A deepening federal funding stalemate has hit a critical flashpoint. As of Sunday, February 22, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officially suspended all expedited screening programs, forcing millions of “Trusted Travelers” back into standard security lines.

The Impact on Air Travel

The suspension represents a significant escalation in the ongoing government shutdown. Travelers should expect the following immediate changes:

• Removal of Benefits: TSA PreCheck members are now required to follow standard screening protocols, including removing shoes, liquids, and laptops.
• Customs Backlogs: Global Entry kiosks are offline, and all enrollment interviews have been canceled until further notice.
• Staffing Strain: With TSA and CBP officers working without pay, “call-outs” are expected to rise, further thinning the workforce during peak travel hours.

Airlines vs. The Administration

Industry leaders have reacted with sharp disapproval, citing a lack of coordination between the federal government and private carriers.

“Suspending these programs with zero transition time creates a massive bottleneck that threatens the efficiency of the entire U.S. airspace,” said a spokesperson for Airlines for America. “We urge the administration to decouple travel security from the current policy debate.”

Traveler Survival Guide

If you are flying during this period, experts recommend a “worst-case scenario” approach to your schedule:

Tax Assistant

Suresh holds a Master of Commerce (M.Com) degree and is a dedicated personal finance researcher and writer. Combining his advanced academic background in commerce with deep industry research, he covers complex topics like taxation, banking systems, credit analysis, and personal finance strategies. As the founder of Tax Assistant (taxassistant.org), Suresh is committed to translating complicated financial guidelines and economic data into simple, accurate, and actionable educational resources for everyday readers.