What a government shutdown could mean for travel
During a possible partial government shutdown, FAA funding would not be impacted, but TSA funding would.
The government is in a partial shutdown after a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security failed to pass in Congress.
The conflict among lawmakers stems from the department’s oversight of Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations, but it’s just one part of DHS’s budget. The department also oversees the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and the U.S. Secret Service (USSS).
The shutdown is not expected to come to a quick resolution, and in the meantime DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said TSA agents won’t be paid to work, leading to long lines and possible flight cancellations at airports across the country.
Traveling out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport during the shutdown? Here’s what to know.
TSA changes course on PreCheck
DHS said Saturday that TSA PreCheck would be suspended during the shutdown, but the decision was quickly walked back after a public outcry.
The service allows travelers to pay extra to go through an expedited security line at airports after completing a pre-emptive security screening. TSA PreCheck passengers can also leave items in their bags and keep their shoes on during the security checkpoint.
Adam Stahl, a DHS administrator, said in a Feb. 12 post on X that TSA would “suspend non-essential services,” like TSA PreCheck, and a “prolonged shutdown could result in significant attrition and increased callout rates of our officers including noticeable impacts at airports, including delays, longer wait times and cancelled flights.”
Noem originally said suspending TSA PreCheck was a “tough but necessary” choice to prioritize agents for the “general traveling population.”
The decision was quickly walked back, however, and by Sunday the agency said TSA PreCheck would remain operational, but “as staffing constraints arise, TS will evaluate on a case by case basis and adjust operations accordingly.”
Is TSA PreCheck available at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport?
“Hartsfield-Jackson is aware of the temporary federal suspension of TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs. At this time, TSA PreCheck remains operational at ATL. Travelers who typically use Global Entry should allow extra time for standard security processing,” the airport said in a statement on Sunday. “We are working closely with our federal partners and will continue to keep passengers informed. Thank you for your patience and cooperation and thank you to our federal personnel for their continued service.”
TSA PreCheck is available in the Domestic terminal south for travelers already in the system.
All other travelers will use the main, north, or lower north TSA checkpoints.
Wait times for both the domestic and international terminals can be found on the airport website. As of 10 a.m. Monday morning, wait times were short at all TSA checkpoints.
How do you get TSA PreCheck?
If you want to save some time and hassle when you’re flying, you can apply for TSA PreCheck ahead of your travel plans.
Travelers start the process online with an initial application. Then, you can finish the process with an in-person appointment that includes checking your documents, collecting fingerprints and a photo, and paying for PreCheck. You’ll then receive a KTN (known traveler number) that can be used on airline reservations to make sure TSA PreCheck is listed on your boarding pass.
Enrollment can be completed through Telos, CLEAR or IDEMIA. Pricing can range from $76 to $85 depending on the provider, and last multiple years.
TSA PreCheck allows you to be in a separate TSA line, leave your electronics and 3-1-1 liquids in your bag, as well as keep on belts, light jackets and shoes.
Irene Wright is the Atlanta Connect reporter with USA Today’s Deep South Connect team. Find her on X @IreneEWright or email her at ismith@usatodayco.com.
