Delta Air Lines just scrapped a special set of travel perks for members of Congress that let lawmakers and their staff book multiple same‑day flights, make last‑minute changes, get priority service, and skip certain hassles that ordinary passengers face — all through a dedicated “Capitol Desk” and VIP treatment system. The airline says the decision is temporary and tied to the ongoing partial government shutdown that’s left the Transportation Security Administration short‑staffed and airports in chaos. As a result, those perks are suspended and lawmakers will now be treated like regular flyers until funding for the Department of Homeland Security is restored.

Delta CEO Ed Bastian also publicly criticized Congress for the shutdown’s impact on airline workers and airport operations, arguing that lawmakers should help repair the system they rely on instead of exempting themselves from its breakdown. Meanwhile, the Capitol Desk reservation line remains open even as VIP airport escort services, priority access, and other elite benefits are on hold.

This move has pushed an already heated debate over privileged treatment for lawmakers into the spotlight, raising questions about whether members of Congress should ever get special travel advantages — especially when everyday travelers are stuck in long security lines and widespread delays.