Congress members shut down DHS? Then they can forget Delta’s special services

Delta Air Lines said Tuesday that it’s axing perks for members of Congress amid the Department of Homeland Security shutdown.

The department and its subordinate agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration, have been closed because of a lapse in funding since Feb. 14.

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

The perks included special escorts within airports and VIP treatment for things like rebooking flights or upgrading seats, according to Reuters.

While members of Congress can still access a separate reservations desk, they will otherwise be treated like any customers, with perks based on their Delta loyalty program points, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Delta CEO Ed Bastian has called on Congress to resolve the shutdown and the resulting lapse in pay to TSA personnel.

“It’s inexcusable that our security agents, front-line workers central to what we do, are not being paid. It’s ridiculous to see them used as political chips. We’re outraged. Over 90% of the American public supports these people getting paid. Ask our folks in Washington to do their job and get our people paid. They can do it,” Mr. Bastian told CNBC last week.

As the shutdown continues, America’s regular air passengers are feeling the crunch. Acting TSA Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill told lawmakers on Wednesday that airports are experiencing the longest security wait times ever, with some lines taking more than 4.5 hours to get through.

Meanwhile, over 480 TSA employees have quit, and some airports are having days where 40%-50% of the agency’s staffers are skipping work.