.
Some airports reported brief interruptions to PreCheck lanes before the reversal took effect, with travelers redirected into standard security queues. By Sunday afternoon, most major U.S. airports had restored PreCheck access without significant ongoing disruption.
“We are glad that DHS has decided to keep PreCheck operational and avoid a crisis of its own making,” said Geoff Freeman, President & CEO of the U.S. Travel Association.
Global Entry remains suspended with no timeline for return
Unlike TSA PreCheck, Global Entry remains suspended for the duration of the shutdown. The program allows pre-approved travelers to bypass standard passport control lines upon arrival in the United States by using automated kiosks or facial recognition systems.
With the suspension in place, returning international passengers must proceed through regular immigration inspection lines, potentially adding significant wait times at major international gateways such as New York JFK, Los Angeles International, Miami, and Chicago O’Hare.
DHS has not provided a timeline for when Global Entry services will resume, stating only that the program will remain offline while the funding lapse continues. Enrollment interviews and application processing are also paused.
“We are urging the same for Global Entry. These Trusted Traveler Programs strengthen aviation security and improve screening efficiency. They are funded by user fees, and there is no reason at this time for them to be suspended.”
“Travelers can continue to use PreCheck lanes without immediate interruption, which is critical during a peak travel period,” Freeman added. “At the same time, this situation highlights the uncertainty and strain placed on both travelers and the dedicated men and women working on the frontlines of airport security. Congress must act with urgency to fully fund TSA. Air travel is essential for our economy and daily life, and it’s disgraceful for travel to be used as leverage in political disagreements.”
The partial government shutdown began after Congress failed to pass a funding agreement covering the Department of Homeland Security, impacting several agencies including Customs and Border Protection and certain administrative functions within the Transportation Security Administration.
Although TSA screening officers are continuing to work under shutdown rules, some support services and administrative programs have been curtailed to conserve resources. DHS said the goal is to maintain baseline security operations while limiting disruptions to the traveling public.
Travel industry analysts note that TSA PreCheck is largely funded through application fees, which fueled criticism of the initial suspension plan. Global Entry is also fee-based, but its operations rely more heavily on CBP personnel whose broader duties have been affected by the shutdown.
Until a federal funding agreement is reached, international travelers arriving in the U.S. should expect longer processing times at immigration checkpoints, while domestic travelers can continue using TSA PreCheck where available.
