Delta Air Lines has announced the suspension of its airport escort and red coat services for members of Congress and their staff, attributing the decision to the ongoing partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security. This move, communicated on Tuesday, follows critical comments from Delta CEO Ed Bastian regarding Congress’s failure to approve pay for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents affected by the shutdown.
In a statement, Delta emphasized its commitment to safety and the challenge of maintaining service quality under the current circumstances. The company stated, “Due to the impact on resources from the longstanding government shutdown, Delta will temporarily suspend specialty services to members of Congress flying Delta.”
While the airline’s Capital Desk—a reservation service for lawmakers—remains open, affected customers will now receive the same treatment as standard passengers based on their Sky Miles status. This decision comes as U.S. airports, particularly in Atlanta, are experiencing longer security wait times due to a high number of TSA agent absences stemming from unpaid work.
Bastian had previously expressed his outrage over the situation, labeling it unacceptable that essential security personnel are not compensated. He stated, “It’s ridiculous to see them being used as political chips,” calling on Washington to take action to resolve the issue. In contrast, United Airlines confirmed that it has not yet made similar adjustments to its services for Congress, while American Airlines has not commented.
As government shutdowns become more frequent, airline executives have increasingly urged lawmakers to prioritize the pay of essential workers like TSA agents.
Why this story matters
- The suspension of services highlights the impact of the ongoing government shutdown on essential services.
Key takeaway
- Delta Air Lines is temporarily treating Congressional members like standard passengers as a response to unpaid TSA workers.
Opposing viewpoint
- Some airlines, like United, are not following Delta’s lead, suggesting different approaches to the situation among carriers.
