Former US President Joe Biden surprised travelers after he was spotted boarding a commercial American Airlines flight from Philadelphia to Chicago, with videos of the moment quickly going viral on social media.
The footage showed the 83-year-old carrying a briefcase as he walked across the tarmac accompanied by Secret Service agents. Many online users expressed surprise at seeing a former president travel on a regular commercial flight, though Biden has done so on several occasions since leaving office.
Why was Joe Biden flying to Chicago?
Biden traveled from Philadelphia International Airport to Chicago O’Hare International Airport to attend the opening celebrations for the Barack Obama Presidential Center.
The event brought together several prominent political figures, including former Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush.
Former First Lady Jill Biden, former Vice President Kamala Harris, and Doug Emhoff were also among those in attendance.
The center, located in Chicago’s Jackson Park neighborhood, celebrates the legacy of Barack and Michelle Obama’s eight years in the White House.
Why did Biden fly commercial?
The videos attracted attention because many people assume former presidents always travel aboard government aircraft or private jets.
However, former presidents no longer have access to Air Force One after leaving office unless they are traveling on official government business.
Instead, they typically fly on private aircraft, charter flights, or commercial airlines, depending on the nature of their trip.
Biden’s primary residence is in Wilmington, Delaware, making Philadelphia International Airport the closest major airport for his journey to Chicago.
What do the viral videos show?
Social media influencer Nick Touma shared footage showing Biden walking toward the aircraft while carrying a briefcase and surrounded by Secret Service agents.
Touma initially wondered whether Biden was boarding the same flight but later clarified that he was on a different aircraft.
Political commentator Edward Krassenstein also shared the video, contrasting Biden’s commercial travel with President Donald Trump’s travel habits.
The posts generated widespread discussion across social media, with many users expressing surprise at seeing a former president waiting to board a commercial aircraft.
Has Biden flown commercially before?
Yes.
This is not the first time Biden has been spotted on a commercial flight since leaving office.
Earlier this year, he was seen traveling on a commercial flight between Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Columbia, South Carolina.
Former presidents retain lifelong Secret Service protection, allowing them to travel commercially while receiving enhanced security arrangements.
Who attended the Obama Presidential Center event?
The opening ceremony attracted several prominent political leaders and public figures.
Among those reported to be present were:
- Barack Obama.
- Michelle Obama.
- Joe Biden.
- Jill Biden.
- Bill Clinton.
- George W. Bush.
- Kamala Harris.
- Doug Emhoff.
President Donald Trump did not attend the event.
Why did the videos attract so much attention?
Public figures of Biden’s stature are rarely seen in everyday travel settings.
While commercial travel by former presidents is not unprecedented, it remains uncommon enough to generate significant public interest when captured on video.
The footage also highlighted the visible but relatively discreet security presence that accompanies former presidents during private travel.
The bottom line
Joe Biden’s commercial flight to Chicago became a viral moment because it offered a rare glimpse of a former US president traveling much like any other passenger. The trip was made so he could attend the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center, where several former presidents and senior political leaders gathered for the occasion.
TL;DR
- Joe Biden was spotted boarding a commercial American Airlines flight to Chicago.
- Videos shared online showed the former president walking to the aircraft with Secret Service protection.
- Biden traveled to Chicago to attend the opening of Barack Obama’s Presidential Center.
- Other former presidents, including Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, also attended the event.
- The viral videos sparked discussion because former presidents are often associated with private or government aircraft.
