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Government Shutdown Grounds Air Travel: PreCheck & Global Entry Suspended

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. -air-travel-precheck-global-entry-suspended.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, February 22nd 2026 at 22:24 GMT by The Courier-Journal
      Locales: Kentucky, UNITED STATES

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - February 23rd, 2026 - A widening government shutdown is now significantly impacting air travel, with both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry enrollment and renewal services completely suspended. The disruption, now entering its second week, is causing increasing anxiety for travelers and raising concerns about escalating delays at airports nationwide.

As reported last week, the shutdown, stemming from a congressional deadlock over budget allocations, has led to the furlough of essential government personnel. A significant portion of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) workforce - the very agencies responsible for managing these vital expedited travel programs - have been temporarily sidelined.

"The situation is rapidly deteriorating," stated Eleanor Vance, a travel analyst with Global Travel Insights. "PreCheck and Global Entry have become integral to modern air travel, especially for frequent flyers. Removing these services doesn't just add inconvenience; it fundamentally strains an already stressed system. We are seeing lines extend far beyond pre-shutdown norms, even at airports previously unaffected."

The suspension impacts all aspects of the programs. New applicants are unable to schedule initial enrollment interviews, and existing members are unable to renew their memberships, creating a bottleneck that will likely persist long after the shutdown ends. This is particularly problematic for those traveling internationally, as Global Entry facilitates expedited customs processing upon return to the United States. Without a valid membership, they will be forced to endure standard customs lines, which are notoriously lengthy, particularly during peak travel times.

CBP confirmed Saturday that all appointments are temporarily suspended, adding, "We regret the inconvenience this causes travelers. We understand the value these programs provide, and we are committed to restoring services as quickly as possible. However, we are entirely dependent on the restoration of federal funding." The agency is maintaining a website with limited updates, but specific timelines for resumption remain elusive.

The ripple effects extend beyond just the inconvenience of longer wait times. The loss of pre-vetted travelers through PreCheck and Global Entry effectively increases the workload for TSA officers at standard security checkpoints. This could lead to slower screening processes for all passengers, impacting even those not enrolled in expedited programs.

"This isn't simply a matter of making things slower; it's a matter of potentially compromising security," explains former TSA administrator, David Reynolds. "When TSA officers are overwhelmed, the focus can shift from thorough screening to simply processing volume. While they are still adhering to protocols, the margin for error increases." Reynolds also notes the economic impact. "Business travelers rely on these programs for efficiency. Delays translate to lost productivity and, ultimately, economic losses."

The current shutdown is particularly challenging as it coincides with the beginning of the spring break travel season, a period traditionally characterized by high passenger volumes. Airports across the country are bracing for significantly increased congestion. Major hubs like Atlanta, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Los Angeles are already reporting substantial delays.

Travel experts are advising passengers to arrive at airports a minimum of three hours before domestic flights and four hours before international flights - a substantial increase from the recommended two hours prior to the shutdown. They also suggest checking with airlines for potential schedule changes and considering alternative travel options if possible. [ The Department of Transportation website ] provides up-to-date airport delay information.

While some lawmakers are attempting to negotiate a compromise, the deadlock remains firm. The longer the shutdown persists, the greater the disruption to travel and the more significant the consequences for travelers and the economy. The suspension of PreCheck and Global Entry serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching impacts of political gridlock on everyday life. Until a resolution is reached, the future of expedited travel remains uncertain.