THE NEWS INTERNATIONAL
Journalists travelling on Air Force One, the US presidential plane, have developed a habit of pocketing souvenirs.
A media report said that scores of journalists had quietly taken items with the Air Force One insignia from the press section of the president’s official plane.
A report, published on Friday, shocked people as it shed light on a peculiar yet widespread pilfering of souvenirs from Air Force One’s press section. Politico’s investigation report revealed that people have secretly pocketed items bearing the plane’s insignia. The stolen items include everything from engraved glasses to plates, ranging from whiskey tumblers to wine glasses.
“For years, scores of journalists — and others — have quietly stuffed everything from engraved whiskey tumblers to wine glasses to pretty much anything with the Air Force One insignia on it into their bag before stepping off the plane,” Politico reported.
In an email issued to its members last month, the White House Correspondents’ Association recently issued a stern notice about missing items in the press cabin.
It should be mentioned that media outlets pay for journalists’ flights and in-flight meals. However, some still pocket souvenirs like M&M’s chocolates with the presidential seal.
Politico’s report said that the clinking of plates and glassware that is heard coming from journalists’ backpacks as they disembark from the plane.
In an incident, a former White House correspondent hosted a dinner party where he served food in gold-rimmed Air Force One plates, which were stolen from the press cabin over time.
After the warning from the White House Correspondents’ Association, at least one journalist discreetly returned an embroidered pillowcase in a meeting arranged by a press official, according to Politico report.
