23 - JTR Chap. 2 - Will Travel for Per Diem

Chapter 2 of the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR), titled “Standard Travel and Transportation Allowances,” establishes the core framework for compensating travelers for normal expenses incurred while under official travel orders. The chapter details the three major categories of standard allowances: transportation, per diem, and miscellaneous reimbursable expenses. It prescribes the rules for selecting, authorizing, and reimbursing various transportation modes—including commercial air, rental vehicles, and privately owned vehicles (POVs)—while emphasizing the mandatory use of U.S. flag carriers and coach-class accommodations unless specific, documented exceptions apply. Furthermore, it provides comprehensive guidelines for calculating per diem allowances, which cover lodging, meals, and incidental expenses based on the authorized travel location, and sets strict requirements for utilizing available Government quarters or Integrated Lodging Program (ILP) facilities. The chapter also outlines the criteria for authorizing an Actual Expense Allowance (AEA) when standard per diem rates are insufficient, details a vast array of allowable miscellaneous expenses ranging from baggage fees to foreign currency conversion costs, and defines the parameters for authorized local travel in and around a traveler's Permanent Duty Station (PDS). Finally, it governs the specific eligibility requirements, weight limits, and temporary storage procedures for Household Goods (HHG) when a Service member or civilian employee is on a Temporary Duty (TDY) assignment