The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the suspension of expedited TSA PreCheck and Global Entry lanes at US airports from 6 am ET on Sunday, citing a lack of funding due to the partial government shutdown. However, social media reports and observations indicate these lanes continued to operate at several major hubs past the official deadline.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem stated the agency was forced to make "tough but necessary workforce and resource decisions" to avoid overstretching staff and weakening security. The department confirmed that passengers with active memberships in the programs could still travel but would be directed through standard security and immigration lines.
Lanes Remain Open Despite Official Order
Contrary to the DHS directive, posts on social media showed TSA PreCheck lanes were still operational at airports including Minneapolis–Saint Paul International, Washington Dulles International, and Orlando International after the 6 am cutoff. The privately run CLEAR expedited checkpoint service also appeared to be functioning normally.
The continued operation of these lanes creates confusion for travellers and contradicts the official stance from DHS headquarters. The department has not yet commented on the discrepancy between its national order and the situation on the ground at individual airports.
Impact on Travel and Essential Workers
The closure of these expedited lanes was expected to significantly increase wait times at security checkpoints and passport control. Both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are widely used by frequent flyers and business travellers to speed up their airport experience.
TSA officers and customs agents are classified as essential employees and are required to work without pay during the partial shutdown, a situation that also occurred during the 43-day full government shutdown in October. The DHS stated the suspended lanes would reopen once the agency secures congressional funding.
Broader Travel Disruption Context
The uncertainty around airport security operations coincides with a major winter storm expected to ground planes across the Northeastern United States through Tuesday. Airlines including JetBlue and Delta have preemptively cancelled some flights in the region and issued travel waivers for affected passengers.
The partial government shutdown has created a layered crisis for air travel, combining workforce pressures on unpaid essential staff, potential security lane reductions, and severe weather disruptions.