The TSA PreCheck government shutdown situation has evolved dramatically since DHS first suspended the program back in February 2026. If you’re flying anytime soon, here’s everything you need to know about what’s open, what’s not, and how to navigate the chaos.
The partial government shutdown that started in mid-February is still going. DHS funding hasn’t been restored and there’s no deal in sight. About 61,000 TSA employees are working without pay, and many of them earn an average salary of around $35,000 a year. Screeners received only a partial paycheck on February 28 and missed their first full paycheck on March 14. An increasing number of officers are calling in sick, picking up second jobs, or quitting entirely.
The result is exactly what you’d expect. Houston Hobby saw security lines stretch past three hours over the past weekend, with the airport advising passengers to arrive four to five hours early. New Orleans reported waits of up to two hours and recommended arriving at least three hours before your flight. Atlanta, Charlotte, and Houston Bush Intercontinental have all been hit hard too. Spring break travel is compounding the problem.
Is TSA PreCheck Open During the Government Shutdown?
Yes. PreCheck lanes are operating at most airports right now. DHS initially suspended the program on February 22 but reversed course the same day after sharp backlash from the airline industry and travelers. Airlines for America criticized the “extremely short notice,” and the U.S. Travel Association called the move “extremely disappointing.”
That said, TSA has noted that PreCheck availability may shift on a case-by-case basis depending on staffing levels at individual airports. If you have PreCheck, plan to use it, but don’t assume it’s guaranteed at every checkpoint at every hour. Confirm that your terminal’s PreCheck lane is open before you get in line.
Your membership, your Known Traveler Number, and your enrollment status are all still intact. Nothing has been canceled.
What About Global Entry?
Global Entry had a rougher ride. Unlike PreCheck, it stayed closed for 17 days after the initial suspension as CBP reassigned officers from Global Entry processing to general customs duties. DHS reopened the program on March 11, so international travelers can use Global Entry kiosks again at participating airports. That said, if you have a Global Entry interview scheduled, it’s worth checking the Trusted Traveler Programs portal for the latest on whether enrollment centers are fully operational. Processing delays are likely.
How To Check TSA Wait Times During the Government Shutdown
Here’s the frustrating part. The MyTSA app and TSA’s online wait time tracker are not being actively managed during the shutdown. The app’s dashboard shows a notice about the lapse in federal funding, and the data may not be reliable. The single best free tool for checking TSA wait times is essentially offline right now.
So what do you do instead?
Your airport’s own website is the best source right now. Most major airports maintain their own checkpoint wait time trackers. Phoenix Sky Harbor posts wait times right on its homepage. DFW does the same. Google your departure airport’s name plus “wait times” or “security checkpoint” and you’ll usually find a live tracker or at least a recommendation for how early to arrive.
Airport social media accounts are another solid option. Many airports have been posting real-time updates on X during the shutdown, including checkpoint status and arrival recommendations. New Orleans, Houston Hobby, and others have been particularly active.
Google Flights and Google Maps sometimes display estimated security wait times at popular airports. Not always accurate, but useful as a general gauge before you leave the house.
Your airline’s app may also surface delay or security information for your departure airport. It’s worth checking alongside the other tools.
How Long Will the TSA PreCheck Government Shutdown Situation Last?
Nobody knows. Congress would need to pass legislation to fund DHS and there doesn’t appear to be a deal in sight. Negotiators finally met in person on March 20 for the first time since the shutdown began, but both sides remain far apart. The sticking point is immigration reform. DHS covers more than 20 agencies including TSA, FEMA, CBP, ICE, the Coast Guard, and the Secret Service, and the political fight over immigration enforcement policy has kept funding frozen.
For context, the previous DHS shutdown last fall lasted 43 days, the longest in U.S. history, though PreCheck continued operating throughout that one. This time around, workers who stuck it out through the last shutdown received a $10,000 bonus from DHS, but there’s no indication that would happen again.
TSA workers are guaranteed back pay once the shutdown ends under a 2019 law, but that doesn’t help them cover rent and groceries right now. The union representing TSA employees has described the situation as “a catastrophe for the workforce.”
What You Should Do Right Now
If you’re flying during the TSA PreCheck government shutdown, here’s the playbook.
Build in extra time. Seriously. If your airport has reported long wait times, follow their guidance even if it sounds extreme. Arriving four hours early feels ridiculous until you’re watching your flight take off from the security line.
Check your airport’s website or social media the morning of your flight. Wait times are fluctuating wildly right now and conditions can change by the hour.
Use PreCheck if you have it. The lanes are open at most airports and they’re moving significantly faster than standard screening. Confirm your terminal and checkpoint have an active PreCheck lane before you head to the airport.
Consider multiple checkpoints. Many larger airports have more than one security checkpoint, and one might be dramatically faster than another. Your airport’s website can help you compare.
We’ll keep this post updated as the situation develops.
Leave a Reply to Will WeiderCancel reply