Auto-cancellations

Under the City Pair Program contract, airlines can cancel your reservation if you don’t ticket it by a certain deadline. To avoid cancellations:

• For economy fares YCA and _CA: If you book more than 72 hours before departure, ticket your reservation at least 48 hours before departure. Approve and ticket your travel authorization at least three business days before departure to avoid cancellation.
• For business class (_CB) and premium economy (_CP) fares: If you book more than eight calendar days before departure, ticket your reservation at least seven days before departure. Approve and ticket your travel authorization at least eight calendar days before departure to avoid cancellation.

Auto-cancellation and rebooking come with no fees or penalties.

The auto-cancellation rule exists because it lets airlines resell unticketed seats and helps government travelers find last-minute reservations for emergency travel.

When auto-cancellation may not apply

Airlines have discretion over reservations made closer to departure. The auto-cancellation rule may not apply if:

• You book YCA or _CA fares less than 72 hours before departure. Airlines may still require ticketing six hours before departure at their discretion.
• You book _CB or _CP fares seven calendar days or less before departure. Airlines may still require ticketing six hours before departure at their discretion.
• You’re part of a group of 10 or more. Groups don’t have to use CPP fares. Your travel arranger will work with your travel management company to book group fares. If the airline allows your group to use CPP fares, the auto-cancellation rule applies as described above. If not, it doesn’t apply.
• You book a non-contract discounted government fare.

Steps to take if your trip gets canceled and you still need to travel

1. Work with your authorizing official to rebook your reservation. This may include calling your agency’s Travel Management Company directly, which can result in increased fees to your agency.
2. Check your agency’s policy on booking last-minute travel. Note that the new reservation may be made at a different fare — YCA — which could be higher than the original booked fare. The new booking may require additional approval on your travel authorization depending on your agency’s policy.
3. Allow time to issue your ticket before heading to the airport. Remember: If you are rebooking within 48 hours prior to departure, most airlines require ticketing within six hours of departure.
4. Tell your approving official about any changes to your travel.