Delta Air Lines Announces Surprise Decision Amid Shutdown
Delta Air Lines announced a surprise decision on March 24 in the midst of the partial government shutdown that has caused long delays at airports throughout the U.S.
The airline announced that it "would suspend special services for members of Congress," citing the shutdown, according to Reuters.According to Fox 5 Atlanta, the perk "allowed members of Congress to skip TSA security lines." TSA security wait times have grown to many hours at some major airports as the stalemate over TSA and U.S. Department of Homeland Security funding continues.
Delta Air Lines Indicated That It Was Temporarily Suspending 'Specialty Services to Members of Congress'
Delta's statement stressed the shutdown's "impact on resources."
"Due to the impact on resources from the longstanding government shutdown, Delta will temporarily suspend specialty services to members of Congress flying Delta. Next to safety, Delta’s no. 1 priority is taking care of our people and customers, which has become increasingly difficult in the current environment,” the airline wrote in the statement obtained by Reuters.
According to Fox 5 Atlanta, "Going forward, members of Congress will be treated like any other passenger, with access based on their SkyMiles status rather than their position." The Atlanta Journal-Constitution called it a "major travel perk" for members of Congress.
The Hill reported that Delta is suspending "airport escorts and so-called red coat services. The Capital Desk, a reservations line, will remain open." Delta's headquarters are in Atlanta, where security delays have plagued Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
According to The Hill, there has been a staffing shortage of TSA agents, with hundreds quitting. NPR described the suspension, which is temporary, as "pausing special services that make flights more convenient and efficient for members of Congress."
The CEO of Delta Air Lines recently spoke against the shutdown. Delta's CEO Ed Bastian told CNBC he was "outraged" by the shutdown, which has left TSA agents going without pay as they man security checkpoints at airports across the U.S.
"It's inexcusable that our security agents, our frontline agents, that are essential to what we do, are not being paid, and it's ridiculous to see them being used as political chips," he said.
Delta Air Lines Served More Than 200 Million Customers Last Year
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Delta is a popular airline.
"Delta served more than 200 million customers in 2025 – safely, reliably and with industry-leading customer service innovation – and was recognized by J.D. Power in 2025 year for being No. 1 in Premium Economy Passenger Satisfaction," Delta wrote on March 19.
"The airline also was recognized as the top U.S. airline by the Wall Street Journal and as North America's most on-time airline in 2025 from Cirium," the airline added. "We remain committed to ensuring that the future of travel is connected, personalized and enjoyable. Our people's genuine, enduring motivation is to make every customer feel welcomed and cared for across every point of their journey with us."