DHS Reverses Course on TSA PreCheck, Global Entry Still Closed

The Department of Homeland Security reopened the Transportation Security Administration’s PreCheck program on Sunday after a brief shutdown that also includes Global Entry. The latter remains closed, in what several news outlets have said is in response to the partial government shutdown.

In a statement issued to CNN, the DHS wrote, “Shutdowns have serious real-world consequences, not just for the men and women of DHS and their families who go without a paycheck, but it endangers our national security.”

“We are glad that DHS has decided to keep PreCheck operational and avoid a crisis of its own making,” said Geoff Freeman, president & CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. “We are urging the same for Global Entry. These Trusted Traveler Programs strengthen aviation security and improve screening efficiency. They are funded by user fees, and there is no reason at this time for them to be suspended.”

“Travelers can continue to use PreCheck lanes without immediate interruption, which is critical during a peak travel period,” Freeman added. “At the same time, this situation highlights the uncertainty and strain placed on both travelers and the dedicated men and women working on the frontlines of airport security. Congress must act with urgency to fully fund TSA. Air travel is essential for our economy and daily life, and it’s disgraceful for travel to be used as leverage in political disagreements.”

The American Society of Travel Advisors also issued a statement, echoing some of what the USTA had to say. “The uncertainty created by the announcements, misinformation around and reversals of the suspension of TSA PreCheck and Global Entry is deeply concerning for travel agency professionals and their clients who rely on a stable and dependable travel system,” ASTA said.

“In the last four months, travelers have been entangled in partisan political disputes not once, but twice. Millions of Americans rely on air travel every single day, and reckless disruptions of this magnitude create unnecessary, profoundly damaging strain. This is true for vacation travelers planning long-awaited trips and even more so for business travelers whose livelihoods depend on tight schedules and seamless mobility.”

“ASTA calls on our nation’s leaders to immediately stop leveraging travel and travelers to get their way, and [work] swiftly and decisively to restore certainty and reinforce confidence in the programs that protect secure, efficient travel for the American public.”

TSA officers continue to work without pay amid the partial government shutdown, which only affects DHS. TSA PreCheck surpassed 20 million active members in 2024, according to the TSA.