We Asked America’s Biggest Airlines If They’ll Stop Treating Politicians Like Kings
As Delta Airlines suspended “specialty services” for members of Congress amid the ongoing partial shutdown of the federal government, other major airlines have remained silent on the matter. A Delta spokesperson said in…
As Delta Airlines suspended “specialty services” for members of Congress amid the ongoing partial shutdown of the federal government, other major airlines have remained silent on the matter.
A Delta spokesperson said in a statement provided to the Daily Caller News Foundation on Wednesday that “due to the impact on resources from the longstanding government shutdown, Delta will temporarily suspend specialty services to members of Congress flying Delta.” The spokesperson added 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,” according to the outlet.
American Airlines, JetBlue and Southwest Airlines each did not respond to the DCNF’s request for comment about whether they plan to suspend any similar travel perks for members of Congress during the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown.
When reached for comment, a United Airlines spokesperson told the DCNF on Wednesday the airline has nothing to announce today. The spokesperson also told the DCNF on Thursday that to ensure compliance with ethics rules, United does not provide VIP services to members of Congress when they are traveling with the airline, other than services available to all customers based on their earned frequent flyer status.
Delta’s Capital Desk, a dedicated reservation line that helps members of Congress book trips at government rates, remains open. The airline’s suspended specialty services for members of Congress include airport escorts and red coat services.