Chaos is brewing at U.S. airports as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) suspended its PreCheck and Global Entry programs this week due to a partial government shutdown. Airlines for America, representing major carriers, slammed the "extremely short notice" given to travelers, calling it a political game that risks repeating 2025's $6.1B travel industry losses 💸.
🔴 What's happening? As of February 22, 2026, over 40 million enrolled travelers face longer security lines after DHS paused expedited screening programs to redirect staff during funding disputes. The shutdown began last week when Congress failed to agree on immigration reforms.
✈️ Traveler impact: "This isn't just inconvenience – it's economic sabotage," said Airlines for America CEO Chris Sununu. PreCheck members (20M+) and Global Entry users must now navigate standard TSA lanes and immigration queues 🧳.
🛂 DHS defends move: Secretary Kristi Noem stated the agency is prioritizing "general travelers" over "special privileges," while FEMA also halted disaster aid deployments. Critics argue the shutdown disproportionately affects frequent fliers and international visitors 🌎.
📅 What's next? With no deal in sight, travelers are advised to arrive at least 3 hours early for international flights. Political analysts suggest the standoff could last weeks as midterm election pressures mount 🗳️.
