(Lebanon, NH – February 19, 2026) — Travelers are feeling less safe moving through US airports as the partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) affects Transportation Security Administration (TSA) operations, according to the latest Global Rescue Survey of the world’s most experienced travelers.

More than one-third of respondents say they feel less safe traveling through US airports as a result of the shutdown, including 25% who feel somewhat less safe and 10% who feel much less safe. By comparison, 49% report no change in how safe they feel.

Traveler concerns extend beyond safety perceptions to operational impacts. When asked about potential TSA staffing shortages and slower baggage screening, 63% say they are more concerned about lost, delayed or mishandled luggage, including 45% who are somewhat more concerned and 18% who are much more concerned. Thirty percent report no change in their level of concern.

Traveler anxiety is even higher regarding flight disruptions. Sixty-seven percent of respondents say they are more worried about missing a flight or experiencing delays due to longer security lines and operational challenges, including 45% who are somewhat more worried and 22% who are much more worried. Twenty-six percent say their level of concern has not changed.

“These findings show that operational instability at airports quickly translates into traveler anxiety,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and a US Travel and Tourism Advisory Board member at the U.S. Department of Commerce. “When travelers perceive that security staffing, baggage screening and passenger throughput are under strain, confidence erodes. Restoring predictability and operational reliability is critical to maintaining trust in the US air travel system.”

The survey underscores that while a significant share of travelers report no change in perception, a substantial portion are expressing elevated concern across multiple aspects of the airport experience — from personal safety to baggage handling and the risk of delays.

“Standard travel insurance typically does not cover government shutdowns as a reason for cancellation, though it may cover resulting flight disruptions if they qualify as a common carrier issue,” Richards added. “Travelers who want certainty around shutdown-related risks should consider a Cancel for Any Reason upgrade, which is generally required to ensure broader cancellation flexibility.”

For more information, contact:

Bill McIntyre | bmcintyre@globalrescue.com | +1 202.560.1195

About the Global Rescue Survey

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, conducted a snap survey collecting more than 1,100 responses from current and former members on February 17-18, 2026.

About Global Rescue

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.