The Department of Homeland Security is temporarily halting TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, two of the most widely used trusted-traveler programs in the United States, amid a partial government shutdown.
In a statement to CNN regarding the suspension of those programs, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said the Transportation Security Administration and Customs and Border Patrol “are focusing on the general traveling public at our airports and ports of entry and have suspended courtesy and special privilege escorts.”
It’s not just a “pay for less abusive treatment.” In order to get approved for TSA Pre and Global Entry, you have to go through a screening process where you volunteer your personal and professional information. You have to actively give them MORE invasive information to avoid the more physical invasions at the airport. It isn’t just like buying a Fast Pass at Disney. There is a second layer of security screening ahead of the line, so it makes sense that they can spend less time with you at the airport.
As a frequent business traveler who has a security clearance (so they already know every tiny detail about me anyway), it was a no-brainer. I used to be against it, too… until I had to go through security at DEN.
Are you no longer against it, or are you against it but willing to do it anyway for convenience?