Which statement about the GSA City Pair program is not true?

The statement regarding the GSA City Pair program that accurately reflects its nature is the assertion that City Pair flights must be booked through an approved travel agency. This is a key requirement of the program, which aims to provide federal travelers with substantial savings and convenience. The City Pair program features negotiated fares that typically offer significant discounts over standard commercial rates, ensuring that government employees can efficiently travel for official purposes.

The program's offerings are not exclusively the cheapest options available for every situation, as sometimes other airlines or fare types may provide lower prices depending on the route and timing of travel. Likewise, while the program is primarily designed for federal employees, it may also have provisions for certain other entities under specific circumstances.

In the context of authorization, it is not entirely accurate to state that an Approving Official (AO) cannot authorize the use of a non-contract City Pair flight. There are specific guidelines that govern when a non-contract flight may be used, typically under circumstances where a City Pair flight is not available or practical, allowing some flexibility in travel decisions. Therefore, the statement that suggests a blanket prohibition on using non-contract options is misleading.