Originally Posted by
what next
Regarding the VIPs and their armed bodyguards there are company specific rules dealing with that. All the ones I have come across so far ensure that no one can have a loaded gun on board while the doors of the aircraft are closed. But I am not flying in the US, different rules may apply there. And regarding the police: They can board the aircraft with loaded firearms, but only as long as it is on the ground. If they want to stay on board during the flight they can't keep their guns.
In the US, it is my understanding that if a government-employed LEO has an operational need, or if his employers policy requires it, and he has completed the TSAs “LE flying armed” training, he can carry on the airlines.