DHS Reverses Course on TSA PreCheck Suspension Amid Shutdown, Global Entry Still Affected
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Sunday abruptly reversed its decision to suspend the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) PreCheck program, just hours after initially announcing its temporary halt. The reversal came following discussions with the White House and TSA officials, according to reports, averting potential chaos for millions of travelers.
The initial announcement, made Saturday evening, cited the ongoing partial government shutdown – sparked by a dispute over funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) – as the reason for suspending both TSA PreCheck and the Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Global Entry program. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem stated that the shutdown had “serious real-world consequences,” not only impacting DHS employees but also potentially endangering national security.
However, the TSA quickly clarified that PreCheck “remains operational with no change for the traveling public.” A spokesperson indicated that the agency would “evaluate on a case-by-case basis and adjust operations accordingly” as staffing constraints arise. So that while the program isn’t officially suspended, travelers may experience some variability in service depending on staffing levels at individual airports.
The situation surrounding Global Entry, however, remains unresolved. As of Sunday, the suspension of the Global Entry program appeared to remain in place. This program allows pre-approved travelers to bypass traditional customs lines upon arrival in the United States.
The initial suspension announcement drew swift criticism from airline industry leaders. US Travel Association President Geoff Freeman expressed relief at the reversal regarding PreCheck, stating his organization was “glad that DHS has decided to keep PreCheck operational and avoid a crisis of its own making.” He immediately urged the department to do the same for Global Entry, emphasizing the importance of these Trusted Traveler Programs for both aviation security and screening efficiency.
The Airlines for America (A4A) also released a statement expressing their satisfaction with the decision to maintain PreCheck operations. Chris Sununu, A4A’s President and CEO, noted the program’s value to passengers and the broader travel ecosystem.
Both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are funded by fees paid by enrolled members. As of 2024, TSA PreCheck had over 20 million active members, while Global Entry boasted approximately 13 million. The suspension of these programs would have forced millions of travelers into standard security lines, potentially causing significant delays and disruptions at airports nationwide.
The initial decision to suspend PreCheck also included the temporary suspension of courtesy escorts provided for members of Congress, a move intended to free up TSA officers to focus on general security screening. This action was taken alongside the broader announcement regarding PreCheck and Global Entry.
The partial government shutdown continues to be the driving force behind these operational adjustments. While previous shutdowns have disrupted enrollment operations for these programs, this marks the first instance of a direct suspension of services. The situation remains fluid and travelers are advised to stay informed about potential changes as the shutdown persists.
The reversal on TSA PreCheck highlights the significant impact these Trusted Traveler Programs have on the efficiency and security of air travel. The ongoing suspension of Global Entry, however, continues to pose a challenge for frequent international travelers.
