How often do prisoners get furloughs?

A furlough is not a right but a privilege granted a federal prison inmate under prescribed conditions. It is not a reward for good behavior, or a means to shorten a criminal sentence. A furlough is defined as “an authorized absence from a federal prison by an inmate who is not under escort of a staff member, U.S. Marshal, or state or federal agents”. Getting a furlough approved is a long shot, but not impossible. It doesn't happen often but they still do. The application process has to contain a reason for furlough such as “to re-establish family and community ties.” The other choices on the form are to attend a religious meeting, attend a court proceeding/hearing, receive special medical or dental care not offered in the prison facility, and to participate in special training or a work detail—but furlough must be approved and signed by the warden. Getting away from prison life to spend three days at home, eating home cooked meals, visiting with family, sleeping in a real bed instead of a steel slab covered with a plastic-coated mattress, taking a barefoot shower instead of with shower slides, and even holding a dollar bill and/or driving a car, could be three days in heaven.