B-266169 October 16, 1995

B-266169 October 16, 1995

Frequent flyer mileage credits earned for official travel belong to the federal government and may not be retained by the government employee. The Administrator of General Services has issued regulations pertaining to the disposal of promotional material (including frequent flyer benefits). 41 C.F.R. Sec. 101-25.103-4 (1994). In response to a constituent request, we suggest that the question of amending the regulations to permit the transfer of frequent flyer mileage credits to a specific charity be made directly to the Administrator of General Services.

The Honorable Christopher Cox Member, United States House of Representatives 4000 MacArthur Boulevard East Tower, Suite 430 Newport Beach, CA 92660

Dear Mr. Cox:

We are in receipt of your August 31, 1995, letter regarding the suggestion of Ms. Ann Dulaney to permit federal employees to donate frequent flyer miles to charity.

Our decisions state that frequent flyer mileage credits earned for official travel belong to the federal government and may not be retained by the government employee. In the Federal Travel Regulation, 41 C.F.R. Sec. 301-1.103(b) (1994), the Administrator of General Services has issued regulations providing that promotional materials (including frequent traveler benefits) which cannot be used by the receiving agency shall be transferred to a federal hospital or similar institution under 41 C.F.R. Sec. 101-25.103-4 (1994). See, Gifts or Prizes Acquired in the Course of Official Travel Assignments, B-199656, July 15, 1981, and Michael Farbman, et al., 67 Comp.Gen. 79 (1987).

We suggest that the question of amending the regulations to permit the transfer of frequent flyer mileage credits to a specific charity be made directly to the Administrator of General Services.