DHS suspends TSA PreCheck and Global Entry lanes at US airports during government shutdown

"The Department of Homeland Security said on Saturday night that it was shutting down expedited airport security and immigration lanes for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry at US airports, effective Sunday morning at 6 am ET, due to a partial government shutdown that left the department without funding. Social media posts, however, show that some PreCheck lanes were still operating at airports such as Minneapolis, Washington, DC, and Orlando after the 6 am cutoff."

"DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said the agency is "making tough but necessary workforce and resource decisions" and prioritizing the "general traveling population" at airports. "Without appropriations, TSA simply cannot afford to risk overstretching our staff and weakening our security posture," she added. The lanes will reopen once the agency secures funding, DHS said. DHS did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider."

"DHS said passengers with active memberships will still be able to fly, but will be funneled into standard security or immigration lines. The closures are expected to significantly increase wait times. CLEAR, a separate, privately run expedited checkpoint, appears to still be operating. TSA PreCheck allows approved travelers to keep shoes and jackets on and leave laptops and liquids in bags, while Global Entry provides expedited passport control when returning to the US from abroad."

The Department of Homeland Security temporarily shut down TSA PreCheck and Global Entry lanes at 6 am ET due to a partial government shutdown that left the department without funding. Some PreCheck lanes at airports such as Minneapolis, Washington, DC, and Orlando reportedly remained operational after the cutoff. Passengers with active memberships can still fly but will be routed into standard security and immigration lines, which is expected to increase wait times. CLEAR, a private expedited service, appears to be operating. TSA and customs agents are working without pay as essential employees. DHS said lanes will reopen once funding is secured.

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