Delta Suspends Special Perks for Congress Amid Shutdown

Move follows unpaid TSA officers and growing shutdown-related airport chaos

Mar. 25, 2026 at 12:00pm

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Delta Air Lines has announced that it is putting a pause on most of its special perks for lawmakers, citing the prolonged partial government shutdown that's snarling air travel nationwide. The suspended services include airport escorts and dedicated on-the-ground help, meaning members of Congress will now be handled like regular customers, with treatment tied to their SkyMiles status.

Why it matters

The move by Delta highlights the growing impact of the government shutdown on air travel, as unpaid TSA officers and other airport personnel struggle to keep operations running smoothly. By suspending the special treatment for Congress members, Delta is signaling that no one is immune to the disruptions caused by the shutdown.

The details

Delta's decision to suspend the "red coat" services that made it more convenient and efficient for members of Congress to fly comes as the partial government shutdown continues to cause chaos at airports across the country. Other airlines have not yet commented on whether they will follow Delta's lead and suspend similar programs for lawmakers.

  • The suspension of special perks for Congress members took effect on March 25, 2026.

The players

Delta Air Lines

A major U.S. airline that has decided to suspend special perks for members of Congress amid the ongoing government shutdown.

Congress

The legislative branch of the U.S. federal government, whose members have traditionally received special treatment and services from airlines like Delta when traveling.

TSA

The Transportation Security Administration, which has been impacted by the government shutdown, with many TSA officers working without pay and causing growing chaos at airports nationwide.

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What’s next

It remains to be seen whether other airlines will follow Delta's lead and suspend similar special perks for members of Congress as the government shutdown continues to impact air travel.

The takeaway

Delta's decision to suspend special treatment for lawmakers is a symbolic move that highlights the broad impact of the government shutdown on air travel, with no one - not even members of Congress - immune to the disruptions caused by the impasse.