I experienced a similar event via the NSF - same story, request denied.

- Jo Meyertons
UMCP - ORAA
>
> Excerpts from mail: 6-Oct-95 Foreign Air Carrier by Darrell xxxxxx@FDN.CAL
> > We have a PI that purchased a non-refundable non US Flag Air Carrier ticket
> > to Europe.  Upon return he is requesting reimbursement (federal project
> > travel).  Although Fed regs prohibit such travel, except in certain
> > circumstances which do no apply in this case, I am curious if anyone has
> > ever pursued a waiver under similar circumstances.  Responses to
> > xxxxxx@fdn.calpoly.edu would be appreciated.
>
> We recently had a very similar instance at Carnegie Mellon.  We
> requested post approval from our ONR Admin Contracting Officer and our
> request was politely denied.
>
> Tom Eagan
> Office of Sponsored Research
> Carnegie Mellon University
>