TDY Transportation: Getting There and Around

Getting to and from your TDY location involves multiple transportation options, each with different cost, time, and convenience tradeoffs. As someone who has tried pretty much every option, understanding the rules governing each method ensures proper reimbursement.

Commercial Air Travel

Government contract fares offer reduced pricing on major carriers. Booking through DTS or designated travel agencies accesses these rates. The city pair program establishes point-to-point pricing for common routes.

Personal preferences for specific airlines or routing may conflict with the most economical fare. When your preferences increase costs, you typically pay the difference. Documenting mission requirements can justify more expensive options when there’s legitimate need.

Privately Owned Vehicle

Driving to TDY locations gets you mileage reimbursement at published rates. Cost comparisons with airfare determine whether POV is advantageous to the government. When driving costs more, reimbursement may be limited to what airfare would have cost.

Road trips provide flexibility and eliminate rental car needs at the destination. For locations within reasonable driving distance, POV often proves most efficient. Consider rest stops, fuel costs, and travel time when evaluating this option.

Rental Vehicles

Rental cars at TDY locations need authorization in your travel orders. Government contract rates apply when booking through proper channels. Vehicle category restrictions typically mean compact unless you can justify mission needs for something larger.

Fuel costs for official travel are reimbursable with receipts. Keep the rental properly fueled to avoid high return charges – those fees protect both government and personal interests.

Local Transportation

Taxis, rideshare services, and public transportation between lodging and work sites are generally reimbursable. Receipt requirements apply to individual expenses over the threshold. Regular commuting patterns might be more efficiently handled with rental cars.

Research what local options exist at your destination to help plan transportation budgets. Some locations have excellent public transit while others require personal vehicles for any practical movement.