While the complexity of the ETS system can be intimidating to first-time users, there is a reason behind it. Many travelers are used to using such systems as Expedia, Travelocity and Orbitz for their personal travel needs. These systems are relatively easy to use and travel can be booked in a short amount of time. Often, nothing more than the traveler’s personal information, preferences and method of payment are needed in order to book their trip. In contrast, the ETS can seem rather cumbersome, at times. In reality, the system itself is not overly complicated, but the information that it has to take into consideration certainly is, as is the checks that the system performs prior to completing the authorization and/or voucher.
In addition to containing the traveler’s personal information, preferences, method of payment and itinerary, the ETS checks all of the data contained to verify if it is in compliance with the FTR. After the traveler has entered all of the pertinent information into the ETS, there is a pre-audit section that alerts the traveler to any items that may be in violation of the FTR, as well as any items or information that is missing. The traveler must then, at the very least, enter a justification for the discrepancy. They also have the option of going backwards and correcting the issue. This is also an option when vouchering for the trip, even if the information is different than what was contained in the original authorization. Given all of the information that the ETS has to verify and process, it is remarkably easy to use.
By Mark Hartshorn
The contents of this message are mine personally and do not reflect any position of the Government or my agency.