Delta Air Lines pulled its airport escort and red coat priority services for members of Congress and their staff, directly linking the move to the ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown.

The so-called "specialty services" — which include expedited check-in assistance, gate escorts, and priority boarding coordination — had been a longstanding courtesy extended to federal lawmakers. Delta did not set a timeline for restoring them.

The gesture carries symbolic weight. TSA screeners have been working without pay since the partial shutdown began, leading to longer security lines and increased callouts at major hubs. Delta's move signals airline frustration with the political standoff affecting airport operations.

Delta is also making changes elsewhere. The airline is cutting 67 percent of its domestic Boeing 767-400 operations this year, dropping from 1,040 two-way flights to 347. Sky Club access rules have tightened too: American Express Platinum and Delta Reserve cardholders now face annual visit caps unless they spend $75,000 or more per year.

Basic Economy ticket holders are permanently excluded from lounge access under the new policy.