The last 24 hours have been a whirlwind. With so much happening in the world, it’s hard to keep up and the U.S. government has added to the chaos. Yesterday, I woke up to the news that DHS Secretary Kristi Noem was suspending TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. But after widespread criticism, she quickly reversed course, highlighting just how confusing and unpredictable these decisions can be.
Here’s what you need to know: TSA PreCheck lanes are now open and operational (not sure if they ever canceled in the first place), but Global Entry lanes and enrollment remain suspended, leaving frequent travelers looking for ways to move more quickly through airports. While the government’s actions are confusing, there are still practical alternatives to save time.
TSA PreCheck vs. Regular Security Lines
TSA PreCheck continues to operate normally, allowing eligible travelers to enjoy shorter lines, no shoe removal and quicker screenings. During previous government shutdowns, programs like PreCheck and Global Entry were never suspended, so the current situation is unusual. The important takeaway is that TSA PreCheck remains a reliable option for domestic travelers.
Alternatives for Expedited Entry: CLEAR and Mobile Passport Control (MPC)
For travelers who don’t have TSA Pre or Global Entry, there’s two excellent alternatives that can help you move through lines faster:
CLEAR
CLEAR is a private expedited service that allows you to skip the main security line. You can enroll from home or at the airport.
Mobile Passport Control (MPC) App
MPC is a free option that sometimes even rivals Global Entry in speed. MPC lets eligible travelers submit passport or lawful permanent resident card information, a selfie, and customs declaration details through a secure app on a smartphone or mobile device.
The CBP notes that MPC “streamlines the traveler’s entry process into the United States by reducing passport control inspection time and overall wait time.” Travelers can download the MPC app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and create a profile in advance. Cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity is required to transmit information, but profiles can be completed offline before travel.
Preclearance and U.S. Arrival
MPC works at international airports with U.S. preclearance locations, including Dublin, Shannon, Aruba, Bermuda, Abu Dhabi, Nassau, and multiple Canadian airports such as Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Halifax, and Victoria. Travelers departing from these locations select “Preclearance” in the app.
If you are arriving on U.S. soil without preclearance, simply select “U.S. airport” in the app, choose your arrival airport or seaport, take a selfie, and answer CBP inspection questions. Once submitted, present your physical passport to a CBP officer to finalize entry.
Who is Eligible?
MPC is available to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, Canadian B1/B2 visitors, and returning Visa Waiver Program travelers with an approved ESTA. The app is currently accepted at 53 locations, including 35 U.S. international airports, 14 preclearance sites, and four seaports.
Visa Waiver Program
The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens from 41 countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. Participating countries include the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, South Korea, and many others.
Here’s what some travelers are saying about it on social:
Man all the tin foil hats had me stressing about getting in to the US but it was easier than getting in to Aus and everyone was really friendly, even the big scary looking immigration dude. Breezed through with the MPC app, cracked jokes with TSA & have 4 hours till LV connection
— ExHullKiwi (@HullKiwi) February 23, 2026
Have heard Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is down at ATL and IAD.
Has anyone seen it open and working at any other U.S. airports yesterday/today?
— Natalie B. Compton (@NatBCo) February 23, 2026
Bottom Line
While Global Entry remains suspended, travelers have options to save time and reduce stress. Between TSA PreCheck, CLEAR and the free MPC app (if the lane at your airport is open), you can navigate security and customs more efficiently and avoid long lines at airports. Knowing your options is the key to smoother travel, especially during periods of uncertainty.
