Latest Update as of Tuesday, Feb. 24, 10 a.m. EST
Following the Department of Homeland Security’s suspension of Global Entry, Geoff Freeman, President & CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, issued a statement today condemning the decision: “Global Entry is far more than a convenience; it is on the front line of national security. Its more than 13 million members undergo rigorous background checks, interviews and vetting. Suspending it doesn’t just slow lines. It increases costs and strips away a layer of security infrastructure that took years to build.”
The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) issued an official statement yesterday regarding TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. Although Global Entry remains suspended, TSA PreCheck is currently operational at U.S. airports despite a brief announcement that it would be suspended amid the partial federal government shutdown.
ASTA Statement:
The uncertainty created by the announcements, misinformation around and reversals of the suspension of TSA PreCheck and Global Entry is deeply concerning for travel agency professionals and their clients who rely on a stable and dependable travel system.
ASTA calls on our nation’s leaders to immediately stop leveraging travel and travelers to get their way, and swiftly and decisively to restore certainty and reinforce confidence in the programs that protect secure, efficient travel for the American public.
After the weekend announcement to suspend both services, there was swift backlash from airline executives, travel industry groups and lawmakers. While PreCheck lanes will continue for now, Global Entry remains suspended, forcing U.S. travelers to use standard customs lines during the funding lapse.
More Industry Reaction
The U.S. Travel Association welcomed the clarification but warned the broader funding crisis remains unresolved.
“We are glad that DHS has decided to keep PreCheck operational and avoid a crisis of its own making,” said Freeman, in a press statement. “We are urging the same for Global Entry. These Trusted Traveler Programs strengthen aviation security and improve screening efficiency. They are funded by user fees, and there is no reason at this time for them to be suspended.”
Freeman emphasized that keeping PreCheck open is critical during a peak travel period but said the situation underscores growing strain on both travelers and frontline TSA officers working without pay.
Airlines for America (A4A) also voiced concern over the initial announcement.
“A4A is deeply concerned that TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs are being suspended and that the traveling public will be, once again, used as a political football amid another government shutdown,” said A4A President and CEO Chris Sununu, in a media statement. “The announcement was issued with extremely short notice to travelers, giving them little time to plan accordingly, which is especially troubling at this time of record air travel.”
Sununu pointed to the last prolonged shutdown as a warning sign. During the 43-day federal shutdown, more than 9,000 flights were delayed or canceled, affecting six million travelers and contributing to an estimated $6.1 billion in losses across the travel sector.
“It’s past time for Congress to get to the table and get a deal done that ensures TSA can fully operate and their frontline employees can be paid for the important work they do to keep our skies secure,” he said.
Timeline of the Reversal
- Saturday evening (Feb. 21): DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced that TSA PreCheck and Global Entry would be suspended beginning Sunday at 6 a.m. ET, citing the need to refocus unpaid personnel on standard screening lanes.
- Sunday morning (Feb. 22): Following industry and congressional pushback, DHS reversed course on TSA PreCheck.
- Current status (Feb. 23): TSA PreCheck lanes remain operational; Global Entry remains paused.
Spring Break Concerns
The industry is particularly focused on timing. Spring Break (March 1–April 15) is less than 10 days away. If the shutdown continues and TSA staffing levels deteriorate, wait times at major hubs, including Atlanta (ATL), New York (JFK) and Los Angeles (LAX) could stretch to three to four hours, according to industry projections.
