Circuitous Travel is Indirect OCONUS travel:
Service member or dependent who performs PCS travel to, from, or between locations OCONUS over an indirect or circuitous route at personal expense and convenience is authorized travel allowances unless he or she was directed to use Government transportation and did not use it when it was available.
PTO books travel from Permanent Duty Station (PDS) to PDS using US Flag Carriers. If members are requesting to fly an indirect route to their Permanent Duty Station this is called Circuitous Travel.
Members will be provided an Air Mobility Command (AMC) non-availability letter if AMC transportation is not available. Members will be briefed and must sign the Statement of Understanding (SOU) with a GCC from DMO with the direct travel cost.
Members are required to request Circuitous Travel from HQMC Manpower Management Integration Branch (MMIB-3) between 30-45 days prior to requested travel dates to ensure it is approved and commercial reservations for travel reservations and reimbursement. Reimbursement is limited to the government Constructed Cost (GCC) of direct travel the government would have paid.
Upon Approval from HQMC, member would use SATO to arrange transportation. “Service member or dependent who performs PCS travel to, from, or between locations OCONUS over an indirect or circuitous route at personal expense and convenience is authorized travel allowances unless he or she is directed to use Government transportation and did not use it when it was available.”
Members will procure the airfare to complete circuitous travel on Personal Credit Card.
Members can visit the following Website links for more information concerning Circuitous travel.
Draft example of a SOU and GCC.
The Joint Travel Regulations
MCO 4600.7a
MARADMIN 470/23