Delta Airlines Moves to End Discounts for All 'Politically Divisive' Groups

In the wake of the Parkland tragedy, many companies have stepped up to the plate and taken matters into their own hands to confront America’s gun violence epidemic. Delta Airlines has found themselves in a bit of a PR pickle, made all the more complicated by the fact that the company is headquartered in pro-gun Georgia. Previously, the airline had decided to sever ties with the NRA and end member discounts. Then, Delta Air Lines chief executive Ed Bastian sort of diluted the political relevance of the decision, saying it was made in order to “remain neutral” and “remove Delta from this [gun control] debate.” Now, Bastian is saying that the company will be ending its discounts “for any group of a politically divisive nature.”

When Delta first cut ties with the NRA, conservative lawmakers in Georgia made good on their promise to seek revenge by approving a bill that purposefully no longer included a provision that would have given the Atlanta-based airline a fat tax break on jet fuel. Even though the company hasn’t turned back on its decision to discontinue its flight discounts for NRA members, Delta is doing its best (or some would say worst) not to take sides in the gun control debate. “Our people and our customers have a wide range of views on how to increase safety in our schools and public places, and we are not taking sides,” wrote Bastian in a memo. “Our objective in removing any implied affiliation with the NRA was to remove Delta from this debate.”

Given the contentious political climate in Georgia, many politicians in Democratic majority states have suggested the company relocate its headquarters. However, Bastian wrote “None of this changes the fact that our home is Atlanta and we are proud and honored to locate our headquarters here.” Bastian also expressed support for the 2nd Amendment and “the entire Constitution of the United States.”