Passengers traveling through O’Hare International Airport’s Terminal One faced a significant change on Sunday, as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) suspended TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs. This decision, prompted by a partial government shutdown, came amid forecasts of a major winter storm poised to disrupt airline operations across the Northeast.
The suspension, effective at 6 a.m. ET Sunday, aims to prioritize regular travelers at airports and ports of entry. “TSA and CBP are prioritizing the general traveling population at our airports and ports of entry and suspending courtesy and special privilege escorts,” stated DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. The timing of the announcement is particularly troubling for travelers, given that TSA PreCheck has over 20 million active members, with these members accounting for 34 percent of passengers screened at airport checkpoints.
The pause in these expedited security programs is directly linked to the government shutdown that commenced on February 14, stemming from Congress’s failure to reach a funding agreement for DHS. As a result, airlines have already canceled over 6,000 flights, issuing waivers for cancellation and change fees from Virginia to Maine in anticipation of the impending blizzard.
Industry leaders have expressed strong discontent with the DHS decision. Airlines for America (A4A), which represents major carriers including American Airlines, Delta, and United, voiced concerns that travelers are again being caught in a political struggle. A4A CEO Chris Sununu criticized the move as politically motivated, emphasizing that the last-minute announcement left little time for travelers to adjust their plans during a peak travel period. The previous government shutdown last fall wreaked havoc on the travel industry, leading to $6.1 billion in losses and affecting approximately 6 million travelers.
The U.S. Travel Association, which advocates for various travel-related businesses, echoed these sentiments, labeling the DHS actions as “extremely disappointing.” They condemned the actions taken by both political parties over the past few months, suggesting that air traffic controllers, TSA, and CBP have been used as pawns in a larger political game.
As the storm looms, travelers are urged to stay informed and aware of flight statuses. The ongoing situation highlights not just the logistical challenges facing travelers but also the broader impact of political decisions on everyday lives. With more record travel anticipated, the need for reliable security programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry remains critical.
In light of these developments, travelers should anticipate potential delays and review their travel plans thoroughly. While the future of expedited security remains uncertain during this shutdown, staying updated through official announcements will be crucial for navigating the busy and unpredictable air travel landscape ahead.
Original Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/22/tsa-airlines-weather-shutdown-blizzard-dhs.html
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Publish Date: 2026-02-22 20:09:00
