The US Department of Homeland Security is temporarily suspending two of the country’s best-known trusted-traveler programs — TSA PreCheck and Global Entry — as a partial government shutdown continues to squeeze staffing and operations across the agency.
The move escalates the shutdown’s impact on everyday travel, removing expedited airport security lanes and faster customs processing that millions of frequent flyers and vetted travelers rely on across the United States.
What DHS is changing during the shutdown
According to DHS, the Transportation Security Administration and US Customs and Border Protection are shifting focus toward the general traveling public at airports and ports of entry, pausing the special expedited benefits that come with trusted-traveler enrollment.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said the shutdown is forcing “tough but necessary” decisions, describing real consequences for both the workforce and public-facing services as funding remains unresolved.
When the suspension starts
A DHS spokesperson said the suspension begins Sunday at 6 a.m. ET due to the shutdown affecting large parts of the department. DHS has not provided a clear timeline for when the programs’ benefits will return.
How this affects TSA PreCheck travelers
For travelers who normally use TSA PreCheck, the change is immediate and straightforward: enrolled passengers will be directed into standard security screening lanes instead of dedicated PreCheck lanes. That means longer lines at busy airports, more bottlenecks at checkpoints, and a more crowded screening process during peak travel windows.
TSA PreCheck costs $76.75 to $85 for a five-year membership and had surpassed 20 million active members in 2024, according to TSA.
What happens to Global Entry at the border
Global Entry is expected to face disruption as well, although the practical effects could vary by airport. Much of the Global Entry process is automated, but reduced staffing and workflow changes can still slow passport control and customs processing — especially during heavy inbound international arrival periods.
Global Entry charges a $120 application fee for a five-year membership, and CBP has said more than 12 million travelers are enrolled in the program.
Why the shutdown is hitting travelers now
This shutdown is limited to the Department of Homeland Security after Congress failed to reach a funding agreement tied to an immigration enforcement policy standoff. While lawmakers argue over funding terms, large parts of DHS operations are being forced to cut back.
At the same time, essential DHS employees — including an estimated 63,000 TSA agents — are continuing to work without pay, increasing strain across airport security operations nationwide.
Why this is a bigger disruption than past shutdowns
Previous government shutdowns have delayed enrollment processing and contributed to longer airport lines, but TSA PreCheck lanes and Global Entry kiosks typically remained available. A nationwide pause of both programs’ benefits during a shutdown is a sharp departure from past practice, and it risks amplifying congestion across the broader air travel system.
During last year’s record shutdown, the programs were not formally suspended, but staffing shortages led to longer security lines, temporary checkpoint closures in some locations, and delays that rippled through the flight network.
What travelers should expect next
If the suspension remains in place, travelers should prepare for longer waits at security and potentially slower processing at customs and passport control, particularly at major hubs and during high-volume travel periods. For now, the return of expedited services depends on when DHS funding is restored and normal staffing and operations can resume.
For official program details and updates, travelers can reference the TSA PreCheck program information.
