Delta Air Lines has suspended special services it typically offers to members of Congress, according to multiple reports. The decision comes as the partial U.S. government shutdown continues, causing staffing shortages among TSA officers and leading to long security lines at airports nationwide.
Key Takeaways
Delta Air Lines has suspended special services for members of Congress due to the ongoing government shutdown, which has caused staffing shortages among TSA officers and long security lines at airports nationwide. Lawmakers will now face the same inconveniences as other passengers.
- Delta suspends specialty services for lawmakers citing strain on resources
- Long security lines reported at major U.S. airports including Hartsfield-Jackson International in Atlanta
- Senate Republicans optimistic about potential deal to end shutdown, but Democrats and Republicans remain divided over DHS funding
The airline announced that it will temporarily halt 'specialty services' for lawmakers, citing strain on its own resources. These services include airport escorts for government personnel and so-called Red Coat assistance. As a result, lawmakers traveling on Delta will now face the same inconveniences as other passengers. According to CBS News, some members of Congress may still receive preferred treatment based on their status as SkyMiles members but not because of their position in government.
The shutdown has led to absences among TSA officers working without pay, causing chaos at U.S. airports. Passengers waiting in long security screening lines at George Bush International Continental Airport in Houston told CBS News that they want Congress to pass a measure to fund and fully reopen the government. Some passengers also complained about limited access to water and other essentials while waiting in line.
Delta is offering passengers flying from Atlanta, Georgia, on Tuesday and Wednesday the chance to rebook their trips as long as they travel before March 30. A fare difference will be waived if passengers rebook before the March 30 deadline in the same cabin as their original trip. If travelers cannot push back their trip by a week, they can cancel their reservation and apply the value to a new ticket within a year from the original ticket issuance.
United Airlines is also offering passengers the chance to delay their trips from its Houston hub at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. United will waive any fees and fare differences for passengers rebooking flights originally scheduled for Monday through Wednesday, provided that flights depart on or before Friday, are in the same cabin, and between the same cities.
Senate Republicans are optimistic about a potential deal to end the shutdown, according to CBS News. A group of Senate Republicans met with President Trump at the White House on Monday evening and returned to the Capitol optimistic about a possible deal. However, Democrats and Republicans remain divided on funding for DHS, particularly regarding ICE and CBP.
How this summary was created
This summary synthesizes reporting from 5 independent publishers using AI. All sources are cited and linked below. NewsBalance is a news aggregator and media literacy tool, not a news publisher. AI-generated content may contain errors or inaccuracies — always verify important information with the original sources.