The previous 48 hours have been a whirlwind of conflicting bulletins, last-minute reversals and real confusion for thousands and thousands of American vacationers. Here is the clearest and most modern overview of precisely how issues stand as of February 23, 2026.
What truly occurred – the complete timeline
On Saturday night, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem introduced that each TSA PreCheck and World Entry could be suspended efficient 6 a.m. Sunday, citing the continuing partial authorities shutdown — now in its ninth day — that left the Division of Homeland Safety beneath a funding shortfall after Congress failed to achieve a finances deal.
The announcement prompted instant alarm. Inside hours, airports together with Los Angeles Worldwide and St. Louis Lambert Worldwide started closing their TSA PreCheck lanes. Vacationers wakened Sunday morning to search out quick observe safety strains closed and no clear directions from airways or airport employees.
Then DHS modified course – however solely partially.
The reversal got here after discussions with the White Home and TSA. DHS will proceed to droop the World Entry program because the partial shutdown continues. The excellence between the 2 applications is essential and poorly defined in a lot of the reporting revealed since Sunday.
TSA PreCheck: Operational – with a catch
TSA PreCheck is at the moment open and practical at airports throughout the nation. When you have a PreCheck membership, you should utilize it in the intervening time.
Nevertheless, the scenario has a significant asterisk. Two DHS officers instructed CBS Information early Monday that TSA PreCheck ought to stay open following the choice’s rescission, however famous that “that is being dealt with on an airport-by-airport foundation.” In observe, which means that your PreCheck runway could also be open at JFK, however closed at a smaller regional airport – and the standing might change all through the day primarily based on staffing ranges.
A TSA spokesperson instantly clarified the company’s official place: “Presently, TSA PreCheck stays operational with no modifications for the touring public. If staffing limitations come up, TSA will consider on a case-by-case foundation and alter operations accordingly,” the spokesperson stated in a statement to ABC information.
The explanation staffing ranges are so susceptible proper now could be important. An estimated 63,000 TSA brokers have continued to work with out pay because the partial shutdown took impact on February 14. If officers name in sick or just cease exhibiting up — one thing that occurred through the 2018-2019 shutdown — the PreCheck lanes could be the primary to shut as sources are consolidated into normal safety strains.
World entry: Suspended – and will not return till the shutdown ends
When you depend on World Entry to clear customs rapidly if you return to the US from overseas, that program is at the moment suspended and there’s no timeline for its reinstatement.
Whereas TSA PreCheck stays operational, DHS confirmed that Customs and Border Safety will droop all World Entry arrival processing companies. The suspension has been confirmed at a number of U.S. airports and worldwide pre-clearance areas, together with Boston Logan Worldwide Airport, Austin-Bergstrom Worldwide Airport and Vancouver Worldwide Airport in Canada – an important element for vacationers flying residence by way of Canadian pre-clearance amenities.
World Entry was anticipated to stay closed nationwide on Monday, a day after the Trump administration determined to abruptly droop this system. The factors man confirmed that Cellular Passport Management stays a viable backup choice for vacationers arriving internationally – though it doesn’t provide the identical degree of velocity as World Entry at busy airports.
The political background
The closure comes amid a Democratic blockade over DHS funding, sparked by the deadly capturing of two U.S. residents by federal officers in Minneapolis earlier this yr. Democrats on the Home Homeland Safety Committee condemned the preliminary transfer to droop these applications, accusing DHS management of “punishing vacationers” and “deliberately ruining your journey.”
Secretary Noem defended the selections instantly: “Shutdowns have real-world penalties not just for the women and men of DHS and their households who’re left with out pay, but in addition endanger our nationwide safety.” she stated in a press release revealed by The Hill.
The aviation sector additionally weighed in. Airways for America and the US Journey Affiliation each urged DHS to maintain the Trusted Traveler applications operating, with a spokesperson stating that these applications “strengthen aviation safety and enhance screening effectivity” and are funded solely by person charges – and never taxpayer cash – which makes the suspension resolution all of the extra controversial.
What this implies for spring break vacationers
The shutdown exhibits no indicators of endingand spring break – one of many busiest instances of the yr for US airports – is now solely three to 4 weeks away. An estimated six million vacationers will move by way of main airports through the peak spring break weeks in mid-March.
For vacationers returning internationally throughout that interval, the lack of World Entry will translate into considerably longer customs strains at main airports, together with Miami Worldwide, JFK, LAX and Dallas-Fort Value. Vacationers who’ve paid annual charges or one-time enrollment charges for World Entry ought to be aware that membership charges are non-refundable; PreCheck and World Entry are funded by person charges, not tax {dollars}.
What to do now
Earlier than your subsequent flight, test the TSA’s official standing web page at tsa.gov and your particular departure airport’s web site for essentially the most up-to-date PreCheck lane availability. In case you are touring internationally, plan for considerably longer customs clearance and permit a minimum of 60 to 90 further minutes upon arrival at U.S. ports of entry. Cellular Passport Management, accessible as a free app, is at the moment one of the best accessible various to World Entry for eligible vacationers.
The scenario stays fluid. PreCheck’s survival relies upon solely on whether or not unpaid TSA brokers proceed to report back to work — and on whether or not Congress reaches a funding deal earlier than spring break begins.
Sources: CBS Information · ABC Information · NBC Information · The Factors Man