President Obama and his family spent nearly $3.6 million in taxpayer money on flight expenses alone for their 2015 Christmas vacation to Honolulu, Hawaii, according to a new watchdog report.
Department of the Air Force records obtained by Judicial Watch, the watchdog group, revealed that the flight costs for the 15-day vacation cost taxpayers $3,590,313.60. The Obamas traveled aboard Air Force One and a Boeing C-32A, the latter apparently used to transport first lady Michelle Obama.
The known travel expenses for the Obama family and Vice President Joe Biden have totaled more than $78 million.
According to the Air Force records, the per-hour flight cost for Air Force One is $180,118 and the same cost for the Boeing C-32A is $15,846. The Obamas flew 18.2 hours in Air Force one, putting the total cost of travel on the aircraft at $3,278,147.60. The flight time for the Boeing C-32A was 19.7 hours, which cost $312,166.
The passenger cabin of the Boeing C-32A is broken into four sections, one of which is designated for the "primary passenger" and features "a changing area, private lavatory, separate entertainment system, two first-class swivel seats, and a convertible divan that seats three and folds out to a bed," according to a fact sheet provided by the U.S. Air Force.
The aircraft also features a communications center, a conference and staff facility, and multiple lavatories and closets.
The Obama family spent 15 days in Hawaii on vacation, visiting Honolulu Zoo, attending a luau at a friend’s home, snorkeling, and frequently dining out. The president also golfed several times.
The Obamas embarked on the trip just days after terrorists shot and killed 14 people in San Bernardino, California.