Delta Air Lines announced on March 24, 2026, the temporary suspension of specialty services for members of Congress, including airport escorts and “red coat” assistance with seat upgrades and rebooking, due to resource strains from the ongoing partial Department of Homeland Security shutdown entering its sixth week.
The decision prioritizes safety and care for employees and customers amid widespread airport disruptions, though the airline’s dedicated Capitol Desk reservation line for lawmakers remains operational. Lawmakers flying Delta will now receive treatment based on their SkyMiles status, aligning with standard passengers.
This perk suspension highlights longstanding special treatments for Congress members, such as expedited security screening and courtesy escorts by TSA or airport police. Senator John Cornyn’s office confirmed TSA halted these escort services during the shutdown due to staffing shortages. Cornyn has introduced legislation to end such practices permanently.
Airports nationwide report hours-long TSA security lines from rising resignations and absenteeism among unpaid agents, who missed paychecks since mid-February 2026 after Congress allowed DHS funding to lapse over immigration disputes. President Donald Trump deployed ICE agents to over a dozen airports for crowd control, though TSA workers criticized their lack of checkpoint training.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian called the situation “inexcusable” on CNBC, stating TSA officers are being used as “political chips.” He joined nine other aviation CEOs in an open letter urging Congress to pay federal aviation workers. Rep. Nancy Mace praised Delta, saying lawmakers should experience the same challenges as ordinary travelers.
Delta and other major U.S. airlines have historically provided such services to facilitate frequent travel between Washington, D.C., and lawmakers’ home states.