Global Entry Reopens as Shutdown Still Hurts Airports

Customs and Border Protection restarted Global Entry after suspending it for 17 days during the partial Department of Homeland Security shutdown. The pause began on February 22.

Global Entry allows pre-approved travelers to enter the US faster after international trips, so its return is an important operational fix during a busy travel period.

The program is part of the Trusted Traveler Program and is used by millions of people. Members go through background checks, pay a fee, and then can use faster processing when arriving in the country.

Travel groups said suspending Global Entry made little sense

Airlines for America said about 18 million travelers used Global Entry last year, while US Travel said the program helped cut arrival wait times through biometric processing.

That is why the suspension was seen as more than an inconvenience for frequent travelers.

The latest update improves one problem, but not the whole picture

As of March 12, the DHS funding standoff was still unresolved. That means one part of the travel system has improved, while the broader pressure on airport operations remains.

Even with Global Entry back, the wider travel problem has not been resolved.

TSA officers are still working without pay, and staffing pressure has already contributed to longer security lines at some US airports. That makes the shutdown a broader airport operations issue.

Airlines for America expects US carriers to serve 171 million passengers from March 1 through April 30, up 4 percent from last year. With volumes rising for spring travel, even limited staffing problems can lead to longer waits and more disruption across the system.

Photo by Andres Molina on Unsplash