As anger grows over the chaos at America’s airports, Delta has suspended a travel perk for members of Congress that allows them to skip the ever-growing lines.
The Atlanta airline’s decision to humble lawmakers comes amid the prolonged standoff over passing a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security, which includes the Transportation Security Administration.
As wait times at airports are expected to get worse, Delta said it will temporarily suspend a suite of services offered to members of Congress, including one that allows them to breeze past security checks, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution first reported Tuesday.
The airline said House and Senate members will not be afforded airport escorts or VIP treatment for other services, including seat upgrades and rebooking. A special phone line for reservation remains.
“Due to the impact on resources from the longstanding government shutdown, Delta will temporarily suspend specialty services to members of Congress flying Delta,” the airline said in a statement. “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.”
