The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced late Saturday that it will temporarily suspend TSA PreCheck and Global Entry beginning at 6 a.m. ET on Sunday, February 23, 2026, as a partial government shutdown continues.
The move affects millions of travelers who use the trusted-traveler programs for expedited airport security screening and faster customs processing upon reentry into the United States.
According to federal officials, the suspension is tied to a funding lapse at DHS that began February 14, 2026, after Congress failed to pass a spending bill for the agency. The impasse reportedly centered on opposition from Democrats to certain provisions in the funding package, marking the third shutdown during the 119th Congress.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said that during the funding gap, the Transportation Security Administration and Customs and Border Protection will prioritize screening for the general public at airports and ports of entry. As part of emergency measures, the department will suspend what she described as “courtesy and special privilege escorts.” Secretary Noem blamed Democrats for the shutdown, stating that it “endangers our national security.”
TSA PreCheck, launched in 2011, allows pre-vetted passengers to use dedicated screening lanes at airports, enabling them to keep shoes, belts, and light jackets on while leaving laptops and liquids in carry-on bags. Global Entry, administered by CBP, provides expedited customs clearance for approved international travelers and includes access to PreCheck benefits.
As of 2024, TSA PreCheck had more than 20 million active members. Across all DHS trusted-traveler programs, including Global Entry, the number of vetted participants exceeded 40 million.
Major U.S. airlines, represented by Airlines for America, expressed concern over the short notice of the suspension and warned that longer wait times and operational disruptions could follow at airports nationwide. The suspension is expected to increase delays, particularly during peak travel periods.
DHS said the halt is temporary and that standard security and customs operations will continue uninterrupted. However, the agency has not provided a timeline for when the programs will resume, indicating that restoration depends on resolution of the funding dispute in Congress.
Travelers enrolled in TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are advised to arrive earlier than usual and prepare to use standard security lines until further notice.
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