The year 2026 brought about the second government shutdown of Donald Trump’s second term. Unlike the previous shutdown, this one was only a partial shutdown, affecting select government agencies. Unfortunately for travelers, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was one of them. The lack of funding resulted in staffing shortages and long lines at airports as TSA agents struggled to keep up.
Travelers reported frustrating experiences, with some spending hours in line during this partial shutdown, causing them to miss their flights. To avoid getting stuck in a similar situation, here are a few tips to help you get through the TSA line faster.
Use TSA PreCheck and PreCheck Touchless ID for quicker security line access. PreCheck Touchless ID allows passengers to use a dedicated line where their identity can be verified through a photo scan, without the need for physical documents. PreCheck lines move faster than non-PreCheck lines, with pre-shutdown waits being less than 10 minutes for 99 percent of passengers.
Check wait times before heading to the airport. Some airports offer live access to wait times through mobile apps, allowing travelers to plan their arrival accordingly and avoid long lines.
International travelers can use Global Entry to breeze through some U.S. Customs and Border Protection checkpoints. Global Entry provides access to TSA PreCheck benefits as well as customs benefits. However, the application process can be lengthy, so it may not be feasible during a shutdown.
Utilize airline loyalty program lanes for quicker access, with options like Sky Priority lanes available at certain airports for business class, first class, and elite status members.
Consider paying for premium services like CLEAR, where travelers can skip regular lines and use biometrics at the gate for faster verification. CLEAR services cost $209 per year and are available at select airports with biometric eGates.
Overall, navigating through airport security during a government shutdown can be challenging, but with these tips, travelers can hopefully make the process a little smoother.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.