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part of either authorized or cost-constructed travel itineraries because those
tactics violate air carrier contracts of carriage.
A Mission has the option of developing a policy requiring the use of restricted,
penalty fares subject to the conditions set out in this section. The authorizing
Mission must assume financial responsibility for any penalties associated with
these fares, should changes or cancellations be required by the USG. The
traveler is responsible for any penalties incurred for personal convenience.
If a Mission chooses to use restricted fares or fares with penalties for changes or
cancellations, the Mission must provide the TMC with a written policy for the use
of these fares, and the appropriate fare type (restricted or unrestricted) must be
indicated in the remarks of each TA. At posts where a TMC does not exist, the
traveler must provide written policy to M/MS/TTD and the USAID/W TMC.
When a traveler is authorized a restricted fare under 14 FAM 564.2, paragraph
b, and engages in indirect (cost-constructed) travel also using a restricted fare,
penalties incurred because of changes or cancellations required by the USG are
reimbursable up to the cost that would have been incurred for similar
modifications to the authorized routing. The traveler is responsible for any
penalties incurred for personal reasons.
522.3.10.9 Cost Construct Travel
Effective Date: 12/14/2023
Cost construct is travel based on a cost comparison between the cost of the official
travel and the cost of personal, also known as indirect, travel. When a traveler deviates
from the official route for personal convenience, the traveler is responsible for all
expenses in excess of amounts authorized for direct travel for the leg of the journey that
is by an indirect route, including baggage fees, increased costs as a result of ticket
changes, and any costs resulting from unforeseen circumstances (weather, mechanical
failure, etc.). All travelers must complete an AID 522-12 Cost Construct Form. The
AID 522-12 must be uploaded into the E2 TA before the ticket is issued.
When cost constructing travel, the cost of the USG fare(s) paid to the contract carriers
(as shown on the itinerary provided by the Agency-contracted TMC) must be the basis
for cost construct. Travelers must contact the TMC directly for a fare quote. For
USAID/W, M/MS/TTD is responsible for verifying the cost construct costs. For Missions,
the EXO is responsible for verifying the cost construct costs.
Travelers should contact the Agency-contracted TMC for a fare quote when conducting
cost-constructed travel. The TMC must provide a government cost for the authorized
route and a published fare (unrestricted/refundable) for the personal cost constructed
travel on the itinerary. Note: Fares are not guaranteed until ticketed. Cost-constructed
forms must be completed and submitted to the TMC prior to the issuance of tickets.
Travelers must use their government issued travel card (Individually Billed Account