Can you buy your own commercial flight tickets with govcc?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 18:04:50 -0400

Can you buy your own commercial flight tickets with govcc when pcsing to oconus and get reimbursed? it clearly states in the order and dfas website that if IBA is authorized you can buy your own transportation ticket using govcc. They are trying to give me AMU flight that has like 8hr layover in total. I'll buy my own tickets if I can get it reimbursed

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2021 8:45 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 20:45:08 -0400

Yes you can. Just ask your transportation when you get your ticket. The worse they say is no and you have to travel Patriot Express.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2021 9:06 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 21:06:16 -0400

Can’t recall exactly, but I’m pretty sure I tried this when I went OCONUS a couple years ago and the government had found the cheapest flight possible and told me I’d pay the difference if I wanted to change it. So if the flight was $500 and to fly a quicker route for $600, I had to pay $100.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2021 7:19 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 07:19:13 -0400

No, the tickets have to be purchased through travel or DFAS won't reimburse them. The part of using IBA refers to you will use your own GTC to pay for the tickets. Soldiers without a GTC have their tickets charged to a central account.

Depending on where you are going you can be authorized a stop on the way out. If you're PCSing to Korea, you're taking the Patriot express.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2021 7:29 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 07:29:35 -0400

If there is an AMC Patriot Express flight to/from your location you will have to take it. There will be no reimbursement without substantial justification when filing your voucher. When I left Germany they wouldn’t authorize commercial travel even after the next two Patriot Express rotators were already fully booked.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2021 9:59 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 09:59:25 -0400

From CONUS to OCONUS, if you are single you can't. To use your GOVCC it has to be activated by your DTS personnel, however; I do not think they will authorize for a commercial flight.

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Aug 23 at 2021 1:55 AM

SMSgt Bob Wilson — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 01:55:25 -0400

Years ago I did it for my convenience and Uncle Sam paid me the government cost of the ticket. I'll make up some numbers as an example. I paid $150; however, Uncle Sam's ticket was $100. I lost $50, but it was more convenient for me. Ask for a waiver.