PGPA Glossary

Best Value Fare (BVF)

The lowest available fare at the time of booking on a regular scheduled (non‑charter) service that meets operational and business requirements while maximising overall value for money.

Best Value Fare Booking Codes

Standardised codes used to document the reason a fare is selected where it is not the cheapest available fare.

Cheapest fare

The lowest‑priced fare available within the applicable time window for the required itinerary, as determined by the booking system.

Officials must identify the reason a fare is selected when booking official domestic and international air travel, whether through the Online Booking Tool (OBT) or Travel Management Company consultant.

Officials must identify the reason a fare is selected using the Best Value Fare (BVF) booking codes as set out below. Where the lowest priced fare is not selected, officials must clearly document the reasons and provide it to the traveller’s delegate/s for approval.

Code 1 – Cheapest fare

Officials should consider environmental impacts alongside value for money, including alignment with the Net Zero in Government Operations Strategy.