Wow! I just saw the above image on my Facebook feed, and initially thought it had to come from a satirical site. But how wonderful it would be if it were true. So I asked AI if it was true.
Yes, Delta Air Lines reported in March 2026 suspended special VIP travel perks for members of Congress, effective March 24, 2026, due to the partial government shutdown and its impact on TSA staff. Lawmakers will no longer receive airport escorts, priority rebooking, or assistance from “Red Coat” personnel, requiring them to wait in lines like other passengers.
Details of the Suspension:
- Duration: This is a temporary suspension expected to last until the DHS shutdown ends.
A Fox Business article reports that other airlines have not immediately followed suit, with United stating they have no changes to announce.
Below the AI answer were quite a few news reports:
- Yahoo! Finance: Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) has become the first major U.S. airline to strip members of Congress of their VIP travel privileges, suspending airport escorts, red coat services and other specialty perks that have quietly made flying easier for the 532 sitting members of Congress.
- USA Today: “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 to USA TODAY. “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.”
- NPR: Members of Congress are now facing a personal consequence from the ongoing shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security: losing one special flight perk.
If only they had to suffer personal consequences for everything else they do.
