TDY Lodging

Start Here If You Are New to TDY Lodging

TDY lodging follows a hierarchy. First, check government quarters availability (BAQ/BOQ at military installations). Second, the Integrated Lodging Program (ILP) provides standardized hotel rates at preferred properties. Third, commercial lodging up to the locality lodging cap. Fourth, the Actual Expense Allowance (AEA) covers lodging above the cap when specifically authorized. Receipts required for all lodging. The Marine cannot select premium lodging exceeding the cap unless AEA is authorized.

This page walks you through TDY lodging from your seat as a General Marine. By the end you will know.

• Government quarters availability check (first priority)
• Integrated Lodging Program (ILP) framework
• Commercial lodging within the locality lodging cap
• Actual Expense Allowance (AEA) for cap-exceeding lodging
• Receipts requirement
• Lodging booking through DTS

Every fact on this page comes from JTR Chapter 4, the DoD Integrated Lodging Program, and the DTMO Per Diem Rate Lookup.

Government Quarters Availability (First Priority)

Per JTR Chapter 4 paragraph 040601, when government quarters are available at the TDY location, the Marine must use government quarters unless specifically excused by the AO. On Marine Corps installations, Marine Lodges and Inns of the Corps are the Marine Corps official lodging facilities and meet DoW Lodging Adequacy Standards. Per MARADMIN 234/26, these facilities became bookable directly inside DTS for TDY authorizations effective 25 May 2026. Use is mandatory for both military and civilian travelers when the destination sits inside the Integrated Lodging Program.

Common Government Quarters

• Marine Lodges and Inns of the Corps on Marine Corps installations (Marine Corps official lodging).
• BAQ (Bachelor Officer/Enlisted Quarters at military installations).
• BOQ (Bachelor Officer Quarters).
• BEQ (Bachelor Enlisted Quarters).
• Visiting officer or visiting NCO quarters.
• Designated military lodging at the installation.

Government Quarters Cost

Government quarters are typically free or at minimal cost. The Marine claims actual cost.

When Government Quarters Are Not Available

The Marine documents the unavailability (typically through the lodging office at the TDY installation) and proceeds to commercial lodging. Per MARADMIN 234/26 paragraphs 5 and 6, the AO issues a certificate of non-availability only when accommodations are unavailable. Reimbursement for lodging costs caps at the official lodging rate when on-base lodging is available, the traveler does not use it, and no non-availability certificate accompanies the voucher.

Integrated Lodging Program (ILP)

Per the DoD Integrated Lodging Program, ILP provides standardized hotel rates at preferred commercial properties.

How ILP Works

• DoD partners with commercial hotel chains.
• Properties offer DoD-approved nightly rates.
• Rates are at or below the locality lodging cap.
• Quality standards verified.

Marine Booking Through ILP

The Marine books ILP lodging through DTS at https://dtsproweb.defensetravel.osd.mil/. The system identifies ILP-participating properties.

ILP Required When Available

When ILP-participating properties are available, the Marine uses ILP lodging. The JTR and MARADMIN 234/26 set this as a requirement, not a preference. Marine Corps official lodging on a Marine Corps installation counts as an ILP property by default. A specific exception applies only when the AO documents the basis (for example, a conference at a non-ILP property) and attaches a certificate of non-availability where one is warranted.

Commercial Lodging (Within Locality Cap)

Per JTR Chapter 4, when government quarters are unavailable and ILP is not used, the Marine books commercial lodging.

Locality Lodging Cap

The locality lodging cap is the maximum reimbursable lodging amount per the DTMO Per Diem Rate Lookup. The Marine selects lodging at or below the cap.

Examples

CONUS commercial lodging caps range from approximately $98 (lower-cost areas) to $300+ (high-cost cities like New York, San Francisco, Washington DC). Verify the current locality cap.

Receipts Required

The Marine retains all lodging receipts and submits them with the DTS voucher.

Actual Expense Allowance (AEA)

Per JTR Chapter 4 paragraph 040701, Actual Expense Allowance is authorized when lodging exceeds the locality lodging cap due to specific circumstances.

When AEA Is Authorized

AEA may be authorized when.

• All lodging within the cap is unavailable (e.g., major event in the city, hurricane evacuation, conference space).
• Special operational requirements (e.g., proximity to a specific facility).
• Other extraordinary circumstances per AO determination.

AEA Cap

AEA typically authorizes up to 150 percent of the locality lodging cap. Some scenarios authorize 300 percent for extraordinary circumstances.

AEA Authorization Process

1. Marine identifies that available lodging exceeds the locality cap.
2. Marine submits the request through the chain of command to the AO.
3. AO reviews and approves AEA per the JTR framework.
4. AO documents the authorization in the orders or amendment.

AEA Receipts

AEA requires lodging receipts and may require additional documentation supporting the extraordinary circumstances.

Long-Term Lodging Arrangements

For TDY exceeding 30 days at one location, long-term lodging arrangements are typically more economical.

Extended-Stay Hotels

Extended-stay hotels (e.g., Residence Inn, Homewood Suites, Suburban Studios) offer.

• Kitchenettes (reduces M&IE meal costs).
• Lower nightly rates for longer stays.
• More space than standard hotel rooms.

Apartment Rentals

For TDY over 180 days, apartment rentals may be the most economical lodging. Coordinated with the AO for flat-rate per diem framework.

Reduced Per Diem

Long-term lodging arrangements often trigger reduced per diem (75 percent) per JTR Chapter 4 paragraph 040501. The TDY Per Diem page covers the framework.

Lodging Booking Through DTS

The Marine books TDY lodging through the Defense Travel System (DTS).

DTS Lodging Search

DTS searches for.

• Marine Lodges and Inns of the Corps at Marine Corps installations (effective 25 May 2026 per MARADMIN 234/26).
• ILP-participating properties at the TDY location.
• Commercial properties within the locality cap.
• Government quarters availability.

Booking Process

1. Marine or AO sets the TDY destination as the installation, not the surrounding city or town.
2. Marine creates the TDY authorization in DTS.
3. DTS searches lodging options.
4. Marine selects Marine Corps official lodging when the destination is a Marine Corps installation. Other ILP property selections require AO documentation.
5. DTS books the lodging.
6. GTCC charges the lodging directly (CBA or IBA).
7. Marine arrives and confirms the booking.

Backup booking channels for Marine Corps lodging when DTS routing fails.

• TDY travelers. https://www.marinelodge.com or the 24/7 Reservation Center at 1-(888)-409-STAY (7829).
• PCS travelers. https://www.innsofthecorps.com or the same 24/7 line.
• All audiences. The MCCS Connect application.

The Defense Travel System page covers DTS in detail.

Common Questions Marines Ask

When do I have to use government quarters?

When government quarters are available at the TDY installation. Coordinate with the lodging office at the TDY location to verify availability. On Marine Corps installations, Marine Lodges and Inns of the Corps are the on-base option. They became bookable in DTS effective 25 May 2026 under MARADMIN 234/26. Use is mandatory under the ILP unless the AO issues a certificate of non-availability.

What is ILP?

Integrated Lodging Program. DoD-partnered commercial hotels offering standardized rates at or below the locality cap. Booked through DTS.

What is the locality lodging cap?

The maximum reimbursable lodging amount per night for the TDY locality. Verify at the DTMO Per Diem Rate Lookup.

What if all the hotels in the area exceed the cap?

You may be eligible for Actual Expense Allowance (AEA). Submit the request through the chain of command to the AO with documentation.

Do I need receipts for lodging?

Yes. All lodging requires receipts. M&IE does not require receipts.

Can I stay with family or friends instead of a hotel?

Yes. Staying with family or friends generates no lodging cost (no lodging reimbursement). You still receive M&IE for meals and incidentals.

What happens if I am on TDY for 6 months?

Long-term TDY (over 30 days, especially over 180 days) typically uses extended-stay hotels or apartment rentals at lower cost. Reduced per diem may apply at 30+ days. Flat-rate per diem at 180+ days. The Long-Term TDY page covers the framework.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• Government quarters availability check. The lodging office at the TDY installation.
• ILP property booking. Through DTS at https://dtsproweb.defensetravel.osd.mil/.
• Locality lodging cap verification. The DTMO Per Diem Rate Lookup.
• AEA request. Through the chain of command to the AO with documentation.
• Long-term TDY lodging arrangements. Coordinate with the AO and the unit travel section.
• DFAS Marine Corps Pay direct contact. Phone 1-888-332-7411 (DSN 312-571-9450 from overseas).

Where to Go Next on This Site

• TDY/TAD landing page lists all the TDY topics.
• TDY/TAD Overview covers the foundational TDY framework.
• TDY Per Diem covers per diem (M&IE) framework.
• TDY Transportation covers transportation modes.
• Defense Travel System covers DTS booking.
• Long-Term TDY covers TDY over 30 days and 180 days.

Related Roles

• Leaders coach Marines on the lodging hierarchy and the AEA exception framework.
• Admin at S-1 supports DTS lodging bookings and AEA documentation.
• Commanders serve as AO for AEA authorizations and unit-specific lodging policy.

TDY lodging hierarchy. Government quarters first. ILP second. Commercial lodging within locality cap third. AEA when authorized fourth. Receipts required for all lodging. DTMO Per Diem Rate Lookup for the cap. AEA for extraordinary circumstances exceeding the cap.