This anecdote is not relevant, but I hope it's OK if I share.

Approximately 5 years ago, when my DH worked for a federal agency, he was invited by an international organization to attend a meeting in Europe. That international organization paid for DH to travel in Polaris (lie-flat seats on United). He said it was pretty sweet.

(All of the travel was arranged through the agency -- DH just showed up and was surprised to learn that he had such a deluxe seat, as he was accustomed to coach travel, as a long-time federal employee.)

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I work for DOJ and have been asked to fly across the globe (think Australia) for a big meeting. My travel department isn't the greatest so I want to get information before I go to them. Can I justify traveling business class working for the government? The thought of sitting on the plane for that long is killing me.

14 hours of flying qualifies for business class.

Yes, this is true. It applies to all agencies as part of the CFR section 301.103. (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-41/subtitle-F/chapter-301/subchapter-B/part-301-10)

However it’s a “may” not a “must”. I used to have to travel >14 hrs several times a year for my role, so I asked and my supervisor said “go ahead and request business class. I’m happy to decline it as many times as you want.”

You should've said, "why don't you go then?"

Use your miles. Most people get automatically upgraded or use their miles. And yes, pps are right that it's 14 hours to get business class.

Fly America rules are complex: https://www.gsa.gov/system/files/FlyAmericaCheat%20sheet%20-%20tgm%20%282%29.pptx

If you’re flying to the EU you can use an EU carrier. If you’re flying to Australia you can only use Qantas or Virgin Australia if there’s no published airfare for the city-pair you’re flying. For a major route like DC-Sydney there will be a published fare so you have to use a U.S. carrier.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I work for DOJ and have been asked to fly across the globe (think Australia) for a big meeting. My travel department isn't the greatest so I want to get information before I go to them. Can I justify traveling business class working for the government? The thought of sitting on the plane for that long is killing me.

14 hours of flying qualifies for business class.

Yes, this is true. It applies to all agencies as part of the CFR section 301.103. (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-41/subtitle-F/chapter-301/subchapter-B/part-301-10)

However it’s a “may” not a “must”. I used to have to travel >14 hrs several times a year for my role, so I asked and my supervisor said “go ahead and request business class. I’m happy to decline it as many times as you want.”

Lol, I love your supervisor.

Seriously tho, working for gov is supposed to be public service. The overwhelming majority of people we serve do not fly business. So there’s no reason we should do it on THEIR dime.

Under that thinking no one should earn over minimum wage either..

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I work for DOJ and have been asked to fly across the globe (think Australia) for a big meeting. My travel department isn't the greatest so I want to get information before I go to them. Can I justify traveling business class working for the government? The thought of sitting on the plane for that long is killing me.

14 hours of flying qualifies for business class.

Yes, this is true. It applies to all agencies as part of the CFR section 301.103. (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-41/subtitle-F/chapter-301/subchapter-B/part-301-10)

However it’s a “may” not a “must”. I used to have to travel >14 hrs several times a year for my role, so I asked and my supervisor said “go ahead and request business class. I’m happy to decline it as many times as you want.”

Lol, I love your supervisor.

Seriously tho, working for gov is supposed to be public service. The overwhelming majority of people we serve do not fly business. So there’s no reason we should do it on THEIR dime.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also, USG requires use of a US flag carrier if exists on that route. So likely you will be on DL or UA, not on QF or Air NZ.

t
Not necessary. My spouse was booked in regional carriers because they said United would cost twice as much.

Fly America only applies between the US and Europe as far as I know.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I work for DOJ and have been asked to fly across the globe (think Australia) for a big meeting. My travel department isn't the greatest so I want to get information before I go to them. Can I justify traveling business class working for the government? The thought of sitting on the plane for that long is killing me.

14 hours of flying qualifies for business class.

Yes, this is true. It applies to all agencies as part of the CFR section 301.103. (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-41/subtitle-F/chapter-301/subchapter-B/part-301-10)

However it’s a “may” not a “must”. I used to have to travel >14 hrs several times a year for my role, so I asked and my supervisor said “go ahead and request business class. I’m happy to decline it as many times as you want.”

Anonymous wrote:I work for DOJ and have been asked to fly across the globe (think Australia) for a big meeting. My travel department isn't the greatest so I want to get information before I go to them. Can I justify traveling business class working for the government? The thought of sitting on the plane for that long is killing me.

14 hours of flying qualifies for business class.

Anonymous wrote:I don’t know but you’re probably outing yourself by posting these details (if you care).

I’m not that important. I changed the details enough anyway. But thanks!

Anonymous wrote:Also, USG requires use of a US flag carrier if exists on that route. So likely you will be on DL or UA, not on QF or Air NZ.

t
Not necessary. My spouse was booked in regional carriers because they said United would cost twice as much.

Anonymous wrote:I flew to China for the Treasury department and I sat in a middle seat in coach. I hope you get to go up front but doubt they will let you.

I would quit. This is barbaric.

Anonymous wrote:Also, USG requires use of a US flag carrier if exists on that route. So likely you will be on DL or UA, not on QF or Air NZ.

You can do codeshare with a US carrier. I did gov travel to Aus on Qantas through codeshare.

It’s agency dependent. This is what your miles are for.

Anonymous wrote:14+ hours qualifies for either business or layover overnight.

This is how my agency is.