The Department of Homeland Security has signaled a significant shift in airport operations as the federal government prepares for a prolonged funding lapse. According to internal documents and official statements, the agency plans to suspend the processing of new applications for both TSA PreCheck and Global Entry if a budget agreement is not reached. This move threatens to create a massive backlog in the nation’s most popular travel facilitation programs, affecting millions of frequent fliers who rely on these services for expedited security screening.
While existing members of TSA PreCheck and Global Entry will still be able to use their privileges at participating airports, the administrative infrastructure behind these programs will effectively go dark. This means that any traveler currently in the middle of the application process or those awaiting an interview at an enrollment center will face indefinite delays. Enrollment centers, many of which are located within international airports or federal buildings, are slated for closure as the personnel who staff them are deemed non-essential under standard shutdown protocols.
Industry analysts warn that the timing could not be worse for the travel sector. Following a period of record-breaking passenger volumes, the sudden cessation of background checks and application processing could lead to a bottleneck that lasts for months after the government eventually reopens. The Customs and Border Protection agency, which oversees Global Entry, has already struggled with interview availability over the last year. A total suspension would reset much of the progress made in reducing those wait times.
For the average traveler, the most immediate impact will be felt by those whose memberships are nearing expiration. While some federal agencies have previously offered grace periods during past shutdowns, the current guidance suggests that renewals may not be processed until funding is restored. This leaves travelers in a precarious position where their trusted status could lapse through no fault of their own, forcing them back into standard security lanes that are expected to be significantly longer due to reduced staffing levels among the broader TSA workforce.
Operational challenges extend beyond the administrative side of the programs. During a shutdown, Transportation Security Officers and Border Patrol agents are required to work without immediate pay. Historically, this has led to increased rates of unscheduled absences as employees face financial hardship, further straining the efficiency of airport checkpoints. When combined with the suspension of new PreCheck enrollments, the overall passenger experience is likely to deteriorate rapidly across major domestic hubs.
Travel advocacy groups are already calling on Congress to provide carve-outs for these programs, noting that they are largely funded by user fees rather than direct taxpayer appropriations. However, because the authority to spend those fees is often tied to annual budget legislation, the programs remain vulnerable to the broader political stalemate. Without a targeted legislative fix, the systems designed to make American travel more efficient will remain at a standstill.
As the deadline approaches, travelers who have interviews scheduled in the coming days are being advised to check their status frequently. If the shutdown proceeds, those appointments will be canceled automatically. The Department of Homeland Security has not yet provided a specific timeline for how long it would take to resume normal operations once a budget is passed, but previous experience suggests that the administrative ripple effects will be felt well into the next travel season.
