TSA PreCheck Remains Open as Global Entry Halts in Houston

Travelers experience minimal delays at Houston airports despite program suspensions.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Despite the suspension of the TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs at U.S. airports due to limited funding for the Department of Homeland Security during a partial government shutdown, travelers at Houston's Bush Intercontinental and William P. Hobby airports are experiencing minimal delays. TSA PreCheck remains operational, while the Global Entry program that offers accelerated clearance for low-risk international travelers has been suspended, causing those travelers to join regular security lines.

Why it matters

The continued operation of TSA PreCheck at Houston's airports is crucial for maintaining efficient security screening and minimizing travel disruptions for passengers, especially as the Global Entry program has been suspended. This highlights the resilience of the transportation system in Houston and the ability of authorities to adapt to changing circumstances.

The details

On Sunday, the Department of Homeland Security announced it would pause both the TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs at U.S. airports due to limited funding during the partial government shutdown. However, shortly after the announcement, TSA officials stated that PreCheck would remain operational, with the agency evaluating staffing constraints on a case-by-case basis and adjusting operations accordingly. While Global Entry remains suspended, leaving international travelers to join regular security lines, wait times at both Bush Intercontinental and Hobby airports have stayed under 15 minutes, with PreCheck checkpoints at Bush seeing waits of less than 8 minutes.

  • On February 22, 2026, the partial U.S. government shutdown began after a funding package failed to pass, affecting agencies including the Department of Homeland Security.
  • On February 23, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security announced the suspension of the TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs at U.S. airports.
  • Shortly after 9:30 a.m. on February 23, 2026, TSA officials stated that PreCheck would remain operational at Houston's airports.

The players

Department of Homeland Security

The federal agency responsible for overseeing the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Global Entry program.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The agency responsible for security screening at U.S. airports, including the operation of the PreCheck program.

Global Entry

A U.S. Customs and Border Protection program that offers accelerated clearance for low-risk travelers arriving in the United States from other countries.

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What they’re saying

“As staffing constraints arise, TSA will evaluate on a case by case basis and adjust operations accordingly.”

— TSA (Twitter)

What’s next

The Department of Homeland Security and Houston Airport Systems will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on the status of the TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs at Houston's airports.

The takeaway

Despite the partial government shutdown and the suspension of the Global Entry program, Houston's airports have maintained efficient security screening operations, highlighting the resilience of the transportation infrastructure and the ability of authorities to adapt to changing circumstances.