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Late 1973. Fuel crisis nš 1, the "October War" Israel and Egypt/Syria.
Tricky Dick, also known as President Richard Nixon had 2 VC-137s (707s).
One night, he flew back to California (his home) with Mrs Nixon.
From IAD to LAX, on a commercial scheduled UAL 747 flight.
Apparently, they occupied the upper deck.
Secret Service on board (and flight deck), extra security, etc...
Do not recall the exact details.
United operated their flight as "Air Force One" on R/T.
To the delight - and surprise - of the regular passengers...
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you forgot this point..
On December 23, 1973, then President Richard Nixon flew as a passenger aboard a United DC-10 flight from Washington Dulles to Los Angeles. White House staff explained that this was done to conserve fuel by not having to fly the usual Boeing 707 Air Force aircraft. This however turned out not to be the case as 'Air Force One' (VC137) flew behind in case of an emergency and to return him to Washington