first class travel taxi

Professionally trained chauffeurs are carefully screened to ensure quality service

Modern fleet of vehicles with $2 million insurance coverage

Proprietary reservation, dispatch, billing, reporting system with GPS and flight tracking

Special event coordinators and on-site dispatchers for large groups and multiple vehicles

High 15 - 25% travel agency commissions for IATA / ARC members and industry professionals

24/7 first class customer service before, during and after your ride

Personalized profiles include authorized booker's, authorized users, departments, requirements, and more

Specialized services including motorcoaches, road shows, and private jet reservations

Automatic reservation confirmations, receipts, invoices and status updates by email, text and web

First Class Fleet Of Sedans, SUVs, Sprinter Vans, And Motorcoaches Worldwide

• SPRINTER | VANS
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BUSINESS & CORPORATE TRAVEL

Travel agents, meeting planners, we babysit your ride from start to finish.

The best taxi services in Moscow

How best to drive a taxi in Moscow

Moscow is a huge metropolis – the capital of the Russian Federation is three times as large and has three times as many inhabitants as Berlin, for example. Of course, getting from A to B is an important topic for visitors and locals alike. The metro is certainly the number one form of transportation in the Russian mega city. But as practical as the subway may be: in the rush hour it can get damn stuffy on the trains – especially in the city center and on the ring line the trains burst at the seams in the morning and in the evening and sometimes you have wait to be able to get in at all. In addition, you cannot get to the airport by metro. The most obvious solution is certainly the taxi. As a foreigner, you have to know a lot about Moscow and taxis. In Soviet times, taxis were affordable, but not competitive in comparison to heavily subsidized public transport. In addition, taxi drivers had a bad reputation and often questionable work ethic. Hardly everyone drove a taxi in Moscow and there were accordingly few. The development in the wild nineties, which were economically difficult for Russia, in which even many doctors, engineers and scientists had to earn something as taxi drivers, was quite different. The so-called “bombily” (from the Russian word bombit’, to earn something extra) came into service. It became common practice that as a pedestrian on the side of the road you only had to keep your hand out and stop a (usually unmarked) taxi or a bombila in a matter of minutes. A short negotiation about the price and you’re on your way. In 2011, the Moscow city administration estimated that in addition to the 5,000 licensed taxis, at least ten times as many black taxis were on the move.

«Black» taxis – not advisable for tourists

For tourists, especially inexperienced Russia, these taxis are anything but advisable. At first you will have communication problems even with kindly Bombila-drivers without knowledge of Russian. Even with proper school Russian, as a tourist you lack the local knowledge and an idea of ​​the usual prices – which is why you are almost at the mercy of the many black sheep among the «black» taxi drivers.

Russia trip planned? Under the following link you can find out how to get the necessary visa!

However, if you have sufficient knowledge of Russian, are clear about the exact route beforehand and can still negotiate well, it may be worth trying the «black» taxis. Because of the increasingly popular taxi apps, the «black» taxis are a slowly but surely dying phenomenon. As a rule of thumb, you shouldn’t pay more than 500 rubles for a trip within Moscow and if the driver demands too much, just keep going.

Taxi apps: Gett, Yandex, or Uber?

Equipped with a SIM card and mobile internet, it is certainly the best option as a tourist to get around using the taxi app. The world’s leading provider Uber only plays a subordinate role in Russia. Although the app also exists in Russia, Uber works here in cooperation with the local top dog Yandex Taxi. Yandex is often referred to as the Russian Google and is also very popular as a taxi service. The Yandex app works similarly to that of Uber. You can see in advance the fare to be paid later, the license plate as well as the vehicle type and the driver’s previous ratings. However, at Yandex you can pay not only with a credit card, but also in cash with the driver. The prices that Yandex calls in Moscow for the so-called Eco tariff are very moderate. The basic fare, which includes a five-minute journey and three kilometers, is 129 rubles, or about $ 1.81. Each additional kilometer then costs 10 rubles, i.e. $ 0.14. Trips to Moscow airports are billed at the normal tariff. However, a pick-up fee of 449 rubles, i.e. $ 6.32, has to be paid from the major international airports Vnukovo, Sheremetyevo and Domodedovo to the city. The standard fare will be 8 rubles per 1 km and 8 rubles per 1 minute. Of course, Yandex also offers high-quality transport, analogous to Uber’s offer. From the business tariff, in which you are chauffeured in a limousine from 349 rubles ($ 4.91), to the so-called ultimate tariff, in which you drive through in a Mercedes S-Class from 1899 rubles ($ 26.75) Moscow is driven, the Yandex offer knows no limits. Even vehicles specially equipped for transport for children, with special paint can be ordered via the app. Gett’s competition offers a similar range of products at generally lower prices. The cheapest service in vehicles of the VW Polo class currently starts at 99 rubles ($ 1.39). Trips to Moscow airports cost almost a quarter less than Yandex at 350 rubles ($ 4.93). The VIP service with vehicles that include the BMW 7 Series, the S-Class or the Audi A8 is also significantly more affordable at 700 rubles ($ 9.86) – even if fewer inclusive kilometers are included in the price.

Classic taxi services: Rare and usually only on order

Taxis in the western sense are rarely seen in Moscow. Just wave a taxi up from the street like in Berlin, London or New York? This is rather unlikely because there are simply too few taxis. You have to order a classic taxi in Moscow beforehand. Despite the competition from «black» taxis and the increasingly popular apps, there are still numerous companies that offer this. However, it is usually impossible to order one of these taxis without knowledge of Russian. Services that are specially designed for tourists and foreign business travelers can usually be paid for dearly. Therefore, as a tourist, unless you prefer a taxi app from the start, you leave the order to the hotel or local friends.

Alexander Popov

Welcome to Russia! My name is Alexander, I was born in Moscow and I'm a passionate tour guide. I want to share my passion for Russia and my hometown with you. On my website you will find useful information to make your individual trip to Russia as interesting as possible.

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For amenities and superior service you won’t find just anywhere, choose First Class for your next Delta flight. You’ll enjoy a wider, more spacious seat, the flexibility to change or cancel your ticket without change fees (for flights originating in the United States and Canada), Sky Priority® service and a thoughtful travel experience from start to finish. The benefits don’t stop there, either.

Fly and enjoy first class service and amenities.

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FinanceBuzz

15 Tricks to Easily Land First Class Airfare, According to an Airline Miles Expert

Posted: February 26, 2024 | Last updated: February 27, 2024

Your chance to travel first class doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag.

By earning travel rewards and utilizing insider tips, savvy travelers can find plenty of opportunities to travel in luxury without breaking the bank.

For over a decade, I’ve been using credit card points and miles to travel the world. Let’s explore different ways you can upgrade your flight experience.

Earn Points and Miles: Find the best travel credit card for nearly free travel

Use points or miles on an award flight

Let’s start simple.

Rather than spending thousands of dollars on a premium flight, consider using credit card rewards to get to your destination in style. It’s a nearly-free strategy for traveling in first class.

Pro tip: The top travel credit cards could help you earn the points and miles you need to book luxury flights.

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Do your research

There are loads of airlines, loyalty programs, and credit cards out there. If you want to travel first class without paying tons of money, it’s likely going to take some planning.

You can start by considering where you want to travel and seeing which airlines fly there. Then search for a credit card that earns rewards for those airlines.

For example, if you find American Airlines flies to your dream destination, it could make sense to consider credit cards that earn American miles.

Pro tip: The best credit cards for international travel tend to earn flexible rewards that you can transfer to a number of different airline loyalty programs.

Book flights well in advance

There are limited seats on every flight, and only a small number (if any) are in the first-class section.

That means if you want to guarantee you get a first-class seat on your preferred flight, it makes sense to book early.

Note that you can typically book around 330-360 days in advance, depending on the airline.

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Be flexible with your date

Top travel destinations tend to have high and low seasons for visitors.

If you want to travel during the high season, expect fuller flights and potentially no first-class seat availability.

If you can be flexible with your travel, there’s a higher probability of finding available seats, including in first-class sections, on different flights.

Be flexible with your itinerary

Traveling to nearby airports for your outbound or return flights could provide you with more opportunities to find first-class seat availability.

For example, say you want to end up in Barcelona, but there’s more first-class availability on flights to Madrid. If you have the flexibility, you could book a premium flight to Madrid and then hop on a quick, cheap flight to Barcelona.

Build loyalty with an airline

Some of the best airline credit cards could help you earn elite status with different airlines.

Why is that important? Because holding elite status with certain loyalty programs could get you complimentary upgrades to better seats on your flights.

And, yes, it’s possible to receive a complimentary upgrade to a first-class seat.

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Bid on seats

Depending on the airline, you might have the opportunity to bid on premium seat upgrades after purchasing a ticket.

You typically receive an email that offers you the opportunity to bid on an upgrade. You might also be able to initiate the bidding process through your booking on the airline’s website.

Upgrade during booking

In some cases, you might find golden opportunities to upgrade your fare at a discounted rate during the booking process.

For example, you might choose an economy fare and then have the opportunity to upgrade to a first-class fare at a lower price than usual.

Of course, you still need to decide whether the discounted upgrade is worth it.

Upgrade at check-in

Upgrades are commonly offered during check-in if there’s still premium seat availability.

This is because it’s worth it for the airline to make a little extra money on seats that would otherwise remain empty.

If you’re lucky, you might have the chance to upgrade your seat at a fraction of the price during the check-in process.

9 nearly secret things to do if you fly Southwest

Get complimentary lounge access with a credit card

First-class travel is about more than sitting in a premium seat; it’s also about elevating the actual airport experience.

To avoid sitting in loud and busy airport waiting areas, look into getting complimentary airport lounge access with your credit card. Depending on the lounge, you could enjoy free food and drinks while relaxing in a more comfortable setting.

Consider traveling separately

If premium seat availability is low for your preferred travel dates, consider flying separately from friends and family. You can meet up with each other at your final destination

This might not work out in every situation, such as traveling with kids, but it could open up opportunities for you and someone else to both get first-class seats on different flights.

Ask for an open seat

Flights don’t always fill up, which means the first-class section could have a few open seats after the plane doors are closed and before you take off. At this moment, you could ask a flight attendant if you can take one of those open seats.

It’s a bit brazen, but it could score you a free upgrade to first class.

Get bumped on oversold flights

Airlines often sell too many seats on a given flight, which results in gate agents asking for volunteers to bump themselves from the flight, typically in exchange for compensation.

You could take the bump and put the compensation, such as travel credit or a gift card, toward a first-class upgrade on your next flight.

You could also try negotiating with the gate agent that you’ll agree to be bumped for compensation and a guarantee that you get a premium seat on the next available flight.

Receive flight alerts

If you have a tough time finding first-class availability for your preferred travel destination, use flight alerts to know when availability opens up.

Tools like ExpertFlyer and SeatSpy let you search for flight availability and set alerts for seat availability on certain routes.

Look for last-minute deals

If you don’t have any particular time frame for your travels, it’s possible to score last-minute deals on flights. These deals could include finding discounted flights or first-class seats released on popular routes.

For example, maybe you couldn’t find any first-class award availability to Tokyo when you checked months ago, but you might find some availability within a few weeks of the departure date as airlines try to fill seats.

Bottom line

Traveling first class could be within your reach if you plan accordingly and follow tips to find and secure premium seats.

Even better, you can often avoid paying a lot of money out of pocket if you utilize points and miles.

If you’re just starting your journey as a credit card buff, evaluating the top credit cards is a great early step.

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LingoTaxi: Your English taxi in Moscow

• Airport Transfers
• Chauffeur Service
• Train Station Transfers

Your personal English-speaking transfer service and taxi in Moscow

LingoTaxi is an English taxi and transfer service in Moscow and other cities, established by expats offering other fellow expats, tourists, business travelers and foreigners to Russia and Ukraine a reliable, English-speaking taxi service. We know your needs, your expectations and fear when getting out into the open into a place where nobody understands your native tongue. We've been there ourselves. LingoTaxi will do its best to maximize your comfort while staying and traveling in Eastern Europe!

Be welcome to drop us a line by e-mail, chat, call us or make an online reservation for our complete, 100% English-speaking taxi service in Moscow, St. Petersburg and 5 other major Russian cities (Kazan, Sochi, Samara, Nizhny Novgorod and Yekaterinburg)!

Economy Class

Airport transfer /.

2990 RUB (~ 30 EUR)

Comfort Class

3500 RUB (~ 35 EUR)

Business Class

4990 RUB (~ 50 EUR)

5400 RUB (~ 55 EUR)

Online Reservation

Main passenger details, lingo taxi moscow, our values for our taxis in moscow.

LingoTaxi offers its customers a secure, tolerant and open-minded service for taxis in Moscow. Our drivers are internally chosen to fit our multicultural, open philosophy. In times of racism, homophobia and cold war lingo in the media, LingoTaxi wants to set an example of peace and friendship and welcomes all people, whatever the background, to Russia and Ukraine. LingoTaxi is the perfect Moscow taxi service you are looking for!

Our English-speaking dispatchers (working 24/7) will assist you anytime you have a question - they all speak fluent English. Besides reserving an airport or train station transfer, they can help you answer your personal questions regarding your visit to Moscow and can assist you with your itinerary. For the solo female travelers among our customers, we also offer female drivers (on request) to make sure you feel comfortable and safe during your first hours on Russian soil.

Additionally, you can choose a trained, skilled driver who can converse in either English, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Armenian, Italian (and other languages) with you - yes, and even Russian if you feel like - to provide you with an exceptional, safe service in Moscow!

Welcome our taxi in Moscow and enjoy Russia!

Latest Customer Review

I have been using Lingo Taxi since 2019 and will not even consider another service for even half the price. The drivers are brilliant, polite... Continue reading...

Excellent . On time, called apartment on arrival, comfy vehicle.

Fantastic trip to and from the airport. Kind, helpful and courteous English speaking drivers. Arrived in time. Would not use another compony... Continue reading...

Lingo Taxi Moscow is your number 1 choice in Moscow if you are looking for:

• Moscow airport transfers
• Train Station Taxi Moscow
• English Moscow Taxi Service
• Cheap Taxi in Moscow
• English taxi
• Airport transfer from Moscow to Sheremetyevo airport

Apart from our taxis in Moscow, we also offer chauffeur and guided tours in Moscow:

• Private chauffeur taxi in Moscow
• Private individual guided Moscow tours
• Walking Moscow City Tour
• Sergiev Posad Tour from Moscow through the Golden Ring
• Many other tours and excursions available!

Contact us to discover your best taxi service in Moscow!

First is our most luxurious way to experience flight. From your own stylish suite, to exclusive access to lounges, fast-track security, and excellent service, it’s the finest way to travel.

The finest experience

• Exceptional, elegant British service
• Your own private, spacious suite
• A fully flat bed with luxurious bedding
• Delicious, indulgent fine dining
• Temperley London loungewear, amenity bag and slippers
• Seven-piece luxury skin and body care collection from Elemis
• Access to luxurious lounges
• Exclusive and dedicated service
• Priority boarding, straight from our exclusive First lounge

Your own personal suite

Your luxury travel experience starts here. Cross the world’s skies comfortably, enjoying excellent food and entertainment in your own spacious suite on our first class flights. Here, British heritage meets contemporary design, letting you work in peace, watch a film, or stretch out and fall asleep.

Space to relax:  When you want some rest we'll turn your seat into a 198cm (6ft 6in) fully flat bed with a luxurious quilted mattress, crisp white cotton duvet and pillow. Meanwhile, you can slip into our Temperley London loungewear.

Exclusively designed travel essentials:  Cleanse, revive, and hydrate during your luxury first class flight. In collaboration with Temperley London, our sophisticated his and hers amenity bags are designed seasonally and filled with products from high-end British skincare brand, Elemis, including products from their Ultra Smart pro-collagen range.

Your own charging point:  Your first class suite includes a personal power supply for laptops and electronic devices.

Blankets recycled from plastic water bottles

Our First-Class duvets have been created  from recycled plastic bottles. This is one of the many changes we're making across our organisation to become more sustainable.

Fine dining and delicious treats

Create your own dining experience with our a la carte ‘Dine Anytime’ menu featuring signature dishes made with quality British ingredients, delivered with impeccable service. Our crockery, cutlery and glassware is made by the finest British designers, from William Edwards, Studio William to Dartington, designed exclusively for British Airways. Alongside your meal, we offer snacks and beverages including cocktails, mocktails, Champagne, spirits and wines.

In-flight entertainment

When you fly First with us, you’ll have everything you need to sit back, relax and be entertained in style.

• A personal 15-inch screen and ports to connect your own devices
• Noise-cancelling headphones for minimal disturbance
• Access to hundreds of the latest films and shows including  Paramount+

As a First customer, you can stream music, films and box sets, browse the internet, email and message from the comfort of your seat, and it's free for the entire flight*.

It couldn’t be easier to take advantage of your reward. Connect to the on-board 'BAWi-Fi' network and click the 'Free Wi-Fi' banner. Then, simply verify you're a First customer with your name and seat number or booking reference.

* Terms and conditions apply

Space to prepare and relax

Take time out in our elegant departure lounges and wait comfortably before flying First. Modern and luxurious spaces offer quality wines, drinks and food, plus a range of business facilities for when you need to work.

On arrival into London Heathrow, stop by the Arrivals lounge to freshen up and get ready for whatever you’ve got planned. The Arrivals lounge is located in Terminal 5 on Level 1. To access the lounge from Terminal 3 please use the free interterminal transfer train.

Temporary changes : Please note, the routes to our London Heathrow Terminal 5 lounges have temporarily changed. Find out more

The Concorde Room

You're also invited to the Concorde Room – our most luxurious first class lounge. It’s exclusive to London Heathrow Terminal 5, with discreet booths, full waiter service, private cabanas and a state-of-the-art business suite.

The Chelsea lounge

Located at New York JFK airport, Terminal 8, this elegant lounge is exclusively for customers in First on British Airways and American Airlines flights. Enjoy the circular champagne bar, fireside cocktails and a la carte dining.

Seamless check-in and boarding

Flying First lets you skip the queues, with dedicated check-in desks and fast-track security at various airports.

• Dedicated check-in desks at most airports
• Priority boarding
• Fast Track security at London Heathrow, London Gatwick and New York JFK

The First Wing

Available in London Heathrow Terminal 5, our exclusive First Wing gets you through the airport quickly and smoothly. It’s a dedicated space for First, Executive Club Gold, and one world Emerald flyers. You'll have a private check-in area, two exclusive security lanes, and a direct walkway into the Galleries First Lounge and Concorde Room.

Freedom to pack what you like

Generous baggage allowance.

There’s no need to compromise when packing, with a generous number of bags included in First. Bring both a cabin bag and laptop or handbag on board, as well as up to three bags in the hold.

Doorstep baggage pick-up & check-in

AirPortr can collect your baggage from your doorstep, securely transport it to the airport and check it in for your flight for you. This means that you can travel to the airport luggage-free and head straight to security when you arrive. This service is only available for flights departing from London Heathrow, Gatwick, Geneva, Zurich and Vienna.

Dedicated to You First

We’re here to help, whenever you need us. That’s why we have You First, a dedicated helpdesk for First customers.

Aircraft variations

Wherever and whenever you fly First you can expect the same top quality food, drink and first class service by our attentive crew. A few of the cabin design elements may vary by aircraft.

A Company of Excellence

WE MAKE YOUR RIDE COMFORTABLE AND EASY

Welcome to worldclass travelling ltd.

Worldclass Travelling Ltd was founded in 2017 and since our humble beginnings we have grown into an accomplished passenger transport company for thousands of our customers. We set out to offer a bespoke road travel service to all our customers from airport transfers to sporting events, festivals, weddings, funerals, nights out, bespoke sightseeing tours and continental travel.

Our aim is to provide the very best experience for your road travel nationwide. All our cars are always cleaned and sanitised before every job to make sure your experience with us is comfortable and safe.

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• Easy to use
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• No Surcharge
• Competitive Pricing
• Your bookings
• Live driver GPS tracking

OUR SERVICES

Airport transfer.

Special in Airport Transfer

We provide transfers to and from any airport in the UK. Our meet and greet service is provided for airport arrivals.

HOTEL TRANSFER

Special in Hotel Transfer

You’ve just touched down after a long flight, safely negotiated your way through baggage, and barged your way through the crowds outside.

CHAUFFEUR SERVICES

Special in Chauffeur Service

Worldclass Travelling Ltd is firmly established as one of the UK’s leading ground transportation providers. We combine decades of experience.

First Klass Travel

Disability-friendly transport in ramsgate and margate, what makes us different .

Specialist Wheelchair-accessible Minibuses

8 seater minibuses for groups, free no obligation quotes, we serve a wide area, contact us today to get a free quote.

Email Address

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• First Class Choice
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Corporate & Luxury Hire Specialist

enquiries@ firstclassprivatehire.co.uk

OR CALL US 01565 631632

FIRST CLASS EXECUTIVE TRAVEL

Travel Securely With Us 24/7.

Trust us to provide you with excellence.

Nothing pleases employees, clients and potential clients more than knowing they’re being looked after. Your business deserves a professional chauffeur company that will transport valued people punctually, confidentially and in great style. With our business and executive transport service, your employees and clients will be served by an excellent chauffeur service that gives them privacy and comfort as they go to and from meetings.

We pride ourselves on providing nothing but excellence.

AIRPORT TRANSFERS

Arranging airport travel can often be stressful, especially when taking changing arrival and departure times into account. This is why our Airport Chauffeur Service emphasises convenience and timeliness.

Our operations team will monitor your flight to ensure that your chauffeur is on time to pick you up for your departure or ready to greet you at your terminal before your flight arrives.

At First Class Executive Travel we are available 24/7 365. You can expect us to answer your call no matter the time because we believe in providing the reliable service our customers need.

EXECUTIVE TRAVEL

Our Executive Business Class Chauffeur Service places the emphasis on professionalism and punctuality, ensuring that you arrive at your destination in plenty of time, while also exuding the professional air that will ensure you make a great first impression prior to highly-important meetings.

We are continuously investing in our fleet of vehicles to provide you with the best possible experience, based on your individual needs.

Us In Numbers

Our clients.

There is nothing more valuable to us than the kind words that we receive from our satisfied clients. The services that we provide to world-class companies.  Together we have built a trustworthy business relationship in delivering high quality, professional service at very competitive rates.

PREMIER RESEARCH

FOUNDRY 

MICRO-FOCUS

Best domestic first class airline: Delta, United or American?

There is often a lively discussion among travelers about which U.S. airline — American, Delta or United — offers the best first-class experience. To determine the answer, I recently flew with all three carriers to put them to the test and see how each matched up to the others.

While each airline has both strengths and areas for improvement, one clear winner emerged from my experiences.

First-class comparison methodology

To ensure a fair comparison of similar seats and services, I chose to book discounted first-class tickets on a version of the Airbus A320 in each airline's fleet.

It is important to note that the overall experience would have been enhanced if I had opted for United's Polaris business-class seats on a transcontinental flight or American's A321T premium transcontinental first class or Delta One on a transcontinental flight.

Conversely, the first-class experience would have been compromised had I chosen to fly first class on a smaller regional jet on any of the airlines. For that reason and to maintain fairness, this assessment focuses solely on each carrier's first-class experience on a type of jet they all fly.

Additionally, I selected flights that were generally around three hours in length and included meal service. Catering plays a significant role in the first-class experience, as it involves additional interactions with the crew and, ideally, a satisfying repast.

Here are the flights I booked:

• American Airlines Airbus A321neo : Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) for 24,000 AAdvantage miles (worth $360 at TPG's valuations ) plus $5.60 in taxes and fees
• Delta Air Lines Airbus A321neo : Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) for $274
• United Airlines Airbus A320 : SEA to LAX for $254

Now, let me share my impressions of flying with American, Delta and United in their domestic first-class cabins.

Comparing American, Delta and United's first class

As mentioned, I selected flights on a version of each carrier's Airbus A320. The American and Delta aircraft were recently delivered planes (A321neos); while the United plane I flew was around 25 years old (A320), the interior had been updated recently.

United has new recliner seats and seatback entertainment on its Airbus A321neo, but the airline hadn't taken delivery of this aircraft at the time of my travel. However, they are flying now and we'll update this comparison soon with a flight on the new aircraft.

In the meantime, here's a quick overview of how the seats, cabins and amenities in each airline's first-class cabin compare to one another.

Which U.S. airline has the best first-class ground experience?

All three airlines let you check in for your flight 24 hours before departure on their apps to skip the airport check-in lines. All three also let you track the status of your inbound flight to stay apprised of potential delays. Most notably, none of the three carriers offers access to their lounges with standard domestic first-class tickets (i.e. non-transcontinental flights).

American Airlines

American had a priority check-in line, and plenty of agents were available to assist priority customers despite its also being accessible to AAdvantage elite members , Oneworld Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald members and primary Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees ) cardholders.

The gate area was cramped and excessively cold, but since the plane was only two-thirds full, there were plenty of seats with power outlets. Boarding began on time, and as a Group 1 passenger, I was among the first to board.

Delta Air Lines

Delta first-class passengers can use the airline's SkyPriority counters and self-service kiosks, and customer service lines were short. SkyPriority is also available to those in Premium Select , Delta Medallion members , SkyTeam Elite members as well as select LATAM and WestJet elite members.

The gate area for my Seattle flight seemed crowded due to narrow boarding lanes, but there were plentiful seats as the plane wasn't full. The gate agents demonstrated remarkable professionalism and remained composed while addressing passengers' numerous inquiries. There were television monitors that displayed flight information. Despite a slight delay caused by two flight attendants arriving late, the boarding process proceeded smoothly, allowing us to depart punctually. First-class passengers boarded in Zone 1.

United Airlines

United provides a dedicated priority check-in area for those with Premier Access. That includes all Premier status elites and Star Alliance Gold members as well as primary United Club Infinite Card cardholders. The lines for both self-service kiosks and customer service were minimal, and the signage was clear.

The gate area had tons of seating options, and the terminal had high ceilings and large windows with lots of natural light. Certain seats near the gate were equipped with power outlets for convenience.

The two friendly gate agents efficiently managed the boarding process, maintaining good organization. Furthermore, the television monitors near the gate were easy to read and understand, adding to the overall positive experience.

Best ground experience: United Airlines, for a quick check-in process and ample power outlets in the spacious gate area with highly efficient gate agents who kept boarding calm and well-organized

Which airline has the most comfortable first class?

On my flights, each carrier-operated recliner armchairs were arranged in a 2-2 configuration. Now, let's compare their comfort levels and see how they measure up against each other.

American Airlines' A321neo dark-gray leather first-class recliners are sleek and streamlined, and look even sharper thanks to dramatic blue mood lighting. A cabin divider behind the last row of first class is emblazoned with the distinctive American Airlines logo, marking the transition to the economy section.

While lacking built-in seatback entertainment screens, these seats offer an expandable personal device holder for tablets or phones. A seatback USB-A port is conveniently located next to the device holder, which limits cord entanglement. Each seat provides a universal AC power outlet for inflight charging in the center armrest.

The seat control is a single metal button for reclining. You can also adjust the headrest up and down and curl it for neck support. However, your space may be limited by the recline of the passenger in front of you, so watch those electronics!

The foldable metal tray table, which pulls out from the non-center armrest, includes a personal device stand when partially unfolded. It offers ample workspace when fully extended, even for larger devices like a 16-inch MacBook Pro.

First-class passengers and pilots share the lavatory behind the cockpit, which is stocked with upscale D.S. & Durga soap. The lavatory needed attention and remained unserviced during the second half of my flight. The sinks and toilets on the airplane required physical touch for use rather than newer versions that have touchless flush and faucet controls.

Delta has meticulously designed its A321neo domestic first-class seats , placing utmost importance on privacy. Designed with winged shields and with privacy dividers between each pair of seats, there is an intimate and secluded ambience to the cabin.

The adjustable headrest and supportive neck cradle enhance sleeping comfort on long flights. However, the footwell is less comfortable due to limited space caused by the entertainment and power box in the seat-support column.

Unlike the other two airlines, Delta's seats feature 13-inch seatback monitors with a wide selection of movies, TV shows and music. Users can filter movies by duration for convenience. What's more, passengers can pair their personal Bluetooth headphones with the entertainment system, providing a higher-quality viewing experience.

The seat control is a single metal button on the center armrest, allowing recline adjustments. However, there is no forward-cradling feature. Also, while not a common feature on domestic first-class flights, there were no leg or footrests, which reduces ergonomic comfort. The center armrest houses a universal power outlet, USB-A port and cupholder for each passenger.

The foldable tray table that deploys from the center armrest provides a large workspace and accommodates bigger devices. However, sudden adjustments may be needed when the passenger in front reclines to avoid damage to personal devices.

A single lavatory, exclusively for first-class passengers, is behind the cockpit. Grown Alchemist soap and hand cream add a high-end feel. Like on American, the sinks and toilets require physical touch for use.

United's A320 first-class experience lacked the welcoming ambience of the other two carriers, with no mood lighting, which is understandable since this was an older plane.

However, United's seats stood out with their generous legroom, surpassing the personal space of American and Delta by two inches. The extra space was immediately noticeable, and the adjustable headrest added comfort for my neck, allowing me to nap more comfortably.

Despite the absence of built-in seatback entertainment, passengers could conveniently utilize personal devices by placing them on the fold-out tray table stand located within the center armrest. When fully extended, the tray table provides a generous workspace, capable of accommodating larger laptops.

The seat control button on the center armrest smoothly reclined the seatback and slid the seat cushion forward. The center armrest held a power outlet and a phone tray. However, I encountered some challenges with charging my phone as the plug needed to be held in place. The outlets for U.S. plugs may show signs of wear due to frequent use. Fortunately, I had a European-pronged power adapter that allowed my phone to charge without issues.

Each seat had a spacious foldable tray table, providing surface area for larger devices. The window-side laptop holder was especially convenient during meal service.

On the downside, the lavatory lacked updates and exuded a dilapidated 1980s office vibe, and there weren't any no-touch sinks or flush controls.

Most comfortable first class: Delta Air Lines, for thoughtful, privacy-focused seat design and high-end bathroom amenities

Which airline has the best first-class amenities?

Soft amenities were somewhat limited on all three carriers, as no pillows, blankets, amenity kits or paper menus were provided. However, there were some things to note.

American Airlines provides various inflight entertainment options through the AA Inflight streaming portal. Passengers can enjoy 12 stations of live TV, a vast collection of TV shows and movies, including popular titles like "Crazy Rich Asians" and "Carmen," access to Apple Music, Apple TV+ and even Rosetta Stone language classes. While I didn't count how many movies American offered, it was nowhere near as many as Delta.

Additionally, I purchased full-flight Wi-Fi for $29. Although the speeds were not fast enough for uploading photos, I could comfortably send emails and Slack messages throughout the flight.

SkyMiles members receive complimentary Wi-Fi on Delta, enabling smooth switching between laptops and phones without noticeable delays. While the internet speeds were sufficient for tasks like email and Slack, downloading photos proved challenging.

Delta provided basic, wired earbuds to passengers during boarding, but hearing the inflight entertainment system, even at maximum volume, was difficult. It is recommended to bring your own headphones, whether wired or wirelessly connected via Bluetooth, to enjoy the entertainment.

I was very impressed by Delta's selection of 648 movies.

United offers passengers a variety of inflight entertainment options through the United app, and even if the Wi-Fi signal's internet connection is unavailable, as it was on my flight, you can still stream. The app featured 207 movies, TV shows and podcasts, including popular titles like "Avatar" and "The Departed." United didn't have nearly as many movies as Delta.

Unfortunately, the internet remained down for the entire duration of the flight. No announcements were made regarding this issue during the boarding process, leaving me unaware and unprepared without any offline work downloaded.

Furthermore, the lack of internet meant there was no way to track the flight's progress, and the flight deck provided minimal announcements about our journey until the descent.

Best first-class amenities: Delta Air Lines, for offering complimentary Wi-Fi and earbuds as well as its excellent entertainment selection

Which airline has the best first-class food?

On my flights, the three carriers served a hot full meal. American and United let me preorder first-class meals, while Delta took my order on board (the airline is working to expand its preorder options).

American Airlines offers preordered meals on eligible routes, including Philadelphia to San Francisco. After boarding but before takeoff, the flight attendant confirmed my preordered golden roasted chicken with roasted tomato chutney, salted smashed potatoes and haricot verts. The entree was created by James Beard Award-winning author and nutritionist Ellie Krieger with a focus on wellness.

Dinner service on my evening flight started about 20 minutes after takeoff with a hot towel, beverage and mixed nuts. Dinner was served 10 minutes later on one tray with a shrimp appetizer, green salad, warm bread roll, olive oil and butter.

The chicken dish had a bright, citrusy flavor, and the portion size was decent, but the shrimp appetizer tasted more like mayonnaise than seafood.

Complimentary beverages were available, but the lack of a menu made it challenging to know all the options.

After the dinner trays were collected, and about an hour later, a choice of hot fudge sundae, lava cake or fruit and cheese plate was offered. I selected the sundae, which you could customize to your liking with fudge, caramel, nuts, fruit and whipped cream. I went for the classic — hot fudge with nuts, whipped cream and cherries and it hit the spot.

The flight attendants were available for drink requests throughout the flight, and a snack service was offered about an hour before landing with options like Uglies kettle potato chips, honey-roasted pistachios, Stellar mini pretzel braids and sea salt Love corn nuts.

Delta has been working on implementing preordered meals for first-class flights over 900 miles. However, on my flight, I was unable to preorder a meal. Once we reached an altitude of 10,000 feet, a flight attendant started taking meal orders from the back of the cabin. Passengers in the front rows missed out on their preferred choices. Across from me, I noticed a dissatisfied passenger who was disappointed with the remaining lunch options. To compensate for the inconvenience, the flight attendant used a mobile device to offer them bonus miles or a future flight credit.

Approximately 20 minutes after takeoff, the lunch service began with a snack basket and drinks being served. I selected the chicken salad, which surpassed my expectations with a delicious combination of cranberries, walnuts and goat cheese. The portion size was satisfying, and the fruit plate offered ripe selections.

A wide range of complimentary beverages was available, including beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks. Choices included Bacardí Superior rum, Buffalo Trace Distillery bourbon, Bombay Sapphire gin and Miller Lite. Passengers could also select between a Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay or sparkling wine. Those connected to Delta Wi-Fi could access the full menu using a QR code displayed on the seatback monitors.

For dessert, which was also presented on the single meal tray, the prepackaged Bell's triple chocolate chunk cookie from Seattle was soft and chewy. Its touch of sea salt made it the perfect post-lunch treat.

After the meal service, the flight attendants mostly allowed the passengers to enjoy their time, but they remained available to fulfill drink requests.

United's inflight catering still requires significant improvements , as evident on my recent flight.

United Airlines offers preorder meal service for eligible flights over 800 miles during meal times. Passengers can reserve meals up to five days before the flight until 24 hours before departure. Special meals for dietary preferences are also available.

I ordered chicken meatballs, and the flight attendant confirmed my choice shortly after boarding. Lunch began with warm almonds and cashews served about 20 minutes after takeoff, followed by the main course, which was served on one meal tray about 30 minutes later.

However, the chicken meatballs were rubbery and overly salty, and the polenta was overcooked and grainy. Most passengers didn't eat much of their meals either. Some of the other lunch entrees included a cheeseburger and Thai beef salad. All passengers were served the same crumble cake on their trays, which lacked flavor. Complimentary beverages were available, but no menu was provided. The flight attendant fulfilled requests efficiently, but the service lacked a personal touch.

Best first-class food: American Airlines, for James Beard-inspired delicious meals that you can preorder, ensuring you get your top choice

Which U.S. airline has the best domestic first-class product?

Delta offers the latest seats, top-notch, extensive entertainment and a variety of meal choices, even if you can't preorder. Additionally, they provide complimentary Wi-Fi, making it a hard combination to beat.

However, it's important to note that redeeming mileage with Delta can be costly, and recent changes to the SkyMiles program are bound to have a negative impact on many flyers.

Ultimately, determining the best domestic first-class experience depends on personal preference. For most travelers, convenience plays a major role in choosing an airline. If you reside in a major hub city like Houston, Atlanta or Miami, your preferred airline is likely predetermined. Conversely, travelers in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago and New York have a broader range of options.

In the past, I consistently chose United Airlines for my travels. However, due to their perpetual upgrade waitlists, unreliable Wi-Fi, underwhelming food and significant decrease in mileage value , I wouldn't hesitate to fly Delta instead in the future.

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What It's Like to Fly in the Leihōkū Suites, Hawaiian Airlines' New Business Class Cabin

By Madison Flager

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Last week, Hawaiian Airlines held the inaugural flights aboard its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner plane, a moment six years in the making. The plane was named “Kapuahi” after a star that holds cultural and navigational significance to the Polynesian wayfinders, some of the first people to make this voyage across the Pacific.

The inaugural Dreamliner flights departed from Honolulu for San Francisco , then returned the next day. For the next month or so, Kapuahi will fly between the Bay Area and Hawaii's capital once a day before adding routes to Los Angeles and Phoenix . By the end of this year, the carrier is scheduled to add two more Dreamliners to its fleet.

I flew on Hawaiian's second Dreamliner flight from SFO to HNL and there was much to celebrate as passengers and employees ushered in the airline's new flagship aircraft; live Hawaiian music and hula welcomed us at the gate, and leis were handed out as we boarded. But it's what's inside the plane that will make the biggest difference for travelers, thanks to the completely redesigned cabins and brand-new business class product, the Leihōkū Suites.

Below, details of Hawaiian's new premium economy and business class products, as well as Apartment 1929, the airline's exclusive lounge you'll want to gain access to for one last taste of the islands before leaving paradise.

In Apartment 1929, you can squeeze in a little more time outdoors before boarding your flight home.

The airport experience

For a hands-off, curb-to-airport-door experience , travelers can now purchase Hawaiian Airlines' new Premium Airport Service at the Honolulu airport. This service starts at $500 for two people; travelers can call or email the airline directly to book the service , which is not included in any ticket class.

For departures, this starts with a handler greeting you at the terminal or rental car facility. They will then carry your bags, expedite you through security (it's even faster than Clear or TSA PreCheck ), and escort you to Apartment 1929, the exclusive new lounge only available to Premium Airport Service customers.

Capped at just 24 guests, the indoor-outdoor space feels like the oversized living room of a very well-to-do friend. As soon as the door shuts, the airport chatter is silenced and the smell of gardenia hits your nose—impressive on its own—but even more so when you round the corner and see the well-decorated lounge and grassy exterior space that lets you sneak in one last ray of sunshine before boarding your flight.

Apartment 1929 guests enjoy a three-course meal (a concierge emailed me about a week in advance to take my order), and drinks are on offer from a beverage menu curated by Bar Leather Apron , a cocktail bar in Honolulu. When you're ready to board (with the option to be the first on the aircraft), you'll be driven on a golf cart over to the gate.

Just next to Apartment 1929 is Hawaiian Airlines' more classic Plumeria Lounge , reserved for Business Class guests, East Coast First Class guests, and Pualani Platinums flying internationally. A level below is the Premier Club , which is open more widely to North America and Neighbor Island First Class guests, Pualani Gold & Platinum Elites, and Premier Club members.

Hawaiian Airlines' new Dreamliner planes feature 34 Leihōkū Suites.

Onboard comforts

On the way to Honolulu , I was seated in the first row of the premium economy, or Extra Comfort, cabin. I had more than enough leg room, especially as I was in a bulkhead seat. While this meant I had to store my personal item for takeoff and landing, I still had access to a pull-up entertainment system and fold-out table for meals. The seats were comfortable, and the extra-large windows helped the space feel a little more open than on older or smaller planes. If you're considering upgrading from the Main Cabin, but not all the way to Business Class, I'd say it's absolutely worth it for any flights over, say, four hours, to give yourself some extra breathing room.

Erinne Magee

Lindsey Tramuta

Alex Erdekian

CNT Editors

On the return flight, I experienced the highly-anticipated Leihōkū Suites. There are 34 of these lie-flat seats onboard, making it the largest business class cabin in Hawaiian's fleet and the first to have sliding doors, allowing for a nice level of privacy. The suites, set up in a 1-2-1 configuration, with the option to combine the middle two for companions or families, offer plenty of space to spread out and get comfortable—I'm 5'6" and had a good half a foot of extra leg room when the seat was fully extended. A pillow and blanket was provided, though no pajamas. (Of note when booking the Leihōkū Suites: Hawaiian has historically referred to its front cabin as first class on domestic flights and as business class on international flights.)

The 18" entertainment system is loaded up with new release movies, rewatch-favorite TV shows like Friends and Gilmore Girls, popular current shows like Abbott Elementary , and Hawaii-made music videos and documentaries on Hana Hou! TV. Along with personal charging outlets, a wireless cell phone charging station is conveniently placed next to the headrest.

Throughout the plane, those large windows are configured to different lighting modes throughout the flight, meant to delineate between dining, sleeping, and wake-up times. (Early in the flight these can be adjusted individually by the person in the window seat, but at some point a central programming takes over.)

Onboard WiFi is not yet enabled, unfortunately, though the hope is to get it up and running by the end of the year or early next. Hawaiian Airlines is in the process of rolling out Starlink internet across its A231 and A330 planes first.

Dreamliner design

In designing the plane's interiors, executive vice president and chief marketing officer Avi Mannis says the brand channeled on-the-ground hospitality spaces, particularly new hotel design in Hawaii , and aimed to evoke a sense of place. Following suit with much of Hawaiian design, the plane tells a story, Mannis says: one of Polynesian wayfinding, or navigation. Fiber optics in the ceiling simulate a starry night, wood-like slats in the airplane's entryway are inspired by canoes, and boxy, geometric silhouettes are softened to present a wave-like feel throughout the plane.

It is in fact a beautiful aircraft. When I first boarded, my eyes were immediately drawn to the dome in the entryway; it's a standard feature on 737s, but in this one, there are leaf designs etched into it.

In between attempts to snooze, take a look around at your surroundings: When not in night mode, the simulated cabin sky depicts soft daylight or soothing sunrises and sunsets. Different lavatories feature different patterned wallpapers (and excellent-smelling coconut hand soap), and the light-up bathroom icons were custom-made to include a Hawaiian shirt and dress. These small, thoughtful details aren't necessary, but they do add some fun and whimsy to the start (or end) of your vacation.

In the 79 Extra Comfort seats, travelers can enjoy early boarding, extra leg room, and AC power outlets.

In-flight dining

The airline's in-flight meal program is run by husband-and-wife duo Michelle Karr-Ueoka and Wade Ueoka of Honolulu's M-W Restaurant . The chef couple works with other Hawaiian-based restaurants and chefs to develop menus on a rotating basis; when I flew, Jason Yamaguchi's menu included a delicious curried braised brisket, papaya salad, and warm taro roll. Soon to join the Featured Chef club: Keaka Lee from Kapa Hale .

When seating in the Leihōkū Suites, I was offered a welcome drink of guava juice, a mai-tai from Kō Hana (an agricole rum distillery in the Honolulu area), or sparkling wine; meal service came with even more alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. In Extra Comfort, the meal was a chicken sausage, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwich; while less noteworthy than the full dinner on my return flight, it was still a solid meal—and free, a rare treat on domestic airlines these days.

Travelers heading to or from Honolulu via San Francisco can travel on the plane's daily service through May 14; a second 787-9 will begin dedicated service between Honolulu-Los Angeles on May 14 and Honolulu-Phoenix on May 15.

Back in 2018, the airline announced plans to purchase 10 Boeing 787-9 aircrafts; while the first was expected to go into service in 2021, pandemic and aircraft delays extended the timeframe. Over time, the airline plans to use some of the 300-seat 787s for long-haul routes from Hawaii to New York, Sydney, and Japan.

The takeaway

Hawaiian Airlines passengers are predominantly leisure travelers, so it's fitting that the team designed this plane, and the onboard experience, to feel like the start of your vacation rather than just the means to get there. Warm staff greetings, Hawaiian music playing in some of the bathrooms, the starry night sky, and the plane's general ambiance help achieve that goal, while the Leihōkū Suites offer an especially luxurious way to kick off or close out your trip.

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Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina

North America Travel Guide

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UNCLASSIFIED (U)

allowable travel and miscellaneous expenses

(CT:LOG-392;   03-20-2024) (Office of Origin:  A/LM)

14 FAM 561  POLICY AND AUTHORITIES

14 FAM 561.1  Policy

(CT:LOG-381;   09-26-2023)

It is the general policy of the U.S. Government that less-than-premium-class accommodations must be used for all modes of passenger transportation.  The policies in 14 FAM 567 govern the use of common carrier accommodations and apply to travel while on official U.S. Government business.

14 FAM 561.2  Exercising Care in Incurring Expenses

An employee traveling on official business is expected to exercise the same care in incurring expenses that a prudent person would exercise if traveling on personal business and expending personal funds.  Excess costs, circuitous routes, delays, or luxury accommodations and services unnecessary or unjustified in the performance of official business are not acceptable under this standard.  Employees will be responsible for excess costs and any additional expenses incurred for personal preference or convenience.

14 FAM 561.3  Authorities

In addition to the authorities listed in 14 FAM 511.4 , the following authorities apply:

(1)  State Department Delegation of Authority No. 462, dated January 9, 2019, delegates the Secretary of State's travel authority to the Under Secretary and Deputy Under Secretary of State for Management;

(2)  22 U.S.C. 4081 is the travel payment authorization provision of the Foreign Service Act that provides for a domestic relocation allowance;

(3)  The Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) 41 CFR 301.10-124 addresses coach-class seating upgrade programs;

(4) FTR 41 CFR Part 301-13 addresses travel of employees with special needs, and

(5)  The General Services Agency's (GSA) FTR Bulletin FTR 09-02, dated 31 Dec. 2008, clarifies the seat choice options and other miscellaneous fees Federal agencies may reimburse their employees while on official travel.

14 FAM 562  EXPENSES ALLOWABLE

14 FAM 562.1  Miscellaneous Expenses not Covered by Per Diem

(CT:LOG-392;   03-20-2024)

a. The following travel expenses, when actually incurred and necessary, can be itemized and reimbursed over and above the per diem allowance for lodging and meals and incidental expenses (M&IE):

(1)  Official telephone calls and faxes in connection with official business; internet access fees while performing official business.  Reimbursement for expenses must be authorized in advance of travel on the travel authorization;

(2)  Commissions for conversion of currency; fees to obtain travelers checks, money orders and certified checks; transaction fees for use of ATMs and other vendors such as hotels when using a U.S. Government contractor-issued charge card.  For locally employed (LE) staff who use their personal charge cards and for other travelers who the Department has determined may not be issued a U.S. Government charge card or who have been authorized to use their personal charge cards for official travel, transaction fees for the use of ATMs and other vendors such as hotels may be allowed, if stated on the travel authorization in advance of travel;

(3)  Lodging taxes in domestic and nonforeign areas (see FTR, 41 CFR 301-11.27); energy surcharge and lodging resort fees when such fees are not optional;

      NOTE :  Lodging taxes and mandatory fees in foreign areas are incorporated into the per diem rate for lodging for those areas.  In order to be fully reimbursed, the sum total cost of lodging plus mandatory taxes and fees in foreign areas must be within the prescribed lodging component of per diem for that area;

(4)  Fees in connection with the issuance of passports and visas and other legally required costs; photographs for passports and visas; certificates of birth, health and identity, and affidavits attesting thereto; foreign country entrance and exit fees;

(5)  Inoculations that cannot be obtained for free through a Federal dispensary (reimbursement must be authorized on the travel authorization before travel begins).  For yellow fever inoculations, there is no requirement for prior authorization for reimbursement; and

(6)  Expenses associated with the transport of human milk expressed by an employee or Eligible Family Member (EFM) while on TDY, approved medical travel, or on PCS travel (including for the authorized PCS travel to post for new infants following a parent's authorized obstetrical medevac) in accordance with the FTR, 41 CFR 301-13.2, up to a maximum of $1000.  Reimbursement for expenses must be authorized in advance on the travel authorization and the traveler must submit all receipts, regardless of amount, with the travel voucher.  Expenses may include commercial shipping fees, excess baggage, disposable storage bags, cold shipping packages, refrigeration, transport, and non-durable containers.  Durable containers that are not reimbursable include  canvas, polypropylene, and  soft- or hard-sided containers . For special cases of TDY travel where expenses exceed $1000, the traveler may receive reimbursement above $1000 only when authorized in writing by the EX Director (or agency equivalent) of the funding bureau in advance of travel.  Such authorization must also accompany the travel authorization and the travel voucher.  Travelers are ultimately responsible for arranging all transport of human milk and for handling all related logistics.  See 3 FAM 3860 for more information on the Department’s lactation policy.

b. For Agriculture only :  Foreign Agricultural Service allows for reimbursement of authorized telephone calls of a personal nature during official travel.  For foreign travel, the maximum reimbursement is $15.00 per day.  For domestic travel, the maximum reimbursement is $5.00 per day.  The maximum aggregate amount that may be approved for each travel period (i.e., consecutive days of official travel) cannot exceed the amount equal to the daily reimbursement rate multiplied by the number of lodging nights.  This reimbursement is not an automatic claim and should only be reflected on a voucher if actual expenses were incurred while in a TDY travel status.

c.  For USAID only :  ADS 633.3.6.1 Financial Management Aspects of TDY, and ADS 549, Telecommunications Management, defines some telephone calls to family as “Official” and allows for reimbursement of those telephone calls when an employee is traveling on government business.  See those ADS chapters for further details.

14 FAM 562.2  Transportation Expenses

a. The following transportation expenses, when actually incurred and necessary, can be itemized and reimbursed if not paid directly by the U.S. Government:

(1)  Travel on railroads, aircraft, sailing vessels, buses, streetcars, and other usual means of common carrier conveyance;

(2)  Transfer, storage, and checking of baggage necessary for the purpose of the official travel;

(3)  Charges for transfer, storage, checking, and porters' fees and tips for handling U.S. Government property carried by the traveler;

(4)  Transportation charges for authorized excess official baggage;

(5)  Shipments by express or freight of U.S. Government property not classed as baggage and not admissible to the mail (normally made on U.S. Government bills-of-lading (GBLs) where feasible);

(6)  Packing and necessary preparation for shipment, cost of unboxing at destination, and necessary cartage of unaccompanied baggage or personal effects, or baggage accompanying traveler;

(7)  Hire of a boat, automobile, taxicab, aircraft, or other conveyance when authorized or approved as advantageous to the U.S. Government and when employee is engaged in official business within or outside employee's post of duty;

(8)  Daily travel to procure meals or lodging at the nearest available place when such cannot be procured at a temporary duty station; and

(9)  Transportation by bus, subway, streetcar, taxicab, transportation network company (TNC), or innovative mobility technology company (IMTC) (see 14 FAM 511.3 for definitions):

(a)  Between places of business;

(b)  Between place of lodging and place of business at a temporary duty station;

(c)  Between place of lodging or employee’s home and common carrier transportation terminal in connection with official travel;

(d)  From employee's office to a common carrier transportation terminal on the day of departure from the office on an official trip requiring at least one night's lodging.

b. Use of taxicabs, TNCs, or IMTCs (see 14 FAM 511.3 for definitions):

(1)  When suitable common carrier transportation is available for travel between points other than those listed above, but the traveler elects to use a taxicab or TNC, or IMTC, detailed remarks noting the circumstances must be furnished on the travel voucher;

(2)  Taxicab, TNC, or IMTC reimbursement in excess of $75.00 plus tip must be supported by a receipt along with a statement justifying the use of such conveyance;

(3)  The maximum tip allowable under this section is 20 percent of the reimbursable fare;

(4)  In lieu of the use of a taxicab, TNC, or IMTC as provided in this section, payment on a mileage basis at the approved rate, as described in 14 FAM 566.2-2 , is allowed for the mileage of a privately owned automobile used for a purpose detailed above, provided that the amount of reimbursement for mileage does not exceed the estimated taxicab, TNC, or IMTC cost, including allowable tip, for transportation between the applicable points;

(5)  Membership or application fees, tickets, fines, cancellation fees or fees charged for waiting for the traveler, or other such expenses associated with TNCs or IMTCs are not reimbursable.  Only actual usage charges, booking charges, and reservation charges made directly with the TNC or ITMC (not a third-party company) are eligible for reimbursement; and

(6)  Travelers may not know prior to beginning a trip what ground transportation options will be available at a particular location.  Thus, travel authorizations that contain advance authorization for a taxi, a TNC, or an IMTC are considered to confer authority to use any or all of those ground transportation options.  When completing a travel voucher, however, it is necessary to specify whether a taxi, TNC, or IMTC was actually utilized for each instance of ground transportation in order to facilitate preparation of certain congressionally mandated reports.

14 FAM 562.3  Unaccompanied Minor Charges

Most airlines provide a service for children traveling unaccompanied on their airline without the presence of a legal guardian, but fees for this service differ by airplane.  This charge is reimbursable when:

(1)  The EFM child (16 years of age or younger) is the only individual entitled to travel at U.S. Government expense for the type of official travel authorized (e.g., travel of children of separated families, educational travel, educational allowance, or on authorized or ordered departure); and

(2)  The child is engaged in direct travel with no deviation from the authorized itinerary; and

(3)  The fee is authorized on the travel authorization in advance of travel.

14 FAM 563  EXPENSES NOT ALLOWABLE

14 FAM 563.1  Items Included in Per Diem

The following items are included within the lodging and/or meals and incidentals (M&IE) portions of the per diem allowance (see definition in 14 FAM 511.3 ) and may not be paid, itemized, or reimbursed separately:

(1)  Charges for lodging, including:

(a)  Overnight sleeping facilities;

(b)  Personal use of room and bath during daytime;

(c)  Telephone access fee; and

(d)  Service charges for fans, televisions, air conditioning, heaters, microwaves, and refrigerators in rooms;

(2)  Charges for meals, including:

(a)  Expenses for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; and

(b)  Related tips and taxes;

(3)  Incidental expenses, including:

(a)  Fees and tips given to waiters, porters, baggage handlers, bellhops, hotel personnel, restaurant staff, and similar employees;

(b)  Transportation between place of lodging or business and places where meals are taken, except as specified in 14 FAM 562.2 , subparagraph a(8); and

(c)  Bottled water;

(4)  Complimentary meals provided by common carriers or hotels (e.g., complimentary breakfast meals on airplanes, etc.) have no impact on per diem rates paid per FTR, 41 CFR 301-11.17.

14 FAM 563.2  Personal and Other Expenses

Costs of a personal nature are not reimbursable, such as:

(1)  Personal telephone calls or faxes, including messages, requesting leave, inquiring as to status of salary, expense vouchers, advance of funds, and reply thereto, or any other matter of personal nature.  This section does not apply to Agriculture or USAID employees (see exceptions for Agriculture employees in 14 FAM 562.1 , paragraph b, and for USAID employees in 14 FAM 562.1 , paragraph c);

(2)  Internet access fees for conducting personal business; internet service provider (ISP) fees (e.g., monthly charges for satellite, fiber, cable, or DSL internet access);

(3)  Transaction fees for use of ATMs and other vendors, such as hotels, with a personal charge card except when authorized in accordance with 14 FAM 562.1 , subparagraph a(2);

(4)  Laundry, dry cleaning, and pressing when traveling OCONUS or when traveling in CONUS for less than four consecutive nights;

(5)  Alcoholic beverages;

(6)  Entertainment expenses;

(7)  Any expenses incurred for other persons; and

(8)  Miscellaneous service fees (i.e., administrative, booking, and third-party fees) resulting from booking transportation or lodging outside a government-contracted travel management center or government lodging program (e.g., FedRooms).

14 FAM 564  Fare types

14 FAM 564.1  Unrestricted Fare Policy

(CT:LOG-381;   09-26-2023) (State and USAID)

a. In general and when possible, the Department utilizes the lowest-cost unrestricted fares available for travel between authorized origin and destination, respecting the terms of the General Services Administration (GSA) city-pair program, for all official travel.

b. An individual may request the purchase of a restricted or penalty fare for official travel based on personal convenience (e.g., taking an indirect route for personal reasons or wishing to travel in a class of service other than the one authorized), but the individual is responsible for any and all additional costs and/or penalties incurred in connection with such fares regardless of whether those costs are due to official or personal reasons.  See 14 FAM 561 for an employee's responsibility to exercise due care.

c.  When an individual is authorized an unrestricted fare but engages in indirect (cost-constructed) travel and elects to use a restricted fare, the cost of that restricted fare, in the class of service and the route used by the traveler, must be compared to the cost of an unrestricted fare along the authorized route in the authorized class of service in order to determine whether the individual’s deviation results in an additional cost to the U.S. Government:

(1)  If an additional cost would be incurred because of the individual’s decision to engage in indirect travel and/or travel in a class of service other than the one authorized, the individual must pay, to the TMC or air carrier issuing the ticket, the difference in fare between the restricted fare elected by the traveler and the unrestricted fare that would have been purchased by the U.S. Government; and

(2)  If no additional cost would be incurred, the U.S. Government may purchase the restricted fare along the indirect route and/or in the class of service other than the one authorized.  Any cost saving associated with the purchase of a restricted fare in this case is not transferrable to the traveler, and a fare saving may not be used to offset change or cancellation fees incurred as a result of the individual’s decision to use a restricted fare.

d. Whenever a cost comparison is made, documentation of the specific flight itineraries and their respective costs must be retained and included in the travel authorization for future reference and to meet auditing requirements.

14 FAM 564.2  Restricted Fare Policy

a. Restricted penalty fares should be authorized for official travel only when their use is practical and economical to the U.S. Government.  Round-trip tickets with such fares should be authorized only when, based on the journey as planned, the traveler knows or reasonably anticipates that such tickets will be utilized in accordance with their restrictions (see 14 FAM 542 for details of contract city-pair fares).  The use of prohibited ticketing practices, such as “throw-away,” “hidden city,” or “back-to-back” ticketing, is not permitted for any part of either authorized or cost constructed travel itineraries because those tactics violate air carrier contracts of carriage.

b. A mission or bureau has the option of developing a policy requiring the use of restricted, penalty fares subject to the conditions set out in paragraph a of this section.  The authorizing mission or bureau will assume financial responsibility for any penalties associated with these fares, should changes or cancellations be required by the U.S. Government.  The employee will be responsible for any penalties incurred for personal convenience.

c.  If a mission or bureau chooses to use restricted, penalty fares, the mission or bureau must provide the travel management center with a written policy for the use of these fares and the appropriate fare type (restricted or unrestricted) must be indicated in the remarks of each travel authorization.  At posts where a travel management center does not exist, the written policy must be provided to the travel section in the general services office.

d. When an employee is authorized a restricted fare under 14 FAM 564.2 , paragraph b, and engages in indirect (cost-constructed) travel also using a restricted fare, penalties incurred due to changes or cancellations required by the U.S. Government are reimbursable up to the cost that would have been incurred for similar modifications to the authorized routing.  The employee will be responsible for any penalties incurred for personal reasons.

14 FAM 564.3  Disposition of Airline Promotional Items

a. All Department employees, their dependents, and others whose travel is funded by the Department may retain for personal use promotional items (i.e., frequent flyer miles, upgrades, access to carrier lounges) earned from official travel under terms available to the general public and at no extra cost to the U.S. Government.

b. Travelers may accept free upgrades of services to business-class or first-class accommodations if they are obtained under terms available to the general public and at no extra cost to the U.S. Government.

c.  Travelers may redeem frequent flier miles (or use personal funds) to upgrade to business or first-class accommodations when performing official travel.

d. It is the responsibility of each traveler to communicate directly with a service provider to establish his or her frequent travel promotional benefits account.  Costs associated with establishing this account are to be paid by the traveler and are not a reimbursable expense.

e. Travelers need not report as taxable income promotional items obtained from official travel.

14 FAM 564.4  Compensation Received from Airlines for Denied Boarding

a. Voluntary :  A traveler may keep payments from a carrier for voluntarily vacating a transportation seat.  However, no additional expenses (per diem or miscellaneous reimbursable) may be paid because of the traveler’s delay.  Additional travel expenses incurred because of voluntarily giving up a seat are the traveler’s financial responsibility.

b. Involuntary :  If a traveler is involuntarily denied a transportation seat, the traveler enters an onward travel status for per diem and miscellaneous travel expense reimbursement.  Any monetary compensation (including meal and/or lodging vouchers) for the denied seat belongs to the U.S. Government.

14 FAM 565  CANCELED RESERVATIONS

14 FAM 565.1  Service/Cancellation Expenses

When a train, sailing vessel, or hotel reservation is canceled because of unavoidable, nonpersonal delay or because of official necessity, the cost of a service fee or cancellation expense charged by the service provider is allowed.  Fees paid for cancellations of reservations for personal reasons or avoidable delays in notifying the service provider are not reimbursable.

14 FAM 565.2  Liquidated Damage Payments to Traveler

a. When carrier tariffs require liquidated damage payments to travelers for the carrier's failure to provide confirmed reserved space, such payments by the liable carrier are to be by check, made payable to the "Treasurer of the United States."  In no case is the traveler permitted to accept from the carrier a check showing the traveler as payee.

b. The traveler is to acknowledge receipt of the check and submit a copy of the acknowledgment and the check with travel voucher.  Payment of denied boarding compensation to the Treasurer of the United States is a U.S. Government requirement and is no reflection on the carrier (see 4 FAM 470 ).

14 FAM 566  TRAVEL BY PRIVATELY OWNED VEHICLE OR PRIVATELY OWNED CONVEYANCE

14 FAM 566.1  Policy

a. Travel by common carrier is generally considered the most advantageous method to perform official travel.  Other methods of transportation may be authorized if they are determined to be more advantageous to the U.S. Government.  A determination that another method of transportation is more advantageous to the U.S. Government than common carrier transportation will not be made based on personal preference or inconvenience to the traveler.

b. In determining whether the use of a privately owned vehicle is advantageous to the U.S. Government, consider:

(1)  The feasibility of using common carrier transportation or U.S. Government-owned conveyances based on availability, suitability of schedules, and other applicable requirements;

(2)  The total cost to the government, including per diem, overtime, lost work time, actual transportation costs, total distance of travel, number of points visited on official travel, the number of travelers, and energy conservation;

(3)  The advantages resulting from the more expeditious transactions of the public business, economy, and employee performance effectiveness; and

(4)  Any other advantages and/or disadvantages to the U.S. Government in the particular case.

c.  The authority to travel by privately owned vehicle (POV) contained in this section is applicable to the employee and/or other family member(s) authorized to travel.  The vehicle to be used must be the property of the employee or family member prior to the initiation of travel and must be driven or shipped to the ultimate destination stipulated in the travel orders.  Only such vehicles as are eligible for shipment at U.S. Government expense are authorized to be driven on a mileage per diem basis under this provision.

d. Any reimbursement for travel by POV, under the mileage (see 14 FAM 566.2-1 ) per diem basis authorized by this section is limited to the actual mileage between authorized points on a direct route plus related per diem, not to exceed 10 days to each authorized destination.

14 FAM 566.2  Use Advantageous to the U.S. Government

14 FAM 566.2-1  General

(CT:LOG-388;   01-19-2024)

a. When the authorized travel from origin to destination (combined with TDY, consultation and/or home leave, as applicable) can be performed entirely using a privately owned vehicle (POV), such use may be authorized.

b. Travel by POV to separation address in the United States, when not otherwise covered under 14 FAM 566.1 , is hereby authorized from the port of discharge of the vehicle to the separation address via consultation point (as applicable).  In accordance with 14 FAM 618.4 , however, this authorization does not apply to vehicles acquired en route to a separation point.

c.  When an employee's vehicle is authorized emergency storage in accordance with 14 FAM 626 , an authorizing officer may determine that it is advantageous for the vehicle to be driven all or part of the distance to the designated storage point.

d. An employee who acquires a vehicle at a point on a direct route to the post of assignment abroad, and who has not previously shipped a vehicle under the provisions of the authorizing travel orders, may drive the POV to the destination.  The point of acquisition is considered the point of origin.  In no case may the cost of driving the vehicle from where it is acquired exceed the cost to the U.S. Government had the vehicle been shipped from the point of origin specified in the travel authorization to the authorized destination.

e. Travel by a POV is considered advantageous to the U.S. Government when the authorized or actual point of origin and the final destination are:

(1)  Connected by a hard-surface, all-weather highway or by vehicular ferry, or both (see 14 FAM 615.1 ); and

(2)  Within the continental United States or Canada or one of the following Mexican border posts:

(a)  Ciudad Juárez;

(b)  Matamoros;

(c)  Nuevo Laredo;

(d)  Tijuana; or

(e)  Nogales.

f.  When use of a rental vehicle in the United States is authorized, reimbursement for rental fees and actual expenses for fuel (gas, diesel, electricity, etc.) and tolls is authorized. U.S. Government-contracted rental vehicle services should be used whenever possible.  Collision damage waiver (CDW) is included in the contract amount and should not be accepted at extra cost.  When renting from companies not on the U.S. Government contracting list, travelers will not be reimbursed for CDW.  However, payments for damages to a rental car company or reimbursement to the employee, up to the deductible amount contained in the rental contract, are authorized, providing the employee was acting within the scope of his or her employment at the time of the incident.

g. When use of a rental vehicle abroad is authorized, reimbursement may include rental fees, including value added tax (VAT), and actual expenses for fuel and tolls.  U.S. Government-contracted rental vehicle services should be used whenever possible.  The contract rate includes CDW, VAT, and unlimited mileage. When renting from companies not on the U.S. Government contracting list, CDW, VAT, and unlimited mileage will not usually be included.  CDW is a reimbursable expense abroad.  In addition, payments for damages to a rental car company or reimbursement to the employee are authorized up to the deductible amount contained in the rental contract, providing the employee was acting within the scope of his or her employment at the time of the incident.

h. When use of a rental vehicle is authorized for official travel, the least expensive “compact” car available must be used unless one of the following exceptions for another class of vehicle applies and is indicated on the travel authorization:

(1)  When use of other than a compact car is necessary to accommodate a medical disability or other special need, and all applicable requirements set forth in 41 CFR 301-10.450(c)(1) have been met;

(2)  When additional room is required to accommodate multiple employees authorized to travel together in the same rental vehicle;

(3)  When security circumstances (as defined in writing by DS or the RSO) require a larger vehicle;

(4)  When necessary for other safety reasons, such as during severe weather or having to travel on rough or difficult terrain;

(5)  When travelers must carry a large amount of U.S. Government material incident to their official business, and a compact rental vehicle does not contain sufficient space; or

(6)  When the cost of other than a compact car is less than or equal to the cost of the least expensive compact car.

i.  For non-electric rental vehicles, t ravelers may not be reimbursed for purchasing prepaid refueling options.  Therefore, travelers must refuel prior to returning the rental vehicle to the drop-off location.  NOTE :  If it is not possible to refuel completely prior to returning the vehicle because of safety issues or due to the location of closest fueling station, travelers will be reimbursed for vendor refueling charges.   For electric rental vehicles, travelers may be reimbursed for pre-paid charging costs and/or necessary costs paid via credit card or billed back to the rental vehicle company to recharge the vehicle before return.

j.  Travelers will not be reimbursed for fees associated with rental car loyalty points or the transfer of points charged by car companies.

14 FAM 566.2-2  Mileage Reimbursement

Mileage reimbursement rates for automobiles (including trucks, vans, etc.), airplanes, motorcycles, and motor scooters are set by GSA.  The current rates may be found on the GSA website.

14 FAM 566.3  Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) Use for Personal Convenience

14 FAM 566.3-1  General

When no determination of advantage to the U.S. Government is made (see 14 FAM 566.2 ), the employee may elect to use a privately owned vehicle for personal convenience.  Any reimbursement for expenses for travel will be the lesser of:

(1)  Mileage for the authorized mode of travel at the rates provided in 14 FAM 566.2-2 , plus related per diem; or

(2)  For the portion of the route connected by air service, reimbursement may not exceed the constructive cost of the authorized U.S. Government fare for the authorized mode of travel on a direct route, plus related per diem and other expenses.  For any portion of the route not connected by air service, reimbursement may not exceed the constructive cost of commercial fares on a surface common carrier.

14 FAM 566.3-2  Use of Rental Vehicle

When the employee elects to use a rented vehicle for personal convenience, and use of the rental vehicle has not been specifically authorized, per 14 FAM 566.2-1 , paragraphs f and g, reimbursement for travel expenses will be the lesser of:

(1)  Mileage, plus per diem and other expenses allowable on the authorized mode of transportation stated in the travel authorization; or

(2)  The constructive cost of the U.S. Government airfare on a direct route, plus per diem and other expenses.  For any portion of the journey not connected by air service, reimbursement may not exceed the constructive cost of less than premium-class accommodations on a surface common carrier.

14 FAM 566.4  Computing Expenses

14 FAM 566.4-1  Distances

When travel is performed by a privately owned motor vehicle, distances are to be determined by use of standard highway mileage guides.  Travelers must explain any substantial deviation from distances shown in the standard highway mileage.  When travel is performed by privately owned airplanes, distances are to be determined from airways charts issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce.  If a detour is necessary on account of adverse weather, mechanical difficulty, or other unusual conditions, the additional highway or charted air mileage may be included but must be explained.

14 FAM 566.4-2  Allowable Travel Time

Allowable time for travel by privately owned conveyance is limited to that which is reasonably required.  Variations in driving conditions do not permit the establishment of daily mileage requirements.  In the United States, however, 360 miles per day is considered the average normal driving distance.  Where road, climate, and other factors beyond the control of the traveler cause interruptions and deviations resulting in longer than normal travel time, the traveler will include a full explanation on the travel voucher.  The traveler must also explain any unusual circumstances that influence the elapsed time for travel by privately owned aircraft.

14 FAM 566.4-3  Shared Expenses

When two or more authorized travelers share the same privately owned conveyance, payment of mileage expenses is made to only one of them.

14 FAM 567  ACCOMMODATIONS

14 FAM 567.1  Accommodations on Trains and Vessels

a. U.S. Government employees who travel by train or sailing vessel (ship/ferry) are authorized the lowest class of accommodation on the train or sailing vessel.  For overnight train travel, employees must use slumber coach sleeping accommodations or the lowest level of economy sleeping accommodations available.  For overnight travel on a sailing vessel, employees must use the lowest-cost stateroom.  First-class train or steamer accommodations may be used only as permitted in 14 FAM 567.1-2 .

b. In some countries, the lowest class of train or sailing vessel service available locally may be considered by posts to be unacceptable by U.S. standards and not comparable to what would be considered as a reasonable basic class of accommodation as defined in 14 FAM 511.3 .  For example, train service described as first class at some posts may only equate to the coach-class definition in the United States.  Accordingly, posts may establish a policy re-defining the acceptable level of local train accommodations that would meet each definition and document this in a written policy for travelers, inspectors, and U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) auditors.

c.  If a train has only two classes of accommodation available (i.e., first and business), then the business class accommodation is deemed to be classified as coach class for the purposes of official travel since it is the lowest class offered.  In such cases, the travel authorization should reflect that use of the lowest class of service available is authorized.  While such travel may take place in the train’s business class compartment, is not reportable to GSA as premium class travel and no Form DS-4087 is required.

14 FAM 567.1-1  Authorization and Approval for the Use of Business- or First-Class Train or Sailing Vessel Accommodations

a. First class :  Heads of agencies, or their designees as listed in 14 FAM 567.2-3 , may authorize or approve the use of first-class train or sailing vessel accommodations under criteria specified in 14 FAM 567.1-2 .

b. Business class :  Officials listed in 14 FAM 567.2-4 may authorize or approve the use of business-class train or sailing vessel accommodations under criteria specified in 14 FAM 567.1-2 .

14 FAM 567.1-2  Use of Business- or First-Class Train or Sailing Vessel Accommodations

The use of business- or first-class accommodation may not be authorized strictly based on position or rank.  When business- or first-class accommodations are authorized under the following circumstances, only the next higher available accommodations satisfying the needs may be used; for example, business-class accommodations should be utilized before going to first-class accommodations.  Circumstances justifying the use of business- or first-class train or sailing vessel accommodations are limited to those listed below ( NOTE :  14 FAM 567.1-2 , subparagraph (4), applies only to trains):

(1)  No reasonably available coach-class train accommodations or lowest class sailing vessel accommodations :

(a)  Trains :  The use of business-class train accommodations may be authorized when no coach-class train accommodations are reasonably available.  For this paragraph, "reasonably available" means coach-class train accommodations that are scheduled to leave within 24 hours of the employee's proposed departure time or scheduled to arrive within 24 hours of the employee's proposed arrival time.  In the case of a direct route that requires overnight travel, "reasonably available” must be based on the availability of slumber coach, or lowest economy, sleeping accommodations.  "Reasonably available" does not include any accommodation with a scheduled arrival time that is later than the employee's required reporting time at the duty site, or with a scheduled departure time that is earlier than the time the employee is scheduled to complete duty;

(b)  When the traveler determines that coach seats are unavailable for reservation for the day he or she must travel to arrive at a destination in time to conduct official business, the traveler may proceed to obtain a reserved seat in the next higher class where a reserved seat is available.  This is only permissible when the traveler has made a good-faith effort to obtain a reservation in coach class at the earliest practicable time, i.e., the employee cannot unreasonably delay or postpone making reservations and travel plans to justify premium class travel; and

(c)  Sailing vessels :  The use of the next higher-class accommodations may be authorized or approved only when lowest-class accommodations are not available on the vessel;

(2)  Travel on trains or sailing vessels by an employee with a disability :  The use of business- or first-class train or sailing vessel accommodations may be authorized or approved when necessary to accommodate an employee's disability or other physical impairment, and the employee's condition and need for business- or first-class train or sailing vessel accommodations are substantiated in writing by MED or the regional medical officer or other competent medical authority.  The use of business- or first-class accommodations may also be authorized for an attendant, when the employee is authorized use of business- or first-class train or sailing vessel accommodations and MED, or the regional medical officer or other competent medical authority certifies that the employee's disability or other physical impairment requires the services of an attendant en route;

(3)  Security reasons aboard trains or sailing vessels :  The use of business- or first-class train or sailing vessel accommodations may be authorized or approved when exceptional security circumstances require such travel.  Exceptional security circumstances include but are not limited to:

(a)  Travel by an employee whose use of coach train or lowest-class sailing vessel accommodations would endanger the employee's life or U.S. Government property;

(b)  Travel by agents in charge of protective details and accompanying individuals authorized business- or first-class accommodations; or

(c)  Travel by couriers or control officers accompanying controlled pouches or packages and the lowest-class accommodations cannot fulfill the mission; and

(4)  Inadequate foreign coach-class train accommodations (foreign trains only) :  The use of business- or first-class train accommodations may be authorized or approved when coach-class accommodations on a foreign rail carrier lack adequate sanitation or health standards.

14 FAM 567.1-3  Reporting Requirements for Business- or First-Class Travel on a Train or Sailing Vessel

a. Refer to 14 FAM 567.2-5 for instructions on reporting the use of business- or first-class train or sailing vessel travel to GSA.

b. Extra-fare train service does not need to be reported to GSA if the traveler was ticketed in the lowest class of service offered, even if that class of service was business class.

c.  Travel that has been authorized under 14 FAM 567.1-2 , subparagraph (4) for inadequate sanitation or health standards does not need to be reported to GSA.

14 FAM 567.1-4  Extra-Fare Train Service (Express Trains)

a. Extra-fare train service is enhanced performance (i.e., faster speed or fewer stops) relative to other trains available between the same origin and destination.

b. Use of extra-fare trains is not authorized unless determined more advantageous to the U.S. Government or required for security reasons.

c.  To justify time savings as an advantage to the U.S. Government, the extra-fare train must reduce overall journey time by one hour or more.  Authorizing officials are reminded that air travel may be less expensive than extra-fare trains and, if so, should be the authorized mode of transportation.

d. To justify cost savings as an advantage to the U.S. Government, a ticket for the lowest class of service available on an extra-fare train must, relative to a ticket for the lowest class of service available on a standard train:

(1)  Have the same restrictions;

(2)  Be less expensive; and/or

(3)  Depart within 3 hours of the standard train that would otherwise be booked.

e. Authorizing officials listed in 14 FAM 567.1-1 must approve this and the requirements of 14 FAM 567.1-2 must be met to authorize business class (when it is other than the lowest class of service offered on the train) or first class on an extra-fare train.

14 FAM 567.2  Airplanes

a. See 14 FAM 583 .

b. U.S. Government employees who use commercial air carriers for domestic and international travel on official business must be authorized coach-class airline accommodations.  When available, the use of contract-air carriers offering discount (city-pair) fare is mandatory (see 14 FAM 542 , paragraph b).  First-class air accommodations may be authorized only as permitted in 14 FAM 567.2-3 .  Business-class air accommodations may be authorized only as permitted in 14 FAM 567.2-4 .

14 FAM 567.2-1  Seat Selection and Assignment

a. Each traveler, regardless of age, is entitled to occupy a seat on an airplane.

b. The policies and business practices of the airline(s) operating and/or marketing a particular flight determine whether a seat selection is available and, if they are available, whether a fee must be paid to obtain a seat.

c.  Inability to obtain a seat selection or assignment, either for "free" or upon payment of a fee, does not confer an exception to the mandatory use of contract carriers ( 14 FAM 543 ), the provisions of the Fly America Act ( 14 FAM 583 ), or the requirement to authorize travel on the carrier offering the lowest fare that is consistent with all travel regulations.

d. Except as specified in subparagraphs d(1) through d(3) of this section, travelers are eligible for reimbursement of charges to obtain an economy class seat selection in an amount not to exceed $300 (each way) between any two authorized duty locations (i.e., origin and destination pairs), as indicated on a travel authorization.  When a traveler qualifies for and is authorized a rest stop, the rest stop location is not considered a separate duty location for the purposes of this provision:

(1)  If a bureau/post has a written policy stating that it wishes to limit this benefit, a traveler’s authorizing official may cap reimbursement at a lower amount for a particular instance of travel.  In such cases, the authorizing official must specify, in advance of travel, the amount authorized for reimbursement between each duty location and should offer the traveler an explanation for the reduction;

(2)  Seat selection fees are not reimbursable for any segment(s) of travel:

(a)  Conducted in an indirect manner; or

(b)  For which a traveler has cost-constructed to use accommodation in business or first class; or

(c)  For which a traveler has been authorized business class or first-class accommodations; and

(3)  The "value" of a seat selection fee cannot be applied towards the cost of obtaining a ticket in an other-than-coach class of service or be considered as part of any cost-construct calculation.

e. Payment of a seat selection fee must be made directly to the airline by the traveler.  TMCs are not authorized to pay for seat selection fees, either by charging them directly to the U.S. Government or by facilitating payment on behalf of the traveler.

f.  Reimbursement for a seat selection fee must be approved on the travel authorization prior to commencing travel and can only be approved for authorized direct travel (see 14 FAM 511.3 ).

g. Receipts are required for reimbursement of seat selection fees, regardless of amount.

h. For the purposes of determining eligibility for reimbursement, a seat selection in any cabin except business class or first class will be considered an economy class seat selection.  Travelers may purchase any seating product, including those that offer increased seat width, additional legroom (formerly referred to as “extended economy seating”), or which are bundled/packaged with enhanced onboard or on-ground service, if the seating product is not business class or first class.  For example, whether an airline calls a seating product Economy Plus, Premium Economy, or Preferred Seats has no bearing on eligibility for reimbursement as long as the seats are not business or first-class seats.

i.  Travelers, not the TMC or airline, are responsible for making accurate determinations regarding whether a particular airline product is eligible for reimbursement as an economy-class seat assignment.  Because some airlines have developed branded names that do not give direct indication of their product’s status as business or first class (e.g., United Polaris, Delta One, Copa Dreams Class), travelers who are uncertain whether a product qualifies for reimbursement as an economy class seat selection fee may request a determination of eligibility, before travel commences, by contacting [email protected].

14 FAM 567.2-2  Requirements

14 FAM 567.2-2(A)  Authorization

a. Authorization for first-class or business-class air accommodations must be made in advance of the actual travel and must be documented in accordance with 14 FAM 567.2-2(B) .  The designated approving official must not be subordinate to the traveler except that the Executive Secretary may approve first-class or business-class air accommodations for the Secretary and the Deputy Secretaries.

b. If the documents required under 14 FAM 567.2-2(B) cannot be completed in advance of travel due to an emergency, the employee must obtain advance approval from an agency official not subordinate to the traveler or from the chief of the agency’s transportation and travel management division or other designated office and must submit the required documents with the appropriate signatures at the earliest possible time.

c.  If the employee does not obtain written authorization in accordance with this section, the employee is responsible for the difference between the first-class or business-class air accommodations used and the authorized coach-class or equivalent accommodations.

14 FAM 567.2-2(B)  Documentation

a. Authorization :  All requests for authorization must contain the name, grade, and position of the travelers; points between which first-class or business-class air accommodations are authorized; additional cost to the U.S. Government resulting from the difference between first-class or business-class and coach-class air accommodations; beginning date of travel; and an explanation of circumstances justifying the use of first-class or business-class air accommodations:

(1)  Authorization for first-class air accommodations must be reflected in the travel authorization and accompanied by a memo from the appropriate agency head or designee (see 14 FAM 567.2-3 );

(2)  Authorization for business-class air accommodations must be reflected in the travel authorization and accompanied by the appropriate form signed by the designated approving official (see 14 FAM 567.2-4 ):

(a)  State :  Form DS-4087, Authorization Request for Business-Class Air Travel; or Form DS-4086, Special Seating Request Form for Air Travel, if the justification for use of premium-class accommodations is authorized for disability or special need under 14 FAM 567.2-4 , subparagraph (b)(3);

(b)  USAID :  Form AID-522-2, Business Class Memorandum to M/MS/TTD;

(c)  Commerce :  Form CD-334, Request for Approval of Other Than Coach-Class Accommodations;

(d)  USDA/FAS :  Memo requesting premium-class travel;

(e)  APHIS :  Memo to approving official; and

(f)   USAGM :  Memo to approving official.

b. Ticketing :  The travel management center (where applicable) will not ticket first-class or business-class accommodations without the appropriate documentation.  Posts that do not have a travel management center must retain the required documentation for the record.

c.  Blanket orders :  The use of blanket travel authorizations for first-class or business-class accommodations is prohibited (State Department personnel).  Each trip involving first- or business-class travel accommodations must be separately authorized.

d. Couriers :  A courier who flies first class when business-class air accommodations are not available, must complete and sign Form DS-3031, Certification for Use of First-Class Air Accommodations.  A copy of the certification must be retained by the courier and the original is to be maintained in the courier's regional office.

14 FAM 567.2-3  First-Class Travel

a. Authorization or approval :  Authority to approve the use of first-class air accommodations is limited to the respective agency heads (the Secretary of State, the Administrator of USAID, the Secretary of Commerce, the Director of the U.S. International Broadcasting Bureau of the Broadcasting Board of Governors (USAGM/IBB), and the Secretary of Agriculture) or their designees.  Designees are as follows:

(1)  State :  The Under Secretary for Management (M) per State Department Delegation of Authority No. 198, dated September 16, 1992, except that the Executive Secretary may approve the use of first-class air accommodations for the Secretary and the Deputy Secretary;

(2)  USAID :  The Deputy Administrator;

(3)  Commerce :  The Chief Financial Officer and the Assistant Secretary for Administration except in cases of medical necessity or emergency evacuation when the Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Operations is delegated authority to approve.  First-class travel will only be authorized if no other commercial service is reasonably available or such travel is necessary for reasons of disability or medical condition (for details on Commerce’s policy on use of business-class accommodations, contact the Office of Foreign Service Human Capital);

(4)  USDA/FAS :  The Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service;

(5)  APHIS :  The Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs; and

(6)  USAGM :  The Director of the International Broadcasting Bureau or as specified in the Manual of Administration.

b. Use of first-class accommodations :  Circumstances justifying the use of first-class air accommodations are limited to those listed below:

(1)  No other reasonably available accommodations :  The use of first-class air accommodations may be authorized or approved when coach-class air accommodations or business-class air accommodations are not reasonably available.  "Not reasonably available" means no other class of accommodations other than first-class accommodations is available on any scheduled flight in time to accomplish the purpose of the official travel;

(2)  Travel by an employee with a disability :  The use of first-class air accommodations may be authorized or approved when necessary to accommodate an employee's disability or other physical impairment, and the employee's condition and need for first-class air accommodations are substantiated in writing by MED or the regional medical officer or other competent medical authority. The use of first-class air accommodations also may be authorized for an attendant(s) who is authorized to accompany the employee, when the employee is authorized first-class air accommodations and MED or the regional medical officer or other competent medical authority or the Disability/Reasonable Accommodation Division (GTM/ER/DRAD) certifies in writing that the employee's disability or other physical impairment requires the services of the attendant(s) en route;

(3)  Security reasons :  The use of first-class air accommodations may be authorized or approved when exceptional security circumstances require such travel.  Exceptional security circumstances include but are not limited to:

(a)  Travel by couriers or control officers accompanying controlled pouches or packages when business-class air accommodations are not available (see 14 FAM 567.1-2 , subparagraph (3)(c)); or

(b)  Travel by agents in charge of protective details accompanying first-class travelers; and

(c)  When required because of agency mission.

14 FAM 567.2-4  Business-Class Travel

a. Authorization or approval :

(1)  State :  For PCS travel, the designated approving official is the Executive Director, Bureau of Global Talent Management (GTM/EX).  Except where otherwise indicated, business-class air accommodations may be authorized only with approval from the officials below (or their designated representative(s)) as provided to TMP.  For travelers not mentioned below, the designated approving official must not be subordinate to the traveler:

(2)  USAID :  The Chief of the Travel and Transportation Division (M/MS/TTD), the director of the funding bureau, office, or mission or designee;

(3)  Commerce :  The Chief Financial Officer and the Assistant Secretary for Administration except in cases of medical necessity or emergency evacuation when the Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Operations is delegated authority to approve.  Business-class travel will only be authorized if no other commercial service is reasonably available or such travel is necessary for reasons of disability or medical condition (for details on Commerce's policy on the use of business-class accommodations, contact the Office of Foreign Service Human Capital);

(4)  USDA/FAS :  The Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services and the USDA Chief Financial Officer;

(5)  APHIS :  The Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs and the USDA Chief Financial Officer; and

b. Justification :  Travelers may use business-class air accommodations when an approving/authorizing official specifically approves or authorizes the travel in accordance with one or more of the following reasons:

(1)  Coach-class air accommodations not available :  Business-class air accommodations may be authorized when regularly scheduled flights between the authorized origin and destination points (including connection points) provide only business-class air accommodations;

(2)  No space available in coach-class air accommodations :  Business-class air accommodations may be authorized when space is not available in coach-class accommodations on any scheduled flight in time to accomplish the purpose of the official travel;

(3)  Travel by an individual with a disability or special need :  Upon the recommendation of the Bureau of Medical Services (MED), other competent medical authority in exigent circumstances, or the Disability/Reasonable Accommodation Division (GTM/ER/DRAD), business-class air accommodations may be authorized when necessary to accommodate an employee's disability or special need.  Other competent medical authority must certify in writing (to include the supporting clinical findings) the traveler’s condition and need for business-class air accommodations.  Upon the recommendation of MED or, in exigent circumstances, other competent medical authority, business-class air accommodations may also be authorized for an attendant authorized to accompany the traveler when the traveler is authorized use of business-class air accommodations.  Authorization for an attendant to accompany the traveler, by other competent medical authority, must include written certification that the traveler’s disability or other special need requires the services of the attendant en route;

(4)  Security or exceptional circumstances :  Business-class air accommodations may be authorized when such accommodations are required for security purposes or because exceptional circumstances, as determined by the agency head, or his or her designee, make their use essential to the successful performance of the agency's mission.  NOTE :  Exceptional circumstances may include, but are not limited to, a chief of mission (COM) and their eligible family member spouse (whether traveling together or at different times) going to post for the first time or leaving post the last time, in accordance with protocol and diplomatic practice for a COM.  The tandem spouse of a COM assigned to the same post may also be authorized business class on this basis.  Other eligible family members who accompany either the COM or spouse may be authorized business class.  If consultations are authorized en route to and from post, business-class accommodations may be authorized to and from the consultation location(s);

(5)  Overall cost savings :  Business-class air accommodations may be authorized when such accommodations would result in an overall savings to the U.S. Government, including by avoiding additional subsistence costs, overtime, or lost productive time while awaiting coach class accommodations.  Whenever a cost comparison is made, documentation of the specific flight itineraries and their respective costs must be retained and included in the travel authorization for future reference and to meet auditing requirements:

(a)  If a traveler is otherwise authorized an unrestricted economy fare and seeks to be authorized a business-class fare under this provision, the unrestricted economy fare must be compared to the cost of an unrestricted business-class fare;

(b)  If a traveler is otherwise authorized a restricted economy fare and seeks to be authorized a business-class fare under this provision, the restricted economy fare must be compared to the cost of a restricted business-class fare;

(6)  Agency mission :  Business-class air accommodations may be authorized when required due to agency mission.  State only :  Business-class travel of 14 hours or less based on this criteria must be approved by the traveler's under secretary or equivalent in their supervisory chain.  Deputy secretary and under secretary business-class travel is approved by the Executive Secretary;

(7)  Acceptance of payment from non-Federal source :  Business-class air accommodations may be authorized when the employee's transportation is paid in full through agency acceptance of payment from a non-Federal source in accordance with 2 FAM 962.12 (g) and 41 CFR 304-5.5; and

(8)  Travel in excess of 14 hours for temporary duty (TDY) travel, or medical evacuation travel (exception :  USAGM; for further USAGM guidance on when business-class accommodations can be authorized, refer to USAGM’s Manual of Operations and Administration (MOA) directive PART IV Section 636.3, Business-Class Travel Exceptions):

(a)  TDY travel to receive training:  Business-class air accommodations are not authorized for TDY travel over 14 hours where the primary purpose of the travel, as determined by the funding bureau or post approving/authorizing officer, is for the traveler to receive training or instruction;

(b)  TDY travel not related to training:  For TDY travel over 14 hours, travelers are authorized economy-class accommodations with a rest stop or a paid day pass to a business-class lounge at an intermediate point on the traveler’s authorized itinerary.  However, the funding bureau's executive director or authorizing official at post may determine that circumstances warrant issuance of a business-class ticket provided the following criteria are met:

(i)     The origin and/or destination is outside the continental United States;

(ii)    The scheduled flight time (including stopovers, but not including rest stops) on the usually traveled route is in excess of 14 hours;

(iii)    The purpose of the trip is urgent and cannot be postponed. The traveler must physically report to the duty location immediately upon arrival or the following day, and work until the urgent requirements are fulfilled; and

(iv)   Travelers taking leave during or near the dates of their travel indicate that there are no urgent duties requiring the traveler’s immediate departure or return.  Travelers who do not report for duty immediately upon arrival or no later than the next day, or take leave within days of their TDY travel should not be authorized business class travel.  The traveler may be held liable for excess business class accommodations;

(c)  Travelers in U.S. Government-funded business class are not entitled to a U.S. Government-funded rest stop en route to or upon arrival at the duty site.  They are not eligible for a U.S. Government-funded business-class lounge day pass, (see 14 FAM 584 ).  For definition of travel in excess of 14 hours and rest stop en route, see 14 FAM 567.2-4 , subparagraph b(10)(d);

(d)  Medical evacuation travel:  Premium-class travel is not authorized for medical evacuation unless MED, in consultation with the Foreign Service medical provider, or in an exigent situation, authorizes business-class accommodations for medical reasons.  Travelers authorized by MED to use premium accommodations may not be authorized a rest stop en route or a rest period upon arrival at destination, unless specifically authorized by MED.  Travel over 14 hours in duration that is not deemed medically necessary for premium class by MED, will be authorized economy class with a rest stop or a U.S. Government-funded day pass to a business-class lounge at the intermediate point;

(e)  Other official travel:  Business-class air accommodations may not be authorized or approved for other types of official travel more than 14 hours (such as R&R, PCS, home leave/return to post, educational travel, EVT, etc.) unless justified under one of the other provisions (see 14 FAM 567.2-4 ); and

(f)   Calculation of 14-hour travel period:

(i)     The “14-hour travel time" is defined as the scheduled flight time on the most expeditious available routing from your point of origin to scheduled arrival at point of destination (wheels up at origin to wheels down at destination).  It does not include rest stops or travel from residence/hotel to the airport.  Travel in excess of 14 hours includes a leg of travel (a travel segment) in excess of 14 hour or continuous legs of travel (continuous travel segments) without a U.S. Government-funded rest stop in excess of 14 hours on the most direct route;

(ii)    The time zone dislocation provision for a rest period upon arrival ( 14 FAM 584.5 ) does not apply to business-class travel.  However, business-class travelers may arrive the night before a meeting and be provided per diem for the night if such arrival is necessary to ensure attendance at the meeting.  This is not considered a rest period upon arrival; and

(iii)    The traveler will not be penalized and deprived of business-class accommodations if travel is delayed or accelerated due to airline schedules rather than to accommodate a traveler’s personal convenience.  This is not a rest period or rest stop.

c.  Use of the lowest upgradeable fare :  In cases where business-class travel is authorized in accordance with the justifications above, but not funded by the bureau or post, the bureau or post may approve the lowest-cost upgradable fare if the traveler commits to upgrading to a business-class fare at their own expense:

(1)  Travelers are responsible for obtaining approval for the lowest-cost upgradable fare from the authorizing official by completing a Form DS-4087 prior to travel;

(2)  The cost of the upgradable fare may not exceed the cost of the business-class fare for which the traveler is eligible;

(3)  When available and approved by the authorizing official, the discounted GSA city-pair YCA fare may qualify as the lowest upgradable fare in lieu of the CA fare;

(4)  When a GSA city-pair fare is not available, the authorizing official may approve a fare up to and including the full "Y" fare as the lowest upgradable fare;

(5)  A traveler may be authorized the upgradable fare only when the cost of the upgrade is borne by the traveler; and

(6)  Rest stops or day passes to a business-class lounge are not authorized when a traveler elects this option.

d. Business-class travel within the United States :  U.S. domestic flights do not usually offer separate and distinct business-class seats.  The U.S. Government, however, cannot directly book employees eligible for business-class into first-class accommodations.  When business-class accommodations are authorized and the airline places the individual in first-class seating at no additional cost for the part of the routing within the United States via a connection, such seating would be considered business-class accommodations for the purpose of this rule.

e. Traveler-paid or airline-provided business class :  When a traveler is authorized economy class but actually travels in business class, such as by redeeming airline miles or points, completion of a Form DS-4087 is not necessary.  Such instances are also not included in the annual premium-class travel report since they do not change the authorized class of accommodation or expend more U.S. Government funds than would have been spent on the authorized class of service.

f.  Exceptions :  The Under Secretary for Management or designee may make exceptions to this section to the extent consistent with the law.

14 FAM 567.3  Premium-Class Travel Reporting

a. Each post and domestic office that issues travel tickets must submit a premium-class (first-class and business-class) travel report identifying all premium-class commercial travel (i.e., airplanes, trains, vessels) ticketed and utilized during the fiscal year.  The only exception for reporting premium-class travel is outlined in 14 FAM 567.1-3 .  A negative report is required if no premium-class travel was utilized.  The Department is required to report to the General Services Administration (GSA) no later than October 31 each year.  Travel on U.S. Government aircraft is reported separately and is covered in 14 FAM 558 .

b. When the traveler was ticketed in the lowest class of service offered, or use is authorized under 14 FAM 567.1-2 , subparagraph (4), travel on an extra-fare train does not need to be reported to GSA.

c.  State only :  The Department ‘s Travel Management and Policy Division (A/LM/OPS/TMP) will compile the premium-class travel report from each post with a report from the domestic TMC including domestically issued tickets and submit a consolidated report to GSA in accordance with the guidelines in 41 CFR 300-70.100-103 of the Federal Travel Regulations.

14 FAM 568  AIRLINE LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE

14 FAM 568.1   Authorized Luggage

a. Each traveler is authorized to check, at U.S. Government expense, two pieces of luggage which do not exceed the airline's size limitations or are not considered "oversized" by the operating air carrier, and which weigh up to 50 pounds (23 kilograms) per piece.  This allowance constitutes "authorized luggage."  It applies to all types of travel and to/from all locations.

b. If a traveler checks items that exceed this authorized weight, size, and/or quantity limitation, reimbursement from the U.S. Government is limited to the cost that would have been incurred to transport “authorized luggage.”

c.  Up to two additional pieces of luggage (a maximum of four), which do not exceed the airline's size limitations and which weigh up to 50 pounds per piece, per authorized traveler, may be approved in lieu of an allowable unaccompanied baggage (UAB) entitlement for direct travel if approved in the travel authorization prior to commencing travel.

d. If, for a particular segment of a journey, an air carrier makes a more generous (weight, quantity, or size) checked luggage allowance available to a traveler at no, or no additional, cost to the U.S. Government, the traveler is welcome to utilize the more generous allowance for that segment.  This privilege does not , however, increase the “authorized luggage” allowance for subsequent segments.

e. Authorized luggage for indirect (cost-constructed) travel :  When a traveler elects to engage in indirect (cost-constructed) travel, the total amount that may be reimbursed by the U.S. Government for checked luggage fees is limited to the sum of expenses that would have been incurred to transport authorized luggage along all segments of the direct route.

14 FAM 568.2  Excess Luggage

a. Luggage exceeding the weight, size, or quantity limit for “authorized luggage” is considered “excess luggage.”  To be transported at U.S. Government expense, excess luggage must be required for an official purpose and be specifically authorized in advance of travel.  Travel orders that include authorization for the transport of excess luggage must include a justification detailing the specific official purpose necessitating the transport and an estimated cost of such transport.

b. Travel orders for an individual required to transport a checked luggage piece or pieces entirely comprised of U.S. Government materials should include authorization for the transport of those pieces as excess luggage to ensure that the traveler’s personal authorized luggage allowance is not diminished.

c. Excess luggage is not authorized at U.S. Government expense for permanent change-of-station, rest-and-recuperation, family-visitation, and/or emergency-visitation travel.  For medical travel, please refer to 16 FAM 310 .

14 FAM 568.3  Receipts

Receipts are required for reimbursement of checked luggage fees in any amount, including fees assessed by an air carrier to transport “authorized luggage.”

14 FAM 569  UNASSIGNED

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Is Southwest Doing Away With Its 'Pick-your-seat' Method? The Airline's CEO Hints at Change

CEO Bob Jordan also discussed the airline's recent move to shut down operations at several airports around the country.

Ashlee Duncan/Courtesy of Southwest Airlines

Southwest's famous boarding process may be up in the air. On Thursday, after reporting a net loss of $231 million, the Dallas-based airline announced a variety of changes, including the potential for new seating assignments and confirmed the closure of operations at several airports. 

"We’re looking at new initiatives, the way we seat and the way we board our aircraft," Southwest CEO Bob Jordan said in an interview with CNBC on Thursday, when asked about the potential for a business class or new seat assignment procedures, adding that the company is "studying our seating, and our cabin."

Southwest currently boards with an open-seating policy, where passengers choose any available seat when they board the aircraft, versus having a reserved advanced seat assignment.  "Additionally, we are evaluating options to enhance our Customer Experience as we study product preferences and expectations, including onboard seating and our cabin," Jordan also said in a Southwest earnings release .  Southwest’s boarding policy has become a hot topic in the travel community, with some online content creators posting humorous takes on the process .

In addition to the potential seating changes, Southwest confirmed that several routes would be canceled in the coming weeks due to economic and mechanical headwinds.  The airline will be cancelling flights to and from several airports including Bellingham International Airport near Seattle and Vancouver, Cozumel International Airport in Mexico, George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, and Syracuse Hancock International Airport. The airline will also be cutting back flights at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Chicago O'Hare International Airport, according to the earnings release. The changes won’t occur until August 4. For travelers looking ahead to plan future vacations, the airline has added a new route to Nashville from Cincinnati , that begins on June 4. Southwest also recently began rolling out the deals for loyalty points. Members of the airlines' Rapid Rewards program can earn a 50 percent bonus on points purchased through May 15.

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12 Travel Pants for an Effortlessly Comfortable Long Flight

Travel with first-class comfort, even if you’re sitting in basic economy

After a 12-hour red-eye, you don’t want your outfit to be the reason you arrive exhausted. A high-quality, well-fitting pair of travel pants can make the difference between a smooth flight or a bumpy ride. As someone who flies often for work, I can tell you: Wearing pants that didn’t stretch or that were too tight at the waist has been my downfall too many times, leaving me fidgety and uncomfortable in my teeny seat. Now, I’ve got the routine down—the best travel pants must be soft, forgiving, and able to keep me warm.

You might be in a coordinated knit ensemble or sweats you can style with a stylish travel jacket up top, but the pants you wear in transit should take at least a bit of the pain out of the experience. For upcoming trips, whether you’re jetting somewhere tropical or simply flying home, here are 12 pairs of pants for travel that deliver first-class comfort, even if you’re sitting in economy.

High Sport Kick Pants

These buzzy pants are a favorite among editors and fashion insiders because they look dressy but are surprisingly comfortable when you have them on. That’s a win-win in my book.

Sizes: XS–XL

Materials: 68% cotton, 32% Lycra

Colors: Blue, navy

Everlane Linen Pants

When arriving at a tropical destination, the worst feeling is the humidity and heat hitting you while you’re still dressed for the chilly plane. These linen pants bridge the gap nicely.

Sizes: XXS–XXL

Materials: 100% European flax linen

Colors: Bone, sage, black

What reviewers say: “The drape of the fabric is fabulous - not to light, not to thick. The cut and tailoring fit perfectly for my curves. The color is a great basic. Well done Everlane!”

Sporty & Rich Syracuse Sweatpants

These days, I’d guess that 50 percent of passengers on my flights are wearing some form of cotton sweats. Sporty & Rich’s take are my favorite, since they’re relaxed, but not schlubby.

Materials: 100% cotton

Colors: Brown

Amo Sandra Baggy Jeans

I have friends who hate soft pants and will fly only in jeans. If that’s the case for you, at least opt for a style that’s roomy and relaxed.

Sizes: 23–32

Colors: Blue

Lululemon Align Super-High-Rise Tights

For long-haul flights, I often choose a pair of super-soft leggings. The waistband doesn’t cut in, and seams don’t rub when I’m stuck sitting for hours on end.

Sizes: 0–20

Materials: 81% nylon, 19% Lycra

Colors: Black, navy, coal, olive, espresso

What reviewers say: “I absolutely love how comfortable these are. They are so high waisted that they touch my ribcage, but I love it! I am only 5'5" so it makes sense.”

Tory Sport Cashmere Joggers

Planes can run chilly, and as someone who is constantly freezing, I try to prepare by wearing warm knits from head to toe. These cashmere pants would protect me from the pumping AC.

Sizes: XXS–XL

Materials: 100% cashmere

Colors: Gray, blue, natural

What reviewers say: “Fair to good quality cashmere (thickness). True to size. Very warm & soft.”

Asceno Aurelia Pants

When a red-eye is the only option, why not wear pants that basically feel like you’re wearing pajamas? You’ll be as comfy as you can be—eye mask on, plane blanket tucked in.

Materials: 100% silk

Argent Jones Trousers

If you travel frequently for work, you might need to head straight to a meeting from the airport. These pants are comfy, but will help you pull off a professional vibe when you land.

Sizes: 0–14

Materials: 98% wool, 2% elastane

Colors: Blue, fuchsia, black

What reviewers say: “A direct quote from my husband, ‘Makes you look like you're all legs.’ I love, love, love this suit and am having a hard time not buying it in all the colors.”

Bode Quincy Stripe Joggers

Bode’s soft, swingy pants are a fashionable way to feel comfy on a flight. There’s also a matching polo top if you want to complete the look.

Materials: 65% linen, 35% viscose

Colors: Red, white

Nike ACG Smith Summit Cargo Pants

For the traveler who prefers to fly light, these cargo pants will hold your phone, Kindle, passport, and gaggle of headphones, no bag necessary.

Sizes: XS–XXL

Materials: 96% nylon, 4% spandex

Colors: Black, navy

The Frankie Shop Bonnie Croc-Effect Faux-Leather Straight-Leg Pants

L.A. to Vegas is only an hour-long flight. If you’re planning a quick trip for a friend’s birthday, these pants are a pair you can wear straight from the plane to a fancy dinner.

Materials: 50% polyurethane, 25% polyester, 25% cotton

Vince High-Rise Satin Pants

Stretchy, loose, and lightweight, these pants will keep you comfy even if you’re squeezed into an economy middle seat.

Materials: 73% recycled polyester, 27% polyester

Colors: Beige

.css-p3fpzg{font-family:NewParisTextBook,NewParisTextBook-roboto,NewParisTextBook-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;font-weight:normal;letter-spacing:-0.015rem;margin-bottom:0.625rem;margin-top:0.625rem;}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-p3fpzg{font-size:2.25rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-p3fpzg{font-size:2rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-p3fpzg{font-size:2.625rem;line-height:1.1;}}.css-p3fpzg b,.css-p3fpzg strong{font-family:inherit;font-weight:bold;}.css-p3fpzg em,.css-p3fpzg i{font-style:normal;font-family:NewParisTextItalic,NewParisTextItalic-roboto,NewParisTextItalic-local,Georgia,Times,Serif;} Why trust Harper’s Bazaar ?

For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion, beauty, and lifestyle resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in fashion by working with the world’s leading authorities in ready-to-wear, footwear, accessories, and more. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of editors and industry experts.

The Edit: Fashion

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Inside the Vancouver Canucks’ team plane during a breakthrough season

Flying on an NHL team’s charter plane is a one-of-a-kind experience. The amenities and perks are five-star. There’s a distinct camaraderie in traveling with teammates as well as some traditions and guidelines to consider.

Dressing for flights, for example, has quirks. The collective bargaining agreement requires that players wear jackets, ties and dress pants while traveling to and from games. But since teams are relaxed with this rule once players have boarded the plane, it can result in a hilarious scene minutes before takeoff.

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“I remember my first (dad’s) trip (in the NHL), we get on the plane, all of a sudden guys start whipping their clothes off (and changing into sweats) and it’s like ‘What are you guys doing?’” said veteran defenseman Ian Cole .

“Long trips like three hours (or longer), you don’t wanna be sitting in your dress pants and a dress shirt,” he explained. “It’s pretty funny seeing 20 guys on the plane just shedding all their clothes as fast they can.”

Players then change back into their formal attire before deplaning. It’s just one example that shows how an NHL player’s charter plane experience isn’t a typical travel day.

As the Vancouver Canucks embark on the most pivotal trip of the year to date for Games 3 and 4 in Nashville of their first-round playoff series, here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s been like on the team plane this season.

First-class seats, top-notch dining and special recovery tools

The Canucks are serviced by Air Canada’s Jetz division. Their aircraft features two first-class-sized seats on each row, two card tables and space in the exit row for recovery work. It’s comfy and spacious.

“Being a bigger guy, the bigger seats obviously are nice for me,” Tyler Myers said with a laugh. “We have the same flight attendants all year and they get to know you, you get to know them really well. They know exactly what we want when we get on the plane.”

Veteran players typically sit near the back, whereas players with fewer NHL seasons under their belt are farther up.

Brock Boeser explained that the team caters food from the airport when leaving Vancouver. During the rest of a road trip, plane meals are from a high-quality restaurant in the city where they’ve just played.

“The meals on the plane are nice, (especially) compared to stopping at the gas station after the games for food (in the minors),” said Dakota Joshua , who’s also experienced the much more unglamorous travel in the AHL and ECHL.

Some players like Conor Garland are fairly regimented about what they eat on board.

“I usually try to get a salad,” said Garland. “I don’t like the chopped salad but sometimes you gotta eat it. I eat the nuts, chopped salad and I bring my own coffee.”

Others like Phil Di Giuseppe like to rotate through dishes like steak, fish or pasta.

“Huggy’s ( Quinn Hughes ) by me and he’s always snacking on something,” said Boeser. “He’s a health nut.”

Another perk of flying on a charter aircraft is that the exit rows have space for players to do recovery work. This includes tools such as blood flow recovery (BFR) or Normatec technology, which is marketed to increase circulation and reduce delayed onset muscle soreness.

“BFR is good for your legs, you can jump on those for a bit, maybe for 25 minutes. You can lay down, stretch,” said Garland. “Anything you really need, they’ll get it for you on the plane recovery-wise.

“(Mark Cesari, Canucks strength and conditioning coach) and Alex Trinca (Canucks director of sports performance) are great, even if you have a question about like ‘What should I be drinking on the flight?’”

The card table: ‘Too much bickering’

How do Canucks players pass the time on flights? It varies.

Joshua tries to take a nap because he doesn’t like plane rides, but most players said they have trouble falling asleep.

“It takes you like 5-6 hours (after a game) to try to decompress and calm the central nervous system down,” said Cole. “There’s not a ton of sleeping going on unless it’s a long flight from one side of the continent to the other.”

There are book readers (such as Cole), movie watchers and players who rely on iPads to keep them entertained.

“Garly’s pretty chatty,” said Boeser. “He’ll always be in the aisle talking to other people. A guy that’s pretty dialed in on his laptop is Casey (DeSmith), I don’t know what he’s doing on there.”

“He’s pretty wild on the plane,” Joshua added about Garland.

There will usually be a group of Canucks playing cards for small sums of money, too.

“I’ve been on some teams where it (the money being wagered) gets real aggressive,” said Cole. “It’s not that aggressive here, which is good. We’ve got some boys trying to rein it in a little.”

The players have shuffled throughout the year, but Garland, Sam Lafferty , Filip Hronek and Pius Suter were at the card table early in the season playing a game called 13 Up.

“The highlight of the trips is getting to laugh at the card table,” said Garland. “In Arizona, my card table was my three best friends. it’s been new this year with guys you didn’t know before. Usually you end up going for dinner with those guys because you end up making plans on the plane.”

J.T. Miller and Boeser retired from the card table after spending most of last season with the group.

“(We were) taking too much of their money,” Di Giuseppe joked when asked why Miller and Boeser left. “No, I think they were saying they were playing for so long that they wanted to watch some movies. Maybe it was because of me.”

“Too much bickering,” Boeser said with a smile, explaining his departure.

Garland claimed that he’s been cleaning up this season because the newcomers aren’t very good.

“We have a bad table,” he said. “Last year, Millsy’s a really good player, (Jack) Studnicka was a good player. Boes is OK. This year they’re bad, so it’s pretty easy.” He acknowledged that Di Giuseppe’s “not bad.”

“I’m surprised he said I wasn’t bad, usually he gives it to me,” Di Giuseppe said with a chuckle.

“After a game, I like playing at the table because we’ll dissect the game. That’s another way to flush it out is if it’s good, everyone’s happy and you’re shooting the you know what. And if it’s bad, you just kinda let out the demons.”

The Nintendo Switch turned movie club

At the start of the season, Boeser bought Nintendo Switches and formed a group that would play a PGA Golf video game. Miller and Elias Pettersson were the other regulars, with Myers and Thatcher Demko joining once in a while, according to Boeser.

“It’s one of the only games that most guys would enjoy and play against each other,” said Boeser. “We’re all even right now. Nobody gives strokes yet.”

They still play every so often but over the season, it’s transitioned into a movie club.

“Millsy and Brock were just so much better than everybody else that they just kinda cut us out. They were just being really bad guys doing that,” Myers laughed. “Movie club kind of took over.”

The players will synchronize their iPads together to start a film at the same time. They take turns choosing the movie.

Who’s the best and worst at picking them?

“Best is between Demmer and I. Worst is between Brock and Millsy,” said Myers. “Millsy is a good movie guy but he has a tough time grasping the concept of what types of movies we’re trying to bring into movie club.

“Demmer and I seem to be quality control and Brock isn’t as familiar with movies so he tends to bring in a lot of random ones that probably would never make Demmer and I’s list.”

Forgotten passports and unwritten rules

Most of the Canucks’ plane rides are routine, but The Athletic was curious if the players could share any funny or unique travel tales from this season.

Boeser immediately turned when he heard the question, stared at Joshua in his dressing room stall and smiled: “Just Dak holding us up this year for 45 minutes.”

“Who forgot their passport?” Brock continued while still looking at Joshua.

“Bainsey! (Arshdeep Bains),” Joshua replied.

“Yeah, Bainsey, we had a preseason game going to Seattle and he forgot his passport so that was pretty funny,” said Boeser.

Speaking of passports, crossing the border and clearing customs is something players like to groan about because it adds another layer (and time) to the trip.

“If (it’s another Canadian team) you’re just pulling up to the plane but since you gotta go over the border it’s more of a hassle. It’s not that bad, but we like to complain about it,” said Joshua.

Once players board the plane, there are a couple of unwritten rules for etiquette.

“You can’t take a poop on the plane,” said Cole.

Cole also said that when the team gets off the plane or bus they’ll typically exit from the back forward, with veteran players off first.

“But it’s also not a hard and fast rule,” he explained. “If someone steps up and goes, whatever. Or if someone’s taking a while, guys go, it’s never like a ‘Hey, you guys need to wait.’”

Vancouver’s travel over an 82-game schedule is grueling, with substantially longer flights on average compared to Eastern Conference teams. For example, the trip between Vancouver and Nashville is by far the longest distance of any first-round series. Their travel situation is a disadvantage the Canucks have to accept, but they try to make the most of it.

“It’s a pretty chill group, we’re not the ’86 Mets on the plane, you know?” Joshua said with a laugh.
”We just go about the business, get on and get off.”

With the Canucks arriving in Tennessee on Wednesday, they’re preparing for arguably their biggest challenge yet. Many of Vancouver’s core players will be playing in front of an intimidating road playoff crowd for the first time, Demko remains out with an injury and the series is tied 1-1 after a Game 2 loss .

It’s a season-defining trip — and the result will swing the mood of the flight home to Vancouver after Sunday’s Game 4 for better or worse.

(Photos of Conor Garland and Dakota Joshua and Brock Boeser: Sam Hodde / NHLI via Getty Images and Darryl Dyck / The Canadian Press via AP)

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Harman Dayal is a staff writer for The Athletic NHL based in Vancouver. He combines NHL video and data analysis and tracks microstats as part of his coverage. Follow Harman on Twitter @ harmandayal2

Etihad's mammoth Airbus A380 has returned to the US after nearly retiring. Take a look at its exclusive $24,000 'The Residence' first-class suite.

• Etihad Airways has returned its beloved Airbus A380 to New York amid booming demand.
• The decision comes after the airline nearly retired the quad-engine superjumbo during the pandemic.
• Etihad's A380 boasts the world's only three-room suite, complete with a bedroom and shower.

Eithad Airways' popular Airbus A380 has returned to the US after the pandemic nearly forced it into retirement .

On Monday, the mammoth plane took off from Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport at about 3:20 a.m. local time and landed at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport more than 14 hours later, just after 10 a.m. ET.

This is the first time Etihad's quad jet fleet has flown the route since 2020 and represents its official re-entry into the US market after four years. The superjumbo also flies between Abu Dhabi and London.

According to Etihad, the A380 will boost capacity between the two metropolitan cities as it takes over one of the two flights presently serving New York-JFK — the second operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

"Our North American portfolio has continued to exceed expectations with the second daily JFK flight introduced last year performing well," Etihad CRO Arik De told Business Insider in December when the route was first announced.

With its return, deep-pocket US travelers once again have access to the A380's crown jewel: The Residence.

Take a look at what up to $50,000 gets you on a roundtrip flight between New York and Abu Dhabi in Etihad's one-of-a-kind first-class suite.

Exclusively installed on its mammoth A380, The Residence is the world's only three-room suite on a passenger plane.

The entire suite can accommodate up to two passengers and is located on the second level of the superjumbo .

Other carriers like Singapore Airlines offer first-class cabins with a separate bed , but Etihad takes luxury to a new level.

According to De, the Residence is only available by upgrading a first class ticket. Fares were priced at over $20,000 one-way pre-pandemic.

When booking on Etihad's website in December for a flight between New York and Abu Dhabi in mid-May, its first-class apartments were priced between roughly $9,000 and $10,000 each way, with another $3,000 per leg on top for the Residence, totaling about $24,000 .

Looking again on Monday, it appears the Residence is already booked up on most days for May, as it cannot be added to first-class bookings .

Demand for The Residence is booming — helping make Etihad's A380 an 'overall commercially profitable venture in New York.'

"We had our first bookings within minutes of the announcement that the A380 was coming to New York," De told BI. "It's a famous experience, and there are plenty of people out there who want to sample it, either as a dream one-off or as part of their overall travel mix."

The first space in The Residence is the livingroom with a giant flatscreen television and a multi-person couch.

The living room has a sliding door to ensure full privacy from the rest of the aircraft.

The space is designed to accommodate up to two people.

Here, travelers can eat, work, or watch movies.

A dedicated cabin crew team serves The Residence passengers. They will set up the dining table and serve meals, as well as prep the space for sleeping.

Passengers will be served luxury meals, including things like caviar, steak, champagne, and wine.

However, the butler service formerly offered in The Residence will not return, aviation journalist Andreas Spaeth said on X in mid-November after an interview with Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves.

Etihad confirmed to BI that a butler would not be onboard.

Down the hall from the living room is The Residence's private bathroom, complete with a shower.

"[The Residence] is a great experience for everyone, whether they are flying for business or pleasure or both," De told BI. "Flights between Abu Dhabi and New York are over 13 hours long, and people flying for business want to arrive refreshed and relaxed."

Monday's flight took a northern route across Russia, putting the trek at more than 14 hours, according to FlightAware.

Showers are rare onboard airliners because the water adds extra weight, with Emirates as the only other carrier offering one.

Like Etihad, Emirates has a first class suite complete with a shower spa. The rival UAE carrier is so loyal to its A380 that it recently announced a $1.5 billion investment to keep them flying.

The last room of The Residence is the bedroom.

The double bed is another rarity onboard commercial jetliners.

Qatar Airways famously flies a double bed in its QSuite business class, voted the best in the world by Skytrax last year.

Considered one of the most luxurious airline offerings in the sky, travelers were worried when Etihad's A380 nearly retired.

The A380's poor economics and fuel-hungry quad-engines make it an expensive jet to fly, and many carriers have ditched it for more efficient twinjets like the Boeing 787 and the Airbus A350.

Fortunately, the surge in demand for air travel in 2022 prompted Etihad to add it back to the fleet.

"We are entering a new phase of sustainable growth to meet the demands of our customers, and the A380 is the right aircraft to meet capacity demands on very select routes," De told BI. "We brought it back on our London services earlier this year, and saw tremendous commercial success, with guests loving the experience."

Etihad's new A380 route will be the second in its network following the return to London in July 2023.

According to Cirium data, Etihad has been flying three of its A380s between Abu Dhabi and London as of October, but one was plucked to serve the New York-JFK route.

De told BI that Etihad has a total of four planes in service and, in the short term, "will deploy them where it makes the most sense."

De told BI that the decision to add the A380 to NYC came after the second frequency proved commercially successful.

"Given the commercial performance, and the popularity of the aircraft with our guests, we feel now is the right time to bring the A380 on to our service to New York," he said.

Although some of its A380s are flying again, six of Etihad's 10 superjumbos are still parked but remain 'in reserve.'

The six jets are sitting in airports across France and Spain, according to Planespotters .

"We are focused on sustainable expansion going forward, and having the option of drawing on our A380 fleet is an element of that," De told BI, noting Etihad plans to double its fleet size to 150 planes and carry 33 million passengers by 2030. "We will make sure we choose the right aircraft to achieve that, and the A380s will be part of that mix for a while."

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