The current government shutdown has caused major disruptions and delays at airports across the United States, leading to frustration among travelers. While some are stuck in long lines, others are able to bypass the standard screening process and quickly reach their flights. This is due to the availability of expedited services such as TSA PreCheck and Clear, which allow travelers to go through separate and quicker vetting procedures.

TSA PreCheck is a program run by the federal government that costs about $80 and is valid for 5 years. It allows travelers to access designated lines at US airports where they do not have to remove their shoes or take out their laptops from their bags. Clear, on the other hand, is a for-profit service backed by Delta Air Lines and United that costs about $200 a year. It uses biometric technology such as facial recognition to quickly verify a traveler’s identity and allows them to skip to the front of the security line.

While these services have been highly recommended in the past, the ongoing government shutdown has caused disruptions in their availability. For example, at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, only standard screening is currently available and Clear customers are unable to use the service. This has raised concerns about the fairness of the system, as it appears to privilege those with more money.

In addition to these services, there are other options for travelers who can afford it, such as private terminals and semi-private jet services. However, these options come at a much higher cost. For those who cannot afford these expedited services, there are limited options available. Some airports, such as San Francisco International, Kansas City International, and Orlando Sanford, have not been affected by the shutdown as they do not use TSA screeners.

Overall, the outlook for air travel during the shutdown remains uncertain. With TSA workers quitting or calling out sick, and only a fraction of security screening capabilities available, long lines are expected to continue. While some improvements have been made, such as the deployment of ICE agents to assist with security screenings, the situation is still far from ideal.