Former President Joe Biden joined hundreds of travelers at Reagan National Airport on Friday, flying commercially to Columbia, South Carolina, and experiencing the same delays that affected all passengers that day.
Foggy conditions over the nation’s capital caused an hour-long ground stop, backing up flights from American Airlines’ Terminal D. Biden, accompanied by his U.S. Secret Service detail and local law enforcement, waited alongside other passengers for his flight to a South Carolina Democratic Party event.
Witnesses described moments of surprise and curiosity as the former president sat among ordinary travelers. Many passengers were intrigued to see Biden, known for his long-standing affinity for public transit, navigating the airport just like anyone else.
Biden, often nicknamed “Amtrak Joe” for his frequent train commutes during his Senate career, has continued the practice of engaging with the public even after leaving office. On Friday, he took selfies and chatted with fellow passengers, maintaining the approachable persona that has long defined his political image.
The flight delays offered a rare glimpse of a former president sharing the common frustrations of air travel, underscoring Biden’s down-to-earth approach to public life post-presidency.
