Are TSA PreCheck and Global Entry suspended?
Uncertainty over U.S. expedited screening programs
Federal announcements this week signalled a possible suspension of TSA PreCheck and Global Entry amid a partial government shutdown and funding concerns, prompting immediate alarm among frequent flyers. Shortly after reports that the Department of Homeland Security planned to halt the two trusted-traveler programs, the Transportation Security Administration said PreCheck “remains operational.” The back-and-forth has left the programs’ short-term status unclear and dependent on federal funding and administrative decisions.
How travelers should prepare right now:
- Verify program status before you travel by checking official DHS and TSA channels and your airline’s advisories.
- Allow extra time at the airport: if PreCheck access becomes limited, security waits can increase substantially.
- Keep identification and boarding documents easily accessible, and have contingency plans for tight connections.
If changes are implemented, impacts could include:
- Longer security queues at U.S. airports, particularly at peak times and large hubs.
- Disruption for travelers who booked tight connections expecting expedited screening.
- Administrative uncertainty for Global Entry members at ports of entry.
Why this matters
Expedited programs are a core part of planning for business travelers, families, and frequent fliers; even a temporary suspension shifts the calculus for when to arrive at airports and how to schedule tight itineraries. The situation remains fluid: the federal funding and policy decisions that determine the programs’ fate may change quickly, so monitoring official sources and building in extra time for every departure is the most reliable short-term strategy.