Five Common TDY Mistakes That Cost You Money
Even experienced travelers make mistakes that result in denied reimbursements or out-of-pocket expenses. Learning from these common errors helps you protect your finances during TDY assignments.
Mistake One – Booking Outside DTS Without Authorization
Using personal travel websites to book flights or hotels might seem convenient, but unauthorized bookings can result in denied reimbursement or reduced payment. The Defense Travel System exists to ensure you get government rates and proper documentation. Always use DTS unless your authorization specifically permits alternatives.
Mistake Two – Losing Receipts
Lodging receipts, rental car receipts, and any expense over $75 require documentation. Losing receipts means either no reimbursement or time-consuming efforts to obtain duplicates. Take photos of every receipt immediately and store them in a dedicated folder on your phone.
Mistake Three – Ignoring Per Diem Locality
Per diem rates vary significantly by location. Assuming you know the rate without checking can lead to booking hotels that exceed your allowance. The actual locality for per diem purposes is based on where you lodge, not necessarily where you work. Verify the correct locality before booking.
Mistake Four – Missing the Voucher Deadline
Filing your travel voucher late creates a cascade of problems. Your GTCC bill arrives on schedule regardless of when you file. Late filing leads to late payment, which triggers delinquency notices and potentially affects your credit and security clearance.
Mistake Five – Not Reading Your Orders
Travel orders contain specific authorizations and limitations. Some travelers assume standard allowances without reading carefully and end up claiming expenses that were not authorized. Rental cars, excess baggage, and commercial lodging all require explicit authorization. Read your orders completely before traveling and again before filing your voucher.
Avoiding these mistakes requires attention to detail and following established procedures. The few extra minutes spent being thorough saves hours of corrective action and protects your finances throughout your TDY assignment.
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