As the government shutdown drags on, the fallout is being felt across the travel industry - and it's about to get a lot more frustrating for frequent flyers. The Department of Homeland Security has announced the suspension of two major airport security programs, TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, raising concerns about longer lines and delays at airports nationwide.
What This Means for Travelers
The suspension of these expedited security programs couldn't come at a worse time, with the busy spring travel season just around the corner. Travelers who have paid for and enrolled in TSA PreCheck and Global Entry - which allow them to bypass standard security screenings - are now facing the prospect of joining the regular security lines.
According to NPR, the Transportation Security Administration initially announced that PreCheck lanes would be closed, though they later reversed that decision. Global Entry, which allows expedited customs screening for international travelers, has been suspended at some airports.
The Bigger Picture
What this really means is that the government shutdown is now directly impacting the travel experience for millions of Americans. With TSA and customs agents furloughed or working without pay, the agencies simply don't have the staffing to maintain these specialized security programs.
As ABC News reports, the Department of Homeland Security is "prioritizing the general traveling public" and redirecting resources away from PreCheck and Global Entry. This could lead to significantly longer wait times at airport security checkpoints, adding stress and frustration to the travel experience.
Implications for the Future
The suspension of these programs is just the latest example of how the political impasse in Washington is having real-world consequences for American consumers. If the shutdown drags on, we could see even more disruptions to air travel and other critical services.
Travelers would be wise to build in extra time at the airport, and consider alternatives like enrolling in Global Entry to minimize the impact. The bottom line is that the dysfunction in our nation's capital is now directly affecting the daily lives of citizens - and there's no end in sight.