Does anyone have any tips to avoid horror stories with DTS/Carlson Travel or your Government Travel Card?

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Feb 2020 08:28:12 -0500

I recently had an experience that I would like to share. I found out the hard way that you need to see your G8/Finance when you transfer units and make sure they follow the inprocessing checklist. My Government travel card was not updated in the system. My flights were booked then immediately canceled due to my newest Government travel card # not in the system. My Civilan G3 DOD finance/orders manager worked with me on the.phone and I had to call Carlson's 24 hour Emergency line and I gave them my correct credit card #. My G8 section was informed and now, after my long struggle to book a flight to a Conference, my issues are resolved and it will not happen again. Any stories or tips to help those here on RP?

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Feb 7 at 2020 8:31 AM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Fri, 07 Feb 2020 08:31:58 -0500

Maj Marty Hogan travels a lot. Perhaps he has some suggestions

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2020 8:33 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Feb 2020 08:33:30 -0500

You have full acces to your CC online and can monitor any charges that way and there is a 800 number you can always call to fix any issues with your tickets.

Response by LTC John Griscom made Feb 7 at 2020 8:41 AM

LTC John Griscom — Fri, 07 Feb 2020 08:41:54 -0500

Upgrade from her broom.

Response by SPC David S. made Feb 7 at 2020 8:52 AM

SPC David S. — Fri, 07 Feb 2020 08:52:51 -0500

There is the travel card training. Travel Card 101 is available through Travel Explorer (TraX). To access TraX, users must register through Passport DTMO's web portal.

Have all the numbers on the website handy when traveling.

https://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/govtravelcard.cfm
https://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/Docs/Training/Accessing_Travel_Card_Program_Training.pdf

govtravelcard.cfm

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Feb 7 at 2020 1:23 PM

CSM Richard StCyr — Fri, 07 Feb 2020 13:23:01 -0500

I have no tips, only horror stories. Seems we are at the mercy of the travel and card agencies.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Feb 7 at 2020 4:50 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 07 Feb 2020 16:50:05 -0500

One must outprocess DTS from the losing unit and inprocess DTS of the gaining unit. I believe flights coordinated in DTS will protect the travelers from being bumped on over crowded flights.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2020 9:01 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Feb 2020 21:01:34 -0500

DO NOT GO TDY TO A LOCATION THAT CHARGES VAT, because apparently that is not reimbursable

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2020 11:08 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 23:08:51 -0500

My only tip is that I try to use the GTC as little as possible. Generally, only for airfare, and put everything else on my personal card. The GTC answers all the questions no sane person ever asked.