News Releases
GSA's City Pairs Airline Contracts To Save Nearly $3B in 2002
July 11, 2001
GSA recently negotiated rates with 14 U.S. airlines for official government travelers on 4,269 domestic and 686 international routes. In addition, the City Pairs contracts will continue to make hassle-free tickets available to federal travelers at over 70% less than unrestricted coach fares offered to the general public. Each year, GSA's Federal Supply Service awards contracts for air transportation for official government travel under the City Pairs program. The contracts are competitively awarded, based on the best overall value to the government. Average flight time, offered price, and the type, distribution, and number of flights are all considered in determining the best value. This year ushers in a dual fare test (capacity controlled and unrestricted) in 337 markets. Capacity controlled fares will be available on a first-come, first-served basis that will allow government travelers to save additional dollars when they book tickets early. However, unrestricted contract fares will continue to be available to the government in these 337 markets. GSA's City Pairs give customers several other advantages over commercial fares: No advance purchase is required. The contract awards and prices are effective October 1, 2001, through September 30, 2002. Under the City Pairs contract rates, a non-stop, one-way ticket to Ronald Reagan Washington National airport from New York LaGuardia will cost $37; from Boston, $66; and from Los Angeles, $140. Discounts are generally greater in larger markets. In the evaluation criteria this year, considerable weight was again given to customers' strong preference for non-stop service. Non-stop service was awarded in 1,689 markets - 91 more markets with non-stop service than were awarded last year.
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