Delta Air Lines has suspended special services for members of Congress, citing the impact of the US government shutdown on resources. The airline said it will temporarily stop providing airport escorts, VIP treatment, and other perks like seat upgrades or rebooking. However, lawmakers will still have access to a special phone line for reservations.
The move comes as travelers face long waits at security screening checkpoints due to a pay crisis among Transportation Security Administration employees. TSA employees have gone without pay since mid-February, and several airports have deployed Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to help with crowd control.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian has expressed outrage over the situation, calling it 'inexcusable' that TSA workers are not being paid. The airline's decision to suspend VIP services for Congress is a reflection of the difficulties faced by its staff and customers in the current environment.
