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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has suspended popular expedited security screening programs at airports nationwide as the partial government shutdown enters its second week, officials announced Wednesday.
TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs, which allow pre-screened travelers to move through security checkpoints more quickly, have been temporarily halted as the agency redirects its resources toward maintaining basic security operations at airports across the country.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized the real-world impact of the shutdown in her statement. “Shutdowns have serious real-world consequences,” Noem said. “TSA and CBP are prioritizing the general traveling population at our airports and ports of entry and suspending courtesy and special privilege escorts.”
The decision comes at a particularly challenging time for the U.S. travel industry, which has only recently returned to pre-pandemic passenger volumes. According to industry analysts, approximately 2.5 million travelers pass through TSA checkpoints daily, with roughly 30 percent utilizing expedited screening programs.
The partial government shutdown began on February 14 after negotiations between the White House and congressional Democrats reached an impasse over funding for the Department of Homeland Security. The primary sticking point involves immigration enforcement policies central to President Donald Trump’s deportation initiatives.
Democrats have demanded significant changes to these policies as a condition for approving the funding package, while the administration has remained firm on maintaining its current approach to immigration enforcement.
Aviation experts warn that travelers should now expect longer wait times at security checkpoints across major U.S. airports. During previous government shutdowns, some airports reported security wait times exceeding two hours during peak travel periods.
“This couldn’t come at a worse time with spring break travel season approaching,” said Michael Boyd, an aviation consultant with Boyd Group International. “The suspension of these trusted traveler programs will create a cascading effect throughout the entire security screening process.”
Members of the House Committee on Homeland Security from the Democratic side swiftly criticized the administration’s decision. In a statement posted on social media, they accused the administration of “kneecapping the programs that make travel smoother and secure” and “ruining your travel on purpose.”
The shutdown’s impact extends beyond inconvenience for travelers. TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are significant revenue generators for the Department of Homeland Security, with application fees ranging from $78 to $100 per traveler. The programs collectively generate approximately $300 million in annual revenue.
Airlines for America, a trade association representing major U.S. carriers, expressed concern about the potential economic impact. “These trusted traveler programs not only enhance security by allowing officers to focus scrutiny on less-known travelers, but they also facilitate the efficient movement of passengers and commerce,” the organization said in a statement.
The suspension also affects international travelers and business professionals who rely on Global Entry for expedited customs clearance when entering the United States. The program, which includes rigorous background checks, allows pre-approved travelers to bypass traditional customs lines and use automated kiosks instead.
As negotiations continue in Washington, there appears to be no immediate resolution on the horizon. Both sides remain entrenched in their positions regarding immigration policy and enforcement priorities.
Transportation officials advise travelers to arrive at airports at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international departures to accommodate potentially longer security processing times until the programs are reinstated.
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19 Comments
While I understand the need to prioritize essential security functions during the shutdown, the suspension of TSA PreCheck and Global Entry will likely lead to longer wait times and frustration for many passengers. I’m curious to see how the travel industry responds.
Good point. The travel industry may need to adjust operations and communicate proactively with passengers to help mitigate the impacts of this disruption.
While I’m sympathetic to the challenges faced by the government during the shutdown, the suspension of TSA PreCheck and Global Entry will likely lead to increased frustration and longer wait times for many air travelers. I hope a solution can be reached soon.
While understandable that the government is prioritizing essential security operations, the temporary suspension of these expedited screening programs is still inconvenient for travelers. I hope a resolution can be found soon.
Absolutely. These trusted traveler programs are valuable time-savers, and their suspension will likely cause frustration for many passengers.
The suspension of these trusted traveler programs is unfortunate, but understandable given the need to prioritize essential security functions during the government shutdown. Travelers will need to plan accordingly until a resolution is reached.
This is a disappointing development for frequent flyers who rely on the convenience of TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. While safety and security must come first, I hope a resolution can be found to restore these programs as soon as possible.
This is a concerning development, as these expedited security programs are highly valued by frequent flyers. I’m curious to see how the travel industry and passengers respond to this disruption.
Good point. The impact on the travel industry and passenger experience will be an interesting aspect to monitor as this situation unfolds.
This news is disappointing, but I understand the need to prioritize essential security functions during the shutdown. Travelers will just have to factor in more time at the airport until a resolution is found.
Agreed. It’s an inconvenience, but safety and security should remain the top priorities, even if it means some disruption to passenger convenience.
As someone who frequently flies, I’m concerned about the potential for longer wait times and security lines due to the suspension of these expedited programs. Hopefully a compromise can be reached to restore them soon.
This news is disappointing, as TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are valuable time-savers for frequent flyers. I hope a compromise can be found to restore these programs while also maintaining essential security operations.
Agreed. It’s a delicate balance, but finding a way to resume these expedited screening programs would be greatly appreciated by many air travelers.
This is a concerning development for frequent flyers who rely on TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs to move through security more efficiently. It highlights the real-world impacts of the ongoing government shutdown.
Agreed. With the travel industry only just recovering from the pandemic, this suspension could cause significant delays and disruption for many passengers.
The decision to suspend TSA PreCheck and Global Entry highlights the ripple effects of the government shutdown. It’s an unfortunate situation for both travelers and the transportation industry.
You’re right. This move could significantly impact airport operations and passenger experiences during a busy travel season.
The suspension of these trusted traveler programs is an inconvenient consequence of the ongoing government shutdown. I hope a solution can be reached soon to minimize disruptions for air travelers.