The Government Travel Card provides Air Force travelers freedom and flexibility while on official government travel. The card is to be used for official government travel expenses only, including lodging costs while performing Inactive Duty for Training.

Policy changes
The use of the Government Travel Card remains mandatory. The Travel and Transportation Reform Act of 1998 (Public Law, 105-264) states that the GTC shall be used by all U.S. government personnel (civilian and military) to pay for costs incident to official business travel. People who travel less than three times a year are exempt. 

The Office of Undersecretary of Defense, Comptroller, has directed Citibank to cancel any cards not used in the last 12 months. In addition, cards will be cancelled upon their expiration date if they have not been used during the previous 12 months.

If an Airman's card is cancelled, he or she should keep the actual plastic card because the account can be reinstated with the same account number.  If the card is kept, the Airman will not have to wait for a new card to be mailed. To reinstate the account, contact the base Agency Program Coordinator.

If people who have had their card canceled need to travel, their orders must indicate that they do not have a GTC and are entitled to travel advance. The orders will have to be created early enough for the EFT to take place. Airmen may, if they desire, use their personal credit card for lodging or rental cars, if authorized. For travel associated with military personnel orders, contact the government contracted travel office at the base producing the orders.

Mandatory use
Airmen who travel three or more times a year are required to use their government travel card to procure airline tickets through any government contracted travel office. The GTC may be used to procure lodging and rental car expenses, if authorized on the travel order.

The requirement that all federal employees who travel three or more times a year, use the GTC for all official government travel, brings the Department of Defense in line with the Travel and Transportation Reform Act of 1998.

For government travelers, the GTC offers many advantages, such as wide acceptance, less need to carry a lot of cash, and access to ATMs in case additional cash is required on a TDY. Also, Omega World Travel at ARPC will accept the card in advance of orders to reduce delays in issuing airline tickets.

ARPC officials note that commanders and supervisors have the authority to place additional restrictions on an individual's card if they deem it appropriate. These restrictions could include reducing dollar amounts available for ATM withdrawals and turning the card on and off as deemed necessary. Also, commanders can deny issuance of the card to personnel unlikely to travel on official business, or for financial irresponsibility, etc.

Application and APC information
Travel card accounts are managed by the Agency Program Coordinator within the Airman's chain of command. The unit personnel office or commander's support staff can help locate the correct APC. 

-- When an Airman transfers to another unit, he or she must out-process through the old APC and in-process through the new APC within 30 days to ensure the account is transferred to the appropriate unit, or risk having the card canceled. 

-- For Airmen assigned and attached to ARPC, the application for the Government Travel Card and a copy of the cardholder agreement are available by calling 303-676-6290 or DSN 926-6290. 

-- Airmen can find their APC by contacting their commander's support staff or personnel office. IMAs are usually assigned to active-duty organization and would find their APC at the unit of assignment. However, if the IMA is centrally managed by the Chaplain (HC), Judge Advocate (JA), Health Professions (SG), or Air Intelligence Agency (AIA), their APC will be located at the unit of attachment. For IMAs assigned to the Air Force Office of Special Investigation (AFOSI), the card will be managed by the AFOSI APC. 

About the Travel Card
-- Only used for reimbursable expenses and during IDTs for lodging costs and approved non-refundable airfare.

-- Airline charges are only authorized at government contracted ticket offices or Traffic Management Offices free with no interest charged.

-- Credit checks are performed on all new card applicants (no information is reported to the APC); however, the applicant has the option of denying the check, in which case he or she will be issued a restricted card. Only Citibank can report delinquent accounts to credit bureaus if they are 126 days or more past due. Bill must be paid in full by due date. 
 
-- If a TDY is for 45 days or more, submit a interim travel voucher every 30 days. 

-- Airmen who encounter problems with their card or billing should contact their APC for assistance