FMD 99006

	October 8, 1999
United States Department of Agriculture	FMD-99006
Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services
Foreign Agricultural Services	SUBJECT: TO:	Business Class Travel All Cooperators

1400 Independence Ave., SW Stop 1042 Washington. DC 20250-1042	BACKGROUND:	The Cooperator program regulations were published September 30, 1999. Under the new regulations, reimbursement for Cooperator travel will be limited to the full fare economy rate. With proper documentation, a Cooperator may be reimbursed for business class travel if the rate is not more than the full fare economy rate. If a Cooperator travels business class at a rate which exceeds the full fare economy rate, the Cooperator may be reimbursed the full fare economy rate and claim the balance as a contribution to the program. Comments to the proposed rule requested clarification as to the circumstances under which business class travel can be reimbursed above the full fare economy rate

	ISSUE:	When will FAS reimburse business class (i.e., premium-class other than first-class) airline accommodations above the full fare economy class rate?

	POLICY:	FAS will reimburse business class travel above the full fare economy class rate when: (a) Regularly scheduled flights between origin/destination points (including connecting points) do not provide economy class (or equivalent) accommodations and you receive written documentation from your travel agent to that effect; or (b) Use of business class accommodations is necessary to accommodate your disability. Disability must be substantiated in writing by a physician; or (c) The origin and/or destination is outside of the continental United States and the scheduled flight time is in excess of 14 hours. In this instance you will not be eligible for a rest stop en route or a rest period upon arrival at your duty site.
	JAMES V. PARKER Deputy Administrator Commodity and Marketing Programs

Last modified: Wednesday, November 12, 2003