When using a foreign flag air carrier it is mandatory that the
applicable FFEX (Foreign Flag Exception) JTR/JFTR paragraph is printed on the
invoice. Click FFEX
for detailed information on the exceptions below.
Availability Date
No availability date requirements.
Premium Class Travel
It is DOD policy that economy class travel accommodations be used for all official travel
unless higher class accommodations are properly approved. When booking a travel request keep in mind,
direct air service does not have to be used.
Circuitous travel can be provided if economy seating is available even if the circuitous routing is more
expensive than the direct route using a COW/CRT fare.
COW/CRT fares may not be used as they are
considered, by USAREUR, to be business class fares. For some routes you have the ability to override
the business class fare for a unrestricted coach fare (YOW/YRT). Check with your Branch Manager
for CRS entries and further instruction if required. If overriding is not possible proper approval for
business class travel must be obtained.
If a circuitous routing is used to avoid the use of a business class fare, the following sentence
must appear on the invoice:
"Circuitous routing used to ensure an economy fare, as direct route required the use of a
business class fare."
- Approval
In all cases appropriate approval authorities are at the General Officer (GO) level. Obtaining approval is
the direct responsibility of the Authorizing Official (AO) which is also the person/agency
responsible for publication of travel orders.
Approved orders must contain the following.
- Name of the approving General Officer.
- The travel points the approval is being provided for.
- The specific paragraph reference in the JTR or JFTR and reason/justification used.
- Name and contact information of the person responsible for preparing and executing the
approval request.
To view a sample copy of a TDY travel order (DD1610), with an appropriate approval authority
contained in block 16, click here.
- IBA
If a customer pays with his IBA (Government Travel Card), approval is not necessary as long
as the traveler is aware that the following sentence will appear on his invoice.
"Notice: if a business class fare was purchased, you are advised that appropriate approval
for this class of service has to be properly approved or you may not be reimbursed for the travel
performed."
- Round Trip Ticketing
The issuing of a round trip ticket for one way travel as a means
to obtain economy fares has been determined to be an illegal business practice. USAREUR transportation
personnel have also agreed that it should not be done. SatoTravel Associates will not indulge in this
practice.
- Statements of non availability
SatoTravel does not provide statements of non availability for economy fares. Travelers who have
performed travel at personal expense, and bought tickets from other than a contract travel office, will
have to discuss reimbursement with a government representative.
Excess Baggage
Orders must authorize excess baggage in order for the traveler to be
reimbursed. Excess baggage cannot be charged to the CBA. The member is required
to pay for excess baggage and claim reimbursement. There are special cases in
which military personnel can be authorized to charge excess baggage costs to
the CBA. While the SACOR / ITO can not approve this exception, they will
assist the traveler in obtaining approval from the proper authority. Refer
the traveler to the SACOR.
Pet Travel
Cost of pet travel is at the traveler’s personal expense. The contract carrier can not be waived if
there is no pet space available or the contract carrier cannot accommodate the pet.
C. Communicate Exception Options
If a customer requests an exception to their travel entitlement
refer them to the SACOR / ITO for approval (exception form). SatoTravel will
gladly ticket any travel request that has been approved with an authorized
and signed exception form. This does not apply to Premium Class Travel.
Refer to Premium Class Travel for approval authorities.
"SatoTravel is a government contractor. We are obligated by
contract to follow the rules of the JFTR."
last update August 15, 2006