Federal Travel Regulation (FTR): A Compliance Guide

This course contains the use of artificial intelligence.

The Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) governs every aspect of official travel for civilian employees of the U.S. federal government. Issued by the General Services Administration under 41 CFR Chapters 300 through 304, it covers everything from who is authorized to travel and how travel must be approved, to how expenses are reimbursed and what documentation is required. Misunderstanding the FTR is one of the leading sources of improper payments across the federal government — this course helps you get it right the first time.

You will start with the structure and authority of the FTR: what it covers, who falls under its rules, and how GSA and individual agency travel policies interact. From there you will work through travel authorization procedures, per diem entitlements for lodging, meals, and incidentals, and the constructive cost principles that affect decisions about transportation modes and upgrades. The course also covers conference attendance rules, local travel, and special transportation categories in detail.

The final section addresses the Government Travel Charge Card (GTCC) program, voucher preparation, and audit readiness. You will learn the most common compliance failures federal travelers and approving officials make and how to avoid them, leaving you fully prepared to manage, approve, and audit federal travel with accuracy and confidence.