Use authorised booking channels
DoPT instructions require air tickets for Government-account/LTC journeys to be booked through the authorised travel agents specified by Government instructions, subject to the current order applicable to the employee.
Book the entitled class
Book only the class of air travel admissible to you under the applicable travel entitlement and LTC instructions.
Lowest available fare
Government instructions emphasise booking the best available/lowest fare in the entitled class through authorised channels. Avoid convenience-driven upgrades that are not admissible.
LTC advance
DoPT's 11 October 2022 instructions allow eligible employees to apply for LTC advance using a printout of the relevant authorised travel-agent webpage where applicable.
Keep proof
Save the e-ticket, invoice, payment receipt, fare details and boarding pass or other journey evidence required by your department.
Cancellation and rebooking
If the journey changes, retain cancellation/refund records and obtain fresh approval where required. Do not claim a cancelled or unused sector.
Special destinations
Separate relaxation orders may apply for travel to destinations such as NER, J&K, Ladakh or Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Check whether a special dispensation is currently in force before relying on an the current DoPT order before relying on an older order.
Related guides
LTC & Leave Hub · LTC Eligibility · Home Town vs All India · Air Ticket Booking · Earned Leave
Official sources
- DoPT – Air ticket booking/LTC instructions dated 11 Oct 2022
- DoPT – Modification in air-ticket booking instructions
Source review: 10 September 2026.