City Pair Program tips

Flying, booking, and airports

Whether you have to fly on the contract carrier

As a mandatory user, you must fly on the contract carrier. Use the contract airline unless an official exception applies. Read Federal Travel Regulation 301-10.111 to learn about exceptions. You cannot bypass the contract carrier for your personal preference or frequent flyer rewards.

There is an exception for commercial fares. You may book a non-contract carrier only if their public fare lowers the total trip cost. If you choose this option, you must accept commercial fare restrictions, such as non-refundable tickets or change fees.

If there is no contract fare for your route

Ask your travel manager or supervisor for guidance before you book a commercial fare.

Which airport you should use for your outbound flight

Ask your travel manager or supervisor to confirm which departure and arrival airports your agency authorizes.

Why we might award a connecting flight instead of a nonstop

While we prefer nonstop routes, connecting service is awarded when:

• No carrier offered nonstop service.
• The nonstop carrier failed to meet minimum service standards, such as flight frequency.
• The nonstop fare was unreasonably expensive.
• The connecting flight offered significantly better overall value.

What last seat availability, or LSA means

LSA means you can buy a contract ticket as long as any coach seat remains available on the plane. It guarantees you a seat on the flight, but not a specific seat assignment.

Combining two contract fares to save money

If a contract fare exists for your entire route, you cannot combine multiple fares to bypass an existing contract route.

If no contract fare exists for your full route, you or your travel agent may combine contract and commercial fares to get the lowest total price.

Who can use our City Pair Program

Government contractors

Contractors cannot use City Pair fares under any circumstances, in accordance with FTR 301-10.111. Agencies may not use Centrally Billed Accounts or invitational travel orders to give contractors access to contract fares.

Military reservists

Reservists traveling to inactive duty training, or IDT, can use contract fares if they have an official GSA SmartPay Travel Card issued by their commanding officer. Book reservations through your base Commercial Travel Office, or CTO.

Groups

Groups of 10 or more traveling together on the same flight are exempt from mandatory City Pair use. Agencies can choose whichever commercial airline offers the most practical, cost-effective group rate.