TSA PreCheck Still Operational Despite Government Shutdown & Winter Storm

Washington D.C. – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced Sunday that its PreCheck expedited screening program would remain operational despite an earlier statement from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) indicating a suspension amid the ongoing partial government shutdown. The reversal came after growing concerns about potential disruptions to air travel, particularly as a major winter storm threatens the U.S. Northeast.

“At this time, TSA PreCheck remains operational with no change for the traveling public,” TSA officials stated. However, the agency added that it “will evaluate on a case by case basis and adjust operations accordingly” as staffing constraints develop. Courtesy escorts for members of Congress and other privileged travelers have been suspended to prioritize securing America’s skies, according to the TSA.

The initial announcement of the suspension, scheduled to take effect at 6:00 AM ET on Sunday, February 22nd, included the cessation of U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Global Entry program, which expedites customs processing for pre-approved travelers entering the United States. While the TSA’s PreCheck program has been reinstated for now, the status of Global Entry remains unclear.

The back-and-forth reflects the escalating tensions surrounding the shutdown, which began on February 14th after Democrats and the White House failed to reach an agreement on funding for the Department of Homeland Security. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has blamed congressional Democrats for the impasse, stating that the lack of funding endangers national security and financially burdens DHS personnel.

The timing of the potential disruptions is particularly concerning as the U.S. Northeast prepares for a significant winter storm. Airlines have already cancelled more than 6,000 flights through Monday and are waiving change and cancellation fees for passengers traveling to and from affected areas spanning from Virginia to Maine. The storm threatens to exacerbate travel chaos and further strain an already burdened system.

The travel industry has reacted sharply to the initial threat of suspending PreCheck and Global Entry. Airlines for America (A4A), representing major carriers including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, expressed deep concern over the use of the traveling public as “a political football.”

“A4A is deeply concerned that TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs are being suspended and that the traveling public will, once again, be used as a political football amid another government shutdown,” said A4A CEO Chris Sununu in a statement. He highlighted the potential for significant disruption, particularly given record levels of air travel.

The U.S. Travel Association, representing hotel chains and other travel businesses, echoed these concerns, calling the DHS move “extremely disappointing.” The association criticized both Democrats and Republicans for using the travel experience as leverage in the funding dispute, stating, “We are disgusted that over the last 90 days, Democrats and Republicans have used air traffic controllers, TSA, CBP and the entire travel experience as a means to achieve political ends.”

TSA PreCheck currently serves over 20 million active members, accounting for approximately 34 percent of passengers screened at airport checkpoints, according to data from August 2025. The program’s availability at over 200 U.S. Airports underscores its importance to the efficiency of air travel. The potential for its disruption, even temporarily, raises significant logistical challenges for both travelers and airlines.

This shutdown is not the first to impact air travel. A previous, extended government shutdown caused significant disruptions and an estimated $6.1 billion in losses to the travel industry, affecting approximately 6 million travelers. The current situation raises fears of a repeat of those disruptions, particularly as the funding dispute remains unresolved.

The situation remains fluid, and the TSA has indicated its willingness to adjust operations based on evolving staffing constraints. Travelers are advised to monitor the status of their flights and check with their airlines for the latest updates. The Department of Homeland Security has prioritized the general traveling population, suspending courtesy and special privilege escorts to maintain focus on core security functions.