Request by Military Member for Reimbursement of Transoceanic Air Travel Expenses

A disbursing officer requested an advanced decision concerning the reimbursement for transoceanic air travel performed at personal expense incident to a permanent change-of-station by a Marine Corps member. The member's orders authorized his and his wife's travel by mixed modes with leave en route and did not require travel by Government or Government-procured transportation. The member and his dependent flew via commercial airline and traveled from Los Angeles to Georgia by private automobile. The commercial air fare was calculated on a reduced military or furlough fare. The member requested reimbursement at the Military Airlift Command rate. The disbursing officer was in doubt as to whether the member was entitled to reimbursement since he and his wife used reduced military air fares. GAO authorized reimbursement of the air fare not to exceed the Military Airlift Command rate. Whether the member was entitled to the reduced fare, since at least part of his travel was at Government expense, is primarily a matter between him and the airline. Payment of the voucher was authorized.