Volume XIV - Travel
Chapter 04 – Miscellaneous Travel Expenses
Questions concerning this policy chapter should be directed to:
0401 Overview
This chapter establishes the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) financial policies regarding the reimbursement of authorized miscellaneous travel and transportation-related expenses.
Key points covered in this chapter include:
- Approving Officials (AOs) will authorize reimbursement of miscellaneous expenses that are necessary and in the best interest of the Government (Federal Travel Regulations (FTR) § 301.70.300);
- Travelers will itemize each miscellaneous travel expense on the travel authorization (TA);
- Travelers are required to perform due diligence in seeking and obtaining lodging tax exemption when traveling to states which are tax-exempt (refer to GSA SmartPay State Tax Information); and
- Government-owned/leased services should be used for official communications, but when Government services are not available, commercial communications services may be used and reimbursed.
Under 5 U.S.C. § 406 (Inspector General Act of 1978 – Public Law 95-452), VA Office of Inspector General (VA OIG) employees will adhere to travel directives, policies, procedures, and guidance provided by VA OIG.
Union rights and privileges related to travel expenses, as defined in union agreements, do not supersede FTR regulations.
0402 Revisions
| Section | Revision | Office | Reason for Change | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Various | Updated FTR references, as needed | OFP | 41 C.F.R. Amendment 12-18-25 | June 2026 |
For a complete list of previous policy revisions, see Appendix A.
0403 Definitions
Approving Official (AO) – A VA travel system role with the authority to approve travel documents.
Continental United States (CONUS) – The 48 contiguous States and the District of Columbia (FTR § 300-1.1).
Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) – The FTR implements statutory requirements and Executive branch policies for travel by Federal civilian employees and others authorized to travel at Government expense.
Foreign Area – Any area situated beyond both the CONUS and the non-foreign areas (refer to FTR § 300-1.1, Outside the Continental United States (1)).
Meals and Incidental Expense (M&IE) Allowance – A daily subsistence allowance for meals, and related incidental expenses incurred when eligible on authorized TDY (FTR § 300-1.1, Per diem allowance (2)(3)).
Miscellaneous Travel Expenses – Miscellaneous travel expenses are those costs related to official travel that are necessary and not covered by other specific allowances (FTR PART 301-12.1).
Non-Foreign Area – The states of Alaska and Hawaii, the Commonwealths of Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the territories and possessions of the United States (refer to FTR § 300-1.1 Outside the Continental United States (2)).
Official Travel – Travel under an official travel authorization (TA) to and from an employee’s official station or other authorized points of departure and a temporary duty location (TDY), travel between two TDY locations, or relocation at the direction of a Federal agency (FTR § 300-1.1).
Outside the Continental United States (OCONUS) – Per FTR § 300-1.1, any area beyond the 48 contiguous States and the District of Columbia, (i.e., CONUS. OCONUS is further divided into foreign areas and non-foreign areas).
Per Diem – A daily payment instead of reimbursement for actual expenses for lodging, meals, and related incidental expenses (FTR § 300-1.1).
Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) – Any vehicle such as an automobile (including vans and pickup trucks), motorcycle, aircraft, or boat operated by an individual that is not owned or leased by a Government agency and is not commercially leased or rented by an employee under a Government rental agreement for use in connection with official Government business (FTR § 300-1.1).
Temporary Duty (TDY) Location – A place away from an employee’s official station, where the employee is authorized to travel (FTR § 300-1.1).
Temporary Duty (TDY) Travel – Travel by an employee on official business to a designated location(s) away from their local area, as authorized by an employee’s AO through a TA.
Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) – A corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, or other entity, that uses a digital network to connect riders to drivers affiliated with the entity in order for the driver to transport the rider using a vehicle owned, leased, or otherwise authorized for use by the driver to a point chosen by the rider; and does not include a shared-expense carpool or vanpool arrangement that is not intended to generate profit for the driver (FTR § 300-1.1), (e.g., Uber, Lyft, Sidecar, Wingz, Summon, and Haxi).
Travel Authorization (TA) – Written or electronic permission to travel on official business (FTR § 300-1.1). There are three basic types of travel authorizations (orders):
- Unlimited open. An authorization allowing an employee to travel for any official purpose without further authorization.
- Limited open. An authorization allowing an employee to travel on official business without further authorization under certain specific conditions, (i.e., travel to specific geographic area(s) for specific purpose(s), subject to trip cost ceilings, or for specific periods of time).
- Trip-by-trip. An authorization allowing an individual or group of individuals to take one or more specific official business trips, which must include specific purpose, itinerary, and estimated costs.
Travel Management Center (TMC) – A travel agency firm under contract with the Government to provide reservations, tickets, and related travel management services for official travel.
0404 Roles and Responsibilities
Approving Officials (AOs) are responsible for:
- Approving TAs and claims;
- Completing travel training requirements;
- Ensuring all travel is approved consistent with FTR, VA travel policy, and any other Department-specific guidance (e.g., travel notices);
- Establishing a clear understanding with the traveler which miscellaneous travel expenses are required for the mission and only authorizing additional expenses post-travel when unanticipated and properly documented in the claim; and
- Verifying CONUS and OCONUS non-foreign area lodging taxes claimed were not exempt or were exempt but not honored by the lodging facility before authorizing.
Travelers are responsible for:
- Completing training requirements;
- Being knowledgeable of FTR, VA travel policy, and any other agency-specific guidance (e.g., travel notices);
- Minimizing travel costs;
- Ensuring travel is approved in advance;
- Obtaining lodging tax exemptions when available; and
- Submitting claims in accordance with policy.
0405 Policies
040501 General Policies
- In accordance with FTR $301-12.1, VA will reimburse miscellaneous expenses costs related to official travel that are necessary and not covered by other specific allowances.
- In accordance with FTR PART 302-16, VA will reimburse travelers for miscellaneous travel expenses in conjunction with permanent change of station (PCS) and temporary change of station (TCS). Volume XIV, Chapter 8 – Relocation Packages, provides policy guidance on the authorization of PCS and TCS related miscellaneous expenses.
- Volume XIV, Chapter 1 – Travel Administration, provides receipt requirements for miscellaneous travel expense reimbursement requests.
- Prior to travel, a traveler and their AO must discuss and establish a clear understanding of which known miscellaneous travel expenses are to be authorized on the travel authorization (TA).
- In accordance with FTR § 301-52.1(a)(1), travelers must itemize each miscellaneous travel expense on the travel claim, except for authorized telephone calls, transit system fares, or parking meter fees which may be entered as a lump sum as long as no individual expense costs over $75.
- AOs will approve miscellaneous travel expenses post-travel when the expenses were not anticipated before departure and proper justification is included on the travel claim.
040502 Miscellaneous Common Carrier Travel Expenses
- In accordance with FTR § 301-10.304, VA may reimburse travelers for common carrier terminal parking fees while on TDY when incurring such fees is advantageous to the Government (refer to Volume XIV, Chapter. 3, Transportation Expenses).
- In accordance with FTR § 301-12.2, VA will only reimburse the necessary travel and transportation-related baggage expenses incurred on official business. Excess baggage transportation costs must be authorized in advance by the AO. Refer to Appendix B, Reimbursable Baggage Expenses, for additional information. These expenses include:
- Baggage transfer, not to exceed (NTE) the customary local rates and the necessity for the transfer must be explained in the TA;
- Baggage storage for property used on official business or baggage handling tips for transporting Government property (justification required); and
- Curbside baggage check-in fees will be reimbursed, except when there is no cost at the travel counter.
- In accordance with FTR § 301-13.2(d), VA will reimburse baggage handling tips for a traveler with a disability or special needs.
040503 Miscellaneous Ground Transportation Expenses
- In accordance with FTR § 301-10.2, VA will reimburse ground transportation expenses including special conveyances. Any necessary miscellaneous expenses (e.g., parking fees, tolls, tips, etc.) associated to the use of the authorized mode of travel may also be reimbursed (refer to Volume XIV, Chapter 3 – Transportation Expenses.
- VA will reimburse the following miscellaneous ground transportation expenses:
- In accordance with FTR § 301-10.420, VA will reimburse tips and fees for taxis, TNCs, innovative mobility technology companies, limousines, and shuttle transportation expenses up to 20 percent of the customary fare rounded up to the nearest cent.
- In accordance with FTR § 301-10.420, VA will reimburse tips paid for courtesy (no cost) shuttle service or for valet parking service at non-lodging locations (only when public parking is not available) not to exceed $3.
- In accordance with FTR § 301-10.302, in addition to mileage, privately owned vehicle (POV) miscellaneous expenses (e.g.., Parking fees; ferry fees; bridge, road, and tunnel fees) are reimbursable. VA will not reimburse expenses included under the mileage reimbursement allowance (e.g., charges for repairs, depreciation, replacements, grease, oil, antifreeze, towage and similar speculative expenses, fuel, insurance, state and Federal taxes).
- In accordance with FTR § 301-10.450(d), VA will reimburse gasoline for a rental car, but prepaid gasoline is not reimbursable. An AO will reimburse refueling charges for gasoline if it is not possible to refuel completely prior to returning the vehicle because of safety issues or the location of the closest fueling station. This exception must be properly documented on the travel claim, when applicable. VA will not reimburse rental car loyalty point fees or point transfer charges.
- Service and processing fees (e.g., transaction fees, taxes, facility fees) for rental car reservations will be reimbursed when:
- Procured through the Travel Management Center (TMC); or
- Procured commercially only when VA’s travel system, including the TMC, is not available before the commencement of official travel to make reservations.
- In accordance with FTR § 301-10.451, VA will not reimburse driving-related insurance for continental United States (CONUS) and outside of CONUS (OCONUS) non-foreign area travel. For OCONUS foreign areas an AO may reimburse this expense when it is determined that legal requirements/procedures of the foreign area/country involved mandate carrying driving-related insurance to cover potential liability for damage, personal injury, or death to third parties when travel is authorized by Government conveyance, privately-owned conveyance, or rental car (refer to Comptroller General Decision, B-178342 (55 Comp. Gen 1343, August 11, 1976), Insurance on Overseas Automobiles). When required, the cost of the license/permit photos will also be reimbursed. Refer to Driving and Road Safety Abroad for additional information.
040504 Miscellaneous Lodging Expenses
- VA will reimburse nightly lodging room rate reimbursable expenses in accordance with FTR PART 301-11 – Subsistence Expenses, and Volume XIV Chapter 2 – Travel Per Diem.
- Miscellaneous lodging fees/charges include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Room occupancy charges for late departure;
- Early arrival;
- Day-use of airport lodging facilities due to travel arrangements that are not for the traveler’s convenience;
- Safe fee, or other service charges; and
- Resort fees and/or energy surcharge fees will be reimbursed only when the hotel charges this fee (not optional) to all guests.
- Room rental for official business meetings may be authorized as an official expense in limited circumstances. Contact the FSC for specific guidance on the proper payment method via email to VAFSCtravelpolicy@va.gov. For additional information regarding conference room rentals, refer to Volume XIV, Chapter 10 – Conference Planning, Oversight, and Reporting.
- In accordance with FTR §301-11.16, lodging taxes may or may not be authorized as follows:
- Lodging taxes for CONUS and OCONUS non-foreign areas are not part of the per diem allowance and must be itemized separately as a miscellaneous expense.
- Travelers are required to perform due diligence in seeking and obtaining lodging tax exemption when traveling to states which are tax-exempt (refer to GSA SmartPay State Tax Information). Travelers should not be reimbursed lodging taxes when the expense is due to failure to obtain tax exemption at a tax-exempt location. Should the lodging facility not honor the requested state tax exemption, the traveler may be reimbursed the lodging tax for the authorized lodging rate.
- Taxes for OCONUS foreign areas are included in the traveler’s per diem allowance and will not be claimed separately as a miscellaneous expense.
- When lodging is interrupted involving authorized weekly or monthly rentals certain expenses may be reimbursed as a miscellaneous expense. Refer to Volume XIV Travel, Chapter 2 – Travel Per Diem, and Comptroller General Decision B-195352 (59 Comp. Gen. 609, July 17, 1980), Lodging Expenses – Curtailed Travel.
- VA reimbursement of interrupted lodging weekly or monthly rental expenses is dependent upon if:
- The traveler acted reasonably and prudently in incurring lodging expenses;
- The traveler had a reasonable expectation of completing the TDY as authorized;
- The assignment was changed for official purposes or an acceptable reason beyond the traveler’s control; and
- The traveler took reasonable steps to obtain a refund once the TDY was officially canceled, curtailed, or interrupted.
- VA will reimburse necessary storage fees and/or tips for handling Government property at lodging facilities.
- VA reimbursement of tips at a place of lodging (including valet service) may or may not be authorized as follows:
- In accordance with FTR § 301-11.23, when subsistence is reimbursed under the Actual Expense method, fees and tips at a place of lodging will be reimbursed when itemized.
- In accordance with FTR § 300-1.1, when subsistence expenses are reimbursed under the Lodgings-Plus method the incidental allowance includes fees and tip expenses at places of lodging and are not separately reimbursable expenses.
- VA will reimburse necessary service and processing fees (e.g., transaction fees) for arranging lodging accommodations.
040505 Miscellaneous Foreign Travel Expenses
- VA will reimburse the following necessary miscellaneous foreign travel expenses:
- Currency conversion fees when the “international transaction fee” for official qualifying transactions is charged to the Government travel card. This charge is listed as a separate line item on the card billing statement. Losses resulting from currency conversions are not reimbursable (refer to Comptroller General Decision B-215316 (59 Comp. Gen. 554, August 29, 1984), Losses Incurred on Currency Exchange). A traveler is not liable to pay the Government for gains resulting from currency conversion.
- The cost of fees to obtain or renew a visa, U.S. permanent resident card, photographs, and physical exams for an employee who is:
- A U.S. citizen (An eligible dependent does not have to be a U.S. citizen);
- Hired locally in, or transported to, a foreign area at Government expense; or
- Serving under a service or renewal agreement (Permanent Duty Travel and TDY for overseas travel).
- Foreign exit fees.
- The cost of obtaining a birth certificate or other acceptable evidence of birth for official foreign travel.
- Charges for inoculations and other disease-preventive medical prophylaxes required for authorized foreign travel (e.g., oral anti-malarial prophylaxis), that are not available through a Federal dispensary.
- Services of guides, interpreters and/or drivers when determined by the AO to be mission essential.
- In accordance with FTR § 301-451, VA will reimburse OCONUS foreign area driving-related insurance. See section 040503 Miscellaneous Ground Transportation Expense for more information.
- VA will not separately reimburse OCONUS laundry and dry-cleaning expenses. These expenses are part of the incidental expense allowance included within the meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) per diem rate (refer to Department of State – Foreign Per Diem Rates or Department of Defense Joint Federal Travel Regulations, Per Diem Rates – Non-Foreign Areas).
- VA will not reimburse expenses for obtaining a personal passport.
- A traveler who pays for foreign official expenses with a Government travel card should check with the contracted bank to determine the final expense cost in U.S. currency before submitting the travel claim. The currency exchange rate at which the Government travel card expense was settled will be used to enter foreign expense amounts in the travel claim.
- For specific guidance or additional clarification regarding reimbursement of foreign travel miscellaneous expenses, contact via email to Internationaltravelservice@va.gov.
040506 Additional Miscellaneous Travel Expenses
- VA will reimburse the following necessary expenses:
- A fee charged for an ATM or bank cash advance using a Government travel card to obtain money, when the withdrawal is authorized on the TA or travel claim. Fees for using an ATM with a personal credit or debit card are not reimbursable.
- The cost of traveler’s checks, money orders, or certified checks up to the amount of estimated per diem and/or travel expenses will be reimbursed.
- The purchase of miscellaneous equipment or materials (e.g., batteries, tools, film, paper, books, medical supplies) and similar items needed.
- In accordance with FTR § 301-13.2(a)(g), VA will reimburse expenses for an attendant when necessary to accommodate a special need.
- In accordance with FTR § 301-13.2, VA will reimburse expenses to an employee with special needs associated with a service animal when medically required to accompany a traveler (e.g., service dog). The service animal should be stated in the TA to cover any travel-related expenses that might be required.
- VA will not reimburse individual traveler’s membership fees in a registered/traveler program (e.g., rewards program offered by credit card companies). Use of Government funds to obtain membership in such a program is statutorily prohibited by 5 U.S.C. § 5946.
- Reimbursement of tuition or registration fees must be paid in advance of travel using a Government purchase card.
- On the rare occasion that a traveler must pay tuition or registration fees while in travel status, such cost will initially be assumed by the traveler. Upon return from the travel episode, the traveler may seek reimbursement via public voucher.
0406 Authorities and References
- United States Code (U.S.C.)
- Comptroller General Decisions
- Department of Defense Joint Federal Travel Regulations, Appendix A, Per Diem Allowance
- Department of State – Foreign Per Diem Rates
- Driving and Road Safety Abroad
- FTR Chapters 300-304
- General Services Administration (GSA)
- VA Financial Policy:
- Volume XIV Travel
- FSC NewsFlash FY24 Issue 11 – Government Administrative Rate Supplement Fee Removal
0407 Rescissions
Volume XIV, Chapter 4 – Miscellaneous Travel Expenses, June 2024.
Appendix A: Previous Policy Revisions
| Section | Revision | Office | Reason for Change | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 040503 | Removed GARS as an example of service and processing fees | OFP | FSC NewsFlash FY 2024, Issue 11 | June 2024 |
| 0403 | Updated definition of Approving Official | OFP | Consistency | April 2024 |
| 040502 | Clarified requirements to reimburse travelers for common carrier terminal parking fees while on TDY | OFP | Clarifying language | April 2024 |
| 040503 | Included fees as an allowable reimbursable TNC expense | OFP | Clarity for field office request | April 2024 |
| 040504 | Revised language on lodging taxes to align with current Travel Administration chapter | OFP | Consistency amongst chapters | April 2024 |
| Various | Addressed formatting for new publishing standards | OFP | New standards | April 2024 |
| 040507 | Added language to support changes in VA’s travel system | OFP (047g) | Clarifying language | December 2022 |
| Various | Reformatted to new policy format and completed a five-year update | OFP (047G) | 5-Year Update and Leadership directed | March 2021 |
| 0401 | Added key points, OIG and Union statements | OFP (047G) | Leadership directed | March 2021 |
| 0405 | Categorized information under new subsections and updated with FTR references: 040501 General Policies; 040502 Miscellaneous Common Carrier Travel Expenses; 040503 Miscellaneous Ground Transportation Expenses; 040504 Miscellaneous Lodging Expenses; 040505 Miscellaneous Technology/Communication Expenses; 040506 Miscellaneous Foreign Travel Expenses; and 040507 Additional Miscellaneous Travel Expenses | OFP (047G) | Organizational Change. | March 2021 |
| 040503 | Added FTR § 301-10.450(d) pre-paid gasoline not reimbursable, including the FTR exception | OFP (047G) | General Update | March 2021 |
| 040504 | Added traveler is entitled to be reimbursed the lodging tax for the authorized lodging rate when a lodging facility does not honor the state tax exemption | OFP (047G) | General Update | March 2021 |
| 040507 | Changed the number of consecutive nights required for laundry/dry cleaning reimbursement from six (6) to four (4), to equal FTR § 301-11.31 | OFP (047G) | General Update | March 2021 |
| Appendix A | Minor updates | OFP (047G) | General Update | March 2021 |
| Appendix B | Minor updates | OFP (047G) | General Update | March 2021 |
| Various | Reformatted to new policy format and completed a five-year update | OFP (047G) | Reorganized chapter layout and updated policy guidance | September 2020 |
| 0401 | Added Key points and OIG statement. | OFP (047G) | Organizational Change | September 2020 |
| 0405 | Added 040502 Lodging Expenses; 040503 Ground Transportation Expenses; 040504 Air Travel Expenses; and 040506 Other Foreign Travel Expenses | OFP (047G) | Categorized information for increased efficiency | September 2020 |
| 040505 | Moved previous section 040503 Cell Phone Usage here and renamed to Technology/ Communication Expenses | OFP (047G) | Expanded and clarified section | September 2020 |
| 040507 | Moved previous section 040502 Miscellaneous Travel Expenses and renamed Additional Miscellaneous Travel Expenses | OFP (047G) | Moved and recategorized information for greater clarity | September 2020 |
| Appendix A | Moved previous section 0402 Revisions to this appendix | OFP (047G) | General update | September 2020 |
| Appendices | Moved Appendix A to Appendix B; Appendix B moved to C; Appendix C moved to D; and Appendix D moved to E | OFP (047G) | General update | September 2020 |
| 040202 | Changed IBA travel card to Government contractor-issued charge card for consistency | APS (047GA) | October 2014 | |
| 040202 | Renamed Appendix C | APS (047GA) | October 2014 | |
| 040202 | Clarified handling of Government property | APS (047GA) | October 2014 | |
| 040202 | Renamed Appendix D | APS (047GA) | October 2014 | |
| 040202 | Removed 1 percent from 1 percent charge | APS (047GA) | October 2014 | |
| 040202 | Added footnote that VA may reimburse GPS for rental car on a case by case basis as needed for the mission | APS (047GA) | October 2014 | |
| 040202 | Changed OCONUS to outside CONUS | APS (047GA) | October 2014 | |
| 040202 | Changed tourism to resort for consistency | APS (047GA) | October 2014 | |
| 040202 | Removed OCONUS from foreign and non-foreign area | APS (047GA) | October 2014 | |
| 040202 | Added “The purchase card will be used for the purchase of equipment or materials” | APS (047GA) | October 2014 | |
| 0404 | Removed Charge Card Oversight and Travel Policy Service | APS (047GA) | October 2014 | |
| 040401 | Removed “CFO may authorize actual expense greater than 150 percent up to 300 percent” | APS (047GA) | October 2014 | |
| 040402 | Removed TDY and PCS authorities and voucher. Removed “Under Secretaries and the Chairman of the Board of Veterans’ Appeals may authorize actual expense greater than 150 percent up to 300 percent.” | APS (047GA) | October 2014 | |
| 040403 | Clarified paragraph | APS (047GA) | October 2014 | |
| 040404 | Clarified paragraphs | APS (047GA) | October 2014 | |
| 040404 | Added AO responsibilities to examine excess weight for baggage reimbursement is not duplicated with laundry reimbursement | APS (047GA) | October 2014 | |
| 040405 | Clarified paragraphs | APS (047GA) | October 2014 | |
| 0405 | Renamed Appendix A, B, C, and D for clarity | APS (047GA) | October 2014 | |
| 0406 | Clarified FTR and TMC. Added Foreign and Non-Foreign Areas to clarify OCONUS. Removed OCONUS | APS (047GA) | October 2014 | |
| Appendix A | Clarified to match FTR 301-12.1 | APS (047GA) | October 2014 | |
| Appendix B | Added footnote that VA may reimburse GPS for rental car on a case by case basis as needed for the mission. Moved Gasoline for POV to Volume XIV – Chapter 3 Transportation Expenses | APS (047GA) | October 2014 | |
| Appendix C | Clarified paragraphs. Added reference to airline websites on carry-on baggage for current information. Added FTR 301-12.2d to excess baggage and removed it from checking and handling baggage. Added FTR 301-12.2a to excess weight on baggage. | APS (047GA) | October 2014 |
Appendix B: Reimbursable Baggage Expenses
Following are general rules for the number of baggage(s) based on length of TDY travel:
- One piece for one week of TDY travel;
- Two pieces for two weeks of TDY travel; or
- Three pieces for three weeks or more of TDY travel.
AOs will authorize additional bags over the above general rules when the baggage is needed to conduct official business with the proper justification that it is in the interest of the Government.
Excess weight for baggage will be authorized by the AO with proper justification. For example, a traveler returns from a training conference with additional training materials received at the training location.
The table below describes reimbursement for necessary baggage expenses that are in the interest of the Government (refer to FTR § 301-12.2).
Travel Reimbursement for Baggage Expenses
| Expense Item | Description | Allowed Reimbursement |
|---|---|---|
| Checked baggage | Common carriers periodically revise their rules concerning checked baggage. For current information on applicable fees for checked baggage, refer to the GSA City Pair Program/Baggage Allowance website. | Fees if any charged by the common carrier for checked baggage. |
| Carry-on baggage | Each passenger is allowed to hand-carry one article for storage in the overhead luggage bin in the passenger cabin. Carry-on baggage may consist of garment bags, laptops, purses, or similar items that fit in the overhead bin or under the seat. Carry-on baggage is not considered checked baggage and is carried free of charge. For current information refer to airline. | Generally, there is no additional fee for carry-on baggage. |
| Excess baggage | Excess baggage is baggage over the standard piece(s) of checked baggage. Excess baggage must be authorized or approved by the travel AO. Excess baggage does not include pets or the baggage of travelers purchasing tickets for personal convenience. | When determined to be a necessary expense. |
| Transfer of baggage | Movement of baggage between common carriers or terminals. | When determined to be a necessary expense. |
| Storage of baggage | If required because of official necessity and authorized in advance. | When determined to be a necessary expense. |
| Checking and handling of baggage | Charges for handling or checking Government baggage, such as for luggage porters or curbside check-in, are allowed. Charges or tips at transportation terminals are allowed for handling Government property carried by the traveler. | When determined to be a necessary expense. |
| Excess Weight on Baggage | Charges for additional weight when checking baggage. Excess weight for baggage will be allowed by the AO after the fact with proper justification. For example, a traveler returns from a training conference with additional training materials received at the training. | When determined to be a necessary expense. |
