TSA PreCheck And Global Entry Suspended Sunday: What Austin Travelers Should Expect

AUSTIN, TX — Travelers flying out of Austin‑Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) this week should prepare for longer lines and slower processing. The Department of Homeland Security will suspend TSA PreCheck and Global Entry nationwide starting at 6 a.m. ET Sunday, citing the agency’s ongoing funding lapse.

The pause affects millions of travelers, including many Austinites who rely on PreCheck to move quickly through AUS’s often‑crowded security checkpoints.

DHS says the shutdown, which began Feb. 14, has forced the agency to shift staff to essential operations. TSA and CBP officers are still working without pay, and DHS says it needs to consolidate personnel to keep basic airport and border functions running.

What This Means At Austin‑Bergstrom

Starting Sunday morning:

• No TSA PreCheck lane at AUS
• All travelers must use standard security lines
• CLEAR members will be routed into the regular lane (CLEAR may still speed up ID checks, but not screening)
• International arrivals into Austin will go through regular customs
• Expect longer waits, especially during peak hours

AUS already sees heavy morning and midday crowds, and the airport has warned travelers throughout the winter to arrive early due to construction, staffing challenges, and increased passenger volume.

This pause comes at a tough time. A major winter storm has already disrupted flights nationwide, and AUS is preparing for heavier crowds as airlines work through delays. The suspension also lands just ahead of Austin’s spring break and SXSW travel surge, one of the airport’s busiest periods of the year.

Why DHS Is Making The Change

DHS officials say the suspension is part of an emergency plan to redirect staff during the shutdown. The Washington Post reported that the agency is making “tough but necessary workforce and resource decisions” to keep core operations functioning.

PreCheck and Global Entry stayed open during previous shutdowns, so pausing them now marks a notable shift in how DHS is handling this funding lapse.

Travelers Are Already Asking Questions

As news spread Saturday night, travelers across Facebook groups and local forums asked what the change means for upcoming trips.
Here are the most common questions:

Do we all have to use the regular line now?

Yes. Even if you’re enrolled in PreCheck, you’ll go through standard screening.

Is CLEAR still open at AUS?

CLEAR will still operate, but members will be funneled into the regular security line.

Will I get a refund for PreCheck or Global Entry?

DHS hasn’t said. Historically, pauses haven’t come with reimbursements.

Is this already in effect?

The suspension begins at 6 a.m. ET Sunday.

What Austin Travelers Should Do

If you’re flying soon:

• Arrive earlier than usual — AUS recommends at least 2 hours for domestic flights
• Expect longer lines, especially in the early morning rush
• Plan extra time for parking and shuttles, which have been crowded this winter
• International travelers should expect slower customs processing
• Check AUS social channels for real‑time updates

AUS has been dealing with record passenger volumes, and this change will likely add pressure to already‑busy checkpoints.

When Will PreCheck And Global Entry Return?

There’s no timeline. The programs will remain suspended until the DHS shutdown is resolved, and negotiations in Congress remain stalled.

Probe the Globe will continue monitoring updates from DHS, TSA, CBP, and Austin‑Bergstrom.

Rachel K. Belkin, M.Ed., is an Austin‑based educator, writer, and marketing director. She is the founder and editor‑in‑chief of Probe the Globe, a travel publication with nationally and globally syndicated content. Rachel collaborates with businesses and community organizations to produce storytelling and content that inform and connect audiences. Her work has been featured by HuffPost, Matador Network, Yahoo News, and the Associated Press, and she regularly appears on local news and speaks at industry events.