Delta suspends perk for Congress members, cites DHS shutdown

Key Points:

• Delta Air Lines has suspended its airport escorts and red coat services for members of Congress and their staff due to the ongoing partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security impacting TSA operations.
• The suspension follows Delta CEO Ed Bastian's public criticism of Congress for failing to authorize pay for TSA agents during the shutdown, which has led to staffing shortages and longer security lines at major airports.
• Despite the suspension of specialty services, Delta's Capital Desk reservation line for Congress members remains open, but those customers will now be treated like regular passengers based on their SkyMiles status.
• Other airlines, such as United Airlines, have not announced similar suspensions, while American Airlines has yet to comment on their services for federal lawmakers.
• Airline executives have increasingly pressured lawmakers to ensure essential government workers, including TSA officers, are paid during shutdowns to prevent operational disruptions at airports.