[Request for Advance Decision Concerning Entitlement to Transportation at Government Expense]

The Air Force requested an advance decision concerning whether a member was entitled to transportation at government expense when returning from his temporary duty assignment to his permanent duty station. The member's travel orders directed him to use a government air carrier on his return, and the member was subsequently authorized to take personal leave before returning to his permanent station. The member was authorized to use a commercial carrier during his personal leave and he claimed those expenses. The Air Force stated that, since the travel orders directed him to use government transportation, the member was not entitled to use any other transportation at government expense. Air Force travel regulations state that the only transportation costs payable are those incurred while an employee is on public business. The member was traveling solely for personal reasons and was not entitled to transportation at government expense. GAO concurred with the Air Force decision and held that any advice indicating that the government would pay for personal leave expenses was erroneous and not a basis to authorize payment. Accordingly, the member was liable for his personal leave travel costs.