[Request for Advance Decision Concerning Navy Member's Meal Expenses]

GAO was requested for an advance decision as to whether a Navy employee who was authorized actual subsistence expenses while in a travel status may be reimbursed for meals purchased en route to and from an airport servicing his permanent duty station. The record showed that the airport was about 70 miles from the member's duty station and that meals were not served on the plane. GAO found that: (1) the meals were purchased in a manner consistent with applicable travel regulations; and (2) had the member not purchased the meals en route to and from the airport, he would have had to eat at irregular and unreasonable hours. Accordingly, the member may be reimbursed for the meals purchased en route.