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For a brief period this weekend, travelers were told that expedited airport screening programs would be suspended.
The Department of Homeland Security announced it would pause TSA PreCheck and Global Entry during the ongoing government shutdown. Within hours, that decision shifted. Now the question is simple: what is suspended, what is still running, and how will it affect your next trip?
Here is the clear breakdown of what is happening with TSA PreCheck and Global Entry right now.
The confusion began when the Department of Homeland Security said it would pause both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry due to funding and staffing constraints during the partial shutdown.
After internal discussions, the Transportation Security Administration reversed course.
Current status:
TSA PreCheck is operating
Global Entry is suspended
Standard security screening continues
Enrollment processing may face delays
So if you searched “is TSA PreCheck suspended,” the answer is no. If you are asking whether Global Entry is suspended, the answer is yes for now.
The partial TSA government shutdown stems from a funding lapse affecting Homeland Security. While most DHS employees continue working, many are doing so without pay. Agencies under DHS include TSA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
DHS initially said it would suspend expedited programs to prioritize staffing for the general traveling population. That included closing TSA PreCheck lanes and pausing Global Entry services. After backlash from airlines, travel groups, and lawmakers, DHS reversed the TSA PreCheck suspended decision. However, the Global Entry suspension remains in place.
Unlike TSA PreCheck, which applies to domestic security screening, Global Entry is run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and focuses on re-entry into the United States after international travel.
Global Entry members typically use automated kiosks that allow them to bypass traditional customs lines. In many major airports, that can mean clearing customs in 5 to 10 minutes instead of waiting 30 minutes or longer in standard lines.
During the current DHS government shutdown, Global Entry services are suspended. That affects:
New applications
Enrollment interviews
Some kiosk processing operations
If you are already approved for Global Entry and returning from abroad, you may be directed to standard customs lanes until operations fully resume. This suspension does not cancel memberships. It is a temporary operational pause tied to the funding lapse.
For international travelers, this is where the real impact of the shutdown may be felt.
So far, airport operations remain largely normal.
TSA PreCheck lanes are open at major airports. Wait times in many hubs remain manageable. Travelers with PreCheck can still keep shoes on and laptops in bags during domestic security screening. The bigger impact may be for international travelers returning to the United States, who may experience longer customs lines due to the Global Entry suspension.
If you are flying internationally, plan for additional time on arrival.
There is no current announcement indicating that DHS will re-suspend TSA PreCheck. However, the government shutdown is ongoing, and staffing pressures could evolve.
If the funding standoff continues, additional operational adjustments are possible.
For now, PreCheck remains active.
If you have an upcoming flight:
Check your airport’s TSA wait times before departure
Arrive earlier than usual if returning from international travel
Monitor official TSA updates rather than relying on social media headlines
Expect possible delays in Global Entry enrollment appointments
For now, TSA PreCheck remains available for domestic travelers, while Global Entry services are paused as the funding situation continues. The distinction matters, especially for international arrivals, but airport security itself is operating. As with most government shutdown impacts, conditions can shift quickly. Checking official updates before you travel and building in a little flexibility will go a long way.
In the meantime, if you have PreCheck, you can still use it. And if you are returning from abroad, plan for a slightly longer walk through customs until Global Entry resumes.
Is TSA PreCheck suspended right now?
No. TSA PreCheck is currently operational despite the DHS government shutdown.
Is Global Entry suspended?
Yes. Global Entry services are suspended during the shutdown.
Why was there a TSA PreCheck shutdown announcement?
The Department of Homeland Security initially planned to suspend expedited programs to manage staffing constraints during the government shutdown. That decision was reversed for PreCheck.
Does Global Entry suspension affect my TSA PreCheck benefits?
No. If you have Global Entry, your TSA PreCheck benefit still works for domestic flights.
Should I arrive earlier at the airport?
For domestic PreCheck travelers, operations remain normal. For international arrivals, allow extra time since Global Entry kiosks may not be available.
How long could Global Entry be suspended?
Global Entry will likely remain paused until the Department of Homeland Security receives full funding and staffing operations stabilize. There is no confirmed timeline for when services will fully resume.
Is this a full TSA shutdown?
No. TSA continues operating. The shutdown affects funding within DHS but does not close airport security screening.