Delta suspends special treatment for Congress as shutdown sows chaos in airports - Reuters

Reuters
March 24, 2026
3 min read

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Delta Airlines suspended congressional travel privileges during the federal shutdown.

How This Affects You

Average travelers may face increased airport congestion and delays as congressional staff compete for standard seating and services previously reserved for lawmakers.

AI Summary

Delta Air Lines has suspended its special boarding and security privileges for members of Congress amid widespread airport disruptions caused by a government shutdown. The airline's move reflects the operational chaos gripping the nation's aviation system, where furloughed federal workers have reduced air traffic control capacity and security screening operations. Congress members typically enjoy expedited security screening and priority boarding as part of their official travel benefits, a perk Delta has now withdrawn during the crisis. The suspension underscores how the shutdown is affecting all layers of airport operations, from routine passenger services to congressional logistics. It remains unclear whether Delta will restore these privileges once normal government operations resume.

What's Being Done

Delta suspended special treatment for Congress in response to the federal shutdown.

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