Quick answer: A DoPT circular of 16 July 2026 (F.No. G-14019/02/2026-Cash) asks staff to book LTC air tickets, as far as possible, at least 21 days before travel. Air-entitled staff may apply for LTC advance at least 30 days before the journey, with a printout of the travel agent’s flight and fare page.
What the circular says
- Staff are encouraged to book flights at least 21 days before the travel date, as far as possible, to get competitive fares (para 2, restating DoPT OM 31011/12/2022-Estt.A-IV dated 29.08.2022).
- Air-entitled staff may apply for LTC advance at least 30 days before the journey, attaching a printout of the authorised travel agency’s webpage showing a suitable flight and fare (para 3).
- Scrutiny of claims found tickets booked only days before travel, sometimes in the same week. DoPT says this is not in keeping with the 2022 instructions (para 4).
- Staff are asked to plan journeys early and follow the instructions strictly (paras 5-6).
What it means for your LTC claim
- Work back from your travel date: advance application about 30 days out, ticket about 21 days out where possible.
- Under the 29.08.2022 OM (not this circular), LTC air tickets are booked through Balmer Lawrie, Ashok Travels & Tours or IRCTC. Keep the fare printout with your claim.
- Last-minute bookings can draw scrutiny of the claim.
Note: the circular is addressed to DoPT’s own officers, but it restates the 2022 OM rules that apply to all central employees. Check your department’s accounts section for any local instruction.
Read next: the LTC advance application form and rules, LTC rules and FAQ 2026, and the LTC air travel scheme for NE, J&K, Ladakh and A&N, extended to 2028.
Sources
- DoPT Circular F.No. G-14019/02/2026-Cash dated 16.07.2026: PDF copy hosted on dgt.gov.in.
- DoPT OM No. 31011/12/2022-Estt.A-IV dated 29.08.2022 (booking through authorised agents, 21-day booking).