Breaking News (February 25, 2026) — A perfect storm is brewing for the U.S. travel industry as a record-breaking Spring Break 2026 travel forecast collides with a crippling partial government shutdown. While Airlines for America (A4A) projects an unprecedented 171 million passengers will take to the skies between March and April, the surge is being met with closed Global Entry lanes and unpaid TSA agents, threatening to turn airport terminals into gridlocked holding zones.

Record Travel Meets Government Gridlock

According to the latest data released yesterday by industry trade group Airlines for America, U.S. carriers are bracing for their busiest spring season in history. The Spring Break 2026 travel forecast anticipates a 4% increase in passenger volume compared to last year, with an average of 2.8 million travelers passing through checkpoints every day. Airlines have added approximately 2 percent more seats to accommodate the rush, but infrastructure on the ground is buckling under the political standoff in Washington.

"U.S. airlines are ready for the travel rush this spring, but we have grave concerns that millions of travelers are once again being used as a political football," said Chris Sununu, President and CEO of Airlines for America, in a press statement Tuesday. The tension is palpable as the partial government shutdown, which began on February 14, drags into its second week with no resolution in sight.

Global Entry Suspended: What You Need to Know

The most immediate blow to international travelers came this week when the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) abruptly suspended the Global Entry program. As of today, Global Entry suspended 2026 operations mean that even pre-vetted, low-risk travelers must wait in standard Customs and Border Protection (CBP) lines, which are already swelling due to staffing shortages.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem defended the decision as a necessary measure to "preserve limited funds" during the funding lapse. While the DHS initially threatened to close TSA PreCheck lanes as well, they reversed course on Monday following massive industry backlash. For now, PreCheck remains operational, though travelers are warned that this could change if staffing levels drop further.

The TSA Pay Crisis

Behind the scenes, the situation is dire for the workforce securing the skies. Roughly 95% of TSA employees—about 61,000 agents—are deemed "essential" and are currently TSA working without pay 2026. With their first missed paycheck looming this Friday, union leaders warn that financial stress could lead to a spike in call-outs, a pattern seen in previous shutdowns.

"Shutdowns have serious real-world consequences," Secretary Noem stated, acknowledging the burden on staff. However, with the government shutdown airport delays already manifesting, the strain on unpaid officers handling record crowds is a ticking time bomb for airport efficiency.

Impact on Flights and Delays

Travelers are already feeling the pinch. Compounding the administrative chaos, a major winter storm battered the East Coast earlier this week, causing thousands of US flight cancellations today and yesterday as airlines struggle to reset their networks. Airports like JFK and Boston Logan are still recovering from Monday's near-total shutdown, and the backlog is spilling over into the rest of the national airspace.

Travel industry experts advise that even domestic flyers should arrive at least three hours early. For those returning from abroad, the loss of Global Entry could mean wait times of 2-3 hours at major hubs like Dallas-Fort Worth and Miami. "There is no need and no data that supports the decision to suspend the Global Entry program," Sununu argued, urging the administration to reverse the suspension immediately.

Survival Guide for Spring Break 2026

Despite the chaos, millions are pressing ahead with their plans, driven by spring break flight deals 2026 that were snapped up months ago. If you are traveling in the coming weeks, consider these essential tips:

  • Download Mobile Passport Control (MPC): With Global Entry down, the free MPC app is your best alternative for expedited entry into the U.S.
  • Monitor TSA PreCheck Status: While currently open, lanes could close sporadically. Check the TSA app before heading to the airport.
  • Pack Patience and Snacks: With concessions potentially understaffed and long lines expected, self-sufficiency is key.
  • Check Flight Status Constantly: Rolling delays are expected as air traffic controllers also work without pay.

As the standoff in Congress continues, the travel industry holds its breath. The coming weekend marks the start of the peak travel window, and without a funding deal, the collision of 171 million passengers with a paralyzed support system could make this one of the most difficult travel seasons on record.