TSA PreCheck Suspension Reversed Last Minute, What RDU Travellers Need to Know!

Published on February 23, 2026

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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) left travellers in the Triangle area of North Carolina bewildered after announcing that it would suspend TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs. This decision came as a result of a lapse in federal funding, causing many to worry about delays during the busy travel season. However, just hours after the announcement, DHS made a sudden U-turn, reversing its decision regarding TSA PreCheck, though Global Entry still faces uncertainty.

This rapid shift in policy has caused confusion for many frequent fliers, particularly at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), where travellers had to quickly adjust to new, conflicting information. With the spring break travel period on the horizon, travelers and airport officials are left grappling with an ever-changing situation.

DHS’s Initial Announcement Causes Uncertainty

On Sunday, February 22, 2026, DHS announced that it would suspend TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs due to an ongoing funding issue related to immigration enforcement. This unexpected announcement set off alarm bells among travelers who rely on these programs to expedite their airport security experience. TSA PreCheck is a program that allows expedited security screening for low-risk travelers, while Global Entry enables faster U.S. entry for international travelers. Both services have been crucial in helping reduce wait times at airports, especially during peak travel seasons.

Kristi Noem, the governor of South Dakota, cited the ongoing funding deadlock in Congress over immigration enforcement as the reason behind the suspension of these critical programs. With DHS workers not being paid for over a week due to the funding lapse, there was a genuine concern that these important travel services would be temporarily halted.

Sudden Reversal of the TSA PreCheck Decision

However, the situation took an unexpected turn hours later. DHS reversed its decision, stating that TSA PreCheck services would remain operational. While this provided relief for many travelers, there was still ambiguity surrounding Global Entry, which could potentially be suspended in the coming days. The confusion surrounding the reversal left many people unsure of what to expect as they prepared for upcoming trips.

Charlie Leocha, the president of the nonprofit group Travelers United, expressed frustration with the situation, emphasizing that TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are critical tools for travelers. He pointed out that the purpose of these programs is to streamline airport security and make the process more efficient.

TSA PreCheck and Global Entry Services at RDU Remain Operational

As of Sunday morning, when Eyewitness News visited Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), all TSA lanes, including those designated for TSA PreCheck, were open and fully operational. Travelers at the airport were able to proceed through security without any changes to the usual process, despite the earlier confusion about potential service disruptions.

TSA released an official statement confirming that TSA PreCheck remained unaffected at the time, with no immediate changes to the service. The agency added that, while there were staffing constraints due to the funding issues, it would continue to evaluate its operations on a case-by-case basis. This suggests that future adjustments could still be made depending on staffing levels or other operational challenges.

The Impact on Frequent Travelers and Business Travelers

The confusion surrounding TSA PreCheck and Global Entry’s status has raised concerns, particularly among frequent flyers and business travelers. For these individuals, expedited security and faster international travel processing are vital to maintaining efficient schedules. TSA PreCheck has become an essential service for many who are used to flying regularly and need to avoid long wait times at security checkpoints.

As the spring break travel period approaches, this uncertainty could lead to further disruptions and frustration for passengers. With millions of people expected to travel during this peak time, the sudden suspension of key travel programs could result in longer wait times and an overall more stressful experience for those using these programs to bypass traditional security procedures.

What’s Next for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry

While TSA PreCheck appears to be safe for the time being, Global Entry remains a potential casualty of the funding issue. The DHS is still assessing the viability of maintaining the Global Entry program, which could affect international travellers who rely on it for faster U.S. entry. Travelers looking to use Global Entry in the near future should stay informed about any updates, as the situation remains fluid.

For businesses and corporate mobility teams managing employee travel, this ongoing uncertainty creates additional challenges in planning and preparing for upcoming trips. Travel coordinators will need to ensure that employees are aware of the changing rules and the potential for delays or disruptions, particularly for international travel.

Conclusion: A Frustrating and Uncertain Time for Travellers

The recent back-and-forth decisions made by the Department of Homeland Security have left many travelers, especially those at RDU, in a state of confusion. While TSA PreCheck remains operational for now, the potential suspension of Global Entry continues to cast a shadow over travel plans, particularly as the busy spring break season approaches. The situation highlights the challenges faced by both travelers and government agencies when funding issues lead to interruptions in essential services. With more clarity needed, travelers are encouraged to stay updated on any further changes and to plan accordingly.