TSA Pre-check and Global Entry

I had no intention of posting twice today, but as I read the news this morning (after my first post) I felt that I needed to address possible upcoming issues at airports. Anyone who knows me knows that I do not get political. Even with this post, I will not share my political beliefs. This post will be factual (as of posting) and give you tips to help make travel easier during this time. As of 2/22/26 the US government is shutting down TSA Pre-check and Global Entry. This are services that you pay extra to take advantage of and help you get through airport security quickly. We have both due to a reimbursement from our credit card (more on that later). This is happening just as spring break traffic is getting ready to gear up. This will likely (read definitely) cause problems at airports. Tip: If you normally arrive 2 hours early for domestic and 3 hours for international, I strongly suggest that you plan to arrive earlier. While this does not seem like a big deal, everyone is now going to be in the same lines for security. They have already taken a hit to their budget and likely will be operating with a reduced staff. This will increase lines and time it takes to get through security.

If you are like me and missing your flight to get home is NOT an option, CLEAR might be (especially if you are traveling out of the country). CLEAR is a private, fee based service so it should still be available. The downside is that cost as it is VERY expensive for non-business related travelers. My current plan (if this shutdown continues into Spring Break) is to apply at the airport for a free trial. I will continue to keep you updated on TSA pre-check, global entry and CLEAR as we get closer to spring break. I also plan to take advantage of TSA Touchless ID and Mobile Passport Control. Luckily everyone in our family has TSA pre-check so I plan to have everyone enrolled in the Touchless ID to help.

We will also all be using Mobile Passport Control. This is an app that you can download to your phone. You do not need it if you have Global Entry, but as that is currently suspended, this is a good alternative. This is a service that is usually a good alternative to Global Entry's cost and time it takes for approval and card to be sent to you. You download the app before you leave and then once you land you open the app and answer the questions. It also asks you to scan your document and then snap a selfie. We have Global Entry because we have experienced issues with this app in the past (and let's face it, when Global Entry is reimbursed through your credit card, get it!), but this may help us this time.

Update: After about 4 hours, it was announced that pre-check would remain open. The caution is that it will be open as long as there is staffing. So for now, be prepared if you are heading to the airport. At this time Global Entry remains closed.

Update: March 11, 2026 Global Entry has been re-opened beginning this morning. This should be good news for people traveling for spring break!