[Discount Coupons and Other Benefits Received in the Course of Official Travel]

The Department of Defense requested a GAO opinion concerning the proper disposition of promotional gifts received by employees while on official travel. The request stemmed from the recent practice in the airline industry to institute frequent-flyer programs which entitle a traveler who accumulates points or miles on a particular airline to receive bonus travel. GAO found that such promotional gifts are the property of the Government and that employees may not retain any gift or gratuity received in the course of official travel. The basis for this determination is the prevention of double reimbursement to the employee and avoidance of a conflict of interest. Further, since participation in these programs is voluntary, an employee who wants to receive benefits for private use should make certain that the only trips credited to his bonus account are those paid from personal funds.