New OMB Rules on Premium Air Travel

OMB has issued new guidance on federal traveler use of premium airline services, in response to September's GAO critical report. Government Executive has details. The key parts of the proposal, to be implemented "immediately":

• Require that premium class travel requests for all agency personnel, including senior-level executives be approved by an individual at least at the same level as the traveler, or by an office designated to approve premium class travel;
• Develop and issue internal guidance that explains when mission criteria and intent call for premium class accommodations;
• Define what constitutes a rest period;
• Require annual certifications of a disability, unless such disability is lifelong;
• Restrict premium class travel for both temporary duty and permanent change of station travel (relocations) when the employee is not required to report to duty the following day; and,
• Prohibit blanket travel authorizations for premium class travel, unless the traveler has a certification of disability.