What Is the Defense Travel System (DTS) and Is It Right for You?

Traveling for duty is an essential part of military and government service, but managing the logistics—booking flights, submitting expenses, getting reimbursed—can be time-consuming. That’s where the Defense Travel System (DTS) comes in. Designed to streamline official travel for members of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), DTS is a digital solution that simplifies the entire process from booking to reimbursement.

In this article, we’ll break down what DTS is, how it works, its core features, benefits, and some challenges users might face. Whether you’re a new government employee or a seasoned service member, this guide will help you determine if DTS is the right travel management tool for your needs.

What Is the Defense Travel System (DTS)?

The Defense Travel System is a fully integrated, web-based platform used by the U.S. Department of Defense to manage official travel for military and civilian personnel. It was introduced to replace paper-based processes and streamline travel authorizations, reservations, and expense reimbursements.

DTS allows users to:

Book commercial airline tickets, rental cars, and hotels
Create and submit travel authorizations
File travel vouchers for reimbursement
Track the status of travel documents

Who Uses DTS?

DTS is primarily used by:

Active-duty military personnel
Department of Defense civilian employees
Reserve and National Guard members on official duty
Government contractors (in some limited cases)

Any official travel that is funded by the DoD typically requires the use of DTS for processing and documentation.

Key Features of DTS

1. Online Booking Tool

DTS offers direct integration with commercial travel booking engines, allowing users to:

Search and select government-approved flights
Book hotels that meet Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) standards
Reserve rental cars from approved vendors

This centralized booking capability eliminates the need to visit multiple websites or use outside agencies.

2. Travel Authorization Workflow

Before any trip, travelers must create a travel authorization, which includes:

Purpose and duration of travel
Estimated costs
Mode of transportation
Lodging details

Once submitted, the request is routed through an automated approval chain, including the traveler’s supervisor and a reviewing official.

3. Expense Reporting and Reimbursement

After returning from travel, users submit a travel voucher with actual expenses, including:

Receipts for lodging and other costs
Per diem allowances (meals and incidental expenses)
Mileage and privately owned vehicle use

Once approved, reimbursement is typically processed through the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) within a few business days.

4. Audit and Compliance

DTS automatically checks entries for compliance with DoD travel regulations and flags inconsistencies. It also stores travel records for auditing and review.

5. Mobile Compatibility

While DTS is primarily desktop-based, a companion mobile app called MyTravel (or other pilot programs) offers limited functionality such as itinerary review and voucher status tracking.

Benefits of Using DTS

✅ Time and Cost Efficiency

DTS reduces administrative overhead by consolidating booking, approvals, and reimbursements into one system. This efficiency saves time for travelers and administrative personnel.

✅ Transparency and Accountability

Every step of the travel process is documented and visible to all relevant parties, including supervisors, finance personnel, and auditors. This improves transparency and reduces errors or fraudulent claims.

✅ Standardized Process

Because DTS operates under strict DoD regulations, the travel process is standardized across branches and agencies. This consistency helps reduce confusion and training time for new users.

✅ Faster Reimbursement

With electronic submission and automatic routing, travelers often receive reimbursements within a week of submitting accurate vouchers—much faster than manual processes.

✅ 24/7 Access

Since DTS is web-based, travelers can access the system from anywhere with internet access. This is especially useful for deployed personnel or those traveling in remote locations.

Challenges and Limitations of DTS

Despite its many benefits, DTS is not without challenges. Here are a few common issues users may encounter:

❌ User Interface Complexity

The DTS interface has been criticized for being unintuitive or outdated. New users often find it difficult to navigate, especially without proper training.

❌ Limited Mobile Functionality

While some mobile features are available, the core functions like full voucher submission or document editing typically require a desktop environment with CAC (Common Access Card) authentication.

❌ Technical Errors and Bugs

System downtime, login issues, and glitches can occasionally disrupt travel planning. DTS relies on multiple integrated systems, so errors in one can affect the entire process.

❌ Strict Compliance Rules

While necessary for regulation, the rigid structure of DTS may cause frustration if travel plans change unexpectedly or if a traveler needs to make an exception.

Is DTS the Right Choice for You?

✔ If You’re a DoD Employee or Service Member:

Yes, DTS is the standard and required system for processing official travel.

✖ If You’re a Civilian or Contractor Not Affiliated with the DoD:

DTS is not available for personal or non-official use. If you’re looking for travel management tools for business or personal use, platforms like Concur, TripActions, or traditional online travel agencies are more suitable.

Tips for Using DTS More Effectively

Complete Training Modules
The Defense Travel Management Office offers free DTS training through the TraX portal. Completing these modules can reduce errors and improve speed.
Keep Receipts and Records
Always save receipts for lodging, transportation, and any other reimbursable expenses. Even if you upload them to DTS, physical or digital copies can help resolve disputes.
Check for Common Errors
Missed approvals, incorrect per diem rates, or mismatched dates are common issues that delay processing. Review everything carefully before submitting.
Utilize Help Desks and Support
Each installation has a Defense Travel Administrator (DTA) who can assist with troubleshooting and guidance. You can also contact the DTMO Help Desk for technical issues.
Plan Ahead
Because DTS bookings must be approved before travel begins, submit your travel authorization well in advance of your departure date to avoid delays.

The Future of Defense Travel: MyTravel and Beyond

The DoD is in the process of modernizing its travel systems. One key initiative is the rollout of MyTravel, which is built on the SAP Concur platform. MyTravel is expected to eventually replace DTS for many users, offering a more intuitive interface and enhanced mobile compatibility.

However, as of now, DTS remains the primary system for most official travel within the DoD.

Conclusion

The Defense Travel System (DTS) plays a vital role in managing the complexities of official travel within the Department of Defense. By offering a centralized, compliant, and efficient platform, DTS simplifies the travel process for military and civilian personnel alike.

While it comes with a learning curve and some interface limitations, the system’s benefits—faster reimbursements, detailed tracking, and regulatory compliance—make it a reliable tool for government travel.

If you’re a DoD-affiliated traveler, understanding and effectively using DTS is not just helpful—it’s essential.

FAQs About the Defense Travel System

Q: Can I use DTS for personal travel?
A: No, DTS is only for official government-funded travel.

Q: How long does reimbursement take through DTS?
A: Typically 3–7 business days after voucher approval.

Q: What happens if I make a mistake in my voucher?
A: The voucher will be returned for correction before it can be processed.

Q: Do I need a CAC card to use DTS?
A: Yes, a Common Access Card (CAC) is required to log in and use DTS securely.

Q: Is training mandatory before using DTS?
A: While not always mandatory, training is strongly recommended to avoid mistakes and delays.