Tsa Precheck briefly suspended, then restored at Chicago airports as nor'easter snarls flights

The Department of Homeland Security announced a suspension of tsa precheck and Global Entry that was set to start early Sunday but was reversed hours later, forcing travelers at Chicago airports through general security lines amid a major nor'easter that also canceled dozens of flights.

Tsa Precheck closed, then reopened within hours

DHS said it would suspend TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, and suspend escorts for members of Congress, a move described as impacting millions. The suspension was set to take effect at 5 a. m. Chicago time (6 a. m. ET) but officials later said the programs "remain operational with no change for the traveling public" after 9: 30 a. m. Chicago time (10: 30 a. m. ET). Two DHS there are no changes to Global Entry. TSA added it will "evaluate on a case-by-case basis and adjust operations accordingly. "

Lines and confusion at O'Hare and Midway

At Chicago airports, staff reported long lines and confusion when TSA PreCheck lanes were briefly closed and passengers were routed through general security. Traveler Jason Hahn said he "came in 45 minutes before I normally do, I travel every week, " and that he had arrived early at O'Hare Sunday in case he faced the general security line. Hahn also said, "Not having Global Entry can be the difference between two hours, " and added, "In the back of my mind, I almost felt like the administration was punishing. "

Flight disruptions as nor'easter barrels up the coast

Officials reported flight cancellations and delays at Chicago-area airports as a major nor'easter moved up the East Coast. As of 5: 30 p. m. Sunday, O'Hare had 133 cancellations with average delays of 16 minutes and Midway had 23 cancellations with average delays of less than 15 minutes. Observers in Chicago were seen getting through security without issue at 6 a. m. local time on Sunday.

Political backdrop and reactions

The partial government shutdown began Feb. 14 after lawmakers failed to reach a funding deal for DHS. Democrats had pressed for changes to immigration operations in the wake of deadly shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, Minnesota, by federal immigration agents, using that demand to push Congress to reverse the shutdown. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said, "shutdowns have serious real world consequences, " and added that "TSA and CBP are prioritizing the general traveling population at our airports and ports of entry and suspending courtesy and special privilege escorts. " Travel expert Peter Greenberg said, "My first reaction was, are you kidding me? This makes no sense based on the numbers we already know, " and suggested the move felt political: "DHS is basically saying if you are messing with us, we are going to mess with you. It's just a longer line. "

Wider agency impacts and storm declarations

The shutdown is also affecting agencies such as FEMA and the Coast Guard. TSA workers have missed one paycheck so far; air traffic controllers are not impacted by the shutdown. The nor'easter prompted the first blizzard warning for New York City in nearly a decade, with at least a foot of snow expected in places. 40 million Americans are under a blizzard warning and another 14 million face winter storm warnings. Governors in Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island declared states of emergency, and Maryland Governor Wes Moore declared a "state of preparedness. " Several governors advised people to stay off roads, and some states including New York, Connecticut and Rhode Island issued travel bans.

What happens next

TSA reiterated that PreCheck will continue to operate with no change for travelers and that operations will be adjusted on a case-by-case basis if staffing constraints arise. The nor'easter is expected to barrel through the Northeast Coast Sunday into Monday, and officials have signaled continued monitoring of both security operations and the storm's impact on flights.