Government Shuts TSA PreCheck But Leaves Lines Open For Confused Travelers

KEY POINTS

•On Sunday, the Department of Homeland Security suspended TSA PreCheck and Global Entry due to the partial government shutdown.
•Airports like LAX redirected PreCheck travelers to general lines before quietly deleting their announcements, while others like SFO continued normal operations.
•DHS Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized prioritizing general travelers and warned TSA cannot overstretch resources without funding.

On February 23, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security decided to hit pause on TSA PreCheck and Global Entry due to a charming little partial government shutdown. Starting at 6 a.m. ET Sunday, loyal travelers expecting the privilege of keeping shoes on and laptops tucked in were told, 'Maybe, maybe not.' TSA initially promised zero changes, later admitting they’d juggle operations on a 'case-by-case basis' as if airport security were improv theater. At LAX, officials swiftly redirected PreCheck flâneurs to standard queues—then quietly deleted the announcement faster than a bad tweet. Meanwhile, San Francisco boldly proclaimed lanes still operational, adding delightful discord. Amid $76.75 fees for PreCheck passes and $120 for Global Entry, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem promised tough decisions prioritizing 'general travelers,' presumably those who enjoy standing in long lines rather than feeling special. Clear, a private company unaffected by government whims, continues business as usual, highlighting how expediency is apparently a spectator sport during shutdowns.

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Mockingbird News

@MockingbirdNews · now

TSA PreCheck suspended but lanes stay open—because why choose clear rules over confusing democracy? Nothing like paying $76 for mystery security theater.

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