Former U.S. presidents travel by air using a variety of methods after leaving office, but they no longer have access to Air Force One, the official presidential aircraft call sign reserved for the sitting president. Here is how former presidents typically fly:
- Private Jets: Many former presidents use private jets for their air travel. These jets may be personally owned, chartered, or lent by friends and former donors. For example, Donald Trump has used his own private Boeing 757 after leaving office
- Government Support and Security: Former presidents receive lifelong Secret Service protection, which includes secure transportation arrangements. The General Services Administration (GSA) may cover some travel expenses, including transportation and lodging, especially when the travel is related to official or philanthropic activities
- Commercial Flights: Some former presidents occasionally fly commercial. Jimmy Carter famously flew commercial to President Trump's inauguration and interacted warmly with other passengers
. Barack Obama has the option to fly commercial or use government aircraft on special occasions
- Use of Government Aircraft: On special occasions, former presidents may travel on government aircraft, which are not designated as Air Force One unless the sitting president is aboard. For example, former presidents have used VC-25 or C-32 aircraft for travel, but without the Air Force One call sign
In summary, former presidents typically rely on private jets or chartered planes, sometimes supported by government resources and security, and occasionally may fly commercial, depending on the circumstances and their preferences
