[Question Concerning Reimbursement of Federal Employee for Travel Expenses]

A question was submitted concerning whether a federal employee traveling on government business may be reimbursed for travel expenses when the employee: (1) expended more than regulations permit; and (2) made use of a travel agent for a second time. GAO has held that employees may be reimbursed for cash expenditures in excess of the stipulated amount if they can prove the transaction through use of a receipt or other documentation. GAO also noted that, although the employee had been previously advised that use of a travel agent was prohibited, the employee's unusual traveling circumstances left him no alternative but to use a travel agent. GAO held that the employee may be reimbursed to the extent that the amount paid does not exceed the cost of transportation procured directly from a carrier. Accordingly, the employee may be reimbursed for the excessive expenditures and use of a travel agent was allowable.