Can You buy your own flight tickets?

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Feb 2021 09:17:24 -0500

If you have orders to return home for any reason (end of contract, separation, emergency leave), can you buy your own plane tickets? Army Specifically

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2021 9:18 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Feb 2021 09:18:08 -0500

You can, but why would you want to?

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Feb 25 at 2021 4:45 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Thu, 25 Feb 2021 16:45:27 -0500

It depends on the circumstances. Also, you're junior enlisted, so your ability to buy tickets for official travel may be restricted. If you're going TDY, stick with DTS. The Government negotiates fares with the airlines that are normally cheaper or as cheap as buying the ticket yourself. Additionally, you may be prohibited from purchasing tickets for official travel with your own money and being reimbursed.

Leave is a different matter. Normally if you're going on leave, it's on your money, so you can buy transportation from whatever provider you want.

Since you're in the Guard, there may be additional rules because some of your travel may be State funded. Check with your chain of command.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Feb 25 at 2021 9:26 PM

SSG Brian G. — Thu, 25 Feb 2021 21:26:14 -0500

Yeah, you can but why would you? The Army or rather DOD is buying the ticket if you have orders, why put that money out of pocket if you do not have to?