TDY Transportation

Start Here If You Are New to TDY Transportation

TDY transportation has four main modes. Air travel through the DoD City Pair Program (mandatory when available, lower rates). Rental car authorization (justified by mission requirement, not blanket). POV use on TDY (mileage reimbursement at GSA rate, $0.18 per mile or current). Local transportation at the TDY site (taxi, rideshare, public transit, reimbursable). Each mode has specific rules and approval frameworks. Per JTR Chapter 4.

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

• Air travel via City Pair Program
• Rental car authorization framework
• POV use and mileage reimbursement
• Local transportation at the TDY site
• DTS booking for transportation
• Reimbursable expense documentation

Every fact on this page comes from JTR Chapter 4, the DoD City Pair Program, the DTMO Rental Car Program, and the GSA Mileage Rate.

Air Travel (City Pair Program)

Per JTR Chapter 4 paragraph 040301 and the DoD City Pair Program, air travel for TDY uses the DoD City Pair Program (CPP) when available.

What City Pair Is

The City Pair Program provides Government-contracted air fares between major U.S. and international cities. Features.

• Lower than standard commercial fares (negotiated by GSA).
• Fully refundable.
• No advance purchase requirement.
• No Saturday-night stay requirement.

City Pair Mandatory When Available

When a City Pair fare is available for the route, the Marine MUST use it unless an exception applies.

Exceptions to City Pair

• City Pair is unavailable for the specific route.
• Lower-cost alternative exists (rare, documented).
• Operational requirement for non-City Pair flight (specific schedule, etc.).

Booking Through DTS

The Marine books City Pair flights through DTS. DTS automatically identifies the City Pair option.

Coach vs. Premium Class

The Marine flies coach class for TDY. Premium class (business or first) requires specific JTR justification (e.g., medical reasons, flight duration over 14 hours, no coach seats available).

Rental Car Authorization

Per JTR Chapter 4 paragraph 040401, rental car for TDY requires AO authorization based on mission requirement.

When Rental Car Is Authorized

• Mission requires transportation between dispersed sites.
• Public transportation is impractical.
• Local government transportation is unavailable.
• Specific operational requirement (e.g., transporting equipment).

When Rental Car Is NOT Authorized

• Personal convenience.
• Single-site TDY where commercial taxi or rideshare is sufficient.
• TDY at a major installation with on-base shuttle service.

DoD Rental Car Program

The DoD Rental Car Program provides Government-rate rental cars at participating companies. Features.

• Lower than standard commercial rates.
• Standard insurance coverage.
• Standardized vehicle classes.

Booking Through DTS

The Marine books rental cars through DTS. The system identifies the participating companies and rates.

Vehicle Class

The Marine uses the lowest-class vehicle that meets the mission requirement (typically compact or intermediate). Larger vehicles require specific justification.

Insurance

The Government rate includes basic insurance coverage. The Marine does NOT purchase additional insurance (Loss Damage Waiver, Personal Accident Insurance) at Government expense. The DoD rate includes the standard coverage.

GTCC for Rental Car

The Marine uses the Government Travel Charge Card (GTCC) for rental car charges. The Government Travel Charge Card page covers GTCC.

POV Use on TDY

Per JTR Chapter 4 paragraph 040501, POV use on TDY is authorized when the AO determines POV is more economical or operationally appropriate.

POV Cost Comparison

The Marine compares.

• Cost of POV travel (mileage at GSA rate + lodging on the road).
• Cost of commercial air or City Pair fare.

POV is authorized when total POV cost is at or below the alternative.

Mileage Reimbursement

POV mileage is reimbursed at the GSA mileage rate (currently approximately $0.18 per mile for TDY, verify current rate).

MALT Rate vs. POV Rate

The PCS MALT rate and the TDY POV rate are based on the same GSA framework but are calculated differently.

• MALT (PCS) is a per-mile rate paid for the official distance.
• POV (TDY) is a per-mile rate paid for actual round-trip mileage.

Daily Distance Limits

Per JTR Chapter 4, POV TDY travel is limited by daily mileage rules. The standard is 350 miles per day. Travel over 350 miles per day requires AO authorization. Per MCO 1000.6MCO 1000.6 Chapter 4 Section 3, proceed time is a separate four-day allowance, not chargeable to leave, and it attaches to PCS moves rather than TDY. Proceed does not authorize for TDY, accession, separation, retirement, release from active duty, or a CONUS move between stations in close proximity.

Lodging During POV Travel

The Marine receives per diem (lodging plus M&IE) for travel days during POV TDY.

Local Transportation at the TDY Site

Per JTR Chapter 4 paragraph 040601, local transportation at the TDY site is reimbursable as miscellaneous expense.

Common Local Transportation

• Taxi or rideshare (Uber, Lyft).
• Public transportation (bus, train, subway).
• Shuttle service.
• Hotel transportation.

Reimbursement

Local transportation is reimbursed at actual cost with receipts. The Marine submits receipts with the DTS voucher.

Tipping

Reasonable tipping for taxi or rideshare drivers is reimbursable. Documentation may include the receipt with tip noted or the GTCC charge with tip.

Travel Voucher Submission

The Marine submits the transportation claim through DTS on DD Form 1351-2DD Form 1351-2 (Travel Voucher) within 5 business days of return.

Required Documentation

• Air travel itinerary (typically printed from DTS or the airline).
• Rental car receipt.
• POV mileage log (if POV).
• Local transportation receipts.

The Travel Vouchers and Reimbursement page covers the voucher process.

Common Questions Marines Ask

What is City Pair?

The DoD City Pair Program provides Government-contracted air fares between major cities. Lower rates, refundable, no advance purchase. Used through DTS.

When can I rent a car on TDY?

When the mission requires transportation between dispersed sites or public transportation is impractical. AO authorization required.

Can I use my POV instead of flying?

Yes if the AO authorizes and the total POV cost is at or below the alternative. Mileage reimbursed at GSA rate. Standard 350 miles per day limit.

How is taxi or Uber reimbursed?

Local transportation at the TDY site is reimbursed at actual cost with receipts. Submit through the DTS voucher.

Do I need to buy rental car insurance?

No. The DoD Rental Car Program rate includes standard insurance. Do not purchase additional insurance at Government expense.

Can I fly business class for an 8-hour flight?

No. Premium class requires specific JTR justification (typically flight over 14 hours, medical, or operational). 8 hours flies coach.

How much is the GSA mileage rate?

Approximately $0.18 per mile for TDY (verify current rate). Updates periodically per GSA.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• City Pair flight booking. Through DTS at https://dtsproweb.defensetravel.osd.mil/.
• Rental car authorization. AO approval through DTS.
• POV use authorization. AO approval based on cost comparison.
• Local transportation reimbursement. Through DTS voucher with receipts.
• DTS technical support. Through the unit Defense Travel Administrator (DTA).
• 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 framework.
• TDY Lodging covers lodging rules.
• Defense Travel System covers DTS booking.
• Government Travel Charge Card covers GTCC for transportation charges.
• Travel Vouchers and Reimbursement covers voucher submission.

Related Roles

• Leaders coach Marines on the City Pair mandate and the rental car justification framework.
• Admin at S-1 supports DTS bookings and AO routing for transportation.
• Commanders serve as AO for transportation authorizations.

TDY transportation framework. City Pair air mandatory when available. Rental car requires AO authorization. POV use authorized when cost-competitive. Local transportation reimbursable with receipts. GSA mileage rate for POV. Standard insurance included with DoD Rental Car Program.