Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines is suspending its special services for members of Congress as the partial government shutdown continues to cause long lines at airports nationwide.
Delta’s special services program includes airport escorts and red coat services for members of Congress. The airline’s Capitol Desk that helps members book flights remains open, but the other services are paused during the shutdown.
“Due to the impact on resources from the longstanding government shutdown, Delta will temporarily suspend specialty services to members of Congress flying Delta,” a Delta spokesperson said in a statement to GPB News. “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.”
Members of Congress will be treated as any passenger according to their SkyMiles status, Delta said.
Delta said the suspension is due to strain on resources during the partial government shutdown that began Feb. 14. This week, over 37% of TSA agents at the Atlanta airport have called out absent, causing hours-long wait times for passengers in security check lines.
Last week, the Senate voted to stop allowing members of Congress to skip security lines but the chamber has yet to reach a deal to end the partial shutdown.
This article comes to Now Georgia in partnership with GPB News
