Post privatisation of Air India, the Centre has decided in all cases of air travel where the Centre bears the cost of air passage, air tickets will be purchased only from the three authorized travel agents.
In a latest order of the Finance Ministry, the government employees have been encouraged to book flight tickets at least 21 days prior to the intended date of travel on tour and LTC. This has been done to avail the most competitive fares and minimize burden on the exchequer.
As per the notification, bookings may be made even if the approval of the tour programme is still under process.
“Any booking made within less than 72 hours of intended travel on tour, will require submission of self-declared justification by the employee. Employees are also encouraged to avoid unnecessary cancellations,” the notification read.
Cancellations made less than 24 hours before intended travel will require submission of a self-declared justification by the employee. As per the order, employees have been asked to book only one ticket for each leg of the intended travel.
Holding of more than one ticket is not allowed. In case of special exigencies, a maximum of two tickets for alternative flights for different time slots may be booked for the same leg of travel.
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