For years, TSA PreCheck and similar trusted traveler programs promised a smoother, faster airport experience — a privilege many travelers considered well worth the $78 price tag. But with the government shutdown now stretching into its third month, and still some TSA officers working without pay or calling out sick in record numbers, the value proposition for PreCheck is under more scrutiny than ever.
The shutdown’s impact is impossible to miss. At airports in New York, Atlanta, Houston, and beyond, standard security lines can snake through terminals for hours. Some airports have reported general screening wait times of up to three hours, a situation that’s forced even the most seasoned travelers to second-guess their arrival times and contingency plans (NPR; CNN).
TSA PreCheck lanes, by comparison, have held up better, but not always by much. Under normal circumstances, nearly 99% of PreCheck users can expect to wait less than 10 minutes (CNBC). Recently, though, those waits have stretched to 30, 45, or more minutes at certain airports, with some PreCheck passengers finding themselves rerouted into standard lanes when staffing drops too low (Jetsetter Guide; Reddit). “PreCheck allows known, vetted travelers to move more efficiently through checkpoints while enabling TSA officers to focus their time and attention where it’s needed most,” a TSA spokesperson told CNN this week — but admitted that “nothing is guaranteed” during the shutdown (CNN).
If you find yourself facing longer PreCheck lines or closures, there are a few things you can do to minimize headaches. Try arriving at the airport even earlier than usual, especially during busy travel times. Check your airport’s website or social media feeds for real-time updates on security wait times and lane closures before you leave home. Some airports also offer live wait-time tracking in their apps. If possible, consider alternative nearby airports or adjust your travel plans to less-crowded times of day. While these steps may not eliminate delays, they can help you plan ahead and avoid unwelcome surprises at the checkpoint.
For now, TSA PreCheck and Global Entry remain operational, and applications are still being accepted. The programs are funded by user fees rather than federal appropriations, which has insulated them from outright suspension seen in other parts of government (Forbes; Rep. Scott Peters). For travelers weighing their options, CLEAR—a private biometric screening service—offers another option that operates independently of TSA funding and can speed up identity verification at select airports. Still, the real-world value of that annual fee is being tested like never before.
“I paid for PreCheck so I wouldn’t have to worry about lines,” said Jason Lin, a frequent business traveler waiting at Newark Liberty International last week. “But my last flight, the PreCheck lane was closed, and I ended up in the regular line anyway. It’s frustrating to pay for something and not get what you were promised.”
TSA has acknowledged these frustrations, noting that while PreCheck lanes are a priority, staffing shortages mean not every checkpoint can operate as usual. Some airports have reverted to a single line for all passengers during peak shortages, a move that neutralizes the benefits of PreCheck entirely (Reddit). “We’re doing everything we can to keep PreCheck open, but the reality is, if we don’t have enough officers, everyone waits,” one supervisor said off the record.
Meanwhile, PreCheck service providers continue to emphasize the long-term value of their programs. “Even in times of disruption, trusted traveler programs help keep the system moving,” a spokesperson for a major PreCheck enrollment provider said. “When things return to normal, members will once again enjoy the expedited experience they signed up for. For now, it’s still the best bet to avoid the worst lines.”
But is it really the best bet? The answer, for many, depends on the airport, the day, and how much risk you’re willing to take. At major hubs, PreCheck lines are often still the shortest option — even if they’re not as breezy as in years past. At smaller airports or during severe staffing shortages, all bets are off.
For travelers debating whether to enroll or renew, the calculus has become more complicated. PreCheck tends to offer the most value for those who fly regularly, particularly weekly business travelers, frequent travelers through large hub airports where lines are often longest, and anyone who consistently travels during peak periods. Families and frequent international travelers who benefit from Global Entry bundling may also gain more from the program. If you are an infrequent flier or mainly fly through smaller regional airports with light security traffic, the benefits may be less significant. If you’re a frequent flier who values any edge, however small, in the security slog, PreCheck’s cost may still make sense. For occasional travelers, though, the promise of a short wait has never felt more uncertain.
As the shutdown drags on and the summer travel season looms, one thing remains clear: the days of gliding effortlessly through security, PreCheck card in hand, are on indefinite hold. Whether the fee remains “worth it” is a question only each weary traveler can answer as they eye the airport’s serpentine lines. It is also worth noting that travelers typically cannot receive refunds or compensation if PreCheck is unavailable during disruptions like government shutdowns; the program’s terms state that benefits are not guaranteed at all times. For those feeling shortchanged, unfortunately, options for recourse are limited.
