TSA PreCheck Suspended Then Restored: Government Shutdown Chaos Hits Airports Nationwide
TSA PreCheck is back — but only after a chaotic 24 hours that left millions of American travelers confused, scrambling, and furious. The Department of Homeland Security walked back its decision to suspend the TSA PreCheck program on Sunday, February 22, 2026, after initially sparking widespread confusion for travelers when it announced it was temporarily halting the popular service. The reversal came just hours after DHS declared the suspension would begin at 6:00 a.m. ET Sunday — a decision tied directly to the partial government shutdown that entered its second week with no resolution in sight.
TSA PreCheck Suspension: What Happened and When
The turmoil is tied to a partial government shutdown that began February 14 after Democrats and the White House were unable to reach a deal on legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security. Democrats demanded changes to immigration operations that are core to President Donald Trump's deportation campaign. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced Saturday evening that both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry would be suspended effective 6:00 a.m. ET Sunday as part of emergency measures to preserve limited shutdown-era funds.
Here is a precise timeline of Sunday's chaotic reversal:
| Time (ET) | Event |
|---|---|
| Saturday night | DHS announces TSA PreCheck and Global Entry suspended at 6:00 a.m. Sunday |
| 6:00 a.m. ET Sunday | Suspension officially scheduled to begin |
| Early Sunday morning | Multiple airports including LAX and St. Louis Lambert close PreCheck lanes |
| Late Sunday morning | DHS reverses course after White House discussions |
| 12:40 p.m. ET Sunday | Updated DHS statement removes PreCheck suspension — Global Entry suspension remains |
| Sunday evening | Global Entry suspended at Boston Logan, Austin-Bergstrom, Vancouver International |
TSA PreCheck Is Operational — Global Entry Is Not
TSA PreCheck remains operational with no change for the traveling public. As staffing constraints arise, TSA will evaluate on a case-by-case basis and adjust operations accordingly. Courtesy escorts, such as those for Members of Congress, have been suspended to allow officers to focus on the mission of securing America's skies.
Global Entry, however, did not survive Sunday's reversal. By Sunday night, Global Entry was suspended at several airports across the country and in Canada, including Boston Logan International Airport, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, and Vancouver International Airport. The distinction matters enormously for frequent international travelers — one traveler noted that not having Global Entry can be the difference of two hours upon returning from an international trip.
Airport Chaos: What Travelers Actually Experienced Sunday
There was a big mess at Chicago airports after DHS closed TSA PreCheck and Global Entry on Sunday, only to reopen them hours later. An airport employee confirmed there were long lines and confusion after PreCheck lanes were forced to close, pushing all those passengers into general security.
One frequent Chicago traveler said he came in 45 minutes earlier than normal — having adjusted his entire schedule to prepare for standing in the general security line. He travels every week for work. The disruption hit at the worst possible moment — with the historic Northeast blizzard simultaneously canceling thousands of flights from Washington, D.C. to Boston and stranding travelers across the region.
Industry Backlash Was Immediate and Bipartisan
The travel industry reacted with fury to the brief TSA PreCheck suspension — and the criticism crossed political lines. Airlines for America CEO Chris Sununu said the group was deeply concerned that TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs were being suspended and that the traveling public would be used as a political football. The announcement was issued with extremely short notice to travelers, giving them little time to plan accordingly — especially troubling at a time of record air travel.
US Travel Association President Geoff Freeman said after the reversal his organization was glad that DHS decided to keep PreCheck operational and avoid a crisis of its own making, while urging the same outcome for Global Entry — arguing both programs are funded by user fees and there is no reason to suspend them.
What the TSA PreCheck Shutdown Chaos Means for Your Next Flight
About 20 million Americans have TSA PreCheck, and 12 million have Global Entry. So far, TSA workers have missed one paycheck as the shutdown continues with no end date announced. The agency has been clear that if staffing constraints worsen, PreCheck lanes could be scaled back or closed at individual airports on a case-by-case basis — meaning no guarantee exists until funding is restored.
Travelers with upcoming flights should arrive at least 30 minutes earlier than usual, verify their departing airport's TSA PreCheck lane status before leaving home, and brace for the possibility that Global Entry kiosks will remain offline on return from international travel for the foreseeable future. While previous government shutdowns disrupted enrollment operations and led to longer airport lines, TSA PreCheck lanes and Global Entry kiosks had remained open — making this weekend's announced suspension, even though reversed, the most direct threat the programs have faced during a funding lapse in their history.
