House passes frequent flier benefit for federal employees

A bill that would allow federal employees to keep frequent flier miles earned on official travel for personal use is flying through Congress.

On Monday, the House passed H.R. 2456, which Reps. Dan Burton, R-Ind., and Connie Morella, R-Md., introduced in early July.

In most cases, federal employees are not allowed to keep for personal use any frequent flier miles earned during trips taken for official government business. But a movement to repeal that rule has gained momentum recently. In May, the General Accounting Office put its weight behind overturning the ban, saying that enabling employees to keep their miles would help agencies compete with the private sector for talent.

Under H.R. 2456, federal workers could keep their miles as long as the frequent flier programs used were obtained under the same terms as provided to the general public and cost the government no extra money. Other frequent traveler benefit programs, such as hotel point programs and car rental point programs, would also be covered under the bill. The legislation would be retroactive, allowing federal employees to keep and use miles earned prior to the bill's enactment.

"For many federal employees, work travel can interfere with their personal lives. This new benefit will be a great way to thank them for their service. With this legislation, Congress will demonstrate to current and prospective federal employees that it values their service, and is willing to reward this service with appropriate benefits," said Morella.

The Bush administration added language in its proposed fiscal 2002 defense authorization bill that repeals restrictions on the personal use of frequent flier miles for both military and civilian employees.