Delta suspends specialty services for members of Congress amid partial government shutdown.

Delta Air Lines announced on March 24, 2026, that it would temporarily suspend specialty services for members of Congress due to the ongoing partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security.

“Members of Congress have historically received special airport treatment beyond what regular travelers get”

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'Due to the impact on resources from the longstanding government shutdown, Delta will temporarily suspend specialty services to members of Congress flying Delta,' the airline said in statements reported by multiple outlets.

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The shutdown, which began in mid-February, has significantly impacted TSA operations, causing staffing shortages and operational challenges that Delta claims have made it 'increasingly difficult' to maintain special services for lawmakers.

The specialty services being suspended include airport escorts, expedited security screening assistance, and 'red coat' customer service that had traditionally allowed members of Congress to bypass regular airport procedures.

Under the new policy, members of Congress will be treated like any other Delta passenger, with access to perks determined solely by their SkyMiles loyalty status rather than their elected position.

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However, Delta's Capital Desk, a dedicated reservation line for congressional members and staff, will remain operational.

This change effectively removes a layer of convenience that lawmakers have historically relied upon when traveling between Washington, D.C., and their home states.

The partial shutdown has created severe disruptions at U.S. airports, with Transportation Security Administration officers working without pay since mid-February leading to significant staffing shortages.

Federal officials reported that more than 400 TSA officers have resigned since the shutdown began, causing long wait times at security checkpoints across the country.

At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Delta's headquarters and the world's busiest airport, officials have advised passengers to arrive at least four hours early due to 'current federal conditions.'

Travelers have endured hours-long waits, with some expressing concern about limited access to water, air conditioning, and other essentials while waiting in security lines.

Delta's decision comes amid significant political turmoil, with the Senate having unanimously passed a bill introduced by Sen. John Cornyn of Texas that would eliminate special airport privileges for members of Congress, requiring them to go through standard screening like other passengers.

The bill still requires House approval and presidential signature to become law.

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Delta CEO Ed Bastian has been particularly vocal in his criticism of Congress, calling the situation 'inexcusable' and accusing lawmakers of using TSA workers as 'political chips.'

Last week, Bastian joined nine other airline executives in writing an open letter to Congress stressing the importance of paying federal aviation workers during shutdowns, stating 'TSA officers just received $0 paychecks. That is simply unacceptable.'

While Delta has taken the step of suspending congressional perks, other major airlines have not yet announced similar changes.

“- Delta halted special services for Congress, including perks that get them through security faster”

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United Airlines told CNBC it 'doesn't have any changes to announce today,' and American Airlines has not commented on the matter.

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The airline industry as a whole has expressed growing concern about the impact of repeated shutdowns on air travel operations and passenger experience.

The situation has also prompted questions about whether congressional airport privileges should be permanently eliminated, with some lawmakers like Rep. Nancy Mace, R.S.C., praising Delta's move, writing 'We applaud @Delta. If the Senate can't get it together and fund TSA, let them feel what every other American is feeling. Stand with the people you're supposed to serve.'