1
1
0
Does anybody know if you can book air BnB rooms for lodging and its authorized on the government travel card? The rooms are way cheaper and usually provide breakfast and kept you under the max rate so you don't have to pay out of pocket. They also provide receipts. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 7
0
0
0
The people in the comments saying you can’t rent an Airbnb type property are flat wrong. The JTR is not restrictive on “commercial properties” and you’re not required to book through DTS. If you don’t want to stay on base, you just get the on-base lodging amount and go stay wherever you want.
The problem is the receipt. Airbnb does not give you a DoD compatible receipt. The receipt needs to be itemized by day, no service fees, no cleaning fees etc.
In conclusion: renting from a third party is 100% allowed, but that third party must be familiar with the DoD receipt requirements if you want to get fully reimbursed for your stay.
Cheers,
Ryan
The problem is the receipt. Airbnb does not give you a DoD compatible receipt. The receipt needs to be itemized by day, no service fees, no cleaning fees etc.
In conclusion: renting from a third party is 100% allowed, but that third party must be familiar with the DoD receipt requirements if you want to get fully reimbursed for your stay.
Cheers,
Ryan
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
ALCON,
AIRBnB is not authorized lodging IAW the Joint Travel Regulation for two reasons.
Reason #1 Lodging must be obtained through the Defense Travel System(DTS) reservation system if lodging is available.
Reason #2 DOD has deemed that AIRBnB is not "Commercial" lodging because the company itself has no culpability for the properties which means DOD cannot go after AIRBnB for reimbursement if anything happens(fire, theft, personal injury) at one of the lodging properties.
Therefore, it is not legal for reimbursement through DTS or any other means.
DO NOT STAY AT AIRBNB.
AIRBnB is not authorized lodging IAW the Joint Travel Regulation for two reasons.
Reason #1 Lodging must be obtained through the Defense Travel System(DTS) reservation system if lodging is available.
Reason #2 DOD has deemed that AIRBnB is not "Commercial" lodging because the company itself has no culpability for the properties which means DOD cannot go after AIRBnB for reimbursement if anything happens(fire, theft, personal injury) at one of the lodging properties.
Therefore, it is not legal for reimbursement through DTS or any other means.
DO NOT STAY AT AIRBNB.
(0)
(0)
Maj (Join to see)
I have read the JTR regarding lodging per diem and reservations. I understand that the JTR restricts individuals from using Airbnb for lodging because it cannot be booked through the automated booking system. However, the JTR specifically states that group reservations may be made outside of the automated system for the purposes of securing group reservations (which are more likely to be a benefit to the government, if Airbnb is used because you can rent a five bedroom house for less than the cost of 2 hotel rooms).
There is no reference in the JTR to your second reason (can you provide a reference?).
Looking only at the JTR, I see no reason why Airbnb would not be allowed for group reservations. I can only think that restrictive local interpretation of the JTR has expanded to prevent the use of this method of lodging.
I am prepping for a trip with 12 people for 11 days and, based on this interpretation, I will have to spend an extra $28,000 on lodging because Airbnb is not allowed......yet ANG groups from 10 states regularly use Airbnb and similar services without any repercussions simply because their finance office has a more liberal interpretation of the JTR for group reservations.
There is no reference in the JTR to your second reason (can you provide a reference?).
Looking only at the JTR, I see no reason why Airbnb would not be allowed for group reservations. I can only think that restrictive local interpretation of the JTR has expanded to prevent the use of this method of lodging.
I am prepping for a trip with 12 people for 11 days and, based on this interpretation, I will have to spend an extra $28,000 on lodging because Airbnb is not allowed......yet ANG groups from 10 states regularly use Airbnb and similar services without any repercussions simply because their finance office has a more liberal interpretation of the JTR for group reservations.
(2)
(0)
SSG (Join to see)
You’re correct. You don’t have to book via DTS. There are several options on the drop down for non use of DTS, group lodging is one of them. Reimbursement is always limited to what the government would have spent.
I do travel for my current unit and just came off a 3 yr tour at DFAS Maj (Join to see)
I do travel for my current unit and just came off a 3 yr tour at DFAS Maj (Join to see)
(1)
(0)
0
0
0
I just submitted the following to 'AskDFAS'....
Recently I went on short fused AT orders. I had a CNA but lodging was sparsely available out in town. I used http://www.airbnb.com to reserve accomodations that were much lower than the gov per diem rate. Looking through my voucher in DTS it appears that the cost for lodging has been approved however their are two fee's that airbnb adds on that have been rejected.
Airbnb provides a zero balance reciept; however, they do not list state or room tax. Instead they list a 'service' and 'cleaning' fee. Even with these fees added the cost to the government was substantially lower than it would have been if other commercial lodging would have been aquired.
My question is thus: Is there any documentation or current policy in regards to utilization of airbnb which directs DTS officials as to what are legal charges? I have done alot of reading thus far and haven't come accross anything specifically addressing this topic. Thank you!
Recently I went on short fused AT orders. I had a CNA but lodging was sparsely available out in town. I used http://www.airbnb.com to reserve accomodations that were much lower than the gov per diem rate. Looking through my voucher in DTS it appears that the cost for lodging has been approved however their are two fee's that airbnb adds on that have been rejected.
Airbnb provides a zero balance reciept; however, they do not list state or room tax. Instead they list a 'service' and 'cleaning' fee. Even with these fees added the cost to the government was substantially lower than it would have been if other commercial lodging would have been aquired.
My question is thus: Is there any documentation or current policy in regards to utilization of airbnb which directs DTS officials as to what are legal charges? I have done alot of reading thus far and haven't come accross anything specifically addressing this topic. Thank you!
Vacation Rentals, Homes, Experiences & Places - Airbnb
Unforgettable trips start with Airbnb. Find adventures nearby or in faraway places and access unique homes, experiences, and places around the world.
(0)
(0)
Read This Next
-
Ask questionGet expert advice and
tips for your questions. -
Post updatePost pictures, personal updates, plans, or anything you like!
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google 
