TRAVEL NEWS: Is TSA Precheck Shut Down?

Like many of you, I saw the news of possible travel disruptions due to the partial government shutdown in my morning scroll. The earliest notice I saw said that both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry would be suspended, and I immediately started mentally flipping through my travel plans. I have a domestic flight next week.

The first reports of possible travel interruptions came via The Washington Post last night, and social media was alive with disruption chatter this morning. So is TSA PreCheck shut down?

This morning, the Department of Homeland Security amended their announcment, saying that while Global Entry would be suspended, TSA PreCheck would operate as normal, with the PreCheck lanes being reported as widely available at airports across the United States, and that they’d “evaluate on a case-by-case basis and adjust operations accordingly,” per The Points Guy. Global Entry appears to be moving forward with suspension procedures.

According to Reuters, more than 20 million people use TSA PreCheck, a paid service that vets travelers, allowing them to use an expedited lane and undergo less rigorous security screening. TSA workers fall under the Department of Homeland Security and their agents are currently not being paid during the partial shutdown. 

Both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs ran uninterrupted during the October 1 -November 12, 2025 shutdown, but there were widely reported delays due to reduced agent attendance. 

This is a developing story, and this is as much as we know right now. I’ll be able to provide some firsthand perspective after my flight on Thursday. I’m hoping the update I come back with is, “Nothing to see here.”

How to Deal With Travel Delays

If you’re traveling during any periods of uncertainty, here are some good rules of thumb:

• Get to the airport extra early in case TSA PreCheck is shut down, or the number of security lanes is reduced. Extra time lowers your chances of missing your flight.
• Wear soft, easy clothing and simple shoes. While most travelers no longer have to remove their shoes, avoid wearing items with significant metal, such as heavy belt buckles.

• Refresh your memory of standard security rules if you’re used to the PreCheck lanes, just in case. Passengers without TSA PreCheck typically need to remove outerwear and remove electronics from their bags.

• Lead with patience. TSA agents are reporting to work without pay during the shutdown. Whatever your feelings about airport security, the people at the checkpoint deserve a little extra grace right now.