Electronic Code of Federal Regulations

Title 41: Public Contracts and Property Management
PART 301-10—TRANSPORTATION EXPENSES

Subpart B—Common Carrier Transportation

Use of Contract City-Pair Fares

Airline Accommodations

Use of United States Flag Air Carriers

Train

Ship

Transit Systems

§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 other transit system.

[FTR Amdt. 70, 63 FR 15955, Apr. 1, 1998, as amended by FTR Amdt. 2010-02, 75 FR 24435, May 5, 2010]

§301-10.105   What are the basic requirements for using common carrier transportation?

The basic requirements for using common carrier transportation fall into three categories:

(a) Using contract carriers, when available, and if your agency is a mandatory user of GSA's city-pair contracts for air passenger transportation services, unless you have an approved exception (see §§301-10.106 through 301-10.108 of this subpart);

(b) Using coach-class service, unless other than coach-class service is authorized under §301-10.123 or §301-10.162, and when travelling by ship, using lowest first-class accommodations, unless other than lowest first-class accommodations are authorized under §301-10.183 of this subpart; and

(c) You must always use U.S. Flag Air Carrier (or ship) service for air passenger transportation or when travelling by ship, unless your travel circumstances meet one of the exceptions in §§301-10.135 through 301-10.138 or §301-10.183 of this subpart.

[FTR Amdt. 2010-05, 75 FR 63103, Oct. 14, 2010]

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 https://www.gsa.gov/citypairs.

[FTR Amdt. 2006-04, 71 FR 49374, Aug. 23, 2006, as amended at 85 FR 39848, July 2, 2020]

§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);

(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.

[FTR Amdt. 2006-04, 71 FR 49374, Aug. 23, 2006, as amended by FTR Amdt. 2007-05, 72 FR 61537, Oct. 31, 2007]

§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.

[FTR Amdt. 2006-04, 71 FR 49374, Aug. 23, 2006]

§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.

[FTR Amdt. 108, 67 FR 57964, Sept. 13, 2002]

§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.

[FTR Amdt. 108, 67 FR 57964, Sept. 13, 2002]

§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.

[FTR Amdt. 70, 63 FR 15955, Apr. 1, 1998; 63 FR 35537, June 30, 1998]

§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?

Airlines are constantly updating their offerings. However, for the purposes of this regulation, the classes of available air accommodations are identified and defined as follows:

(a) Coach-class. The basic class of accommodation by airlines that is normally the lowest fare offered regardless of airline terminology used. For reference purposes only, coach-class may also be referred to by airlines as “tourist class,” “economy class,” or as “single class” when the airline offers only one class of accommodations to all travelers.

(b) Other than coach-class. Any class of accommodations above coach-class, e.g., first-class or business-class.

(1) First-class. The highest class of accommodation offered by the airlines in terms of cost and amenities. This is generally termed “first-class” by airlines and reservation systems.

(2) Business-class. A class of accommodation offered by 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.

[FTR Amdt. 2009-06, 74 FR 55147, Oct. 27, 2009]

§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 other than coach-class airline accommodations?

Government travelers are required to exercise the same care in incurring expenses that a prudent person would exercise if traveling on personal business when making official travel arrangements, and therefore, should consider the least expensive class of travel that meets their needs. You may use the lowest other than coach-class airline accommodations only when your agency specifically authorizes/approves such use as specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section.

(a) Your agency may authorize/approve first class accommodations if any of the following apply:

(1) No coach-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;

(2) When use of other than coach-class is necessary to accommodate a medical disability or other special need.

(i) A disability must be certified annually in a written statement by a competent medical authority. However, if the disability is a lifelong condition, then a one-time certification statement is required. Certification statements must include at a minimum:

(A) A written statement by a competent medical authority stating that special accommodation is necessary;

(B) An approximate duration of the special accommodation; and

(C) A recommendation as to the suitable class of transportation accommodations based on the disability.

(ii) A special need must be certified annually in writing according to your agency's procedures. However, if the special need is a lifelong condition, then a one-time certification statement is required;

(iii) If you are authorized under §301-13.3(a) of this Subchapter to have an attendant accompany you, your agency may also authorize the attendant to use other than coach-class accommodations if you require the attendant's services en route;

(3) When exceptional security circumstances require other than coach-class airline accommodations. Exceptional security circumstances are determined by your agency and should only be authorized up to the minimum other than coach-class accommodation necessary. These circumstances include, but are not limited to:

(i) Use of coach-class accommodations would endanger your life or Government property;

(ii) You are an agent on protective detail and you are accompanying an individual authorized to use other than coach-class accommodations; or

(iii) You are a courier or control officer accompanying controlled pouches or packages;

(4) When required because of agency mission, consistent with your agency's internal procedures pursuant to §301-70.102(i).

(b) Your agency may authorize/approve business-class accommodations if any of the following apply:

(1) When use of other than coach-class is necessary to accommodate a medical disability or other special need.

(i) A disability must be certified annually in a written statement by a competent medical authority. However, if the disability is a lifelong condition, then a one-time certification statement is required. Certification statements must include at a minimum:

(A) A written statement by a competent medical authority stating that special accommodation is necessary;

(B) An approximate duration of the special accommodation; and

(C) A recommendation as to the suitable class of transportation accommodations based on the disability.

(ii) A special need must be certified annually in writing according to your agency's procedures. However, if the special need is a lifelong condition, then a one-time certification statement is required;

(iii) If you are authorized under §301-13.3(a) of this Subchapter to have an attendant accompany you, your agency may also authorize the attendant to use other than coach-class accommodations if you require the attendant's services en route;

(2) When exceptional security circumstances require other than coach-class airline accommodations. Exceptional security circumstances are determined by your agency and should only be authorized to the minimum other than coach-class accommodation necessary to meet the agency's mission. These circumstances include, but are not limited to:

(i) Use of coach-class accommodations would endanger your life or Government property;

(ii) You are an agent on protective detail and you are accompanying an individual authorized to use other than coach-class accommodations; or

(iii) You are a courier or control officer accompanying controlled pouches or packages;

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

(4) Regularly scheduled flights between origin/destination points (including connecting points) provide only other than coach-class accommodations and you certify such on your voucher;

(5) 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;

(6) 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 accordance with §301-10.125;

(7) 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;

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

(9) When required because of agency mission, consistent with your agency's internal procedures pursuant to §301-70.102(i).

[FTR Amdt. 2009-06, 74 FR 55147, Oct. 27, 2009]

§301-10.124   What are coach-class Seating Upgrade Programs?

Sometimes these programs are called “Coach Elite,” “Coach Plus,” “Preferred Coach” or some other identifier. Under these airline programs, a passenger may obtain for a fee a more desirable seat choice within the coach-class cabin. These airline upgrade or preferred seat choices are generally available for an annual fee, at an airport kiosk or gate or as a frequent flier perk. These coach upgrade options are not considered a new or higher class of accommodation since the seating is still in the coach cabin. However, the use of these upgraded/preferred coach seating options is generally a traveler's personal choice and therefore is at the traveler's personal expense. An agency travel authorization approving official or his/her designee (e.g., supervisor of the traveler) may authorize and reimburse the additional seat choice fee according to internal agency policy (see 301-70.102(k)).

[FTR Amdt. 2009-06, 74 FR 55148, Oct. 27, 2009, as amended by FTR Amdt. 2010-07, 75 FR 72967, Nov. 29, 2010]

§301-10.125   When may I use the 14-hour rule to travel other than coach-class (see §301-10.123(b)(6))?

(a) You may use the 14-hour rule to travel via other than coach-class when:

(1) The origin and/or destination are OCONUS; and

(2) The scheduled flight time, including non-overnight stopovers and change of planes, is in excess of 14 hours; and

(3) You are required to report to duty the following day or sooner.

(b) Scheduled flight time is the flight time between the originating departure point and the ultimate arrival point including scheduled non-overnight time spent at airports during plane changes. Scheduled non-overnight time does not include time spent at the originating or ultimate arrival airports.

(c) If other than coach-class accommodation is authorized based on the 14-hour rule then you will not be eligible for a rest stop en route or a rest period upon arrival at your duty site, in accordance with internal agency procedures pursuant to §301-70.102(j).

[FTR Amdt. 2009-06, 74 FR 55148, Oct. 27, 2009]

Use of United States Flag Air Carriers

Source: FTR Amdt. 74, 63 FR 63419, Nov. 13, 1998, unless otherwise noted.

§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.

(1) Information on bilateral or multilateral air transportation agreements impacting United States Government procured transportation can be accessed at https://www.gsa.gov/openskies; and

(2) If determined appropriate, GSA may periodically issue FTR Bulletins providing further guidance on bilateral or multilateral air transportation agreements impacting United States Government procured transportation. These bulletins may be accessed at https://www.gsa.gov/ftrbulletins.

(c) You are an officer or employee of the Department of State or the United States Agency for International Development, 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.

[FTR Amdt. 74, 63 FR 63419, Nov. 13, 1998, as amended by FTR Amdt. 2009-02, 74 FR 2397, Jan. 15, 2009; 85 FR 39848, July 2, 2020]

§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.

[FTR Amdt. 74, 63 FR 63419, Nov. 13, 1998, as amended by FTR Amdt. 2007-05, 72 FR 61537, Oct. 31, 2007]

§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.

[FTR Amdt. 74, 63 FR 63419, Nov. 13, 1998, as amended by FTR Amdt. 108, 67 FR 57964, Sept. 13, 2002]

§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) Other than coach-class - Any class of accommodations above coach, e.g., first-class or business-class.

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

(2) Business-class—A class of extra fare train service that is offered above coach class, but is lower than first-class, as described above.

[FTR Amdt. 70, 63 FR 15955, Apr. 1, 1998, as amended by FTR Amdt. 108, 67 FR 57965, Sept. 13, 2002; FTR Amdt. 2009-06, 74 FR 55148, Oct. 27, 2009]

§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 other than coach-class service.

[FTR Amdt. 2009-06, 74 FR 55148, Oct. 27, 2009]

§301-10.162   When may I use other than coach-class train accommodations?

You may use other than coach-class train accommodations only when your agency specifically authorizes/approves this use under paragraphs (a) through (e) of this section.

(a) No coach-class accommodations are reasonably available on a train 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 other than coach-class accommendations is necessary to accommodate a medical disability or other special need.

(1) A disability must be certified annually in a written statement by a competent medical authority. However, if the disability is a lifelong condition, then a one-time certification statement is required. Certification statements must include at a minimum:

(i) A written statement by a competent medical authority stating that special accommodation is necessary;

(ii) An approximate duration of the special accommodation; and

(iii) A recommendation as to the suitable class of transportation accommodations based on the disability.

(2) A special need must be certified annually in writing according to your agency's procedures. However, if the special need is a lifelong condition, then a one-time certification statement is required;

(3) If you are authorized under §301-13.3(a) of this Subchapter to have an attendant accompany you, your agency may also authorize the attendant to use other than coach-class accommodations if you require the attendant's services en route;

(c) When exceptional security circumstances require other than coach-class rail accommodations. Exceptional security circumstances are determined by your agency and should only be authorized to the minimum other than coach-class accommodation necessary to meet the agency's mission. These circumstances include, but are not limited to:

(1) Use of coach-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 other than coach-class accommodations; or

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

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

(e) When required because of agency mission, consistent with your agency's internal procedures pursuant to §301-70.102(i).

[FTR Amdt. 2009-06, 74 FR 55148, Oct. 27, 2009]

§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. Extra-fare train service is considered to be a class above the lowest class offered on any particular train and must be authorized/approved as provided in §301-10.162.

[FTR Amdt. 2009-06, 74 FR 55149, Oct. 27, 2009]

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. §55302.)

[FTR Amdt. 70, 63 FR 15955, Apr. 1, 1998, as amended at 85 FR 39848, July 2, 2020]

§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.

[FTR Amdt. 70, 63 FR 15955, Apr. 1, 1998; 63 FR 35537, June 30, 1998]

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

Accommodations on ships vary according to deck levels.

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

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

[FTR Amdt. 70, 63 FR 15955, Apr. 1, 1998, as amended by FTR Amdt. 2009-06, 74 FR 55149, Oct. 27, 2009]

§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 other than lowest first-class ship accommodations under paragraphs (a) through (d) of this section.

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

(b) When use of other than lowest first-class accommodations is necessary to accommodate a medical disability or other special need.

(1) A disability must be certified annually in a written statement by a competent medical authority. However, if the disability is a lifelong condition, then a one-time certification statement is required. Certification statements must include at a minimum:

(i) A written statement by a competent medical authority stating that special accommodation is necessary;

(ii) An approximate duration of the special accommodation; and

(iii) A recommendation as to the suitable class of transportation accommodations based on the disability.

(2) A special need must be certified annually in writing according to your agency's procedures. However, if the special need is a lifelong condition, then a one-time certification statement is required;

(3) If you are authorized under §301-13.3(a) of this Subchapter to have an attendant accompany you, your agency may also authorize the attendant to use other than lowest first-class class accommodations if you require the attendant's services en route;

(c) When exceptional security circumstances require other than lowest first-class travel. Exceptional security circumstances are determined by your agency and should only be authorized to the minimum other than lowest first-class travel accommodation necessary to meet the agency's mission. These 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 other than lowest first-class accommodations; or

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

(d) When required because of agency mission, consistent with your agency's internal procedures pursuant to §301-70.102(i).

[FTR Amdt. 70, 63 FR 15955, Apr. 1, 1998, as amended by FTR Amdt. 2009-06, 74 FR 55149, Oct. 27, 2009]

Transit Systems

§301-10.190   When may I use a transit system as a means of transportation in conjunction with official travel?

You may use a transit system as a means of transportation in conjunction with official travel when such transportation is authorized and approved by your agency in the following manner:

(a) At your official station. (1) From your residence or other authorized point of departure, e.g., rail to airport;

(2) To your residence or other authorized point of return, e.g., airport to rail;

(3) From your residence to your office on the day you depart the official station on official TDY that requires at least one night's lodging; or

(4) From your office to your residence on the day you return to the official station from an official TDY assignment that required at least one night's lodging.

(b) At your TDY location. (1) From the TDY transit system station(s) to your place of lodging or place of official business and return;

(2) To, from, and between your places of lodging and official business;

(3) Between places of official business; or

(4) To obtain meals at the nearest available place when the nature and location of the official business or the lodging at a TDY location are such that meals cannot be obtained there. You must attach a statement or include electronic remarks with your travel voucher explaining why such transportation was necessary.

[FTR Amdt. 2010-02, 75 FR 24435, May 5, 2010]

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