DHS Shutdown Curtails TSA PreCheck, Global Entry

DALLAS — Major U.S. carriers, via Airlines for America (A4A), are warning travelers could face new friction at airports after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) moved to reallocate resources amid its partial shutdown, initially signaling a pause of TSA PreCheck and CBP Global Entry starting Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at 6:00 a.m. ET.

To obtain TSA PreCheck benefits, travelers pay US$76.75 for 5 years of streamlined TSA security screening at U.S. airports. Aimed at frequent international travelers, Global Entry costs US$120 and is also valid for 5 years with accompanying minors paying a free. The program includes TSA PreCheck.

A4A CEO Chris Sununu criticized the short-notice rollout and urged Congress to restore funding, arguing travelers are again being caught in the middle of a political impasse. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said the department is “prioritizing the general traveling population” and suspending “courtesy and special privilege” services as part of emergency measures to mitigate the impact of the funding lapse.

Update as of Sunday, Feb. 22: TSA has since said PreCheck remains operational for now, with checkpoint operations adjusted case-by-case depending on staffing needs, meaning some airports could still see fewer dedicated lanes at peak times even if the program isn’t fully “turned off.”

Multiple reports indicate Global Entry processing is being curtailed, with CBP resources redirected to standard arrivals processing. 

The stakes are high: Reuters notes that TSA PreCheck had 20+ million active members (as of TSA’s 2024 figures), and DHS said that total vetted participants across trusted-traveler programs exceed 40 million.

Even a “partial” pause, especially at Global Entry and any reduced PreCheck lane availability, can ripple quickly into missed connections and irregular ops, because security and arrivals are high-volume choke points.

The bigger near-term risk is uncertainty: travelers plan around these programs, and last-minute changes can create sudden surges in standard lanes and arrivals halls.