Biden Flies Commercial, Faces Delays Like Other Passengers

Former president experiences airport travel woes just like everyone else

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Former President Joe Biden was spotted flying commercially from Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. on Friday, facing the same delays and inconveniences as other passengers due to foggy weather conditions. Biden, known for his love of Amtrak, was accompanied by a Secret Service detail as he boarded a commuter jet bound for an event in Columbia, South Carolina.

Why it matters

Biden's decision to fly commercially rather than utilizing private or government-provided transportation highlights the realities former presidents face when traveling post-office. While entitled to lifelong Secret Service protection, ex-presidents do not have access to the same elite levels of private travel they enjoyed during their time in the White House.

The details

Biden was spotted at a crowded commuter gate in Reagan National's Terminal D, where he sat and waited like other passengers as a ground stop due to the foggy weather caused delays. Word quickly spread that the former president was among the travelers, and he was greeted by well-wishers as he boarded the small commuter jet, taking his seat in the third row of first class.

  • Biden was spotted at Reagan National Airport on Friday, February 27, 2026.
  • Biden's flight was delayed for approximately one hour due to the weather-related ground stop.

The players

Joe Biden

The 46th President of the United States, who left office in 2025. Biden is known for his frequent use of Amtrak during his time as a senator and has continued to take the train since leaving the presidency.

U.S. Secret Service

The federal law enforcement agency responsible for protecting former presidents, including providing lifelong security details.

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What they’re saying

“God bless you, sir,”

— Unnamed woman, Passenger (AP)

“Thank you for your service,”

— Unnamed man, Passenger (AP)

“I feel like I'm about to cry,”

— Unnamed woman, Passenger seated next to Biden (AP)

What’s next

Biden is scheduled to attend an evening event with the South Carolina Democratic Party in Columbia, South Carolina.

The takeaway

Biden's experience of facing the same travel delays as other passengers highlights the realities former presidents face when it comes to transportation post-office. While entitled to lifelong Secret Service protection, ex-presidents no longer have access to the elite levels of private travel they enjoyed during their time in the White House.