The Department of Homeland Security is temporarily halting TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, two of the most widely used trusted-traveler programs in the United States, amid a partial government shutdown.
In a statement to CNN regarding the suspension of those programs, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said the Transportation Security Administration and Customs and Border Patrol “are focusing on the general traveling public at our airports and ports of entry and have suspended courtesy and special privilege escorts.”
I’m reminded of the TSA planning in 2013 to allow small knives to harmonize its rules with Europe and Canada. The flight attendant union objected, and the rule change was rolled back.
On one hand, there’s nowhere to run on a plane, and people have been behaving unusually badly of late. On the other hand, the chance of arrest and prosecution following a violent act on a plane is 100%, and unlike most public settings, bystanders will usually intervene.