TSA PreCheck®
Free to DoD civilians and Service members, TSA PreCheck is a voluntary, expedited security screening process offered at select domestic airports. With TSA PreCheck, there is no need to remove shoes, belt, or a light jacket, and travelers may leave laptops and 3-1-1 compliant liquids in carry-on bags.
To participate, travelers must add the DOD ID Number or Known Traveler Number to their DTS profile [PDF, 2 pages]. Civilian employees must complete a one-time opt-in process, while Service Members are automatically enrolled. Learn more about TSA PreCheck.
Frequent Flyer Programs
Add your personal frequent flyer numbers and other loyalty program information to your DTS profile to earn rewards while on official travel.
In DTS: From the DTS Dashboard select your name in the upper right corner of the page, then select My Profile from the drop-down.
Accompanied baggage is the Government property and personal property of the traveler that is necessary for official travel. Accompanied baggage is not part of the traveler’s household goods weight allowance. If the accompanied baggage is excessive in weight, size, or number of pieces, the authorizing official may authorize or approve the expense for excess baggage fees.
A traveler may be reimbursed for excessive baggage fees as a result of excessive weight, size, or number of pieces, if the cost of these fees is authorized or approved on an official travel order. For excess accompanied baggage, the authorizing or approving official must decide if the contents of the baggage is required for official duty and unavailable at the official duty location. See the JTR, par. 020207-C1 and C2.
Some airlines grant exceptions for official travelers or certain types of baggage. Consult with your TMC or airline for specific baggage requirements and exceptions. For more information, visit GSA.gov
Unused airline tickets are tickets that have been issued, but not used due to trip cancellation or other circumstance. All unused tickets, (portion of a ticket or credit, coupons, exchange orders, refund slips, airfare adjustment notices, etc.) and all information relating to unused transportation must be reported to the traveler’s Travel Management Company (TMC). It is essential that every traveler, who cancels a trip after an airline ticket has been issued, notifies their TMC to start the refund process. Failure to notify the TMC will delay the refund process to the government.
In the case of a restricted non-refundable airfare the reservation must be cancelled prior to the airline’s scheduled departure time to avoid forfeiting any funds for use on future travel. Travelers should advise their TMC of any available residual credits that may be applied to a future trip.
The Fly America Act requires that U.S. flag carriers be used for all commercial transportation when the Government funds the travel (49 U.S.C. §40118(d)). The Travel Management Company (TMC) and Authorizing Official (AO), therefore, require that travel by air and ship be on a U.S. flag carrier for every leg of a trip, unless the TMC and AO provide supporting documentation that a U.S. flag carrier is not available (see JTR par. 020206-I).
The Fly America Act does not mandate travel across the continental United States (CONUS) when traveling between two locations OCONUS (JTR par. 020206-I1).
There is no reimbursement (for any leg of the journey) for transportation cost when unauthorized or unapproved non-U.S. flag carrier service is used.
The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) effective 5 April 2000, prohibits discrimination against a passenger who is disabled or who has special needs in air travel and requires air carriers to accommodate the needs of these passengers. The ACAA responsible agencies are DOT for air travel compliance/information and DOJ for ACAA violations.
Complaints related to special needs accommodation involving commercial airlines can be submitted via a complaint form to the DOT Aviation Consumer Protection Division, the organization responsible for air travel compliance involving air carriers.
Visit the Federal Aviation Administration online for more information on Civil Rights Air Accessibility and compliance.
Medical Exceptions
A civilian employee is not required to travel by air, if using air transportation is medically inadvisable. This exemption to using air travel is not limited to physical disability/special need; however, an advance written medical determination is necessary to support use of an alternate transportation mode. See JTR, par. 3500-D.
Service Animals
Service animals are authorized to accompany an eligible traveler IAW 14 CFR §382.117 [PDF, 2 pages], IAW the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). Service animal means a dog, regardless of breed or type, that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Animal species other than dogs, emotional support animals, comfort animals, companionship animals, and service animals in training are not service animals.
Travel Escorts
If your disability/special need condition requires an attendant/escort during official travel, a competent medical authority may appoint the attendant. An escort may also be appointed by the traveler’s AO or the member's Commanding Officer.