Delta Takes Away Congress’s TSA Fast Pass Because Shutdown Hits Real Life
KEY POINTS
- •On March 23, 2026, Delta Air Lines halted special security perks for members of Congress due to the ongoing DHS government shutdown.
- •Delta CEO Ed Bastian called withholding TSA pay 'inexcusable' while TSA absenteeism caused long airport security lines.
- •Other major airlines like United and Southwest haven't paused perks but are urging Congress to resolve TSA funding promptly.
On March 23, 2026, Delta Air Lines decided that Members of Congress were no longer VIPs at the airport, nixing perks like airport escorts and red coat helpers due to the Department of Homeland Security shutdown drama. CEO Ed Bastian called the political hostage situation 'inexcusable' and pleaded for lawmakers to pay TSA agents—who were getting zero paychecks and calling out sick in droves (up to 20% absenteeism at some airports) like they’d just found out their Starbucks was closed. Meanwhile, United, Southwest, and the ghost airlines Frontier, Spirit, American, and Alaska either stayed quiet or begged Congress to fix the mess before everyone starves in security line hell.
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(1 of 3)Congress tried skipping TSA lines with red coats and escorts, but 2026 shutdown said nope. Turns out politics can’t even speed up airport security. Welcome to reality, Mr. Senator. Fast lane now closed for maintenance.
Who knew Congressional perks included skipping TSA like grown-up rebels? Shutdown’s like the party pooper of privilege.
Delta cut Congress’s special TSA passes because apparently even elected officials aren’t exempt from government chaos.
Source: Businessinsider | Published: 3/25/2026 | Author: Katherine Li
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