DoPT Issues Fresh Advisory on LTC Air Ticket Booking and LTC Advance Applications
Central Government employees are being reminded to plan Leave Travel Concession journeys well ahead of time, following a fresh circular aimed at controlling airfare costs and speeding up claim processing.
The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has issued a fresh circular reminding Central Government employees to plan their Leave Travel Concession (LTC) journeys well in advance, so as to avoid higher airfare costs and ensure smooth processing of LTC claims and advances.
The circular, issued by the Cash Section of DoPT vide F.No. G-14019/02/2026-Cash dated 16 July 2026, reiterates existing instructions regarding the booking of air tickets and the submission of LTC advance applications.
Air Tickets Should Be Booked at Least 21 Days in Advance
As per the consolidated LTC instructions issued earlier by DoPT through its O.M. dated 29 August 2022, government employees are encouraged to book air tickets at least 21 days before the intended date of travel.
According to DoPT, early booking helps employees secure competitive airfare and reduces the financial burden on the government exchequer.
LTC Advance Applications to Be Submitted 30 Days Before Journey
The circular further states that employees eligible for air travel under LTC, and intending to avail an LTC advance, should submit their applications at least 30 days before the proposed journey date.
A printout from the authorized travel agency's website showing the proposed flight details, fare details, and suitable travel options. This requirement is intended to facilitate timely sanction and disbursement of the LTC advance.
Why Has DoPT Issued This Reminder?
During scrutiny of LTC claims, DoPT observed that many employees were booking air tickets only a few days before travel, or during the same week as the journey. Such last-minute bookings generally lead to:
- Significantly higher airfare
- Increased expenditure for the government
- Difficulties in processing LTC advance requests
- Non-compliance with existing LTC guidelines
Departments have accordingly been advised to encourage employees to plan their travel well in advance.
Key Instructions at a Glance
| Particulars | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Booking of LTC air tickets | At least 21 days before travel |
| Submission of LTC advance application | At least 30 days before journey |
| Supporting document for LTC advance | Printout of authorized travel agency webpage showing fare details |
Existing LTC Air Ticket Booking Rules Continue
The latest circular does not introduce any new rules — it serves as a reminder of the existing LTC booking guidelines issued by DoPT in 2022 and the subsequent clarifications issued thereafter.
Employees availing LTC by air are required to continue following the prescribed procedures and to book tickets only through authorized channels, as per prevailing government instructions.
Departments have been advised to encourage employees to plan their travel well in advance, in order to avoid last-minute bookings that inflate costs and complicate claim processing. DoPT Circular, F.No. G-14019/02/2026-Cash
Impact on Central Government Employees
The advisory is expected to benefit employees in several ways:
Employees planning LTC travel during the current block period are advised to finalize their travel plans early and adhere to the prescribed timelines for ticket booking and advance applications.
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