Reimbursement of Travel Expenses

A member of the Naval Reserve appealed the Claims Group denial of his reimbursement of money which he paid a travel agency for air fare he used in connection with periods of active duty for training. The member's orders stated that he was authorized to travel to his active duty posts at his own expense subject to reimbursement. The Navy disallowed his claim for reimbursement of the travel expenses, since procurement of tickets through travel agencies is prohibited in cases such as this, and stated that the member had been previously informed that he would not be reimbursed for air travel purchased through a travel agency. The member contended that the practice of purchasing air travel through travel agencies is widespread through the military services. He also contended that he saved the Government money through the purchase of discount tickets and that advanced purchases from an air carrier are more expensive. Since the claim was for tickets used for travel on official business, the procurement of transportation must have been in accord with applicable regulations for the claim to be payable. Federal employees are prohibited from using travel agents to procure transportation in the United States unless the traveler is unaware of the prohibition. The prohibition against the use of travel agencies is premised on the determination that procurement of tickets directly from the carrier is more efficient and economical overall. The costs or inconvenience of procuring tickets directly from the carrier are minimal. If other military travelers had procured transportation through travel agencies, they too would be subject to denial of reimbursement for their transportion. Since both of the member's trips were within the United States, and he knew of the prohibition against the use of travel agencies, the action of the Claims Group in denying reimbursement of his claim was sustained.