Feb. 18, 2026, 3:00 a.m. ET
A partial government shutdown can spark anxiety for travelers, but for now, airport security is operating largely as normal.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) says airport screenings remain “essential missions and functions will continue as they do during every shutdown,” meaning officers are still on the job even as parts of the Department of Homeland Security face funding gaps.
Travelers flying during the shutdown should still expect standard security operations at U.S. airports.
Popular expedited programs, like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, are also working. PreCheck lanes remain open, and eligible travelers can continue using expedited screening benefits, like keeping light jackets on and leaving laptops in bags. There are no changes to who qualifies for PreCheck or how the lanes operate.
For international travelers, Global Entry kiosks at U.S. airports are also still functioning. Customs inspections are considered essential, so travelers returning from abroad should not see changes in arrival procedures or automated passport processing.
“The best piece of advice we have for travelers is to explore TSA PreCheck Touchless ID through participating airlines when possible… by design, it’s supposed to have little to no agent operational lift,” Katy Nastro, Going spokesperson, told USA TODAY in an email. “(On Tuesday) morning, my 5 a.m. TSA PreCheck line wait time was roughly 20+ minutes, but because I had Touchless ID, I shaved 18+ minutes off my processing time.”
Where travelers may notice some friction is behind the scenes. Enrollment centers for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry typically remain open during a shutdown, but appointments can become more limited, and application processing may slow. Programs tied to background checks or interviews, especially those run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, are more vulnerable to delays the longer a shutdown lasts.
“Global Entry applications appear to be moving forward as well, and again, any trusted traveler program utilizing tech at this point is going to be even more critical, especially during peak days and times like Sundays and early mornings,” Nastro added.
The biggest risk isn’t an immediate shutdown of services, but cumulative strain if the funding lapse stretches on. In past shutdowns, staffing fatigue and reduced administrative support have occasionally led to longer wait times at certain airports.
For now, the advice is to arrive a bit earlier than usual, keep an eye on airport wait-time trackers and avoid tight connections if possible. Airlines typically recommend arriving at airports at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international ones.
But travelers don’t need to cancel trips or avoid flying, as airport screening and trusted traveler programs are still very much up and running.
