Absolutely massive credit goes to Delta for this power move…
Delta gives middle finger to members of Congress
It’s chaos at many airports in the United States at the moment, due to the partial government shutdown, with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) not being funded. We’re seeing an increasing number of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees calling in sick, given that they haven’t been paid for their last three paycheck periods.
This is causing huge issues at many airports, which airlines obviously aren’t happy about. While airlines have broadly campaigned for a resolution to this issue, this might be the most compelling argument we’ve seen yet.
Delta has just cut off the special services that it offers to members of Congress, including at airports. This temporary suspension will remain in place until the government is again funded, and Delta claims that this is “due to the impact on resources from the longstanding government shutdown.”
Members of Congress receive special privileges at airports, like expedited security screening, escorts through the terminal, a dedicated reservations line, more ticket flexibility, etc. In a statement, Delta explained that “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.”
This is a bold move that benefits the public
It goes without saying that airlines are very politically involved, in terms of trying to lobby for their own best interests, both on a national and local level. The narrative always changes based on who is in office — just look at how United CEO Scott Kirby has gone from being rather liberal, to constantly praising Trump for his leadership, to the point that he might as well be wearing a red hat.
On the surface, angering members of Congress is risky, since that’s something they may remember in the future. However, this is certainly in the best interest of the public, as this is the kind of pressure that might actually lead to change.
Perhaps if members of Congress are more directly impacted by what’s going on at airports, then they will be more likely to push for the government to be fully funded. I suspect United won’t follow Delta’s lead here, since all signs point toward United looking for some “favors” from the government. 😉
Bottom line
Delta is suspending all special privileges for members of Congress until the government is funded, and that’s a courageous but good move. It’s obviously incredibly important to airlines that the government is fully funded, since hours-long wait times aren’t good for anyone. Clearly the airline hopes that if politicians experience what the rest of the public has to deal with, they’ll be more likely to come to an agreement.
What do you make of Delta pulling perks from members of Congress?
