Government shutdown Suspends TSA PreCheck and Global Entry Amidst Severe Winter Weather
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has paused the TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs, which normally speed up airport security procedures, due to a partial government shutdown. This halt began early Sunday at 6 a.m. ET after lawmakers failed to secure funding for DHS operations.
winter Storm Exacerbates Travel Disruptions During Peak Season
this suspension coincides wiht a powerful winter storm impacting the U.S.Northeast, expected to cause extensive flight delays and cancellations over several days. airlines have already canceled more than 7,000 flights through Tuesday across airports stretching from Maryland to Massachusetts.In response, many carriers have waived change fees to accommodate affected passengers.
Focus Shifts From Expedited Screening to Standard Passenger Processing
DHS officials clarified that during this period, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Customs and border Protection (CBP) will prioritize processing all travelers equally rather than offering expedited services like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry privileges.
The Extensive Reach of TSA PreCheck Before Suspension
As of mid-2024, TSA PreCheck had enrolled over 22 million active members nationwide. These participants accounted for roughly one-third-about 33 percent-of all passengers screened at U.S. airport checkpoints last year. the program operates in more than 220 airports across the country, significantly easing travel for millions annually.
political Deadlock Sparks Industry Outcry Over Service Interruptions
The airline industry has strongly criticized the suspension amid ongoing political stalemates disrupting vital services during critical travel periods. Airlines for America (A4A),representing major carriers such as Alaska Airlines,jetblue Airways,Spirit Airlines,and frontier Airlines alongside legacy airlines,condemned the move as unfairly penalizing travelers who depend on these trusted programs.
“Leveraging suspensions of TSA PreCheck and Global Entry in political disputes is deeply troubling,” said A4A leadership. “The sudden announcement left millions scrambling without sufficient time to adjust their plans during one of the busiest air travel seasons in recent memory.”
The previous government shutdown last winter-the longest in U.S. history-resulted in an estimated $7 billion loss across multiple sectors including transportation while inconveniencing nearly seven million travelers nationwide.
Broad Industry Frustration Over Political Gridlock Impacting Travel Operations
The U.S. Travel Association also voiced disappointment with DHS’s decision amid persistent partisan deadlock affecting frontline workers such as air traffic controllers and security personnel essential for maintaining smooth airport operations.
“It is unacceptable that political disagreements continue undermining public safety employees’ ability to serve travelers effectively,” stated industry representatives.
A Contemporary Illustration: Holiday Season Chaos Worsened by Shutdowns
This situation echoes disruptions witnessed during recent holiday seasons when similar shutdowns forced thousands of families traveling for celebrations into long queues without access to expedited screening options like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry-heightening stress levels considerably while triggering cascading delays throughout national airport systems.
