Presidential Perks-- Part 1

From the Nov. 10, 2008, Chicago Tribune by Mark Silva and Laura Olson.

You always hear about Air Force One and see the helicopters and all the White House amenities, but this is the first time I really got a full list of the perks.


PLANES

Two 747s serve the president.  Only one at a time is called Air Force One.  In fact, any plane carrying the president is called Air Force One for that trip.  So, if he gets on your commercial flight, congratulations, you made the Big Time.  They are based at Andrews Air Force Base.  Both fly on foreign trips for both security decoy and to carry staff.

And, I should mention, when arriving somewhere, there is no hassle arranging transport from the airport to destination as I always encounter.

FLIGHT FOOD

A respectable mess located in back of the plane, tailoring the menu to First Family desires.  None of that extra money for your meal or snacks here.  Let's see, I want Carolina BBQ, sliders....

OTHER PLANES

When the First Lady flies on her own, she gets a 737 with similar color scheme.  The plane also carries the vice president and secretary of state.  Hey, I'd settle for a Piper Cub.

It would have been interesting to get a breakdown of costs.

Great Perks If You Can Afford to Get the Job.  --Cooter