The 76-day government shutdown is finally over, and TSA checkpoints are returning to normal operations just in time for summer travel season. If you've got trips booked in the coming months, here's exactly what you should do now to protect your plans and maximize your travel experience.

Key Points:

• TSA is fully operational again after the longest government shutdown ended, but 1,100+ officers resigned during the crisis, which could still cause occasional delays.
• Summer travel season begins in three weeks, and now's the time to secure TSA PreCheck or Global Entry using credit card statement credits before the rush.
• Several premium travel cards offer trip delay and cancellation protection that would've covered costs during the shutdown disruptions.

What Just Happened (And Why It Matters)

The partial government shutdown that lasted 76 days ended Thursday when the House passed funding for the Department of Homeland Security. This means TSA officers are back to full pay, and those nightmare three- and four-hour security lines we saw in March are behind us.

But here's the reality: over 1,100 TSA officers left their jobs during the crisis. While operations are back to normal now, summer is the busiest travel period, and we could still see occasional slowdowns at major hubs.

Your Action Plan for Summer Travel

1. Get TSA PreCheck or Global Entry NOW

With summer travel starting in three weeks, this is your window to enroll before the rush. TSA is offering discounts through May 31 for travelers age 30 and younger (up to $20 off the $78 application fee).

But here's the smarter play: use a credit card that reimburses the full fee. Several cards offer this benefit, and you'll rack up points on your application too.

Cards with TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credits:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve: $100 Global Entry credit every four years
• Capital One Venture X: $100 Global Entry credit every four years
• American Express Platinum: $100 Global Entry credit every four years
• Chase Sapphire Preferred: $100 statement credit for expedited security (TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or CLEAR)

The Chase Sapphire Reserve and Amex Platinum are particularly valuable because they also include trip delay protection, which would've reimbursed you for hotel and meal costs during those shutdown-related delays.

2. Enroll in TSA PreCheck Touchless ID

If you already have TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, take five minutes to opt into the new Touchless ID program. It's now available at over 60 airports and moves even faster than regular PreCheck lanes.

You'll need to upload your passport information to your airline profile for each carrier you fly. This costs nothing extra but requires advance setup, so don't wait until you're at the airport.

3. Check Your Travel Credit Card Protections

The shutdown highlighted why trip protection benefits matter. If your flight was delayed or cancelled because of TSA issues, certain credit cards would've covered your additional expenses.

Key protections to verify on your cards:

• Trip delay reimbursement (typically kicks in after 6-12 hours)
• Trip cancellation/interruption coverage
• Baggage delay insurance
• Emergency evacuation coverage

Premium cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture X, and American Express Platinum all include these benefits, but you must book your travel with the card to activate coverage.

4. Download the TSA App

The official TSA app is back online after going dark during the shutdown. Use it to:

• Check real-time wait times at your airport
• See predicted wait times by day and time
• Plan exactly when to leave for the airport

This beats guessing or showing up three hours early "just in case."

What the Numbers Tell Us

TSA has screened 280 million passengers so far in 2026, up 0.9% from last year. That's barely an increase, but it means checkpoint traffic is steady heading into peak summer season.

The 1,100+ officer shortfall is concerning. If you're flying through major hubs like Atlanta, JFK, LAX, or O'Hare during peak hours (early morning or late afternoon), build in extra time until staffing fully recovers.

The Credit Card Strategy Play

This shutdown showed us that government dysfunction can happen anytime and mess up travel plans. Here's how to protect yourself with the right credit card setup:

Tier 1: PreCheck/Global Entry CoverageGet at least one card that reimburses TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. This benefit alone can save you hours during regular travel, and it's essentially free money when you'd pay the fee anyway. Our comparison of the Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Reserve breaks down which option makes the most sense for different travel patterns.

Tier 2: Trip Protection
Premium travel cards with delay and cancellation coverage protect you when things go wrong. During the shutdown, travelers with these benefits could've claimed reimbursement for hotels, meals, and alternate transportation. Learn more about which cards offer the best airport lounge access and trip protection.

Tier 3: Lounge AccessCards with Priority Pass or airline lounge access let you wait out delays in comfort. When security lines stretched four hours in March, having lounge access meant working productively instead of standing in line.

The sweet spot? Cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve ($550 annual fee) or Capital One Venture X ($395 annual fee) that bundle all three benefits. Yes, the fees are high, but the protections pay for themselves if you travel regularly. We've covered whether the Chase Sapphire Reserve is worth it and whether the Venture X is worth it in separate deep dives.

Looking Ahead: Will This Happen Again?

Aviation industry leaders are pushing Congress to protect TSA and air traffic controller pay during future shutdowns. So far, no legislation has passed.

Translation: this could absolutely happen again.

Your best defense is preparation. TSA PreCheck cuts your exposure to security line chaos. Trip protection on your credit cards covers costs when delays happen. Lounge access keeps you comfortable during disruptions.

Bottom Line

The shutdown crisis is over, but the lessons are clear. Summer travel season starts in three weeks, and now's your window to prepare properly.

Priority one: Get TSA PreCheck or Global Entry using a credit card that reimburses the fee. Priority two: Make sure you're booking travel with cards that include trip protection. Priority three: Download the TSA app and opt into Touchless ID if you already have PreCheck.

The government shutdown caught a lot of travelers off guard. Don't let the next crisis do the same to you.

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