2.10.4
2.10.5
Subject to departmental discretion (to be exercised by PSD at home and MOS abroad), the next higher class may be authorised in the following circumstances:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
(viii)
(ix)
(x)
where strict application of the rules might not be cost effective
for short duty visits out and bsck in a day
when accompanying someone who has a higher entitlement, in order to do official business en
route
when a duty (but not transfer or leave) journey of four hours or more necessarily involves arrival after midnight local time and attendance at work the same day is required
where bookings are not available at the lower class and the timing/date of the journey cannot be adjusted
when a Head of Mission first arrives at Post and on final departure; and on the first visit to any other country to which he is accredited. If a change of aircraft is involved, upgrading is allowed only on the final, or first, as appropriate, leg of the journey
on internal and regional duty visits by Heads of Mission
on duty journeys where there is a significant political/protocol angle
First can be used rather than Economy (when Business is not available) on journeys of less than 2 hours by those in Senior Grade (SP2) and above
where it is cheaper to upgrade and use a higher free baggage allowance, then travel on the basis of normal entitlements and pay excess charges for essential official baggage which cannot be sent separately.
Any other cases for the exercise of discretion will be considered ad hoc by PSD.
Grade 4 Officers
Officers in grade DS4 may, as a concession, travel First on flights over four hours when no Business class is avialable. In such cases, the Optional route cost ceiling is the First Class Approved Route air fare provided that the officer actually travels First Class whenever it is available. But if an officer uses a surface route, the ceiling is the Business or Economy Class Approved Route air fare.
2.8