International travelers arriving at major U.S. airports this week are facing a new reality: Global Entry suspended 2026. As the partial government shutdown drags into its second week, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officially halted the popular expedited clearance program, forcing millions of pre-approved low-risk travelers into swelling standard customs lines. While TSA PreCheck remains operational following a swift policy reversal, the suspension of Global Entry has triggered cascading delays at critical hubs like JFK, LAX, and Miami, leaving passengers scrambling just weeks before the peak Spring Break travel season.

Global Entry Halted as Funding Standoff Continues

The suspension, effective as of Sunday, February 22, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing budget impasse. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced the decision as part of "emergency measures" to preserve limited resources, citing the need to prioritize essential border security operations over expedited traveler programs. For the estimated 13 million members of Global Entry, this means the green light at the kiosk has turned red indefinitely.

Travelers landing at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and New York's JFK reported immediate confusion and frustration, with wait times at customs clearing nearly doubling in some terminals. "It's a mess. You pay for a service to avoid exactly this, and then it's gone overnight," said Sarah Jenkins, a business traveler arriving from London on Tuesday. The US government shutdown travel impact is now visible and visceral, transforming efficient arrival halls into bottlenecks.

TSA PreCheck Survives the Chopping Block

In a chaotic 24-hour period, DHS initially announced that TSA PreCheck would also be suspended, sparking outrage from the travel industry and lawmakers. However, officials reversed course early Monday, confirming that TSA PreCheck status today remains operational. The Transportation Security Administration stated that while staffing constraints are real, they will "evaluate on a case-by-case basis" to keep domestic expedited screening lanes open. This reversal provides a glimmer of relief for domestic flyers, even as international arrivals face new hurdles.

The Politics Behind the Paralysis

The current airport customs delays 2026 are the direct result of a legislative deadlock that began on February 14, when Congress failed to pass a funding bill for the DHS. The core dispute centers on demanded reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) practices following the controversial killing of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis last month. Senate Democrats and the administration remain at an impasse, with no immediate resolution in sight.

"The Trump administration is choosing to inflict pain on the public instead of adopting common sense reforms," Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement, calling the move to suspend Global Entry a "bullying tactic." Conversely, DHS officials argue that without appropriated funds, they cannot legally sustain non-essential services, forcing them to redirect unpaid officers to critical security lines.

Survival Guide: Navigating the Shutdown

With CBP staffing shutdown updates indicating that officers are working without pay, morale and efficiency are at risk. Travelers must adapt quickly to avoid missing connections or facing hours-long waits.

  • Use Mobile Passport Control (MPC): With Global Entry offline, the free Mobile Passport Control app is your best alternative. It allows eligible travelers to submit passport and declaration information via their smartphone, often granting access to a dedicated lane that is faster than the general queue.
  • Arrive Earlier: For international departures, the standard advice of three hours is now a minimum. Delays in customs can have a ripple effect on baggage re-check for connecting flights.
  • Check Status Daily: The situation is fluid. Monitor the Department of Homeland Security travel alert pages and airline notifications before heading to the airport.

Spring Break 2026 Travel Forecast

The timing could not be worse. The Spring Break 2026 travel forecast already predicted record-breaking passenger numbers. Industry experts warn that if the shutdown extends into March, the suspension of Global Entry could lead to "terminal gridlock." The U.S. Travel Association has urged an immediate restoration of the program, noting that previous shutdowns cost the travel economy billions.

"If this isn't resolved by next week, we aren't just looking at delays; we're looking at missed flights and a complete disruption of the spring travel window," noted an aviation analyst on Wednesday. For now, travelers should brace for turbulence on the ground, even if the skies are clear.