Passengers Waited for Hours, Many Missed Flights
Passengers at Los Angeles International Airport faced extended lines on the morning of February 22 following an announcement regarding the temporary suspension of TSA PreCheck lanes and disruptions to Global Entry processing, causing many to miss their flights.
Airport officials stated that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security directed operational adjustments amid the government shutdown. Initial information indicated that TSA PreCheck lanes were suspended and Global Entry processing was temporarily halted.
Videos from the scene showed security checkpoints crowded, with passengers waiting for hours. Some reported missing their flights due to the extended wait times.
LAX Update: TSA PreCheck Remains Operational
Subsequently, LAX issued an updated statement confirming that TSA PreCheck remained operational. An airport representative stated that if staffing limitations arose, the Transportation Security Administration would adjust operations accordingly.
82 Flights Canceled, 101 Delayed
According to data from the flight tracking website FlightAware, 82 flights were canceled and 101 were delayed at LAX that morning. The disruption coincided with a major winter storm affecting the East Coast, adding further pressure to the airline system.
The incident caused frustration among many passengers and raised questions about communication procedures during a sensitive time. Airport operations gradually returned to normal throughout the day.
