Clue32

I commute from Frankfurt. You aren't given $1250 one way, that is just the reimbursement amount. I am on a Primary Line and often usually am provided round trip tickets for under 1100 total. As far as I know, round trips aren't purchased for Reserve or Secondary lines, as the ending date and location of the pattern may change).

Travel also looks at total trip costs. Lately I have gotten Multi leg tickets when a round trip doesn't work ( Formerly Based in PDX, Start in ONT, end in CVG for example). FRA ONT // CVG FRA on a United Multi leg ticket is less than 2x one-way tickets, and less than 2500 total, so Travel books it.

If you get stuck having to get one way tickets and the ticket is greater than 1250, you get authorization to purchase the ticket yourself and will be reimbursed up to 1250. If the ticket is, say 1400, you are 150 bucks out of pocket.

You can still jumpseat to and from the states, and get a paid domestic Gateway ticket between your port of entry and base. Lufthansa also offers S1 confirmed seats through ID90 if you are in Europe. Immediate family and parents only for travel benefits.

Hotel and ground transportation pre and post duty are provided as well.