TSA PreCheck Shutdown: What to Expect as Fast-Track Lines Vanish Nationwide

Imagine arriving at the airport only to find the familiar, breezy security lanes have been cordoned off. For millions of travellers, the sudden TSA PreCheck shutdown threatens to turn a quick transit into a marathon of queues and delays. Understanding the shift in airport operations is now essential for anyone hoping to make their flight on time.

Officials at Homeland Security have suddenly stepped back from their plan to pause TSA PreCheck and Global Entry services after initially blaming a lack of cash for the move.

Security Lanes Sticking to Normal Routines

Not even 24 hours after DHS Secretary Kristi Noem shared the pause notice, the TSA confirmed that fast-track lanes at domestic terminals remain active. 'At this time, 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,' a TSA representative told ABC in a press release.

The TSA further noted that courtesy escorts for members of Congress are now on hold, allowing those assets to be 'directed towards keeping the flying public safe.' On Sunday morning, a handful of hubs—including Los Angeles International and St. Louis Lambert International—experienced TSA PreCheck closures for several hours.

Insiders informed ABC News that the TSA is now telling airports they may continue to run PreCheck lanes, provided they have sufficient personnel on hand. As Sunday evening approached, Global Entry was put on hold at various sites across the nation and in Canada, including Boston Logan, Austin-Bergstrom, and Vancouver International Airport.

Initial Plans for a Temporary Pause

On Sunday, Noem issued a briefing stating that the TSA PreCheck service would be put on a short-term hold. 'TSA and CBP are prioritizing the general traveling population at our airports and ports of entry and suspending courtesy and special privilege escorts,' Noem mentioned in a press release.

These two programs, which offer faster clearance for pre-vetted domestic and international travellers, were set to be paused at 6:00am ET on Sunday, according to a DHS official.

Under the first proposal, DHS personnel, who were usually tasked with these services, were to be moved to help the general public, as passengers faced much longer queues at security. This move to halt the programs coincided with a predicted winter storm that had already caused over 7,000 flight cancellations nationwide. Both the initial ruling and its rapid reversal occurred only a few weeks before the busy spring break travel period.

Furthermore, Noem stated that the Federal Emergency Management Agency will stop 'all non-disaster related response to prioritize disasters,' highlighting the serious nature of the approaching winter storm. Just before the reversal on TSA PreCheck, Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson, a leading member of the House Homeland Security Committee, quickly condemned the initial plan.

Heated Political Backlash Over Security Changes

'This is Trump and Kristi Noem purposely punishing the American people and using them as pawns for their sadistic political games,' Thompson noted in a statement.

'TSA PreCheck and Global Entry REDUCE airport lines and ease the burden on DHS staff who are working without pay because of Trump's abuse of the Department and killing of American citizens,' he said.

'Trump and Kristi are making your lives harder — and your travel less safe — all on purpose because they know you don't trust them. They pulled these games with FEMA disaster response last week, now this madness. They would rather force Americans to miss their travel waiting in long lines at the airport than stop Trump's secret police from shooting our neighbors.'

US Travel, a non-profit group representing the country's travel sector, voiced its 'disappointment' and hit out at the decision in a post on X, stating, 'Travelers should be prioritised, not leveraged. Travel is the gateway to the American economy and Americans should not have their mobility, security or travel experience diminished because elected leaders fail to resolve their differences.'