The Frequent Flyer Program (FFP) is a program that is offered by many airlines. Travelers enrolled in this program can accumulate Frequent Flyer Miles (kilometers, points, segments) corresponding to the distance flown on the airline. Frequent Flyer Miles (FFM) earned on official travel were considered the property of the Government up until The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002, that was signed by President Bush on December 28, 2001. Section 1116 of this law specifically states that federal employees may retain for personal use promotional items earned, including Frequent Flyer Miles on official travel, only if these items are obtained under the same conditions as those offered to the general public at no additional cost to the Government. The traveler must use the travel service provider for which your agency is a mandatory user. Travelers cannot select a travel service provider based on whether it provides frequent traveler benefits.
It is the responsibility of each traveler to communicate directly with a service provider to establish his/her frequent travel promotional benefits account. Any associated costs are to be paid by the traveler, and are not a reimbursable expense. Frequent Flyer Miles can be redeemed for free personal trips or upgrades to business or first class accommodations. Mileage and points can be redeemed for other goods and services with certain vendors.
The FTR requires government employees to generally travel by coach class accommodations, however, the traveler can upgrade their class of service at their own expense or if they have earned the FFM they can use the frequent traveler benefits to upgrade to premium service. Government agencies will not pay for any upgrades unless an FTR exception is met.
By: Deva Wilson
“The views expressed are those of the author and do not reflect any position of the Government or my agency.”