Airline City Pair Prices Prices
To see how much a flight would cost under the city pair contracts, try the GSA database (click on Airfare Searches).
Program Information
The city pair program provides for discounted air travel FOR GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES traveling on OFFICIAL BUSINESS.
Domestic city pairs are awarded on an airport by airport basis (Chicago-O'Hare/Washington-National).
International city pairs are awarded on a city by city basis (Washington/Paris).
The contracts are competitively awarded based on THE BEST OVERALL VALUE to the Government, which is determined, using the following criteria: type of flight distribution, frequency of flights, average flight time, and price. Contract fares are effective October 1, 1997 through September 30, 1998.
GSA was able to award non-stop service in over 99% of the markets where non-stop service is offered. In those markets where connect service was awarded over non-stop service, the difference in price was too substantial to overcome or the non-stop carrier did not make an offer in the market.
WHAT DOES IT COVER?
The city pair program now includes over 5,600 markets and has annual sales of approximately $1.6 billion. The contracts feature an average discount of 70% off the walk-up fare, saving the Government approximately $2.65 billion per year over commercial walk-up fares.
The program features several advantages over commercial fares:
- No advance purchase is required
- No minimum or maximum length of stay is required
- Tickets are fully refundable
- No charge for cancellations or changes
- Last seat availability
- No blackout periods
- Fares are one-way, permitting multiple destinations
Additionally, the Federal traveler has the option of declaring one of the following exceptions to using the contract carrier:
- Contract carrier flights are not available in time to accomplish the purpose of the travel, or the use of contract service would increase the total cost of the trip.
- Contract carrier flight is inconsistent with explicit policies of Federal agencies to schedule travel during normal working hours.
- Noncontract carrier offers a lower fare available to the general public, the use of which will result in a lower overall trip cost. (This exception does not apply if the contract carrier offers a comparable fare).
- Rail service is available and is cost effective and consistent with mission requirements.
Federal travelers should use these exceptions rather than be late for scheduled business appointments.
WHO CAN USE THIS CONTRACT?
All Federal agencies are authorized to use these contract fares.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Name: Anne M. HasselbrackPhone: (703) 305-7504
E-mail: anne.hasselbrack@gsa.gov
Name: Renita Nowlin
Phone: (703) 305-7640
Email: renita.nowlin@gsa.gov
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