What the DHS Shutdown Means for Travelers Right Now

Airplanes are still flying, TSA PreCheck still works and airport security checkpoints remain open. But the ongoing shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) could begin affecting travelers in more subtle ways — especially as the busy spring break travel season approaches.

The funding lapse, which began February 14 after Congress failed to pass a full-year DHS appropriations bill, has placed thousands of federal employees in a difficult position and could gradually impact airport operations.

A Shutdown That Affects Key Travel Agencies

Unlike a full government shutdown, this situation affects only the Department of Homeland Security and the agencies under its umbrella.

That includes the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the United States Coast Guard, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).

Air traffic controllers are not affected because they fall under the U.S. Department of Transportation, meaning the widespread flight cancellations travelers fear are unlikely.

Instead, the biggest issue is staffing.

TSA Officers Still Working — Without Pay

Roughly 95% of TSA’s 64,000 employees are considered essential workers, meaning they must continue reporting for duty even though they are not receiving paychecks during the shutdown.

In the short term, operations continue normally. But extended shutdowns can lead to burnout and staffing shortages.

During the government shutdown in fall 2025, unscheduled absences at some airports doubled or even tripled. More than 1,100 TSA officers left the agency during that period, putting additional pressure on the workforce.

When staffing drops, checkpoints can temporarily close and security lines grow longer.

What Travelers Should Expect at Security

For now, **TSA PreCheck lanes remain open and continue to offer faster screening. The program operates largely through fees rather than congressional funding, allowing it to keep functioning during shutdowns.

Travelers using PreCheck can still pass through security without removing shoes, laptops or liquids, which often results in shorter wait times.

Standard security lines, however, could become slower if staffing shortages increase.

Trusted traveler programs such as **Global Entry are also still functioning, and international travelers can continue using automated kiosks at customs checkpoints.

However, new enrollment interviews may become harder to schedule if staffing constraints worsen.

Passport Processing Continues

One travel concern that remains unaffected is passport processing.

Passports are issued by the U.S. Department of State, which is not impacted by the DHS shutdown. Applications and renewals are continuing normally, though offices located in federal buildings could see limited access depending on local conditions.

Travel Tips During the Shutdown

Travel experts recommend building extra flexibility into your travel plans while the funding lapse continues.

Arriving earlier than usual can help offset potential delays at security checkpoints. Travelers may also want to avoid tight flight connections and monitor airline apps closely for schedule updates.

Those who travel frequently may also benefit from enrolling in programs such as TSA PreCheck or using tools like Mobile Passport Control to speed up customs processing.

The Bottom Line

Right now, airports are still operating normally. Flights are departing and most travelers will notice little change.

But shutdown impacts often build slowly over time. If the situation continues into the coming weeks — just as spring break travel ramps up — delays at security checkpoints could become more noticeable.

For travelers, the safest approach is simple: plan ahead and allow extra time.