TSA says PreCheck is open — after DHS says it's closed
Business Insider
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The partial government shutdown has led to confusion over the status of TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs, with DHS announcing their suspension but many airports keeping lanes operational beyond the scheduled cutoff. While federal officials stated that the expedited security and immigration lanes were shut down at 6 a.m. ET on Sunday, travelers reported that PreCheck and Global Entry remained open at major hubs like Washington, DC, Minneapolis, and Orlando hours after the deadline. TSA indicated it is evaluating the situation on a "case-by-case basis" depending on staffing levels, with some airports initially diverting PreCheck users to general screening lanes before reversing their decision.
The suspension comes as DHS faces funding shortages due to the ongoing partial shutdown, which began over disputes about border wall funding. Essential employees, including TSA and customs agents, are working without pay during the shutdown, though they remain on duty. The closure of PreCheck and Global Entry could significantly impact airport operations, as these programs are widely used by frequent flyers and business travelers to reduce wait times through facial recognition and automation. Without these lanes, delays at security checkpoints are expected to increase, adding to the already chaotic travel weekend, which has also been disrupted by canceled flights due to a looming Northeast blizzard.
The situation highlights the broader implications of the shutdown for the aviation industry and traveler experience. TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are key tools for improving airport efficiency, and their suspension underscores the challenges of balancing security with resource constraints. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized that the agency is prioritizing the general traveling population while making tough workforce decisions. While active members of PreCheck and Global Entry can still use standard security lines, the indefinite closure of these programs raises concerns about longer-term impacts on air travel and the broader economy.
For businesses and frequent travelers, the shutdown serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of government operations with critical infrastructure like airports. The suspension of PreCheck and Global Entry not only affects individual travelers but also has potential economic consequences for the aviation industry, which relies on efficient passenger processing to maintain operational efficiency. As the shutdown continues, the ability of DHS to secure funding will determine when these programs can resume, offering a glimpse into the broader challenges of balancing security needs with budgetary constraints in the U.S.
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/22/2026