Got you beat. About a year ago, right in the middle of government shutdown, flew DCA-ORD with Michelle Bachmann and Paul Ryan. Ryan was actually on the seat next to me, both in coach and with no entourage.

I was also on that flight. I saw the "important person" but couldn't tell you who he was. I did notice when we pulled into the gate that there was a police cruiser waiting on the tarmac below. When we exited the plane (we were in the back) there were 2 security type personnel at the door of the stairs that led to the ground below. I do know for a fact that the 20 minute hold up on the ground was not due to the VIP, it was due to 2 little middle eastern kids that were very uncontrollable. The mother couldn't even raise her head to look anyone in the eye and the father couldn't speak any English. This family tried to sit themselves in the middle row. The kids were hanging all over the seats in front of them and behind them and refused to put on a seatbelt. After several moves and readjustments they removed the HUGE suitcase from in front of their seat and shoved it overhead. Unfortunately, we were sitting right next to this family. Needless to say it wasn't a very pleasant flight.

On another note there were a lot of African delegates on the plane, not sure if they were there with this VIP or not.

Ugh I am sorry to hear that. I was in line to board right in front of the family, one of the two boys kept running into the back of my legs and my suitcase. The mother was wearing a full burqa (only grey not black) and the father did speak a little English because when I approached the gate the lines were a mess and I asked him if he was in line for Group 1 and he said no. Maybe he didn't understand my question :) they boarded right behind me too, not sure if they were in the correct group.

Did you also hear the announcement about the "loading discrepancy" being the cause of the delay on the tarmac?

And now I am going to obsess all day over who that VIP was... can't stand unsolved mysteries!

Yes, noticed that too. They had blue lanyards and badges, all of them wearing suits. They had two pins on their lapels but I didn't see them up close, couldn't identify what they were. I don't think any of them were in the front.

My guess is foreign dignitary (which could also explain why the person wasn't immediately recognized).

Normal federal elected officials don't get security unless there is a specific threat. A congressperson or senator may have their personal staff, but no government paid security or guards. Congressional leadership can get secret service depending on circumstances. In California, state constitutional officers get a CHP detail that is usually pretty slim, and my experience is that it is similar in other states.

I did hear the excuse of the "loading discrepancy". The only "loading" problems were getting those 2 little boys to buckle their seatbelts. We were sitting in the row to the left of them and they just flat out refused. Neither the mother or father tried to help them or even acknowledged that the stewards were talking to them. It took one of the stewards to buckle the belt and point at him and told him not to take it off. I don't think the little boy understood but I'm assuming he understood the sternness in her voice. I counted 5 of the delegates that came towards the back but I couldn't make out the pins either.

Cabinet officials and supreme court justices get a security detail that may be equivalent to what you describe.

Yeah the John Kerry suggestion upthread was a good thought. Fair bit of publicity earlier in the year when he flew UA due to mx with his Air Force jet. Secretary of State John Kerry has to Fly Commercial After Air Force Jet Breaks Down

I think I solved the mystery. That's what happens when you're stuck in SAT with flight delays into IAH :)

There was an annual IMF-World Bank Meeting happening in DC October 10-12. Attendees included African delegates.

Still trying to identify the VIP... he's probably in leadership at one of the two organizations.

I would never have called Kerry "medium height". And I would definitely recognize him :)

I think the US Capitol Police would be protecting a member of Congress if they needed protection, unless they were running for President, VP, or had been elected to one of those positions but hadn't taken office yet.

I think it depends on the specific cabinet secretary/Supreme Court Justice and what their threat level is, rather than a blanket rule that applies to all of them.

nope not in Houston. this was it:

http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/...0S23R120141007

Prime Minister Daniel Kablan Duncan and Oil and Energy Minister Adama Toungara will lead the government delegation at its promotional event in Houston on Oct. 14 and 15.

I've seen a lot of people travel. I'll go with the foreign dignitary theory…the secret service is responsible for protecting them when they travel in the US.

Cabinet officials that get that level of security (aside from the Kerry incident) don't travel commercially. Supreme court justices usually have 1-2 agents. Congressman and Senators usually have no security. Congressional leadership might have a couple people, but Capitol Police, usually in uniform.

Former presidents could have that level of entourage, but I'd be surprised for a former president not to be recognized.

It's a mystery ;)

Congressional leadership have "plain clothed" Secret Service details, the speaker had with him 4 agents the last time I saw him at an event.

Not so, in most agencies (other than Dod And State) they fly commercial where available.

Congressional leadership always have protection, other members don't (barring a threat).

Heads of foreign governments or state get Secret Service, I'll bet that's what you saw. I was recently at JFK and there were a bunch of USSS. After they left I asked lounge staff. The PM of Grenada.