The TSA PreCheck government shutdown situation has taken several major turns this week. On Thursday evening, President Trump announced he would sign an executive order directing DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin to “immediately pay” TSA agents, citing emergency powers. Hours later, the Senate passed a bill by voice vote after 2 a.m. Friday morning to fund most of DHS — but pointedly excluded Immigration and Customs Enforcement and parts of Customs and Border Protection. And then House Republicans rejected the Senate bill almost immediately, with Speaker Mike Johnson calling it unacceptable and announcing the House would instead vote on its own 60-day stopgap to fund all of DHS. Senate Democrats have already called that plan “dead on arrival.”
So where does that leave travelers? DHS says TSA employees should start seeing paychecks as early as Monday, March 31. The administration is pulling from a $165 billion DHS infusion that was originally earmarked for immigration enforcement, and legal experts have already raised questions about whether the president can redirect those funds without congressional authority. But for now, the machinery is in motion.
Meanwhile, the shutdown is now on day 42 and the numbers keep getting worse. TSA callout rates have exceeded 11% nationally, with some airports hitting over 40%. More than 510 TSA officers have quit since the shutdown began. Workers missed their second full paycheck today, Friday, March 27, and TSA’s acting administrator testified before Congress this week that officers are facing eviction notices and even donating plasma to make ends meet.
The ICE deployment to airports that started Monday is still in effect, though ICE agents are handling logistical roles like monitoring exits rather than screening passengers. Trump also floated sending National Guard members to airports on Wednesday, though no formal order has been issued on that front.
The bottom line for travelers right now: the situation is still fluid, airport lines are still long, and there’s no clean resolution in sight. Here’s everything you need to know.
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.
Which Credit Cards Come With TSA PreCheck?
If all this chaos has you thinking about finally signing up for PreCheck (or renewing), the good news is you probably don’t have to pay for it out of pocket. A handful of premium travel credit cards will reimburse the application fee as a statement credit when you charge it to the card. You can learn more about my favorite cards with TSA PreCheck and Global Entry here.
Here are some of the best options.
The American Express Platinum Card covers up to $85 for TSA PreCheck every 4.5 years or $120 for Global Entry every 4 years. Authorized users get their own credit too, which is huge for families.
The Business Platinum Card from American Express has the exact same credit structure as the personal Platinum. Great for stacking an extra trusted traveler credit for employees or family members.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve reimburses up to $120 every four years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business mirrors the personal version with the same $120 credit every four years.
The United Explorer Card also covers up to $120 every four years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS, and comes with a $0 intro annual fee for the first year.
Learn more about my favorite cards with TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credits here.
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?
This shutdown is now on day 42 and counting, making it just one day short of the previous DHS shutdown last fall that lasted 43 days — the longest in U.S. history. PreCheck continued operating throughout that one, and workers who stuck it out received a $10,000 bonus from DHS, though there’s no indication that would happen again this time.
The path to ending this shutdown is messy. The Senate passed a bill early Friday morning to fund most of DHS except for ICE and parts of CBP, but House Republicans rejected it within hours. Speaker Johnson announced the House would instead vote on a 60-day stopgap to fund all of DHS, but the Senate has already left for a two-week recess and Democratic leadership called the House plan “dead on arrival.” Republicans plan to restore ICE funding through a separate budget reconciliation bill, which only requires a simple majority.
Trump’s executive order to pay TSA agents using funds from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act could take some immediate pressure off. DHS says paychecks could arrive as early as Monday. But whether that funding mechanism survives legal scrutiny is an open question, and it doesn’t address the broader shutdown affecting the Coast Guard, FEMA, and other DHS components.
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.
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