Why do we have to use a State authorized travel agency and the American Express Card?
An authorized travel agency has met all the criteria to participate in the State of Californias Travel Program. The American Express Card is really a BTA not a “card” but a non-plastic or “cardless” account. This number is given to your authorized travel agency once the American Express Application has been processed and you have an agreement with your travel agency. The airlines have agreed to extend the Y-CAL fares to Local Government effective 10/1/02 with the following provisions: • Government business travelers must utilize a authorized travel agency 2. Government business travelers must use the authorized form of payment; the American Express BTA. These two “firewalls” prevent misuse.
