When does a traveler begin to avail himself of the dispensations of travel? From his home, or after he departs outside the town?

The questioner : If you permit, regarding the first issue, as some scholars say, does one begin to combine and shorten the prayer when he leaves his neighborhood, or is it not permissible to combine and shorten as long as he has the intention and is still in his home or his neighborhood?

The Shaykh : No, he does not combine or shorten until he leaves the town.

The questioner: Yes.

The Shaykh : I do not think anyone holds this view, because this is a specific ruling regarding the fasting person. The fasting person may break his fast in his town as long as he has resolved to travel.

The questioner: Yes.

The Shaykh : As for the rulings of prayer, they do not apply until after he leaves his town.

The questioner : Yes, may Allah reward you with good.