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Rest periods during International Travel on Federal Grants

The Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) (part 301-11.20) allows for rest periods during travel under certain circumstances.  For federally funded travel, the FTR allows:   A rest period not in excess of 24 hours at either an intermediate point or at your destination may be taken if:
  1. Either your origin or destination point is outside the continental United States (OCONUS);
  2. Your scheduled flight time, including stopovers, exceeds 14 hours;
  3. Travel is by a direct or usually traveled route; and
  4. Travel is by less than premium-class service.

When a rest stop is authorized by the project director or principal investigator, the applicable per diem rate is the rate for the rest stop location.

Frequently Asked Questions
    

How do I know if my funding source qualifies?

Your fund must be in the 2xxxxx group.

 

Is the time I spend in the airport before my first flight or in the airport at my final destination included in the scheduled flight time for the 14-hour rule?

No.  The scheduled flight time includes stopovers between flights, but does not include time spent at the departure or arrival airports.

 

If my flight is delayed, is the delay time included in the scheduled flight time for the 14-hour rule?

No, only the scheduled flight time, including stopovers, is counted.

 

What type of documentation is needed?

Travelers claiming a rest period must attach to their reimbursement a copy of their flight itinerary.  The itinerary should be from a travel agent, web site, or airline the ticket was purchased from.  If the rest period occurs at an intermediate point and the flight time before and after the rest period does not exceed 14 hours, attach an itinerary showing the total flight and stopover time as if no rest period was taken.

 

What expenses are reimbursable?

Up to 24 hours of meal and lodging per diem.

 

May the rest period occur in an unrelated location?

The FTR requires travel by a direct or usually traveled route.  Any unusual routes require justification.

 

Do I have to meet all 4 conditions of the FTR?

Yes, all 4 are required.

Updated May 22, 2009