• Cover Letters
  • Jobs I've Applied To
  • Saved Searches
  • Subscriptions
  • Marine Corps
  • Coast Guard
  • Space Force
  • Military Podcasts
  • Benefits Home
  • Military Pay and Money
  • Veteran Health Care
  • VA eBenefits
  • Veteran Job Search
  • Military Skills Translator
  • Upload Your Resume
  • Veteran Employment Project
  • Vet Friendly Employers
  • Career Advice
  • Military Life Home
  • Military Trivia Game
  • Veterans Day
  • Spouse & Family
  • Military History
  • Discounts Home
  • Featured Discounts
  • Veterans Day Restaurant Discounts
  • Electronics
  • Join the Military Home
  • Contact a Recruiter
  • Military Fitness

Dependent Student Travel

A post at World Traveling Military Family has been getting a lot of social media attention, and it has helped me to realize that a lot of people don't know about the authorization for government-paid travel for dependent military children who are attending school in the United States while their sponsor and family are stationed outside the United States (OCONUS), including Hawaii and Alaska.

I know I have never written about this, because to me it falls under the same category as other government-paid travel, like PCS moves, Consecutive Overseas Tours (COT) travel and medical travel.  I assumed that everyone knows about these travel entitlements, but maybe I should write about all of them.

Eligibility

  • meet the qualification to be a regular military dependent (under 23 if a full-time college student),
  • command sponsored for the overseas location at which his or her sponsor and family are living,
  • a full-time student at an accredited school (the same requirements to remain a dependent beyond age 21).  This may be a high school, college or university, or qualifying vocational school.  The benefit remains for 30 days after leaving school for any reason.

(If this seems confusing to you, think of it this way:  the college student's home is with their family.  The government is providing transportation to and from their place of education.)

Military families who have used the dependent student travel program tell me that the two one-way tickets must be used in opposite directions, which makes sense to me.  Many families choose to use this benefit over the Christmas holidays, when tickets are expensive, and then pay for summer travel out-of-pocket.

The benefit is based on a fiscal year, so families can strategize the best way to use the benefit during the students first or last year of school, or during the family's first or last year stationed OCONUS.

How To Use The Program

  • The service member asks their personnel office to cut travel orders for their dependent child.
  • With the travel orders, the service member then asks the travel office to make the arrangements.
  • Depending on details, the travel may be direct billed to the government or the service member may pay out-of-pocket and file a travel claim.

All this information is available in the Joint Travel Regulations , Chapter 7, Part C, Section 1, Subsection E:  Special Circumstances Travel and Transportation, Dependent Student Travel, Uniformed Members, Dependent Student Transportation to a School In the US.  If you've not read through the Joint Travel Regs , I encourage you to take a little time seeing what information is there.  It contains all the rules that apply to your travel and housing allowances.

You May Also Like

student travel opm

Your military pay is calculated once a month. Here's how it works.

student travel opm

Military Saves Week runs from April 15-19, 2024. Here’s how to plan your savings around a tax refund.

student travel opm

Military Saves Week runs from April 15-19, 2024. Here’s how to start saving for retirement now.

student travel opm

Military Saves Week runs from April 15-19, 2024. Here’s how to set up automatic savings for future expenditures.

Money Topics

  • Find a VA Lender
  • Home Ownership
  • Military PCS and Relocation
  • Retirement Central
  • Personal Finance
  • Military Saves

Select Service

  • National Guard

Personal Finance Topics

  • Banking & Saving
  • Credit & Debt
  • Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
  • Compare Credit Cards

Most Recent Military Pay Articles

Sec. of Defense Lloyd Austin

Funding to support a 19.5% pay raise for junior enlisted troops is included in the House's initial version of the annual...

Rep. Mike Rogers, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee

A 19.5% pay hike for junior enlisted service members next year is one step closer to reality after the House Armed Services...

Sen. Tammy Duckworth arrives for a meeting with Ukraine's President Zelenskyy

Sen. Tammy Duckworth suggested that the Pentagon has until the Senate Armed Services Committee debates its annual defense...

student travel opm

In an environment of sticky inflation, sky-high housing costs and a whole lot of uncertainty, military life has some solid...

(U.S. Army/Mary Davis)

The recommendation from the House Armed Services Committee in its draft version of the National Defense Authorization Act, or...

student travel opm

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

GSA Logo

  • Explore sell to government
  • Ways you can sell to government
  • How to access contract opportunities
  • Conduct market research
  • Register your business
  • Certify as a small business
  • Become a schedule holder
  • Market your business
  • Research active solicitations
  • Respond to a solicitation
  • What to expect during the award process
  • Comply with contractual requirements
  • Handle contract modifications
  • Monitor past performance evaluations
  • Explore real estate
  • 3D-4D building information modeling
  • Art in architecture | Fine arts
  • Computer-aided design standards
  • Commissioning
  • Design excellence
  • Engineering
  • Project management information system
  • Spatial data management
  • Facilities operations
  • Smart buildings
  • Tenant services
  • Utility services
  • Water quality management
  • Explore historic buildings
  • Heritage tourism
  • Historic preservation policy, tools and resources
  • Historic building stewardship
  • Videos, pictures, posters and more
  • NEPA implementation
  • Courthouse program
  • Land ports of entry
  • Prospectus library
  • Regional buildings
  • Renting property
  • Visiting public buildings
  • Real property disposal
  • Reimbursable services (RWA)
  • Rental policy and procedures
  • Site selection and relocation
  • For businesses seeking opportunities
  • For federal customers
  • For workers in federal buildings
  • Explore policy and regulations
  • Acquisition management policy
  • Aviation management policy
  • Information technology policy
  • Real property management policy
  • Relocation management policy
  • Travel management policy
  • Vehicle management policy
  • Federal acquisition regulations
  • Federal management regulations
  • Federal travel regulations
  • GSA acquisition manual
  • Managing the federal rulemaking process
  • Explore small business
  • Explore business models
  • Research the federal market
  • Forecast of contracting opportunities
  • Events and contacts
  • Explore travel
  • Per diem rates
  • Transportation (airfare rates, POV rates, etc.)
  • State tax exemption
  • Travel charge card
  • Conferences and meetings
  • E-gov travel service (ETS)
  • Travel category schedule
  • Federal travel regulation

Travel policy

  • Explore technology
  • Cloud computing services
  • Cybersecurity products and services
  • Data center services
  • Hardware products and services
  • Professional IT services
  • Software products and services
  • Telecommunications and network services
  • Work with small businesses
  • Governmentwide acquisition contracts
  • MAS information technology
  • Software purchase agreements
  • Cybersecurity
  • Digital strategy
  • Emerging citizen technology
  • Federal identity, credentials, and access management
  • Mobile government
  • Technology modernization fund
  • Explore about us
  • Annual reports
  • Mission and strategic goals
  • Role in presidential transitions
  • Get an internship
  • Launch your career
  • Elevate your professional career
  • Discover special hiring paths
  • Events and training
  • Agency blog
  • Congressional testimony
  • GSA does that podcast
  • News releases
  • Leadership directory
  • Staff directory
  • Office of the administrator
  • Federal Acquisition Service
  • Public Buildings Service
  • Staff offices
  • Board of Contract Appeals
  • Office of Inspector General
  • Region 1 | New England
  • Region 2 | Northeast and Caribbean
  • Region 3 | Mid-Atlantic
  • Region 4 | Southeast Sunbelt
  • Region 5 | Great Lakes
  • Region 6 | Heartland
  • Region 7 | Greater Southwest
  • Region 8 | Rocky Mountain
  • Region 9 | Pacific Rim
  • Region 10 | Northwest/Arctic
  • Region 11 | National Capital Region
  • Per Diem Lookup

Travel resources

Per diem look-up, 1 choose a location.

Error, The Per Diem API is not responding. Please try again later.

No results could be found for the location you've entered.

Rates for Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. Territories and Possessions are set by the Department of Defense .

Rates for foreign countries are set by the State Department .

2 Choose a date

Rates are available between 10/1/2021 and 09/30/2024.

The End Date of your trip can not occur before the Start Date.

Traveler reimbursement is based on the location of the work activities and not the accommodations, unless lodging is not available at the work activity, then the agency may authorize the rate where lodging is obtained.

Unless otherwise specified, the per diem locality is defined as "all locations within, or entirely surrounded by, the corporate limits of the key city, including independent entities located within those boundaries."

Per diem localities with county definitions shall include "all locations within, or entirely surrounded by, the corporate limits of the key city as well as the boundaries of the listed counties, including independent entities located within the boundaries of the key city and the listed counties (unless otherwise listed separately)."

When a military installation or Government - related facility(whether or not specifically named) is located partially within more than one city or county boundary, the applicable per diem rate for the entire installation or facility is the higher of the rates which apply to the cities and / or counties, even though part(s) of such activities may be located outside the defined per diem locality.

City Pair airfares

Visit City Pair Program to learn about its competitive, federally-negotiated airline rates for 7,500+ domestic and international cities, equating to over 13,000 city pairs.

  • Search for contract fares

Note: All fares are listed one-way and are valid in either direction. Disclaimer - taxes and fees may apply to the final price

Taxes and fees may apply to the final price

Your agency’s authorized travel management system will show the final price, excluding baggage fees. Commercial baggage fees can be found on the Airline information page.

Domestic fares include all existing Federal, State, and local taxes, as well as airport maintenance fees and other administrative fees. Domestic fares do not include fees such as passenger facility charges, segment fees, and passenger security service fees.

International

International fares do not include taxes and fees, but include fuel surcharge fees.

Note for international fares: City codes, such as Washington (WAS), are used for international routes.

Federal travelers should use their authorized travel management system when booking airfare.

  • E-Gov Travel Service for civilian agencies.
  • Defense Travel System for the Department of Defense.

If these services are not fully implemented, travelers should use these links:

  • Travel Management Center for civilian agencies.
  • Defense Travel Management Office for the Department of Defense.

GSA lodging programs

Shop for lodging at competitive, often below-market hotel rates negotiated by the federal government.

FedRooms provides federal travelers on official business with FTR compliant hotel rooms for transient and extended stays (up to 29 days). The program uses FEMA and ADA-compliant rooms with flexible booking terms at or below per diem rates. Federal employees should make reservations, including FedRooms reservations, via their travel management service.

Visit GSALodging for more details on FedRooms and for additional programs offering meeting space, long term lodging, and emergency lodging.

Privately owned vehicle (POV) mileage reimbursement rates

GSA has adjusted all POV mileage reimbursement rates effective January 1, 2024.

* Airplane nautical miles (NMs) should be converted into statute miles (SMs) or regular miles when submitting a voucher using the formula (1 NM equals 1.15077945 SMs).

For calculating the mileage difference between airports, please visit the U.S. Department of Transportation's Inter-Airport Distance website.

Plan and Book

Plan a trip

Research and prepare for government travel.

Per diem, meals & incidental expenses (M&IE) Passenger transportation (airfare rates, POV rates, etc.) Lodging Conferences/meetings Travel charge card State tax exemption

Agency Services

Services for government agencies

Programs providing commercial travel services.

Travel Category Schedule (Schedule L) E-Gov Travel Service (ETS) Emergency Lodging Services (ELS) Employee relocation

Travel Policy

Travel reporting

Federal Travel Regulation Table of contents Chapter 300—General Chapter 301—Temporary Duty (TDY) Travel allowances Chapter 302 - Relocation allowances

Student Travel

Authority: Chapter Five (U5243-C)

Home

U.S. Government Accountability Office

Reimbursement of Traveling and Living Expenses for Student Volunteers (60 COMP.GEN. 456)

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) requested a decision as to whether the head of an agency who accepts voluntary services of students, as authorized under the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, may provide travel and subsistence expenses, quarters, or any other reimbursements or payments in kind to such volunteers. Under this legislation and subject to applicable regulations, the head of an agency may accept the voluntary, uncompensated services of students in educational programs established by the agency. OPM suggests that, while many volunteers are able to work without pay or employee benefits, they will be financially unable to undertake any assignment at personal expense involving service at a location away from their places of residence. Therefore, OPM asked whether it may issue regulations which would permit the students to be reimbursed for their out-of-pocket traveling and living expenses, or to be provided with transportation, meals, and quarters in kind by the Government while they are participating in the volunteer programs. The Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 authorizes a limited exception to the statutory prohibition against the acceptance of voluntary service by Federal agencies by allowing agencies to establish certain education programs for high school and college sutdent volunteers. Sponsoring agencies may not pay for the student volunteers' traveling or living expenses since the statute and its legislative history make no provision for payment of those expenses, and the statute specifically excludes the volunteers from being considered Federal employees for most purposes including travel and transportation entitlements. Accordingly, GAO held that regulations may not be issued which would permit Federal agencies to pay travel allowances to the student volunteers, or to provide them with transportation, meals, and quarters in kind.

B-201528, MAY 11, 1981, 60 COMP.GEN. 456

VOLUNTARY SERVICES - PROHIBITION AGAINST ACCEPTING IN THE ABSENCE OF SPECIFIC STATUTORY AUTHORITY, FEDERAL AGENCIES ARE PROHIBITED FROM ACCEPTING VOLUNTARY SERVICE FROM INDIVIDUALS EXCEPT IN CERTAIN EMERGENCIES. WHENEVER AN AGENCY IS AUTHORIZED BY STATUTE TO ACCEPT VOLUNTARY PERSONAL SERVICES AS AN EXCEPTION TO THAT PROHIBITION, THE SPECIFIC TERMS OF THE PARTICULAR STATUTORY AUTHORIZATION GOVERN THE CONDITIONS OF THE ARRANGEMENT, INCLUDING THE SCOPE OF SERVICES WHICH MAY BE PERFORMED BY THE VOLUNTEERS AND THE MATTER OF WHETHER THE AGENCY MAY PAY FOR THE VOLUNTEERS' TRANSPORTATION, MEALS, AND LODGINGS. 31 U.S.C. 665(B). VOLUNTARY SERVICES - PROHIBITION AGAINST ACCEPTING - STATUTORY EXCEPTIONS - CIVIL SERVICE REFORM ACT OF 1978 - STUDENT VOLUNTEERS SECTION 301(A) OF THE CIVIL SERVICE REFORM ACT OF 1978, 5 U.S.C. 3111, AUTHORIZES A LIMITED EXCEPTION TO THE PROHIBITION AGAINST THE ACCEPTANCE OF VOLUNTARY SERVICE BY FEDERAL AGENCIES, BY ALLOWING AGENCIES TO ESTABLISH CERTAIN EDUCATION PROGRAMS FOR HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE STUDENT VOLUNTEERS. SPONSORING AGENCIES MAY NOT PAY FOR THE STUDENT VOLUNTEERS' TRAVELING OR LIVING EXPENSES, SINCE THE STATUTE AND ITS LEGISLATIVE HISTORY MAKE NO PROVISION FOR PAYMENT OF THOSE EXPENSES, AND THE STATUTE SPECIFICALLY EXCLUDES THE VOLUNTEERS FROM BEING CONSIDERED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES FOR MOST PURPOSES INCLUDING TRAVEL AND TRANSPORTATION ENTITLEMENTS.

MATTER OF: STUDENT VOLUNTEERS - TRAVELING AND LIVING EXPENSES, MAY 11, 1981:

THIS ACTION IS IN RESPONSE TO A LETTER DATED DECEMBER 9, 1980, FROM THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (OPM), REQUESTING A DECISION ON THE QUESTION OF--

(WHETHER THE HEAD OF AN AGENCY WHO ACCEPTS VOLUNTARY SERVICES OF STUDENTS AS AUTHORIZED BY SECTION 3111(B) OF TITLE 5, U.S.C. MAY PROVIDE TRAVEL AND SUBSISTENCE EXPENSES, QUARTERS, OR ANY OTHER REIMBURSEMENTS OR PAYMENTS IN KIND TO SUCH VOLUNTEERS.

WE HAVE CONCLUDED THAT EXPENDITURES OF THE TYPE IN QUESTION MAY NOT BE MADE.

IN REQUESTING A DECISION IN THIS MATTER, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR NOTES THAT THE CIVIL SERVICE REFORM ACT OF 1978 ADDED SECTION 3111 TO TITLE 5 OF THE U.S.C. RELATIVE TO THE SERVICES OF STUDENT VOLUNTEERS. UNDER 5 U.S.C. 3111(B) THE HEAD OF AN AGENCY MAY, SUBJECT TO REGULATIONS ISSUED BY OPM, ACCEPT THE VOLUNTARY, UNCOMPENSATED SERVICES OF STUDENTS IN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS ESTABLISHED BY THE AGENCY. THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR SUGGESTS THAT MANY VOLUNTEERS, WHILE ABLE TO WORK WITHOUT PAY OR EMPLOYEE BENEFITS, WILL BE FINANCIALLY UNABLE TO UNDERTAKE ANY ASSIGNMENT AT PERSONAL EXPENSE INVOLVING SERVICE AT A LOCATION AWAY FROM THEIR NORMAL PLACE OF RESIDENCE. CONSEQUENTLY, HE SUGGESTS THAT THE FLEXIBILITY AND SCOPE OF THE STUDENT VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS WILL BE GREATLY ENHANCED IF THE STUDENTS' TRAVELING AND LIVING EXPENSES WHEN THEY ARE AWAY FROM THEIR NORMAL PLACES OF RESIDENCE ARE PAID BY THE GOVERNMENT. HE THEREFORE ASKS WHETHER OPM MAY ISSUE REGULATIONS UNDER 5 U.S.C. 3111(B) WHICH WOULD PERMIT THE STUDENTS TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THEIR OUT-OF-POCKET TRAVELING AND LIVING EXPENSES-- OR TO BE PROVIDED WITH TRANSPORTATION, MEALS, AND QUARTERS IN KIND-- BY THE GOVERNMENT WHILE THEY ARE PARTICIPATING IN THE VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS.

OTHER OPM OFFICIALS IN SUBSEQUENT INFORMAL COMMUNICATIONS HAVE NOTED THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND THE VETERANS ADMINISTRATION HAVE VOLUNTEER SERVICE PROGRAMS IN WHICH UNCOMPENSATED VOLUNTEERS ARE FURNISHED WITH SOME TRANSPORTATION, MEALS, AND QUARTERS AT AGENCY EXPENSE. THOSE OFFICIALS HAVE ALSO NOTED THAT 5 U.S.C. 5703 AUTHORIZES PERSONS SERVING THE GOVERNMENT WITHOUT PAY TO BE GRANTED TRAVEL ALLOWANCES UNDER INVITATIONAL ORDERS. THEY THEREFORE ASK WHETHER THE FEATURES OF THOSE OTHER VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS OR THE PROVISIONS OF 5 U.S.C. 5703 MAY BE EXTENDED TO THE STUDENT VOLUNTEERS TO SERVE AS A BASIS FOR THE ISSUANCE OF REGULATIONS BY OPM WHICH WOULD PERMIT THE STUDENTS TO HAVE TRAVEL ALLOWANCES OR BE FURNISHED WITH TRANSPORTATION, MEALS, AND QUARTERS IN KIND BY THE GOVERNMENT.

SECTION 665(B) OF TITLE 31, U.S.C. (SECTION 3679, REVISED STATUTES), PROVIDES THAT:

NO OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE OF THE UNITED STATES SHALL ACCEPT VOLUNTARY SERVICE FOR THE UNITED STATES OR EMPLOY PERSONAL SERVICE IN EXCESS OF THAT AUTHORIZED BY LAW, EXCEPT IN CASES OF EMERGENCY INVOLVING THE SAFETY OF HUMAN LIFE OR THE PROTECTION OF PROPERTY.

THIS PROHIBITS FEDERAL AGENCIES FROM ACCEPTING VOLUNTARY SERVICES FROM INDIVIDUALS IN THE ABSENCE OF SPECIFIC STATUTORY AUTHORITY, EXCEPT IN THE EMERGENCIES MENTIONED. SEE B-159715, DECEMBER 18, 1978.

SECTION 301(A) OF THE CIVIL SERVICE REFORM ACT OF 1978, PUB. L. NO. 95-454, OCTOBER 13, 1978, 92 STAT. 1144, ADDED SECTION 3111 TO TITLE 5 OF THE U.S.C. TO SPECIFICALLY GIVE FEDERAL AGENCIES AUTHORITY TO ACCEPT THE VOLUNTARY SERVICES OF STUDENTS FOR THE PURPOSE OF ENHANCING THEIR EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES. PREVIOUSLY, AGENCIES HAD GENERALLY BEEN PROHIBITED BY 31 U.S.C. 665(B) FROM ACCEPTING STUDENT VOLUNTEERS WHO WERE INTERESTED IN GAINING SUCH EXPERIENCES. SEE B-159715, SUPRA; AND B-139261, JUNE 26, 1959.

ALTHOUGH 5 U.S.C. 3111 NOW AUTHORIZES FEDERAL AGENCIES TO ACCEPT THE VOLUNTARY SERVICE OF STUDENTS, SPECIFIC LIMITATIONS ARE IMPOSED ON THE SCOPE AND CONDITIONS OF THAT SERVICE. FOR EXAMPLE, THEY ARE TO SERVE WITHOUT COMPENSATION IN PROGRAMS ESTABLISHED BY AN AGENCY SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED TO PROVIDE THEM WITH EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES. 5 U.S.C. 3111(B). ALSO, THEY ARE NOT TO BE CONSIDERED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES FOR ANY PURPOSE OTHER THAN 5 U.S.C. 8101-8193 (COMPENSATION FOR WORK INJURY) AND 28 U.S.C. 2671-2680 (TORT CLAIMS). 5 U.S.C. 3111(C).

THE TERMS OF 5 U.S.C. 3111 MAKE NO PROVISION FOR PAYMENT OF THE STUDENT VOLUNTEERS' TRAVELING OR LIVING EXPENSES. MOREOVER, THE LEGISLATIVE HISTORY OF THE STATUTE REFLECTS THE CONGRESSIONAL INTENT THAT EXPENDITURES THEREUNDER BE LIMITED TO PAYMENT OF THE STUDENTS' INJURY COMPENSATION AND OF TORT CLAIMS RESULTING FROM THEIR ACTIVITIES. SEE SEC. VIII, SEN. REP. NO. 95-969, JULY 10, 1978. THUS, IT IS OUR VIEW THAT 5 U.S.C. 3111 IN AND OF ITSELF PROVIDES NO AUTHORITY FOR PAYMENT OF THE EXPENSES HERE IN QUESTION.

A NUMBER OF OTHER SPECIFIC STATUTORY ENACTMENTS AUTHORIZE CERTAIN FEDERAL AGENCIES TO ACCEPT THE SERVICES OF VOLUNTEERS AS AN EXCEPTION TO THE PROHIBITION SET FORTH IN 31 U.S.C. 665(B). THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE UNDER THE EXPRESS STATUTORY AUTHORITY OF 16 U.S.C. 558A AND 558B MAY ACCEPT THE SERVICES OF UNCOMPENSATED VOLUNTEERS IN FURTHERANCE OF THE NATIONAL FOREST PROGRAM, AND THE AGENCY IS GIVEN EXPRESS STATUTORY AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE FOR THE FOREST SERVICE VOLUNTEERS' "INCIDENTAL EXPENSES, SUCH AS TRANSPORTATION, UNIFORMS, LODGING, AND SUBSISTENCE." ALSO, 38 U.S.C. 213 EXPRESSLY AUTHORIZES THE VETERANS ADMINISTRATION TO ACCEPT SUCH VOLUNTARY SERVICES AS MAY BE DEEMED NECESSARY IN CARRYING OUT ITS RESPONSIBILITIES, AND WE HAVE PREVIOUSLY EXPRESSED THE VIEW THAT UNDER THIS STATUTORY AUTHORIZATION MEALS MAY BE FURNISHED WITHOUT CHARGE TO VOLUNTEER WORKERS AS MAY BE NECESSARY IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES AT VETERANS' HOSPITALS AND CLINICS. SEE 43 COMP.GEN. 305(1963). IN THESE AND OTHER SITUATIONS WHEN FEDERAL AGENCIES ARE AUTHORIZED TO ACCEPT VOLUNTARY SERVICES, THE SPECIFIC TERMS OF THE PARTICULAR STATUTORY AUTHORIZATION GOVERN THE CONDITIONS OF THE ARRANGEMENT, INCLUDING THE SCOPE OF SERVICES WHICH MAY BE PERFORMED BY THE VOLUNTEERS AND THE MATTER OF WHETHER THE AGENCY MAY PAY FOR THEIR TRANSPORTATION, LODGINGS, MEALS, UNIFORMS, ETC. COMPARE B-173933, DECEMBER 21, 1971. HENCE, IN OUR VIEW PARTICULAR PROVISIONS OF LAW WHICH MAY VARIOUSLY ALLOW PAYMENT IN SOME MEASURE OF THE TRANSPORTATION OR LIVING EXPENSES OF VOLUNTEER WORKERS IN FORESTRY PROJECTS OR VETERANS' HOSPITALS HAVE NO APPLICATION TO STUDENTS ENROLLED IN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS UNDER 5 U.S.C. 3111.

AS TO THE POSSIBLE APPLICATION OF 5 U.S.C. 5703, THAT STATUTE PROVIDES FEDERAL AGENCIES GENERALLY WITH AUTHORITY TO PAY THE TRAVEL EXPENSES OF A PERSON SERVING THE GOVERNMENT WITHOUT PAY. APPLICATION OF THE STATUTE IS LIMITED TO PERSONS WHO MAY PROPERLY BE REGARDED AS EXPERTS, CONSULTANTS, WITNESSES, ATTENDANTS, OR OTHER ADVISORS AND AIDES, WHEN THEY ARE CALLED AWAY FROM THEIR HOMES AT THE REQUEST OF AN AGENCY TO PERFORM A DIRECT SERVICE FOR THE GOVERNMENT. SEE 55 COMP.GEN. 750, 752(1976) AND 59 COMP.GEN. 675(1980). HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE STUDENTS PERMITTED TO PARTICIPATE IN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS UNDER 5 U.S.C. 3111 ARE NOT NECESSARILY PERFORMING A DIRECT SERVICE FOR THE GOVERNMENT, AND, AS MENTIONED, THE CONGRESSIONAL INTENT WAS NOT TO AUTHORIZE THE STUDENTS TO TRAVEL AT GOVERNMENT EXPENSE BUT RATHER TO LIMIT THE EXPENSE OF THE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS TO PAYMENT OF THE STUDENTS' INJURY COMPENSATION AND OF TORT CLAIMS ARISING FROM THEIR ACTIVITIES. HENCE, IT IS OUR VIEW THAT PROVISIONS OF 5 U.S.C. 5703 HAVE NO APPLICATION TO STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS UNDER 5 U.S.C. 3111.

IN CONCLUSION, IT IS EVIDENT THAT IN ENACTING 5 U.S.C. 3111 THE CONGRESS INTENDED ONLY TO PERMIT A LIMITED EXCEPTION TO THE PROHIBITION AGAINST THE ACCEPTANCE OF VOLUNTARY SERVICE BY FEDERAL AGENCIES, IN ORDER TO ALLOW AGENCIES TO ESTABLISH EDUCATION PROGRAMS IN COOPERATION WITH SCHOOL AUTHORITIES FOR THE BENEFIT OF HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE STUDENTS. PROVISION WAS MADE IN 5 U.S.C. 3111 FOR THE STUDENTS' TRAVELING AND LIVING EXPENSES TO BE BORNE BY THE GOVERNMENT, AND IT DOES NOT APPEAR THAT ANY SUCH PROVISION WAS INTENDED. FURTHERMORE, THE PROPOSED EXPENDITURES ARE NOT ALLOWABLE UNDER ANY OTHER PROVISION OF LAW.

ACCORDINGLY, REGULATIONS MAY NOT BE ISSUED UNDER 5 U.S.C. 3111(B), WHICH WOULD PERMIT FEDERAL AGENCIES TO PAY TRAVEL ALLOWANCES TO THE STUDENT VOLUNTEERS, OR TO PROVIDE THEM WITH TRANSPORTATION, MEALS, AND QUARTERS IN KIND.

GAO Contacts

Shirley A. Jones Managing Associate General Counsel [email protected] (202) 512-5400

Office of Public Affairs

Sarah Kaczmarek Acting Managing Director [email protected] (202) 512-4800

Related Pages

Related Appropriations Law

Related Bid Protests

Related Decisions & FAQs

Related The Red Book

Related Contract Appeals Board

Related Federal Vacancies Reform Act

Related Congressional Review Act

  • Search Please fill out this field.
  • Manage Your Subscription
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Newsletters
  • Sweepstakes
  • Airlines + Airports

8 Airlines That Give Students and Young Adults Discounts and Exclusive Benefits

Did you know airlines offer student and young adult discounts? Here's what you need to know to save money on your next flight.

Harrison Pierce is a freelance writer and digital nomad passionate about personal finance and travel. He is traveling full-time with the help of points and miles and enjoys connecting with people on the ground. His work has been published in Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, USA Today Blueprint, Matador Network, and other publications. 

United Airlines

Singapore airlines, qatar airways, turkish airlines, bottom line.

KSChong/Getty Images

When flight prices are high, it’s essential to find any way to cut costs. This is especially true for students, who might be on a limited budget or be less flexible for times and dates they can fly. Luckily, some airlines offer student or youth discounts. Although these discounts generally aren’t substantial, every little bit helps to make travel more accessible. Requirements and eligibility will vary by airline, but you can expect the promotion to be valid on economy tickets and select routes. 

“We know travel is a priority for many young adults, so this summer season, which we anticipate will be United’s busiest ever with 5 percent more customers flying the airline this June, July, and August, we’re thrilled to offer United MileagePlus members ages 18 to 23 an exclusive discount on United Economy and Basic Economy seats – making it even easier for them to take flight on their next adventure,” says a spokesperson for United. 

Here are some domestic and international airlines that offer discounts for students or young adult travelers. Depending on the airline, these benefits range from 10 percent off your fare to an additional checked bag. 

Imgorthand/Getty Images

MileagePlus members ages 18 to 23 can receive a 5 percent discount on economy and basic economy seats for bookings made through September 30, 2024. To redeem, log in to the United app, go to the “book flight” section, and select the young traveler discount. Flights will automatically have the promotion applied. Remember that basic economy seats might not include a checked bag, so you will need to travel light to make the promotion worth it. This is the only U.S.-based airline that offers student discounts at the time of writing.

Iberia Joven is a program for both students and young people. If you are under 30, you get a 10 percent discount on flights; if you book for a group of four or more, you get a 15 percent discount. If you are traveling to study abroad, you can take an extra bag and make a free change on your return flight, regardless of your age. 

If you are enrolled at an eligible college or university, you can get 10 percent off when you book a Lite, Value, or Standard fare as part of Singapore Airlines student privileges . You will also receive an increased baggage allowance and a fee waiver on your first booking change. Singapore Airlines is unique in offering student discounts on economy, premium economy, and business class fares. All you need to do is verify your student status and start looking for deals. 

Qatar Airways has one of the best student programs on this list. Once you enroll in the Student Club program, you will receive a coupon for 10 percent off your booking. After your first journey, you’ll get 15 percent off your next booking and 20 percent off after your second and third trips. Students also receive increased flexibility, extra baggage allowance, and complimentary onboard Wi-Fi. You can extend your privileges to friends and family by selecting them to be student companions. If you fly once a year while enrolled in the program, you will receive a one-time elite status tier upgrade when you graduate. Enrolling in the program is quick and free but can provide substantial savings if you’re a Qatar frequent flier. 

Students ages 16 to 31 can receive up to 10 percent off economy and business class fares by using the promo code STUDENT to book a flight from now until March 31, 2025. You’ll also receive increased flexibility on your bookings. For all flights except those to/from Canada and the U.S., you will get 10 kilograms more or an extra piece of luggage. To qualify, you need a valid student ID or school acceptance letter at check-in.  

rbkomar/Getty Images

SAS is another airline that offers youth tickets , but the amount you save will depend on the route you take and is difficult to predict. You must be between 12 and 25 years old and have a valid ID to be eligible. Seat availability is limited and is only available in specific booking classes (V class/O class). To redeem, simply search for a youth ticket. 

Lufthansa has a looser interpretation of “student.” To qualify for their student fare benefits , you must be 16 or older and either be enrolled in higher education or have proof that you’ve been accepted. You can search for and book student fares once you verify your student status based on your departure country. Destinations will depend on your origin, but if you attend school in the U.S., you can fly to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and India. Apart from savings, student fares also offer rebooking and refunds. 

Turkish Airlines has a great student program . You can receive up to 20 percent off domestic flights within Turkey and up to 15 percent off international flights. You also get an increased baggage allowance, a free ticket change, and 25 percent bonus miles on flights through the end of 2024. You simply need to create a Miles&Smiles account, verify your student status, and book your ticket. 

These programs are free to enroll in, so it only makes sense to take advantage of them if you are a student or eligible young adult who wants to see the world. Even if the savings aren’t substantial, every little bit helps when you’re on a budget.

Related Articles

U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

  • A–Z Index
  • Operating Status

Search Button

Pay Administration

Questions and answers, what qualifies as time in a travel status.

IMAGES

  1. What are the advantages of having a Student Travel Insurance Policy

    student travel opm

  2. 5 Steps to Find a Good Student Travel Programs

    student travel opm

  3. Knowing More About Student Travel Coverage

    student travel opm

  4. How To Travel As A Student: An Extensive Guide

    student travel opm

  5. Lessons Learned: Student Travel Focuses on Recovery

    student travel opm

  6. Student Travel

    student travel opm

VIDEO

  1. Leeds welcomes Chinese students

  2. LuysCast Talk #1 Amit Raina

  3. Mbbs second year microbiology lab gram staining || mbbs student || life in medical collage #mbbs

  4. UFS Vice-Chancellor addresses media on academic year preparedness, NSFAS, student safety

  5. President Junior High School in Story Telling Competition FLS2N 2017

  6. Are college degrees important?|Under the Peepal Tree|Part 8|The Peepal Grove School

COMMENTS

  1. Compensatory Time Off for Travel

    For availability pay recipients, this means hours of travel are not creditable as time in a travel status for compensatory time off purposes if the hours are (1) compensated by basic pay, (2) regularly scheduled overtime hours creditable under 5 U.S.C. 5542, or (3) "unscheduled duty hours" as described in 5 CFR 550.182(a), (c), and (d).

  2. Compensatory Time Off for Travel

    Crediting and Use. Compensatory time off for travel is credited and used in increments of one-tenth of an hour (6 minutes) or one-quarter of an hour (15 minutes). Employees must comply with their agency's procedures for requesting credit within the time period required by the agency. Employees must also comply with their agency's policies and ...

  3. Dependent Student Travel

    In order to qualify for dependent student travel benefits, the student must: a full-time student at an accredited school (the same requirements to remain a dependent beyond age 21). This may be a ...

  4. Student Education Travel

    Student Educational Travel allows for payment of a child's travel expenses between school and the employee's foreign post of assignment once each way annually for secondary or post-secondary education. Student Educational Travel may also be at the post-baccalaureate level as long as the child is under 23 and resides with the employee at ...

  5. Hours of Work for Travel

    Under 5 U.S.C. 5542 (b) (2) and 5 CFR 550.112 (g), official travel away from an employee's official duty station is hours of work if the travel is-. results from an event that could not be scheduled or controlled administratively by any individual or agency in the executive branch of Government (such as training scheduled solely by a private ...

  6. PDF Information Paper

    student travel for Soldiers supported by the Military Personnel Division -USAG Humphreys. 3. References: a. AR 55-46, Travel Overseas, DTD 15 October 2020. b. Joint Travel Regulation (JTR), 050816. Dependent Student Travel 4. Facts: The Dependent Student Travel Program is one of the benefits afforded to active duty military personnel assigned ...

  7. PDF Per Diem, Travel and Transportation Allowance Committee 4800 Mark

    053806. Dependent Student Travel DoDI 1400.25, Vol. 1250 (Overseas Allowances and Differentials) authorizes educational travel, as specified in DSSR Section 280, for a dependent student of a DoD civilian employee assigned in a foreign area for travel to and from a school offering a full-time course of secondary or post-secondary education.

  8. PDF CIVILIAN PERSONNEL FLIGHT FACT SHEET

    Request SET Orders by submitting the "Request for Student Educational Travel" to 86 FSS/FSCA-R at least 30 days in advance of travel to [email protected]. The order request form can be requested by sending an e-mail to the orders box. Orders must be processed before travel begins. Travel can only be authorized if letter of ...

  9. Military Travel Benefits for College Students

    How to qualify for travel benefits. The government will pay for one round trip each fiscal year for college students if they meet the following requirements: The military parent is on an accompanied tour and the rest of the family is living OCONUS with them. If this is the case, the student will be sponsored by the command.

  10. Travel resources

    Your agency's authorized travel management system will show the final price, excluding baggage fees. Commercial baggage fees can be found on the Airline information page. Domestic Domestic fares include all existing Federal, State, and local taxes, as well as airport maintenance fees and other administrative fees. Domestic fares do not ...

  11. PDF MILPERSMAN 1750-010 TRANSPORTATION OF STUDENT DEPENDENTS ...

    clarifications for certain categories of personnel for the purposes of student dependent travel: a. A student, who is also a member of a reserve component, is a student dependent, unless the student is on active duty. b. A cadet or midshipman, attending one of the uniformed services academies, is not eligible for student dependent travel. c.

  12. PDF INFORMATION PAPER

    b. Joint Travel Regulation (JTR), 050816. Dependent Student Travel. 3. Facts: The Dependent Student Travel Program is one of the benefits afforded to active duty military personnel assigned overseas. The basic entitlement is for one fully funded round-trip per fiscal year for student Family members, unmarried, less than 23 years of age.

  13. Joint Travel Regulations

    Joint Travel Regulations. The Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) implements policy and law to establish travel and transportation allowances for Uniformed Service members (i.e., Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, Coast Guard, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Corps, and Public Health Service Commissioned Corps), Department of Defense (DoD) civilian ...

  14. Student Travel

    Student Travel. Authority: Chapter Five (U5243-C) Forward: The Department of Defense provides a travel authority for dependents of military and DOD civilian personnel to attend a college or university. In most cases travel will be from the overseas area to a college or university in the United States, however, there are exceptions.

  15. Reimbursement of Traveling and Living Expenses for Student Volunteers

    The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) requested a decision as to whether the head of an agency who accepts voluntary services of students, as authorized under the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, may provide travel and subsistence expenses, quarters, or any other reimbursements or payments in kind to such volunteers.

  16. Renewal Agreement Travel (RAT)

    A dependent may travel unaccompanied, but cannot perform round-trip travel under renewal-agreement authority if the civilian employee does not, at some point, perform authorized RAT. An unaccompanied dependent must not be authorized to start RAT beyond 6 months after the date the civilian employee begins travel, except as specified for DODEA ...

  17. Special Rates for Student Trainees

    Fact Sheet: Special Rates for Student Trainees. Student trainees may be eligible for a special rate even though their series is not listed in a special rate authorization. Student trainees are required to be officially classified in an occupational series ending in "99" for the appropriate occupational group. (See 5 CFR 213.3202 (b) (14).) All ...

  18. PDF Overseas Allowances & Entitlements Fact Sheet Marine Corps

    Student Educational Travel -Student Educational Travel allows payment for dependent child(ren) to travel between school and the sponsor's permanent duty station. Student Educational Travel is permitted for one round trip within a 12-month period up to the dependent's 23rd birthday or graduation, whichever occurs first. Dependent child ...

  19. Student dependents may be eligible for funded travel

    Approved command-sponsored student dependents are authorized one annual government funded round-trip travel at any time within a fiscal year Oct. 1 through Sept. 30, between the OCONUS PDS and the student's school. If travel crosses the fiscal year (e.g., the student leaves in August for school and returns after Oct. 1), one-way tickets should ...

  20. PDF Renewal Agreement Travel

    INFORMATION PAPER: Renewal Agreement Travel Defense Travel Management Office 5 August 2023 4. There are a few options for including documents and receipts to a DTS trip; Attach Receipt directly to an entered expense, Import a PDF document and attach to an expense, or use Documents to include records. • To enter an expense and attach a receipt, on the Enter Expense page, select Add.

  21. Compensatory Time Off for Travel

    In this example, the employee's compensatory time off for travel entitlement is as follows: Total travel time: 13.5 hours. minus. Travel time within regular working hours: 5.5 hours. Travel to/from airport within limits of official duty station: 2 hours. Compensatory time off for travel: 6 hours.

  22. 8 Airlines That Offer Student Discounts

    Iberia. Iberia Joven is a program for both students and young people. If you are under 30, you get a 10 percent discount on flights; if you book for a group of four or more, you get a 15 percent ...

  23. What qualifies as time in a travel status?

    What qualifies as time in a travel status? Travel status includes only the time "actually" spent traveling between the official duty station and a temporary duty station, or between two temporary duty stations, and the usual waiting time that preceds or interrups such travel. Welcome to opm.gov.