Executive One

Typically, the president flies in military aircraft that are under the command of the Presidential Airlift Group, which include Air Force One, Marine One, Army One, Navy One and Coast Guard One.

Nixon, first lady Pat, daughter Tricia, and 22 staffers, security, and pool purchased 13 first-class tickets at $217.64 and 12 coach tickets at $167.64 aboard the DC-10 on what was traditionally not a very busy flight, and, with an eye to security, quietly boarded the plane without fanfare to maintain secrecy prior to departure.

A Nixon aide carried a suitcase-sized secure communication device on board the plane, so that the President could remain in contact with Washington in the event of an emergency.

He owned a Grumman Gulfstream II jet that he preferred to the much slower prop powered Convair C-131 Samaritan that was then the primary Air Force Two aircraft.

A US Airways Shuttle flight was the fastest way to get from New York City, where Vice President Al Gore was, back to the Capitol.