Airlines Concerned Over DHS Shutdown Halting Travel Programs

U.S. airlines are expressing significant concern over the abrupt suspension of the PreCheck and Global Entry travel programs due to a partial government shutdown. This sudden decision poses a risk of disruption for travelers who rely on these expedited services.

The suspension, announced by the Department of Homeland Security, will take effect at 6 a.m. ET, shortly after the government shutdown commenced last week. This halt resulted from the inability of bipartisan lawmakers to reach an agreement on immigration enforcement reforms.

Chris Sununu, Chief Executive of Airlines for America, articulated the coalition's concerns, emphasizing that the traveling public once again finds itself as a pawn in a political game amid a government shutdown.

He noted that the announcement regarding the suspension was made with minimal notice, leaving travelers with little opportunity to adjust their travel plans. Sununu urged Congress to expedite negotiations to reach a sensible resolution.

The ramifications of similar shutdowns have previously been substantial; the last fall's shutdown resulted in an estimated loss of $6.1 billion across the travel industry and associated sectors.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem clarified that TSA and Customs and Border Protection would prioritize the general traveling population, leading to the suspension of courtesy escorts and special privileges for certain travelers.

In her comments, Noem acknowledged the challenging workforce and resource decisions being made to mitigate damage, attributing these measures to the absence of additional funding from Congress.

Currently, the PreCheck program boasts over 20 million active members, with the total number of travelers in DHS programs, including Global Entry, surpassing 40 million.

The PreCheck program offers approved travelers access to expedited security lanes at airports, reducing wait times and enhancing the overall screening experience.

Global Entry similarly benefits low-risk international travelers, facilitating faster U.S. customs and immigration clearance upon their arrival.

The suspension of these programs aligns with directives from the Trump administration, which also mandated the Federal Emergency Management Agency to suspend the deployment of aid workers to disaster-affected regions, further complicating the situation amid the government shutdown.