Five records control most travel disputes

• Orders or travel authorization
• Applicable JTR rule on the date of travel
• DTS authorization and approvals, where DTS applies
• Receipts and proof of actual travel
• Voucher, payment and any denial or adjustment explanation

Pathway

1. Confirm the trip is official and identify the authorized itinerary and purpose.
2. Check the current JTR entitlement and any service/agency supplement.
3. Use the required booking and authorization process.
4. Save receipts and document changed circumstances while traveling.
5. Submit the voucher promptly and accurately.
6. Compare the paid amount with the authorized entitlement and written adjustment.
7. If disputed, preserve the voucher history and route the challenge through the designated travel/finance review process.

The JTR is amended over time. For an older claim, preserve or locate the version effective on the travel dates rather than applying today’s rule retroactively.

Official sources

• Defense Travel Management Office — Joint Travel Regulations
• Defense Travel System

Source status: SRC-016; SRC-039 verified October 4, 2026. Recheck current instructions before a deadline-sensitive transaction.