Delta Air Lines Temporarily Ends VIP Treatment for Congress Members

Delta Air Lines has suspended special services for members of Congress due to the strain on airport operations and airline resources during the partial Department of Homeland Security shutdown. The airline will no longer provide airport escorts, seat upgrades, or rebooking assistance to lawmakers, but will still offer a special phone line for reservations. This decision comes as airports continue to feel the impact of the shutdown, with long TSA lines and widespread disruption. The move adds a political dimension to the airport chaos, highlighting the need for lawmakers to address the issue of TSA officer pay. The decision was made by Delta CEO Ed Bastian, who called it ‘inexcusable’ that TSA officers are being paid during the shutdown. The airline’s move may signal a broader shift in the way VIP treatment is handled by airlines, and could have implications for the industry’s ability to adapt to future disruptions. This article was first reported by AeroTime.