DHS reverses TSA PreCheck suspension, leaving RDU travelers confused

MORRISVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) — Sunday ushered in another day of confusion for frequent fliers in the Triangle after the Department of Homeland Security announced it would suspend its TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs due to the agency’s lapse in funding, then abruptly changed course hours later.

It’s the latest travel twist as TSA workers go without pay for another week, just before the busy spring break travel period.

“The whole reason for PreCheck and for Global Entry is to make things faster. And why do you want to get rid of the one thing that helps you out?” said Charlie Leocha, president of the nonprofit travel advocacy group Travelers United.

Kristi Noem said the department would suspend those priority programs as lawmakers remain at an impasse over funding for immigration enforcement, which has led to the DHS funding lapse.

Hours later, DHS reversed course, saying PreCheck would remain open while Global Entry could still face suspension.

“They’ve already checked the people ahead of time, and they’ve already looked at it, and that means they can move quickly,” Leocha said.

Eyewitness News stopped by RDU on Sunday morning, where all lanes – including PreCheck – remained open. In a statement, TSA said:

“At this time, TSA PreCheck remains operational with no change for the traveling public. As staffing constraints arise, TSA will evaluate on a case by case basis and adjust operations accordingly.”