All articles tagged with #tsa
Despite an earlier announcement that TSA PreCheck could be suspended during a funding dispute, the program remains operational, with officials warning that a suspension would create headaches for travelers and complicate security lines; the AP News report references a 2025 Las Vegas news conference and ongoing updates.
TSA says PreCheck lanes remain operational even as DHS pauses the PreCheck and Global Entry programs during the partial government shutdown, with courtesy escorts suspended to focus on security; the move coincides with a looming Northeast winter storm and ongoing flight disruptions, drawing criticism from Airlines for America.
Funding for the Department of Homeland Security has lapsed amid a partisan dispute over Democrats’ demands to curb immigration enforcement, but most DHS operations continue with essential workers on duty. ICE and CBP are expected to operate with little disruption, TSA workers remain largely on the job, and FEMA staff—about 85%—will work without pay, potentially growing strains over time. The standoff centers on Senate votes and policy concessions: Democrats want warrants, visible identification, limits on face coverings, stricter use-of-force and training rules, and an end to roving patrols, while Republicans warn against burdensome safeguards and seek broader restrictions on sanctuary jurisdictions. Travelers could face delays as the situation unfolds, though air traffic control funding was already secured for now.
A newly released video shows a passenger with a meat cleaver in a shopping bag passing TSA screening and boarding a Delta flight to Salt Lake City. After a flight attendant spotted the weapon, the captain announced a security issue, all passengers deboarded for re-screening, and the flight was delayed about three hours; the passenger later told authorities he bought the cleaver cheaply and was not charged, subsequently catching another flight.
A U.S. Homeland Security funding lapse began, with about 95% of TSA personnel deemed essential and continuing to work without pay while air-traffic controllers remain funded, raising the risk of longer security lines and potential travel delays as airlines plan for reduced screening capacity; travelers are advised to arrive early, check airport wait times, and pack carefully to avoid screening delays.
During a Department of Homeland Security shutdown, TSA agents are showing up to work at U.S. airports without pay, keeping security screenings running as travelers contend with lines and delays.
Apple says seven more U.S. states will offer iPhone Wallet IDs for driver’s licenses, joining 13 states and Puerto Rico that already support the feature. Setup is in Wallet under Add → Driver’s License/ID, with current supported states listed (Arizona, Maryland, Colorado, Georgia, Ohio, Hawaii, California, Iowa, New Mexico, Montana, North Dakota, West Virginia, Illinois) plus Puerto Rico; seven future states—Connecticut, Kentucky, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Utah, Arkansas, Virginia—have signed on but without timelines. Wallet IDs are accepted at TSA checkpoints in over 250 airports, though they aren’t used by law enforcement and a physical ID remains advisable. A Digital Passport option allows presenting a digital passport-based ID at participating TSA checkpoints for domestic travel only, not international travel. The feature requires iOS 26.1 / watchOS 26.1 or later.
The TSA has released its 2026 Canine Calendar featuring 13 selected explosives detection dogs from airports across the U.S., highlighting their roles in airport security and showcasing their fun facts and photos, with Steeler, the 2025 cutest canine, among the featured heroes.
The TSA warns travelers not to wear sparkly Christmas sweaters through airport security as the metallic elements can trigger scanners, potentially leading to delays or additional screening. Travelers are advised to pack these sweaters in luggage instead.
The TSA is preparing for a record-breaking holiday travel season, expecting to screen 44.3 million travelers between December 19, 2025, and January 4, 2026, with improvements like REAL ID enforcement, new PreCheck benefits for military families, and relaxed shoe removal policies to enhance the traveler experience.
Apple is rolling out a Digital ID feature on iPhone and Apple Watch that allows users to securely present their passport-based digital ID at TSA checkpoints in over 250 U.S. airports, streamlining the security process for domestic travelers, while still requiring physical passports for international travel.
Apple is launching Digital IDs stored in Apple Wallet, allowing users to present their ID at TSA checkpoints in over 250 US airports using their iPhone or Apple Watch, primarily for domestic travel. The feature, which requires scanning a physical passport and facial verification, is encrypted and not a replacement for physical passports or international travel. It is initially rolling out in select airports, with future plans to expand to other businesses and organizations.
The US Department of Transportation may close parts of the airspace due to air traffic controller shortages caused by a government shutdown and unpaid workers, raising concerns about safety and flight delays across the country.
Rep. Nancy Mace reportedly berated police officers and TSA agents at Charleston International Airport, according to an incident report, as she runs for governor of South Carolina.
South Carolina Congresswoman Nancy Mace reportedly cursed at police and TSA officers at Charleston International Airport, criticizing their competence and bringing a colleague into the altercation, leading to reports of unprofessional behavior and security concerns.