Federal travel regulations will affect reimbursement for meals and incidental expenses, hotel rates and frequent flier awards programs. Rates vary depending on location. Managers must approve all exceptions to the regulation prior to reimbursement. Exceptions will be granted only if lodging at the approved federal rate is unavailable for a particular travel destination. Using frequent flier miles accrued as the result of Lab travel for personal travel awards is not allowed under the Congressional mandate.
Travelers are responsible for tracking and utilizing frequent flier award points appropriately.
Personnel in the Lab's travel office are working to modify their reimbursement and tracking systems to accommodate the new regulations. Travel Office personnel hope to have systems updated by mid-November. Meantime, travel team employees will adjust all claims manually to ensure that reimbursements conform to federal travel regulations. Consequently, claim processing may take more time than normal. Travel Office officials are asking for patience and understanding during the transition period.