Originally Posted by
PolicyWonk
Thank you CloudSailor.
Thank you screamin jet.
You can see the ambiguity that should be resolved in the next TA.
"Travel by train or subway are allowable/reimbursable expenses to the same extent air travel (or surface transportation) expenses would have been allowable/reimbursable."
I would omit the portion I put parentheses around. Though not on my top 30, why allow inexactitude and ambiguity that doesn't help us.
Someone who doesn't have local knowledge and reads the contract might jump through extra hoops needlessly if exceeding the ground travel limit.
I've heard of denials for reasonable ground training requests but the pilot didn't know who was denying it. Was it the Fleet Manager at the low limit or RCP at the higher threshold? No initials or name in the rejection. Then what? Added complexity to the hassle factor of getting where he needed to be in a timely manner and a right frame of mind.
Coupled with the hopeful removal of the 24/72 hour limits, and it gives even more latitude for getting rest enroute.
Thanks again to both of you.
You're quite welcome PolicyWonk.
The idea on the train travel is that it's an acceptable expense which had NEVER been subjected to any kind of fleet manager's (old was RCP) pre-approval limits via our contract. At least since 1998. You would just use your accepted fares or air travel banks to cover those train expenses. Now, on the ground transportation such as utilizing a private limousine ride, it is different and does require a fleet manager's (or designated) approval above the $200.00 via the PFC expense part of the website. Trains get reconciled on your expense report under just that, TRAINS.
And, if I'm not mistaken, train travel in 1st class never had any limitation on it. Unlike air travel's accepted fares and class contract parameters. Let's use the example of a mid-trip deviation OR even a front or back-end as well. I've always liked this flexibility for us. Especially in Europe where the comfort and convenience of the high speed trains are great. Particularly in 1st class in the private compartments with a glass of wine!
I only had wished we could use our own personal vehicle to or from a trip, and getting say a government mileage. Particularly in the U.S. where you might elect to drive to your trip depending. LIABILITY onto the company was the major reason we weren't able to. So I was told by the FDX MEC. Suppose that makes sense. If this TA 2015 were to pass, it seems as though there will be enhancements to even improve our flexibility in deviation banks by having rolling funds. In so far, at least NOT end up owing the company any of our own money when we clearly save them a bundle anyway!