After the November 2025 U.S. government shutdown and subsequent bad weather conditions affecting airlines and flights, it looks like the travel industry faces another turbulent ride. 

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has suspended TSA PreCheck and Global Entry as the partial government shutdown, which began Feb. 14, continues. Starting the morning of Feb. 22, these “fast-pass” programs are temporarily suspended at airports across the country, the Associated Press reported. 

The partial government shutdown commenced after lawmakers and the White House were unable to agree on legislation related to DHS funding. The disagreement largely centers on how federal immigration officers should operate following recent high-profile incidents. 

How are TSA PreCheck suspension and partial government shutdown affecting travelers? 

According to TSA Deputy Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill, potential consequences include: 

  • No fast lanes: even passengers who have PreCheck of Global Entry would likely have to wait in the standard security lines. 
  • Staffing shortage: TSA officers are once again expected to work without pay, which may result in fewer workers, causing longer lines. 
  • Other delays: Screening for checked luggage might be slower and lead to potential flight delays.
    Source: Financial Express 

“Shutdowns have serious real world consequences,” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement, adding that “TSA and CBP are prioritizing the general traveling population at our airports and ports of entry and suspending courtesy and special privilege escorts.”

Further complicating travel across the United States, major airlines have begun canceling thousands of flights due to another monster winter storm. 

American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Jet Blue and other carriers cancel thousands of flights due to winter storm Hernando.  

Photo by SAUL LOEB on Getty Images

Major airlines cancel thousands of flights due to winter storm Hernando

The National Weather Service issued a major winter storm warning, highlighting that it will impact the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast and cause inclement weather in the Pacific Northwest. 

“A major winter storm is expected to bring heavy snow, strong winds, and coastal flooding across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast that may cause impossible travel conditions and power outages,” reads the official announcement.

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“Blizzard conditions are possible along coastal areas from the DelMarVa Peninsula through southeastern New England. Wet weather and strong winds return to the Pacific Northwest and north-central California.”

More than 2,915 U.S. flights have been canceled for Sunday, Feb. 22, and over 1,875 have been delayed as of 10:40 a.m. EST, according to flight-tracking website FlightAware.

Airports most affected by canceled flights: 

  • John F. Kennedy Intl. (JFK)
  • LaGuardia (LGA)
  • Newark Liberty Intl. (EWR)
  • Philadelphia Intl. (PHL)
  • Reagan National (DCA)
  • Boston Logan Intl. (BOS)
  • Baltimore/Washington Intl. (BWI)
  • Orlando Intl. (MCO)
  • Hartsfield-Jackson Intl. (ATL)
  • Chicago O’Hare Intl. (ORD)
  • Bradley Intl. (BDL)

Airlines that canceled the most flights: 

  • Republic: 539 flights canceled
  • JetBlue: 429 flights canceled
  • American Airlines: 333 flights canceled
  • Delta Air Lines: 316 flights canceled
  • Southwest: 239 flights canceled
  • United: 167 flights canceled
  • Endeavor Air (DAL): 166 flights canceled 
  • PSA Airlines (AAL): 124 flights canceled
  • Spirit: 86 flights canceled
  • Piedmont (AAL): 67 flights canceled
  • Jazz (ACA): 48 flights canceled
    Source: FlightAware

How major airlines are helping travelers impacted by Hernando

Flight cancellations represent not only a huge inconvenience for passengers, but also a huge impact on airlines’ profits. American Airlines highlighted in its Q4 earnings report that the storm cost American between $150 million and $200 million in revenue. 

Still, the major carriers know the importance of keeping their customers satisfied, which is why they often offer waivers in situations like these. 

To mitigate the current inconveniences for passengers amid weather-related cancellations and delays, some of the major airlines are waiving flight-change fees. 

“Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, JetBlue Airways, United Airlines, and Spirit Airlines waived fees and fare differences for passengers if they can travel as late as Feb. 26. Southwest Airlines said customers are eligible for a change without paying a difference in fare if they can rebook to fly or fly standby within two weeks,” reported CNBC.

“Flexible options are available for customers whose travel takes them to, from, or through affected airports, to move their flights outside the expected weather window. Delta automatically rebooks customers to the next best itinerary, and customers can easily make further changes via the Delta app and delta.com,” Delta stated.

Based on reports, a number of key airlines are allowing passengers to rebook a flight on a different day without paying the usual extra fee. The only catch is that travelers must rebook within a specific time window and stay in the same class. 

Key takeaways for passengers with scheduled flights: 

  • Check your app: Before heading to the airport, monitor your airline’s mobile app for real-time status updates. 
  • Look for waivers: If your flight is in the path of the storm, check your email or app for a notification offering a free flight change.
  • Act fast: Since so many flights are canceled, the open seats on later flights will disappear quickly.

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