PER DIEM - FIRST AND LAST DAYS OF TRAVEL
FAQS
UPDATED: 10 OCT 09

QUESTIONS		ANSWERS
Q1. Are the M&IE rates for the first and last days of my travel different from my non-travel days?		A1. Yes. When you are assigned to temporary duty, 75% of the appropriate M&IE rate ( see the Per Diem Rates section of the Per Diem Committee Home Page) is paid for the day of departure from the PDS and the day of return to the PDS.
Q2. Is the rate affected by the time of day that I leave or return?		A2. No. The rate is 75% of the appropriate M&IE rate regardless of what time you depart or return.
Q3. Does the Government Meal Rate (GMR) or Proportional Meal Rate (PMR) apply on the first and last days of my travel?		A3. No. On these days, the GMR or PMR do not apply.
Q4. How do I determine what the applicable M&IE rate is for my travel?		A4. The M&IE rate for the day of departure from the PDS is the rate applicable to the TDY location. The M&IE rate for the day of return to the PDS is the M&IE rate ( see the Per Diem Rates section of the Per Diem Committee Home Page) applicable to the last TDY station, except when return travel requires more than one day and a stopover for the night is required.
Q5. What M&IE rate applies when I have a stopover going to or returning from my TDY destination ?		A5. The M&IE rate for the stopover point applies.
Q6. What M&IE rate applies when my return travel requires more than 1 stopover?		A6. If authorized return travel to the PDS requires more than 1 day and additional stopovers are required, per diem for the last day of travel is based on the M&IE rate applicable to the last stopover location.
Q7. What M&IE rate applies when I'm traveling but don't need lodging for the night?		A7. If lodging is not required the M&IE rate for the destination is the applicable rate.
Q8. How is the M&IE rate for the first and last days of travel computed?		A8. The following is an example of how the M&IE rate on the first and last days of travel are computed:

 

Per diem rate at TDY destination is $70 (lodging) + $46 (M&IE) = $116 (total per diem). Actual lodging cost at TDY location is $65 per night.
Date	Travel Status	Per Diem Computation	Total
10 May (travel day)	Depart Residence Arrive TDY Station	$46 (M&IE) x 75% =$34.50 $65 (lodging) + $34.50 =	$99.50
11 May	TDY	$46 (M&IE) + $65 (lodging) =	111.00
12 May	TDY	$46 (M&IE) + $65 (lodging) =	111.00
13 May (travel day)	Depart TDY Station Arrive Residence	$46 (M&IE) x 75% =	+34.50
Total Per Diem Reimbursement =			$356.00

 

Q9. Why was the M&IE computation for first and last days of travel changed to 75%?		A9. To simplify travel by eliminating times and meal-by-meal construction on vouchers.
Q10. Can I get an exemption or waiver to the 75% rule?		A10. No. There are no exemptions or waivers to this rule.
Q11. Does the 75% rule also apply for PCS travel?		A11. Yes, the 75% rule applies to the day of departure from the old PDS and the day of arrival at the new PDS, designated places, or COT leave locations when lodgings-plus per diem is paid. If travel begins and ends on the same day, and is longer than 12 hours, per diem is 75% of the appropriate M&IE rate.