Abandonment of Travel and Claim for Travel Expenses

An advance decision was requested regarding reimbursement of travel expenses for an employee who abandoned temporary duty travel prior to reporting to the duty site because living accomodations for himself and his family were not available at a reasonable rate at the site. The government is not responsible for inconvenience incurred by reason of dependents accompanying an employee on temporary duty. Travel expenses to the point of abandonment are allowable only for personal reasons which must be acceptable to the agency or department concerned. As the employee did not complete the mission requirements and gave no acceptable reason for abandonment, he was not entitled to any reimbursement. Action should be taken to collect any travel advance made in connection with the assignment.