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TSA PreCheck and Global Entry Are a Mess Right Now—Here’s What’s Going on and What You Should Do Before Your Next Flight

I was in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, when the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) first announced the suspension of TSA PreCheck and Global Entry in February. The news was stressful, to say the least. I was already bracing for potential chaos at the Cabo airport after violence shook Mexico in the wake of the killing of a major cartel boss, so the thought of landing in Los Angeles later that day—without Global Entry and facing long customs lines—only heightened my anxiety.

Thankfully, I sailed through LAX without issue, but others weren’t so lucky, and confusion surrounding TSA PreCheck and Global Entry continues. You may have heard that within hours of the initial announcement, one of the programs was reinstated after public outcry. Another is still in limbo. Travelers are caught in a daily guessing game, which is definitely not reassuring when you’re getting ready to board a plane during the busy spring break season.

Whether you’re enrolled in TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, considering signing up for one or both of the programs or simply want to prepare for your next trip, you’ll definitely want to keep reading. Reader’s Digest dug into the current state of airport affairs so you know what to expect and how to move through security or customs as smoothly as possible.

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What’s going on with TSA PreCheck and Global Entry?

Here’s where the situation stands as of early March:

  • TSA PreCheck is operational. There are currently no changes to the program, though staffing issues may affect some airports. If problems arise, DHS officials say services at some locations may be suspended.
  • Global Entry is paused nationwide. U.S. citizens and permanent residents arriving from international trips cannot use the program’s kiosks for expedited immigration processing and must instead go through standard Customs and Border Protection (CBP) lines. This could mean substantially longer wait times, particularly during peak travel periods.

Why was PreCheck temporarily suspended, and why is Global Entry still paused?

It depends on whom you ask. But first, some background: On Feb. 14, Congress failed to reach an agreement on funding DHS due to an impasse over new immigration enforcement restrictions. As a result, DHS ran out of money, triggering a partial government shutdown that remains unresolved.

On Feb. 22, former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced that both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry would be suspended “to preserve limited funds.” Industry groups and others immediately balked. “These Trusted Traveler Programs strengthen aviation security and improve screening efficiency,” Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, said in a press release. “They are primarily funded by user fees, and there is no reason at this time for them to be suspended.”

DHS has linked the disruptions to another issue that the agency says the partial government shutdown has caused: staffing constraints. Notably, during the government shutdown last fall—the longest in U.S. history—both programs remained operational. Before her firing on March 5, Noem said the federal agency had to make “tough but necessary decisions” and is “prioritizing the general traveling population at our airports and ports of entry.”

Critics, such as Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), claimed the department was playing politics. Within hours of the initial DHS announcement, and with little explanation, TSA PreCheck was back, but Global Entry remains shut down to this day.

Is there any sign that things could change?

At this point, it’s unknown. Air and travel industry groups have urged DHS to restore Global Entry, noting that travelers who use the program and TSA PreCheck (reportedly well over 40 million people) pay membership fees ranging from $76 to $120 each to fund the program.

We don’t yet know if the new DHS Secretary, Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), will reinstate the Global Entry program or if a resolution to the shutdown will resolve any current staffing shortages. In the meantime, unfortunately, DHS has not ruled out further changes.

And the longer the partial shutdown drags on, the greater the risk of disruptions. TSA officers, for example, are currently working with drastically reduced or no pay, and that could lead to staff calling in sick, missing shifts or even quitting if the shutdown isn’t resolved.

What should you do if you’re flying soon?

If you have a flight coming up—or are returning from abroad—it’s wise to plan ahead. Here are some strategies to help you move through the airport as efficiently as possible:

  • Stay informed. Before heading to the airport, check the latest news on program operations via the official TSA PreCheck and Global Entry sites.
  • Use Mobile Passport Control (MPC). When I was coming back from Mexico, I downloaded the MPC app on my phone. It’s free for U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, and you don’t need TSA PreCheck or Global Entry to use it. It allows submission of passport and customs declaration digitally at participating airports, and while it’s not as fast as Global Entry, it can save a lot of time. Double-check that it’s operational at your destination before your flight.
  • Arrive at the airport early. Don’t cut it close for a flight. Security lines are unpredictable right now and could become worse without notice if PreCheck is closed because of staffing issues or resuspended. Most airlines recommend arriving two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international departures.
  • Expect some delays when coming into the country. Allow extra processing time if you’re arriving from abroad. Longer-than-usual lines at immigration could affect everything from connecting flights to baggage retrieval, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
  • Consider alternate airports or flights. Flying to and from less-busy airports or at off-peak hours could substantially reduce wait times, especially for international arrivals.

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Why trust us

Reader’s Digest has published hundreds of travel stories that help readers explore the world safely, easily and affordably. We regularly cover topics such as the best places to visit (and the best times to visit them), tips and tricks to zoom through airport security, flight-attendant secrets, hotel-room hacks and more. We’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing, and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.

Sources:

  • U.S. Travel Association: “PreCheck Operational, but Funding Uncertainty Persists”
  • The Washington Post: “DHS Reverses Course on Suspending TSA PreCheck After Outcry”
  • Reuters: “TSA Officers Get Fraction of Pay as Government Shutdown Drags”
  • TSA on X: “At this time, TSA PreCheck remains operational with no change …”
  • The Hill: “Democratic senator presses Noem on suspension of global entry, TSA PreCheck”
  • Federal Register: “TSA PreCheck Application Program Fee”
  • NPR: “TSA says PreCheck still operational after previous announcement of suspension”
  • Yahoo Finance: “TSA PreCheck and Global Entry during the shutdown: What travelers should expect”

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The post TSA PreCheck and Global Entry Are a Mess Right Now—Here’s What’s Going on and What You Should Do Before Your Next Flight appeared first on Reader's Digest.



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