Why the programs are paused and the fallout
The Department of Homeland Security announced a temporary suspension of two trusted-traveler programs — the expedited screening system and the traveler-enrollment program that speeds arrival processing — after a lapse in funding tied to an ongoing funding standoff. Officials said the pause is an emergency measure tied to the department’s constrained operations during the partial shutdown.
The suspension is significant because both programs move millions of frequent flyers and returning residents through airports and border crossings faster than regular lanes. With those programs offline, travelers who relied on priority screening and automated customs processing can expect longer security lines, slower airport throughput and greater uncertainty about international arrivals, particularly at busy hubs.
How travelers and airports will feel it
- Longer wait times: Standard checkpoint lanes will absorb users of the trusted programs, increasing congestion during peak travel periods.
- Processing delays at borders: Global Entry kiosks expedite immigration processing; their suspension slows re-entry for many returning travelers.
- Operational strain: Airlines and airports may face more last‑minute adjustments, passenger complaints and rebooking pressures.
What’s still unknown
DHS did not provide a firm timeline for restoring the programs. The pause will remain tied to negotiations that determine the department’s near‑term funding. For now, travelers should plan extra time at checkpoints, check with airlines about recommended arrival windows, and monitor government and airport notices for updates as the budget situation evolves.