This is something where there is nuance to it. I don't have an issue with it and I think it should be allowed because you were required to use it. I think the plane issue is that way as well. I have no issue with them picking them up on the way because I think there are reasonable reasons for it. There is no reason to refuel on the way home is my understanding so they shouldn't have stopped on the way back.Heck while working at the State Auditors Office I frequently had to use a State car to travel to bfe Iowa. Nights in bfe Iowa were boring so I regularly used the State issued car to travel to nearby towns, where I had "friends" to hang out.
According to some in this thread I committed a heinous crime.
It comes down to more an issue of he has shown extremely poor decision making regardless of if it is technically ok or not.