DHS reverses planned TSA PreCheck shutdown; Charlotte Douglas lanes remain open amid federal funding lapse
PreCheck operations continue, while broader shutdown pressures remain
TSA PreCheck screening lanes remained open at Charlotte Douglas International Airport after federal officials reversed an earlier plan to suspend the expedited program during a partial funding lapse affecting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The change came after DHS had announced that TSA PreCheck and the international-travel program Global Entry would be paused beginning Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, as the department sought to manage staffing and resources during the funding interruption. Hours later, TSA said PreCheck would remain operational, while indicating it would adjust checkpoint operations if staffing constraints emerge.
What travelers at CLT should expect
At Charlotte Douglas, TSA screening is organized around the airport’s consolidated checkpoint layout. In recent years, the airport shifted from multiple lettered checkpoints to a smaller number of numbered checkpoints, with Checkpoint 2 positioned as the primary location for TSA PreCheck screening.
Even with PreCheck continuing, travelers may see variability in how lanes are staffed and routed. Federal officials have said operational decisions may be made on a case-by-case basis depending on available staffing. Some ancillary services tied to checkpoint operations have been curtailed during the funding lapse to keep personnel focused on core screening functions.
TSA PreCheck: Operating, with no immediate change announced for travelers.
Global Entry: Remains suspended under the DHS shutdown measures previously outlined.
Lane availability: May shift during the day based on staffing conditions at individual airports.
Why the decision changed
The initial suspension announcement was framed as an emergency step to preserve limited resources during the partial DHS shutdown. After the outcry from parts of the travel sector and the practical questions raised by immediate implementation across airports, DHS reversed course for TSA PreCheck while keeping other cutbacks in place.
TSA stated that PreCheck would remain operational and that adjustments could be made if staffing constraints arise.
Context: shutdown effects intersect with winter travel disruptions
The policy reversal unfolded as winter weather disrupted airline schedules in parts of the U.S., a factor that can compound congestion at major hubs. At CLT, cancellations and delays tied to broader network disruptions can ripple into security and terminal crowding, even when checkpoint staffing is stable.
For passengers departing Charlotte, the immediate takeaway is that TSA PreCheck benefits remain in place for now. However, the continued DHS funding lapse leaves open the possibility of operational changes—especially if staffing levels tighten—while Global Entry remains paused until normal operations are restored.