Air Force One is already secured, so why not use it?

Just off the top of my head... Because the functions and meetings that the president will be attending aren't necessarily located close to the airport. Because tieing up traffic to and from the airport numerous times would tick off a lot of the local folks. Because, while air force one is a nice plane, I don't believe that forcing your staff to sleep on reclining chairs or a sofa unnecessarily is an acceptable way to treat them.

On one side of the coin, I agree with you. Everything the president needs is right there on the plane, so it would make sense that he could stay right there on the plane whenever he travels somewhere. However, contrary to popular belief, and contrary to what airport personnel WANT you to believe, most airports are not nearly as secure or as easy TO secure as you would think they are. Airports are extremely spread out, and it takes a lot of work just to secure the perimeter. While things inside the airport may seem like the place is sewn up pretty tight, someone with enough time on their hands can find ways to get around unnoticed, and they can also find ways to sneak onto the airport grounds around the runways and where the planes are loaded and unloaded. Armed with the right stuff, it would be fairly easy to get close enough to the plane to blow it up or at least damage it, because despite the best security efforts, there are always holes in the net somewhere. It is actually a lot easier to secure hotel rooms, simply because there is a lot less area to try to keep secure...

good point, good idea. Alot of "celebrities" will stay on their bus while their entourage will stay in a hotel. Obama being the "celebrity" he seems to think he is, should accept the same accommodations. I just figure with the state of our economy he should be just a bit more sensitive. I am not saying that "well off" Americans should make changes. That is Their money. Public servants spending OUR money should show just a little restraint. I want my money back

Don't be silly the pres and his entourage want to milk their trips for all they are worth as long as they are not spending their own money!

The reason he doesn't stay on the plane or any of the staff for that matter is it is a really big target when it isn't in the air. The plane has no defenses from a missile being launched at it when it is on the ground all of the counter-measures on the plane flares and chaff and radar jamming. The plane also is at the Airport which is a big area to secure not to mention no planes would be allowed to leave with the president on Air Force 1 it would shut down the Airport. Here is an image for you LAX no longer accepting any flights out or in because the president is on airforce 1 actually it would be a no fly zone around the plane for several Miles. Man would you be angry if you had to be routed to a small airport in Norther California and take a taxi or Bus to LA. So it is easier to secure and more efficient for the city or town being effected for the president not to be on the plane. The plane would be a target for laser guided missiles and other attacks as the airport is a very open area as it needs to allow planes the size of a 747 to land.

I've seen several decommissioned air force one's from previous president's, the lush accommodations is akin to sleeping in a really nice Winnebago. Ok in theory, but in practical application a nightmare.

This is how the politician spend the people money, and the people's money are the most easiest to spend. Although they always promise to help the people, but when they spend the people's money, they never give it a second though.