Concern Over Social Security Administration Not Taking Advantage of Discount Air Fares
Gao ID: LCD-79-228 August 29, 1979The Social Security Administration (SSA) may not be taking advantage of discount fares offered by the airlines. SSA ticket purchases for April and May 1979 were examined and about 6 percent of the tickets may have qualified for discounted fares. These discounts represented potential savings of about $3,000.
SSA travel policy is to use discount fares to the maximum extent possible. As a result of the GAO audit, SSA is using Texas International Airlines whenever practical to maximize the use of discount fares. The General Services Administration (GSA) indicated that with the proliferation of discount fares it is nearly impossible to keep agencies informed. The most heavily traveled routes were studied and GSA planned to negoitate with the airline industry for a straight discount on all Federal travel.