You must be talking about Federal Gov't because local gov't is so tight they squeak! Actually, many times the GOV rate is not the cheapest. Just go into the various websites and compare. You may be shocked! Some chains differentiate between official travel and leisure travel. I used to always ask for the GOV rate on the phone. Now with the websites I see ALL the rates and jump on the one that is easiest on my personal budget for leisure travel and my organizational budget for official travel.

Your friend could do us all a favor and either travel at an alternate date (conventions don't last more than a few days)or stay in a nearby locale with better availability and use a rental car. Just have them endorse the travel orders for a rental car authorized. And if they are in a department that is using the 'experimental' program of sharing cost savings, perhaps the friend could stay with you and share the rewards.

I have a friend that stays with me when he comes to Charlotte. He saves DOD money and with his 'reward' we usually end up at Morton's!

And don't make fake Federal ID's. It's a felony and Leavenworth is too far from MCI to guarantee any FT visitors!

[This message has been edited by spartacus (edited 05-13-2001).]