The real reason TSA PreCheck was temporarily suspended
Read today's edition of Gate Access • Feb 23, 2026
This newsletter may contain affiliate links, meaning Gate Access may earn a small commission if you purchase through them — at no extra cost to you.
Harmony’s Note
Happy Monday. What happened yesterday with TSA PreCheck was 100% politically driven and a huge slap in the face to travelers across the country. If you’re unaware of what took place yesterday, please read my latest on the situation.
I received a call late Saturday night from one of my DHS sources alerting me to what was to take place at 6 AM Sunday at TSA PreCheck checkpoints.
At that time, I wasn’t comfortable sharing the news because it was missing key details.
What I can share with you today is that every airport in the U.S. is currently doing its own thing regarding TSA PreCheck.
The confusion was so loud that TSA released this message 4 hours after announcing the decision, walking it back.
TSA HQ never informed local management.
TSA officers learned of this update in real time with the public. Even as of this newsletter, internal guidance has not yet been given to the TSA officers on the matter.
It’s actually laughable.
That abrupt change had nothing to do with safety, because if it did, they would’ve closed TSA PreCheck during the 43-day shutdown we just experienced a few months back, when officers were sharing how stressed out they were.
I’ll keep up with this and let you know what I learn – but for now, please don’t take your frustration out on the officers if your TSA PreCheck isn’t operational because they’re just as clueless as you are.
This was a political stunt to outrage travelers and pressure Democrats to accept the current Republican terms to reopen the government.
On The Radar
TSA PreCheck will remain open on a case-by-case basis
TSA confirms PreCheck lanes remain operational nationwide with “no change for the traveling public,” after DHS briefly said it would halt both PreCheck and Global Entry amid the ongoing partial government shutdown.
DHS has suspended Global Entry and reassigned officers who normally staff Global Entry kiosks to regular arrivals processing, potentially leading to longer lines for international arrivals.
TSA warns it will adjust operations on a case-by-case basis as staffing tightens, so travelers should allow extra time for security screening during the shutdown period.
Visiting the UK? Here are some important updates you need to know
Starting this Tuesday, all U.S. citizens (and travelers from 84 other visa-exempt countries) must have an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before flying, taking a train, or boarding a ferry to the UK.
The ETA costs £16 ($21.62), is valid for 2 years (or until passport expiry), and covers multiple entries for stays of up to 6 months.
The UK ETA app is the best way to apply — most approvals are issued within minutes; allow three working days to be safe.
Gate Access Special Note: Transiting through Heathrow or Manchester without passing through passport control does not require an ETA. But if you clear UK customs during a layover, you do. Every traveler, including infants, needs their own individual ETA, linked to the specific passport used at application.
U.S. issues shelter‑in‑place alert across major Mexican tourist hubs
The U.S. Mission in Mexico has issued multiple Security Alerts (including an “Update” on today) directing U.S. citizens in parts of Jalisco, Baja California, Quintana Roo, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Michoacán, Oaxaca, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas to shelter in place due to security operations, roadblocks, and criminal activity.
U.S. government staff in cities including Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Tijuana, and Reynosa have been ordered to shelter in place or limit movement. They are barred from traveling to Mazatlán through at least Wednesday, February 25.
While airports remain technically open, roadblocks and violence have led to most domestic and international flights being canceled at Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, and widespread schedule disruptions at other Mexican airports.
Travelers currently in affected Mexican states are being told to stay on property, avoid transit to airports, and monitor official alerts. Those with upcoming trips should be prepared for significant disruptions or the need to postpone travel.
American Airlines quietly raises airport fee for a second checked bag
For tickets issued on or after February 18, 2026, American Airlines now charges $50 for a second checked bag when paid at the airport on many domestic and short‑haul international routes, up from $45.
Travelers who prepay for the second bag online still pay $45.
The first checked bag fee remains $35 online and $40 at the airport on these routes, and elite members, select co‑branded cardholders, premium‑cabin customers, and eligible U.S. military travelers may still get free bags.
Major winter storm impacts Northeast U.S. flights.
A powerful winter storm hitting the U.S. Northeast has canceled more than 3,300 U.S. flights and delayed over 5,000, with widespread disruptions at airports like JFK, LaGuardia, Boston Logan, Newark, and Philadelphia.
Major carriers, including Delta Air Lines, United, Spirit, and others, have waived change fees and (in many cases) fare differences for affected travelers who can reschedule their trips outside the storm window.
Delta and American have published specific travel waivers for dozens of Northeast airports, allowing one‑time changes for tickets bought by February 19–21, as long as customers rebook within set date ranges and keep the same origin/destination.
Presented by JetBack
This App Tracks Your Original Flight Price and Refunds You When The Price Drops
Did you know airlines legally owe you refunds when your fare drops below the original purchase price?
Many travelers are unaware of this, and airlines get away with not issuing refunds because travelers must flag it and request the refund themselves. No one really has time for that, which is why this new AI-powered app, JetBack, is so powerful.
The app monitors price dips and automatically requests a refund on your behalf.
Learn more about how it works and enjoy $15 off a one-year subscription.
Just a Quick Reminder…
You Can Renew Your U.S. Passport Online
I went to the post office the other day, and I started a conversation with an older woman that led to her sharing that she was there to renew her passport.
I told her that she didn’t have to come into the post office anymore because they’ve updated the system, and you can do everything online now.
She was shocked, so that inspired this new section, Just a Quick Reminder, because sometimes we need to be reminded of what’s available to us.
Here are some key details:
The State Department’s online passport renewal system is fully available to the public.
The online system is for U.S. citizens 25+ renewing a 10-year passport expiring within 1 year or expired within the last 5 years, with no name/personal info changes, currently living in the U.S.
Applicants upload a digital photo (no selfies; white background required), pay by card, and track status via email.
Processing takes about 4–6 weeks, but some travelers have received their passports within 17 days. Your current passport is cancelled immediately upon submission, so don’t apply if you have upcoming travel.
Travel Tip of The Week
Here’s How to Decrease Your Wait Time When Calling an Airline
This tip is so simple that you probably never would think about it. Right now, airline customer service wait times are long due to travel disruptions, but you can slash much of that time by simply pressing 2 to speak with a representative who speaks Spanish or another language.
I know you’re probably saying, “How does this help me? I don’t speak Spanish”. It helps because although you selected Spanish, all representatives are also required to speak English.
The English hold time is much longer because it’s the top-selected option. Most airlines divide queues by language.
Last Week's Release
One Last Thing
I’ll be LIVE on NewsNation again today at 1 PM EST to share my thoughts on what happened with TSA PreCheck yesterday. Thank you for continuing to read this newsletter and for trusting me to provide this news. See you again next Monday.