Authority: 5 U.S.C. 5707, 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 49 U.S.C. 40118, Office of Management and Budget Circular No. A-126, “Improving the Management and Use of Government Aircraft.” Revised April 28, 2006.

Subpart A—General

§301-10.1  Am I eligible for payment of transportation expenses?

Yes, when performing official travel, including local travel.

§301-10.2  What expenses are payable as transportation?

Fares, rental fees, mileage payments, and other expenses related to transportation.

§301-10.3  What methods of transportation may my agency authorize me to use?

Your agency may authorize:

(a) Common carrier transportation (e.g., aircraft, train, bus, ship, or local transit system) under Subpart B;

(b) Government vehicle under Subpart C;

(c) POV under Subpart D; or

(d) Special conveyance (e.g., taxi or commercial automobile) under Subpart E.

§301-10.4  How does my agency select the method of transportation to be used?

Your agency must select the method most advantageous to the Government, when cost and other factors are considered. Under 5 U.S.C. 5733, travel must be by the most expeditious means of transportation practicable and commensurate with the nature and purpose of your duties. In addition, your agency must consider energy conservation, total cost to the Government (including costs of per diem, overtime, lost worktime, and actual transportation costs), total distance traveled, number of points visited, and number of travelers.

§301-10.5  What are the presumptions as to the most advantageous method of transportation?

(a) Common carrier. Travel by common carrier is presumed to be the most advantageous method of transportation and must be used when reasonably available.

(b) Government automobile. When your agency determines that your travel must be performed by automobile, a Government automobile is presumed to be the most advantageous method of transportation.

§301-10.6  What is my liability if I do not travel by the selected method of transportation?

If you do not travel by the method of transportation required by regulation or selected by your agency, any additional expenses you incur will be borne by you.

§301-10.7  How should I route my travel?

You must travel to your destination by the usually traveled route unless your agency authorizes or approves a different route as officially necessary.

§301-10.8  What is my liability if, for personal convenience, I travel by an indirect route or interrupt travel by a direct route?

Your reimbursement will be limited to the cost of travel by a direct route or on an uninterrupted basis. You will be responsible for any additional costs.

Subpart B—Common Carrier Transportation

§301-10.100  What types of common carrier transportation may I be authorized to use?

You may be authorized to use airline, train, ship, bus, or local transit system.

Airline

§301-10.105  What are the basic requirements for using airlines?

The requirements for using airlines fall into three categories:

(a) Using contract carriers, when available;

(b) Using coach class service, unless business-class or first-class service is authorized;

(c) Using U.S. flag air carrier (or ship) service, unless use of foreign air carrier (or ship) is authorized.

Use of Contract City-Pair Fares

§301-10.106  When must I use a contract city-pair fare?

If you are a civilian employee of an agency as defined in §301-1.1 of this chapter, you must always use a contract city-pair fare for scheduled air passenger transportation service unless one of the limited exceptions in §301-10.107 exist. An Internet listing of contract city-pair fares is available at http://www.gsa.gov/citypairs.

Note to §301-10.106: Employees of the Government of the District of Columbia, with the exception of the District of Columbia Courts, are not eligible to use contract city-pair fares even though these employees otherwise may be covered by the FTR.

§301-10.107  Are there any exceptions to the use of a contract city-pair fare?

Yes, your agency may authorize use of a fare other-than a contract city-pair fare when—

(a) Space on a scheduled contract flight is not available in time to accomplish the purpose of your travel, or use of contract service would require you to incur unnecessary overnight lodging costs which would increase the total cost of the trip;

(b) The contractor’s flight schedule is inconsistent with explicit policies of your Federal department or agency with regard to scheduling travel during normal working hours;

(c) A non-contract carrier offers a lower fare to the general public that, if used, will result in a lower total trip cost to the Government (the combined costs of transportation, lodging, meals, and related expenses considered);

Note to paragraph (c): This exception does not apply if the contract carrier offers the same or lower fare and has seats available at that fare, or if the fare offered by the non-contract carrier is restricted to Government and military travelers performing official business and may be purchased only with a contractor-issued charge card, centrally billed account (e.g., YDG, MDG, QDG, VDG, and similar fares) or GTR where the two previous options are not available;

(d) Cost effective rail service is available and is consistent with mission requirements; or

(e) Smoking is permitted on the contract air carrier and the nonsmoking section of the contract aircraft is not acceptable to you.

Note 1 to §301-10.107: Any group of 10 or more passengers traveling together on the same day, on the same flight, for the same mission, requiring group integrity and identified as a group by the travel management service upon booking is not a mandatory user of the Government’s contract city-pair fares. For group travel, agencies are expected to obtain air passenger transportation service that is practical and cost effective to the Government.

Note 2 to §301-10.107: Contractors are not authorized to use contract city-pair fares to perform travel under their contracts.

Note 3 to §301-10.107: If the Government contract city-pair carrier offers a lower cost capacity-controlled coach class contract fare (MCA, QCA, VCA, etc.) in addition to the unrestricted coach class contract fares (YCA), the traveler should use the lower cost capacity-controlled fare when it is available and meet mission needs.

§301-10.108  What requirements must be met to use a non-contract fare?

(a) Before purchasing a non-contract fare you must meet one of the exception requirements listed in §301-10.107 and show approval on your travel authorization to use a non-contract fare; and

(b) If the non-contract fare is non-refundable, restricted, or has specific eligibility requirements, you must know or reasonably anticipate, based on your planned trip, that you will use the ticket; and

(c) Your agency must determine that the proposed non-contract transportation is practical and cost effective for the Government.

Note to §301-10.108: Carrier preference is not a valid reason for using a non-contract fare.

§301-10.109  What is my liability for unauthorized use of a non-contract carrier when contract service is available and I do not meet one of the exceptions for required use?

Any additional costs or penalties incurred by you resulting from unauthorized use of non-contract service are borne by you.

§301-10.110  May I use contract passenger transportation service for personal travel?

No.

§301-10.111  When may I use a reduced group or charter fare?

You may use a reduced group or charter fare when your agency has determined, on an individual case basis prior to your travel, that use of such a fare is cost effective. Chartered aircraft are subject to the same rules as Government aircraft, and agencies in the executive branch of the Federal Government are subject to the requirements of Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-126 and 41 CFR part 101-37 in making such cost effectiveness determinations.

§301-10.112  What must I do when different airlines furnish the same service at different fares?

When there is no contract fare, and common carriers furnish the same service at different fares between the same points for the same type of accommodations, you must use the lowest cost service unless your agency determines that the use of higher cost service is more advantageous to the Government.

§301-10.113  What must I do if I change or do not use a common carrier reservation?

If you know you will change or not use your reservation, you must take action to change or cancel it as prescribed by your agency. Also, you must report all changes of your reservation according to your agency’s procedures in an effort to prevent losses to the Government. Failure to do so may subject you to liability for any resulting losses.

§301-10.114  What must I do with unused Government Transportation Request(s) (GTR(s), ticket(s) or refund application(s)?

You must submit any unused GTR(s), unused ticket coupons, unused e-tickets, or refund applications to your agency in accordance with your agency’s procedures.

§301-10.115  Am I authorized to receive a refund or credit for unused transportation?

No. You are not authorized to receive a refund, credit, or any other negotiable document from a carrier for unfurnished services (except as provided in §301-10.117) or any portion of an unused ticket issued in exchange for a GTR or billed to an agency’s centrally billed account. However, any charges billed directly to your individually billed Government charge card should be credited to your account.

§301-10.116  What must I do with compensation an airline gives me if it denies me a seat on a plane?

If you are performing official travel and a carrier denies you a confirmed reserved seat on a plane, you must give your agency any payment you receive for liquidated damages. You must ensure the carrier shows the “Treasurer of the United States” as payee on the compensation check and then forward the payment to the appropriate agency official.

§301-10.117  May I keep compensation an airline gives me for voluntarily vacating my seat on my scheduled airline flight when the airline asks for volunteers?

Yes:

(a) If voluntarily vacating your seat will not interfere with performing your official duties; and

(b) If additional travel expenses, incurred as a result of vacating your seat, are borne by you and are not reimbursed; but

(c) If volunteering delays your travel during duty hours, your agency will charge you with annual leave for the additional hours.

Airline Accommodations

§301-10.121  What classes of airline accommodations are available?

The following classes of air accommodations are available:

(a) Coach-class. The basic class of accommodations offered to travelers regardless of fare paid. The terms “tourist” or “economy-class” are sometimes used for this class of accommodation. When authorizing this class of accommodation, use of the contract city-pair fare is mandatory.

(b) Business-class. A premium-class of accommodation offered by the airlines that is higher than coach and lower than first class, in both cost and amenities. This class of accommodation is generally referred to as “business, business elite, business first, world business, connoisseur, or envoy” depending on the airline. Not all city-pair fares are available in business-class, and even when use of business-class is authorized, the use of business-class city-pair fares is optional. This class of service may only be authorized in accordance with the provisions of §301-10.124 of this part.

(c) First-class. Generally, the highest class of accommodation offered by the airlines in terms of both cost and amenities and termed “first-class” by the airlines and any reservation system. This class of accommodation may only be authorized in accordance with the provisions of §301-10.123 of this part. There are no contract city-pair fares for this class of accommodation.

(d) Single-class. This term applies when an airline offers only one class of accommodations to all travelers.

§301-10.122  What class of airline accommodations must I use?

For official business travel, both domestic and international, you must use coach-class accommodations, except as provided under §§301-10.123 and 301-10.124.

§301-10.123  When may I use first-class airline accommodations?

You may use first-class airline accommodations only when your agency specifically authorizes/approves your use of such accommodations, for the reasons given under paragraphs (a) through (d) of this section.

(a) No coach or business-class accommodations are reasonably available. “Reasonably available” means available on an airline that is scheduled to leave within 24 hours of your proposed departure time, or scheduled to arrive within 24 hours of your proposed arrival time.

(b) When use of first-class is necessary to accommodate a disability or other special need. A disability must be substantiated annually in a written statement by a competent medical authority. A special need must be substantiated in writing according to your agency’s procedures. If you are authorized under §301-13.3(a) of this chapter to have an attendant accompany you, your agency also may authorize the attendant to use first-class accommodations if you require the attendant’s services en route.

(c) When exceptional security circumstances require first-class travel. Exceptional security circumstances are determined by your agency and include, but are not limited to:

(1) Use of other than first-class accommodations would endanger your life or Government property;

(2) You are an agent on protective detail and you are accompanying an individual authorized to use first-class accommodations; or

(3) You are a courier or control officer accompanying controlled pouches or packages.

(d) When required because of agency mission.

Note to §301-10.123: You may upgrade to first-class at your personal expense, including through redemption of frequent flyer benefits.

§301-10.124  When may I use business-class airline accommodations?

Only when your agency specifically authorizes/approves your use of such accommodations, for the reasons given under paragraphs (a) through (i) of this section.

(a) Regularly scheduled flights between origin/destination points (including connecting points) provide only first-class and business-class accommodations and you certify such on your voucher; or

(b) No space is available in coach-class accommodations in time to accomplish the mission, which is urgent and cannot be postponed; or

(c) When use of business-class accommodations is necessary to accommodate your disability or other special need. Disability must be substantiated in writing by a competent medical authority. Special need must be substantiated in writing according to your agency’s procedures. If you are authorized under §301-13.3(a) of this chapter to have an attendant accompany you, your agency also may authorize the attendant to use business-class accommodations if you require the attendant’s services en route; or

(d) Security purposes or exceptional circumstances as determined by your agency make the use of business-class accommodations essential to the successful performance of the agency’s mission; or

(e) Coach-class accommodations on an authorized/approved foreign air carrier do not provide adequate sanitation or health standards; or

(f) The use results in an overall cost savings to the Government by avoiding additional subsistence costs, overtime, or lost productive time while awaiting coach-class accommodations; or

(g) Your transportation costs are paid in full through agency acceptance of payment from a non-federal source in accordance with Chapter 304 of this title; or

(h) Where the origin and/or destination are OCONUS, and the scheduled flight time, including stopovers and change of planes, is in excess of 14 hours. (In this instance you will not be eligible for a rest stop en route or a rest period upon arrival at your duty site.); or

(i) When required because of agency mission.

Note to §301-10.124: You may upgrade to business-class at your personal expense, including through redemption of frequent flyer benefits.

Use of United States Flag Air Carriers

§301-10.131  What does United States mean?

For purposes of the use of United States flag air carriers, “United States” means the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the territories and possessions of the United States (49 U.S.C. 40102).

§301-10.132  Who is required to use a U.S. flag air carrier?

Anyone whose air travel is financed by U.S. Government funds, except as provided in §§301-10.135, 301-10.136, and 301-10.137.

§301-10.133  What is a U.S. flag air carrier?

An air carrier which holds a certificate under 49 U.S.C. 41102 but does not include a foreign air carrier operating under a permit.

§301-10.134  What is U.S. flag air carrier service?

U.S. flag air carrier service is service provided on an air carrier which holds a certificate under 49 U.S.C. 41102 and which service is authorized either by the carrier’s certificate or by exemption or regulation. U.S. flag air carrier service also includes service provided under a code share agreement with a foreign air carrier in accordance with Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations when the ticket, or documentation for an electronic ticket, identifies the U.S. flag air carrier’s designator code and flight number.

§301-10.135  When must I travel using U.S. flag air carrier service?

You are required by 49 U.S.C. 40118, commonly referred to as the “Fly America Act,” to use U.S. flag air carrier service for all air travel funded by the U.S. Government, except as provided in §§301-10.136 and 301-10.137 or when one of the following exceptions applies:

(a) Use of a foreign air carrier is determined to be a matter of necessity in accordance with §301-10.138; or

(b) The transportation is provided under a bilateral or multilateral air transportation agreement to which the United States Government and the government of a foreign country are parties, and which the Department of Transportation has determined meets the requirements of the Fly America Act; or

(c) You are an officer or employee of the Department of State, United States Information Agency, United States International Development Cooperation Agency, or the Arms Control Disarmament Agency, and your travel is paid with funds appropriated to one of these agencies, and your travel is between two places outside the United States; or

(d) No U.S. flag air carrier provides service on a particular leg of the route, in which case foreign air carrier service may be used, but only to or from the nearest interchange point on a usually traveled route to connect with U.S. flag air carrier service; or

(e) A U.S. flag air carrier involuntarily reroutes your travel on a foreign air carrier; or

(f) Service on a foreign air carrier would be three hours or less, and use of the U.S. flag air carrier would at least double your en route travel time; or

(g) When the costs of transportation are reimbursed in full by a third party, such as a foreign government, international agency, or other organization.

§301-10.136  What exceptions to the Fly America Act requirements apply when I travel between the United States and another country?

The exceptions are:

(a) If a U.S. flag air carrier offers nonstop or direct service (no aircraft change) from your origin to your destination, you must use the U.S. flag air carrier service unless such use would extend your travel time, including delay at origin, by 24 hours or more.

(b) If a U.S. flag air carrier does not offer nonstop or direct service (no aircraft change) between your origin and your destination, you must use a U.S. flag air carrier on every portion of the route where it provides service unless, when compared to using a foreign air carrier, such use would:

(1) Increase the number of aircraft changes you must make outside of the U.S. by 2 or more; or

(2) Extend your travel time by at least 6 hours or more; or

(3) Require a connecting time of 4 hours or more at an overseas interchange point.

§301-10.137  What exceptions to the Fly America Act requirements apply when I travel solely outside the United States, and a U.S. flag air carrier provides service between my origin and my destination?

You must always use a U.S. flag carrier for such travel, unless, when compared to using a foreign air carrier, such use would:

(a) Increase the number of aircraft changes you must make en route by 2 or more; or

(b) Extend your travel time by 6 hours or more; or

(c) Require a connecting time of 4 hours or more at an overseas interchange point.

§301-10.138  In what circumstances is foreign air carrier service deemed a matter of necessity?

(a) Foreign air carrier service is deemed a necessity when service by a U.S. flag air carrier is available, but

(1) Cannot provide the air transportation needed; or

(2) Will not accomplish the agency’s mission.

(b) Necessity includes, but is not limited to, the following circumstances:

(1) When the agency determines that use of a foreign air carrier is necessary for medical reasons, including use of foreign air carrier service to reduce the number of connections and possible delays in the transportation of persons in need of medical treatment; or

(2) When use of a foreign air carrier is required to avoid an unreasonable risk to your safety and is approved by your agency (e.g., terrorist threats). Written approval of the use of foreign air carrier service based on an unreasonable risk to your safety must be approved by your agency on a case by case basis. An agency determination and approval of use of a foreign air carrier based on a threat against a U.S. flag air carrier must be supported by a travel advisory notice issued by the Federal Aviation Administration and the Department of State. An agency determination and approval of use of a foreign air carrier based on a threat against Government employees or other travelers must be supported by evidence of the threat(s) that form the basis of the determination and approval; or

(3) When you cannot purchase a ticket in your authorized class of service on a U.S. flag air carrier, and a seat is available in your authorized class of service on a foreign air carrier.

§301-10.139  May I travel by a foreign air carrier if the cost of my ticket is less than traveling by a U.S. flag air carrier?

No. Foreign air carrier service may not be used solely based on the cost of your ticket.

§301-10.140  May I use a foreign air carrier if the service is preferred by or more convenient for my agency or me?

No. You must use U.S. flag air carrier service, unless you meet one of the exceptions in §301-10.135, 301-10.136, or 301-10.137 or unless foreign air carrier service is deemed a matter of necessity under §301-10.138.

§301-10.141  Must I provide any special certification or documents if I use a foreign air carrier?

Yes, you must provide a certification, as required in §301-10.142 and any other documents required by your agency. Your agency cannot pay your foreign air carrier fare if you do not provide the required certification.

§301-10.142  What must the certification include?

The certification must include:

(a) Your name;

(b) The dates that you traveled;

(c) The origin and the destination of your travel;

(d) A detailed itinerary of your travel, name of the air carrier and flight number for each leg of the trip; and

(e) A statement explaining why you met one of the exceptions in §301-10.135, 301-10.136, or 301-10.137 or a copy of your agency’s written approval that foreign air carrier service was deemed a matter of necessity in accordance with §301-10.138.

§301-10.143  What is my liability if I improperly use a foreign air carrier?

You will not be reimbursed for any transportation cost for which you improperly use foreign air carrier service. If you are authorized by your agency to use U.S. flag air carrier service for your entire trip, and you improperly use a foreign air carrier for any part of or the entire trip (i.e., when not permitted under this regulation), your transportation cost on the foreign air carrier will not be payable by your agency. If your agency authorizes you to use U.S. flag air carrier service for part of your trip and foreign air carrier service for another part of your trip, and you improperly use a foreign air carrier (i.e., when neither authorized to do so nor otherwise permitted under this regulation), your agency will pay the transportation cost on the foreign air carrier for only the portion(s) of the trip for which you were authorized to use foreign air carrier service. The agency must establish internal procedures for denying reimbursement to travelers when use of a foreign air carrier was neither authorized nor otherwise permitted under this regulation.

Train

§301-10.160  What classes of train accommodations are available?

(a) Coach-class—The basic class of accommodations offered by a rail carrier to passengers that includes a level of service available to all passengers regardless of the fare paid. Coach-class includes reserved coach accommodations as well as slumber coach accommodations when overnight train travel is involved.

(b) Slumber coach—Includes slumber coach accommodations on trains offering such accommodations, or the lowest level of sleeping accommodations available on a train that does not offer slumber coach accommodations.

(c) First-class—Includes bedrooms, roomettes, club service, parlor car accommodations, or other premium accommodations.

(d) Business class—A class of service offered on Amtrak Acela or Metroliner extra fare train service.

§301-10.161  What class of train accommodations must I use?

You must use coach-class accommodations for all train travel, except when your agency authorizes first-class service.

§301-10.162  When may I use first-class train accommodations?

Only when your agency specifically authorizes/approves your use of first-class train accommodations under paragraphs (a) through (d) of this section.

(a) No coach-class accommodations are reasonably available. “Reasonably available” means available and scheduled to leave within 24 hours of the employee’s proposed departure time, or scheduled to arrive within 24 hours of the employee’s proposed arrival time.

(b) When use of first-class is necessary to accommodate a disability or other special need. A disability must be substantiated in writing by competent medical authority. A special need must be substantiated in writing according to your agency’s procedures. If you are authorized under §301-13.3(a) of this chapter to have an attendant accompany you, your agency also may authorize the attendant to use first-class accommodations if you require the attendant’s services en route.

(c) When exceptional security circumstances require first-class travel. Exceptional security circumstances include, but are not limited to:

(1) Use of other than first-class accommodations would endanger your life or Government property;

(2) You are an agent on protective detail and you are accompanying an individual authorized to use first-class accommodations; or

(3) You are a courier or control officer accompanying controlled pouches or packages.

(d) Inadequate foreign coach-class train accommodations. When coach-class train accommodations on a foreign rail carrier do not provide adequate sanitation or health standards.

§301-10.163  What is an extra-fare train?

A train that operates at an increased fare due to the extra performance of the train (i.e., faster speed or fewer stops).

§301-10.164  When may I use extra-fare train service?

You may use extra-fare train service whenever your agency determines it is more advantageous to the Government or is required for security reasons. The use of the lowest class of service available on any AMTRAK Acela or Metroliner train service (including Acela Express) is deemed advantageous to the Government and no further agency approval is needed. On the Amtrak Acela Express or Metroliner train service, the lowest available class is business and on the Amtrak Regional train service the lowest available class of service is coach. AMTRAK Acela and Metroliner first-class accommodations may be authorized/approved only as provided in §301-10.162.

Ship

§301-10.180  Must I travel by a U.S. flag ship?

Yes, when a U.S. flag ship is available unless the necessity of the mission requires the use of a foreign ship. (See 46 U.S.C. App. §1241.)

§301-10.181  What is my liability if I improperly use a foreign ship?

You are required to travel by U.S. flag ship for the entire trip, unless use of a foreign ship has been authorized by your agency. Any cost that is attributed to improper or unauthorized use of a foreign ship is your responsibility.

§301-10.182  What classes of ship accommodations are available?

Accommodations on ships vary according to deck levels.

(a) First-class—All classes above the lowest first class, includes but is not limited to a suite.

(b) Lowest first class—The least expensive first class of reserved accommodations available on a ship.

§301-10.183  What class of ship accommodations must I use?

You must use the lowest first class accommodations when traveling by ship, except when your agency specifically authorizes/approves your use of first-class ship accommodations under paragraphs (a) through (c) of this section.

(a) Lowest first class accommodations are not available on the ship.

(b) When use of first-class is necessary to accommodate a disability or other special need. Disability must be substantiated in writing by competent medical authority. Special need must be substantiated in writing according to your agency’s procedures. If you are authorized under §301-13.3(a) of this chapter to have an attendant accompany you, your agency also may authorize the attendant to use first-class accommodations if you require the attendant’s services en route.

(c) When exceptional security circumstances require first-class travel. Exceptional security circumstances include, but are not limited to:

(1) The use of lowest first class accommodations would endanger your life or Government property; or

(2) You are an agent on protective detail and you are accompanying an individual authorized to use first-class accommodations; or

(3) You are a courier or control officer accompanying controlled pouches or packages.

Local Transit System

§301-10.190  When may I use a local transit system (bus, subway, or streetcar)?

(a) To, from, and between places of work. The use of bus, subway, or streetcar is an allowable expense for local travel between places of business at your official station or a TDY station, and between places of lodging and place of business at a TDY station.

(b) To places where meals can be obtained. Where the nature and location of the work at your TDY station are such that meals cannot be obtained there, travel to obtain meals at the nearest available place is an allowable expense. You must, however, attach a statement to your travel voucher explaining why such travel was necessary.

Subpart C—Government Vehicle

§301-10.200  What types of Government vehicles may my agency authorize me to use?

You may be authorized to use:

(a) A Government automobile in accordance with §301-10.220;

(b) A Government aircraft in accordance with §§301-10.260 through 301-10.262 of this part; and

(c) Other type of Government vehicle in accordance with any Government-issued rules governing its use.

§301-10.201  For what purposes may I use a Government vehicle other than a Government aircraft?

Only for official purposes which include transportation:

(a) Between places of official business;

(b) Between such places and places of temporary lodging when public transportation is unavailable or its use is impractical;

(c) Between either paragraph (a) or (b) of this section and restaurants, drug stores, barber shops, places of worship, cleaning establishments, and similar places necessary for the sustenance, comfort, or health of the employee to foster the continued efficient performance of Government business; or

(d) As otherwise authorized by your agency under 31 U.S.C. 1344.

§301-10.202  What is my liability for unauthorized use of a Government vehicle?

You are responsible for any additional cost resulting from unauthorized use of a Government vehicle and you may be subject to administrative and/or criminal liability for misuse of Government property.

Government Automobiles

§301-10.220  What requirements must I meet to operate a Government automobile for official travel?

You must possess a valid State, District of Columbia, or territorial motor vehicle operator’s license and have a travel authorization specifically authorizing the use of a Government-furnished automobile.

Travel on Government Aircraft

§301-10.260  May I use a Government aircraft for travel?

You may use Government aircraft for travel only if you have authorization from an executive agency under the rules specified in this part (except with regard to travel under §301-70.808 and §301-70.910. Because the taxpayers should pay no more than necessary for your transportation, generally you may travel on Government aircraft only when a Government aircraft is the most cost-effective mode of travel.

§301-10.261  When may I use a Government aircraft for travel?

You may use Government aircraft—

(a) For official travel only when—

(1) No scheduled commercial airline service is reasonably available (i.e., able to meet your departure and/or arrival requirements within a 24-hour period, unless you demonstrate that extraordinary circumstances require a shorter period) to fulfill your agency’s travel requirement; or

(2) The cost of using a Government aircraft is less than the cost of the city-pair fare for scheduled commercial airline service or the cost of the lowest available full coach fare if a city-pair fare is not available to you. The cost of non-productive or lost work time while in travel status and certain other costs should be considered when comparing the cost of using a Government aircraft in lieu of scheduled commercial airline service. Additional information on costs included in this cost comparison may be found in the “U.S. Government Aircraft Cost Accounting Guide,” available from the General Services Administration, Office of Governmentwide Policy, MTA, 1800 F Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20405.

(b) For required-use travel only when you are required to use Government aircraft for bona fide communications (e.g., 24-hour secure communications) or security reasons (e.g., highly unusual circumstances that present a clear and present danger) or exceptional scheduling requirements (e.g., a national emergency or other compelling operational considerations). Required use travel may include travel for official, personal, or political purposes, but must be approved in accordance with §301-10.262(a) and §301-70.803(a).

(c) For space available travel only when—

(1) The aircraft is already scheduled for use for an official purpose, and your use of the aircraft does not require a larger aircraft or result in more than minor additional cost to the Government; or

(2) You are a Federal traveler or a dependent of a Federal traveler stationed by the Government in a remote location not accessible to commercial airline service and authorized to use Government aircraft; or

(3) You are authorized to travel on a space available basis under 10 U.S.C. 4744 and regulations implementing that statute.

§301-10.262  How will my agency authorize travel on Government aircraft?

Your agency will authorize your travel on Government aircraft as follows:

(a) Required use travelers. Your agency’s senior legal official or his/her principal deputy must authorize your required-use travel on a trip-by-trip basis, in advance, in writing, and in compliance with the agency’s written policies describing the special circumstances under which the agency will require a traveler to use Government aircraft, unless—

(1) You are an agency head and the President has determined that all your travel (or your travel in specified categories) qualifies as required-use travel; or

(2) You are not an agency head, and your agency head has determined in writing that all of your travel, or your travel in specified categories, qualifies as required-use travel. Such written explanation must state the specific basis for the determination.

Note to §301-10.262(a): In an emergency situation, prior verbal approval for required-use travel with an after-the-fact written authorization is permitted.

(b) Senior Federal officials. If you are a senior Federal official, your agency’s senior legal official or his/her principal deputy must authorize all your travel on Government aircraft in advance and in writing, except for required use travel authorized under paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2)of this section. In an emergency situation, prior verbal approval with an after-the-fact written authorization by your agency’s senior legal official is permitted. Senior Federal officials who are crewmembers or qualified non-crewmembers on a flight in which they are also traveling (i.e., being transported from point to point) are considered travelers and must be authorized to travel on Government aircraft according to this paragraph.

(c) Non-Federal travelers. If you are a non-Federal traveler, the senior legal official or his/her principal deputy in the agency sponsoring your travel must authorize you to fly on Government aircraft in advance and in writing. In an emergency situation, prior verbal approval with an after-the-fact written authorization by your sponsoring agency’s senior legal official is permitted.

(d) All other Federal travelers. Your designated travel-approving official (or anyone to whom he/she delegates this authority), who must be at least one organizational level above you, must authorize your travel on Government aircraft, in advance and in writing. Prior verbal approval with an after-the-fact written authorization by your agency’s designated travel approving official is permitted in an emergency situation. If you hold a blanket travel authorization for official travel that authorizes travel on Government aircraft, it must define the circumstances that must be met for using Government aircraft and must comply with this regulation and any additional agency policies. Travel on Government aircraft that does not meet the circumstances specified in the blanket travel authorization must be authorized on a trip-by-trip basis in accordance with this regulation and other applicable agency policies. Check with your designated travel approving official for information on your agency’s policy.

§301-10.263  What travel authorization documents must I present to the aircraft management office that operates the Government aircraft?

You must present to the aircraft management office that operates the Government aircraft—

(a) A copy of your written travel authorization, including a blanket travel authorization, if applicable, approved in accordance with §301-10.262; and

(b) Valid picture identification, such as a Government identification card or a state-issued driver’s license.

§301-10.264  What amount must the Government be reimbursed for travel on Government aircraft?

(a) No reimbursement is required for official travel on a Government aircraft.

(b) For personal travel on Government aircraft, reimbursement depends upon which of the following special cases applies:

(1) For any required use travel, you must reimburse the Government for the excess of the full coach fare for all flights taken over the full coach fare for the flights that you would have taken had you not engaged in personal activities during the trip, i.e., for a wholly personal trip, you must pay the full coach fare for the entire trip;

(2) For travel authorized under 10 U.S.C. 4744 and regulations implementing that statute, or when you or your dependents are stationed by the Government in a remote location with no access to regularly scheduled commercial airline service and are authorized to use Government aircraft, you do not have to reimburse the Government.

(c) For political travel on a Government aircraft (i.e., for any trip or part of a trip during which you engage in political activities), the Government must be reimbursed the excess of the full coach fare for all flights taken on the trip over the full coach fare for the flights that you would have taken had you not engaged in political activities, except if other law or regulation specifies a different amount (see, e.g., 11 CFR 106.3, “Allocation of Expenses between Campaign and Non-campaign Related Travel.”), in which case the amount reimbursed is the amount required by such law or regulation.

Note to §301-10.264: Except for required use travel, any use of Government aircraft for personal or political activities shall not cause an increase in the actual costs to the Government of operating the aircraft.

§301-10.265  Will my travel on Government aircraft be reported?

Your travel on Government aircraft will not be reported unless you are a senior Federal official, or a non-Federal traveler. (Travel under 10 U.S.C. 6744 is not reported.) If you are a senior Federal official or a non-Federal traveler, any use you make of Government aircraft, i.e., as a passenger, crewmember, or qualified non-crewmember, will be reported to the General Services Administration (GSA) by the agency that owns or hires the Government aircraft. (Agencies must maintain information on classified trips, but do not report classified trips to GSA.)

§301-10.266  Is information available to the public about travel on Government aircraft by senior Federal officials and non-Federal travelers?

Yes, an agency that authorizes travel on Government aircraft and an agency that owns or hires Government aircraft must make records about travelers on those aircraft available to the public in response to written requests under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552), except for portions exempt from disclosure under that Act (such as classified information).

Subpart D—Privately Owned Vehicle (POV)

§301-10.300  When may I use a POV for official travel?

When authorized by your agency.

§301-10.301  How do I compute my mileage reimbursement?

You compute mileage reimbursement by multiplying the distance traveled, determined under §301-10.302 of this subpart by the applicable mileage rate prescribed in §301-10.303 of this subpart.

§301-10.302  How do I determine distance measurements for my travel?

§301-10.303  What am I reimbursed when use of a POV is determined by my agency to be advantageous to the Government?

§301-10.304  What expenses are allowable in addition to the allowances prescribed in §301-10.303?

Following is a chart listing the reimbursable and non-reimbursable expenses:

§301-10.305  How is reimbursement handled if another person(s) travels in a POV with me?

If another employee(s) travels with you on the same trip in the same POV, mileage is payable to only one of you. No deduction will be made from your mileage allowance if other passengers contribute to defraying your expenses.

§301-10.306  What will I be reimbursed if authorized to use a POV instead of a taxi between my residence and office to a common carrier terminal, or from my residence directly to a common carrier terminal on travel requiring an overnight stay?

If determined advantageous to the Government, you will be reimbursed on a mileage basis plus other allowable costs for round-trip travel on the beginning and/or ending of travel between the points involved.

§301-10.307  What will I be reimbursed if I use a POV to transport other employees?

Using a POV to transport other employees is strictly voluntary and you may be reimbursed in accordance with §301-10.305.

§301-10.308  What will I be reimbursed if I park my POV at a common carrier terminal while I am away from my official station?

Your agency may reimburse your parking fee as an allowable transportation expense not to exceed the cost of taxi fare to/from the terminal.

§301-10.309  What will I be reimbursed if I am authorized to use common carrier transportation and I use a POV instead?

You will be reimbursed on a mileage basis (see §301-10.303), plus per diem, not to exceed the total constructive cost of the authorized method of common carrier transportation plus per diem. Your agency must determine the constructive cost of transportation and per diem by common carrier under the rules in §301-10.310.

§301-10.310  What will I be reimbursed if I am authorized to use a Government automobile and I use a privately owned automobile instead?

(a) Reimbursement based on Government costs—Unless you are committed to using a Government automobile as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, your reimbursement will be limited to the cost that would be incurred for use of a Government automobile, which in CONUS is 28.5 cents per mile. If your agency determines the cost of providing a Government automobile would be higher because of unusual circumstances, it may allow reimbursement not to exceed the mileage rate provided in §301-10.303 for a privately owned automobile.

In addition, you may be reimbursed other allowable expenses as provided in §301-10.304.

(b) Partial reimbursement when you are committed to use a Government owned automobile—When you are committed to use a Government automobile or would not ordinarily be authorized to use a privately owned automobile due to the availability of a Government automobile, but nevertheless request to use a privately owned automobile, you will be reimbursed 12.5 cents per mile. This is the approximate cost of operating a Government automobile, fixed costs excluded. In addition, parking fees, bridge, road and tunnel fees are reimbursable.

Subpart E—Special Conveyances

§301-10.400  What types of special conveyances may my agency authorize me to use?

Your agency may authorize/approve use of:

(a) Taxicabs as specified in §§301-10.420 through 301-10.421 of this chapter;

(b) Commercial rental automobiles as specified in §§301-10.450 through 301-10.453 of this chapter; or

(c) Any other special conveyance when determined to be advantageous to the Government.

§301-10.401  What types of charges are reimbursable for use of a special conveyance?

Actual expenses that your agency determines are necessary, including, but not limited to:

(a) Gasoline and oil;

(b) Rental of a garage, hangar, or boathouse;

(c) Feeding and stabling of horses;

(d) Per diem of operator; and

(e) Ferriage, tolls, etc.

§301-10.402  What will I be reimbursed if I am authorized to use a special conveyance and I use a POV instead?

You will be reimbursed the mileage cost for the use of your POV, and additional expenses such as parking fees, bridge, road and tunnel fees, not to exceed the constructive cost of the special conveyance.

§301-10.403  What is the difference between a Government aircraft and an aircraft hired as a special conveyance?

A Government aircraft is any aircraft owned, leased, chartered, or rented and operated by the Government. An aircraft hired as a special conveyance is an aircraft that you, in your private capacity, rent, lease, or charter and operate.

Taxicabs, Shuttle Services, or Other Courtesy Transportation

§301-10.420  When may I use a taxi or shuttle service?

(a) For local travel. When your agency authorizes/approves the use of a taxi for the following, local travel is reimbursable:

(1) Between places of business at an official or TDY station;

(2) Between a place of lodging and a place of business at a temporary duty station; and

(3) To obtain meals at the nearest available place where the nature and location of the work at a TDY station are such that meals cannot be obtained there.

(b) To and from a carrier terminal.

(1) General authorization. Except as provided in paragraph (b)(2) of this section, you will be reimbursed the usual fare plus tip for use of a taxicab or shuttle services in the following situations:

(i) Between a common carrier or other terminal and either your home or place of business at your official station, or your place of business or lodging at a TDY station; or

(ii) Between the carrier terminal and shuttle terminal.

(2) Courtesy transportation. You should use courtesy transportation service furnished by hotels/motels to the maximum extent possible as a first source of transportation between a place of lodging at the TDY station and a common carrier terminal. You will be reimbursed for tips when you use courtesy transportation service.

(3) Restrictions. When appropriate, your agency will restrict or place a monetary limit on the amount of reimbursement for the use of taxicabs under this paragraph when:

(i) Suitable Government or common carrier transportation service, including shuttle service, is available for all or part of the distance involved; or

(ii) Courtesy transportation service is provided by hotels/motels between the place of lodging at the TDY station and the common carrier terminal.

(c) Between residence and office on day you perform official travel. In addition to use of a taxi under paragraph (b) of this section, your agency may authorize/approve reimbursement of the usual taxicab fare plus tip in the following situations:

(1) From your home to your office on the day you depart the office on an official trip requiring at least one night’s lodging; and

(2) From your office to your home on the day you return to the office from your trip.

(d) Between residence and office in cases of necessity. Your agency may authorize/approve the usual taxicab fare plus tip for travel between your office and home when you perform official business at your official station and:

(1) You are dependent on public transportation for officially ordered work outside regular working hours; and

(2) The travel between your office and home is during hours of infrequently scheduled public transportation or darkness.

§301-10.421  How much will my agency reimburse me for a tip to a taxi, shuttle service, or courtesy transportation driver?

An amount which your agency determines to be reasonable.

Rental Automobiles

§301-10.450  When can I use a rental vehicle?

Your agency must determine that use of a rental vehicle is advantageous to the Government and must specifically authorize such use.

§301-10.451  May I be reimbursed for the cost of collision damage waiver (CDW) or theft insurance?

(a) General rule—no. You will not be reimbursed for CDW or theft insurance for travel within CONUS for the following reasons:

(1) The Government is a self-insurer.

(2) Rental vehicles available under agreement(s) with the Government includes full coverage insurance for damages resulting from an accident while performing official travel.

(3) Any deductible amount paid by you may be reimbursed directly to you or directly to the rental agency if the damage occurred while you were performing official business.

(b) Exception. You will be reimbursed for collision damage waiver or theft insurance when you travel outside CONUS and such insurance is necessary because the rental or leasing agency requirements, foreign statute, or legal procedures could cause extreme difficulty for an employee involved in an accident.

§301-10.452  May I be reimbursed for personal accident insurance?

No. That is a personal expense and is not reimbursable.

§301-10.453  What is my liability for unauthorized use of a rental automobile obtained with Government funds?

You are responsible for any additional cost resulting from the unauthorized use of a commercial rental automobile for other than official travel-related purposes.