As of 29 May 2012, Mr. Harvey Johnson will serve as the Acting Director of the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO). Ms. Pam Mitchell, Director of the DTMO has been called upon to temporarily serve as the Acting Director of the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP).

72-Hour Air Reservation Auto Cancellation

Beginning October 1, 2012, any travel authorization that includes air travel must be approved and ticketed at least 72 hours in advance of the scheduled flight departure to avoid airline reservations from being cancelled.

TraX Touch, the mobile version of Travel Explorer, launches.

GSA announces that per diem rates will remain unchanged for FY13.

Service members��� overseas Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) is routinely affected by the economy, and can fluctuate from pay period to pay period.

The Department of Defense has released the 2012 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates, which take effect on January 1, 2012. Overall rates will increase an average of 2 percent this year.

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The Department of Defense has released the 2012 CONUS Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) rates, which take effect on January 1, 2012. While some members will see a decrease in their CONUS COLA payments, some 30,000 members will see an increase or no change at all.

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DTS users who need to settle a debt can now make payments online through the Pay.gov website.

In accordance with A Secretary of Defense memorandum, "Track Four Initiative Decisions," dated March 14,2011, the JFTR and JTR now require travelers to add a new justification on DD 1610 and other order formats.

Each airline has its own policy regarding baggage fees for Government travelers. Be aware of fees before you travel.