Is TSA precheck suspended at Newark, JFK amid shutdown? What to know

Government shutdown update; Is TSA PreCheck suspended?, Is Global Entry the same as TSA PreCheck?, How much does Global Entry cost?, Is CLEAR affected by government shutdown?

Between a massive winter storm on the East Coast and concerns over a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Global Entry and TSA PreCheck shutdown, travelers flying in and out of Newark, JFK and LaGuardia airports amid the partial government shutdown may be feeling overwhelmed.

Late Saturday, DHS secretary Kristi Noem announced a TSA PreCheck and Global Entry suspension amid the ongoing government shutdown — which the DHS has deemed a "Democrat Shutdown" — but then swiftly reversed course, causing confusion as travelers faced airport delays and cancellations today.

Government shutdown update; Is TSA PreCheck suspended?, Is Global Entry the same as TSA PreCheck?, How much does Global Entry cost?, Is CLEAR affected by government shutdown?

TSA PreCheck passengers enter the security area at Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City, on Friday, July 26, 2024.

So, what is going on at Newark, JFK and LaGuardia? Is TSA PreCheck shutdown and Global Entry suspended during the government shutdown, which has now lasted over a week? Here's what you need to know today.

Government shutdown update; Is TSA PreCheck suspended?

TSA PreCheck at Newark, JFK and LaGuardia airports is not suspended, but Global Entry is suspended at all major airports as the TSA contends with a partial government shutdown that has lasted over a week. While TSA PreCheck remains open, airport screenings could be impacted should TSA staffing shortages pile up as the DHS shutdown carries on, a TSA spokesperson told USA TODAY.

Is Global Entry the same as TSA PreCheck?

No, Global Entry and TSA PreCheck are not the same. TSA PreCheck is a program that expedites security screenings at US airports, allowing members to keep on shoes, belts and light jackets, and not remove laptops and liquids from bags, reducing wait times. It costs around $80.

Global Entry provides expedited customs processing for international travelers returning to the US, using a Global Entry kiosk. Global Entry's application process is more detailed, requiring an in-person interview.

Government shutdown update; Is TSA PreCheck suspended?, Is Global Entry the same as TSA PreCheck?, How much does Global Entry cost?, Is CLEAR affected by government shutdown?

How much does Global Entry cost?

TSA PreCheck costs as low as $76.95 for a five-year membership through CLEAR, IDEMIA or Telos, according to the TSA. Global Entry costs $120 for five years.

Is CLEAR affected by government shutdown?

CLEAR does not appear to be affected by the government shutdown, although no statement by the private service has been made about the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck situation. IDEMIA or Telos members also do no appear to be affected by the government shutdown.

CLEAR is a private service offered at Newark Liberty, JFK International, LaGuardia Airport, Madison Square Garden, Barclays Center, Yankee Stadium, and Westchester County Airport that uses biometrics to verify ID so users can bypass standard TSA document check.

Lori Comstock is a New Jersey-based journalist with the Mid-Atlantic Connect Team.

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