Delta suspends major travel perk for members of Congress

[babsbunny]

https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/03/delta-suspends-major-travel-perk-for-members-of-congress/

By Greg Bluestein, Tia Mitchell, Patricia Murphy and Adam Beam

2 hours ago
With airport security lines stretching for hours and the congressional stalemate over Homeland Security funding now in its sixth week, Atlanta’s Delta Air Lines is suspending a major travel perk for members of Congress.

“Due to the impact on resources from the longstanding government shutdown, Delta will temporarily suspend specialty services to members of Congress flying Delta,” a Delta statement read. “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.”

[question everything]

1. What are the "special perks?

[obamanut2012]

2. Mainly a special check-in desk that streamlines

Checking in, bag check, and security. They will now be treated as any other Pre-Check or whatever customer.

[CurtEastPoint]

3. forgot ajc is paywalled... hang on

“Due to the impact on resources from the longstanding government shutdown, Delta will temporarily suspend specialty services to members of Congress flying Delta,” a Delta statement read. “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.”

According to Delta, those specialty services include things like airport escorts and “red coat” service for members of Congress.

....

Like most major airlines, Delta has long operated the special congressional reservation desk known on Capitol Hill as the “Delta Desk.” The dedicated service helps members book trips at government rates, make last-minute ticketing changes and even reserve seats on multiple flights on the same day to accommodate congressional votes. That service remains open.

[CurtEastPoint]

4. here's a free link via WSBTV, Atlanta local station

https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/atlanta/delta-temporarily-ends-air-travel-perks-members-congress-partial-shutdown-continues/XL5RM7SD5BHNJH6DZL7GUXN27A/