41 CFR 301-70.800: -70.800 Ensuring that travel on Government aircraft is the most cost-effective alternative.

(a) Agencies must ensure that travel on a Government aircraft is the most cost-effective alternative that will meet the travel requirement. The designated travel approving official must—

(1) Compare the cost of all travel alternatives, as applicable, that is—

(i) Travel on a scheduled commercial airline;

(ii) Travel on a Federal aircraft;

(iii) Travel on a Government aircraft hired as a commercial aviation service (CAS); and

(iv) Travel by other available modes of transportation; and

(2) Approve only the most cost-effective alternative that meets the agency's needs.

(3) Consider the cost of non-productive or lost work time while in travel status and certain other costs when comparing the costs of using Government aircraft in lieu of scheduled commercial airline service and other available modes of transportation.

(b) The aircraft management office in the agency that owns or hires the Government aircraft must provide the employee's designated travel-approving official with cost estimates for a Government aircraft trip (i.e., a Federal aircraft trip cost or a CAS aircraft trip cost).

(c) When an agency operates a Government aircraft to fulfill a non-travel related governmental function or for required use travel, using any space available for passengers on official travel is presumed to result in cost savings.