Final answer:
DTS improves compliance with travel regulations by pre-authorizing travel plans, restricting bookings to carriers and lodgings within the policy, streamlining the travel claim process, enforcing auditing functions, and providing education on compliance. Additionally, updated service animal restrictions ensure a fair travel environment compliant with federal regulations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question addresses ways in which the Defense Travel System (DTS) improves compliance with travel regulations. DTS is a system that helps manage travel for the Department of Defense. It ensures that travel plans are within policy by providing automatic checks against regulations and by giving travelers a pre-trip authorization process that secures approval prior to any commitments or expenses. Compliance is further enhanced as it restricts bookings to only those carriers and lodgings that are policy compliant, reducing the possibility of employees inadvertently booking travel that is out of compliance.
Another significant improvement that DTS provides is the ability to streamline the travel claim process, reducing errors and ensuring adherence to rules. This is reinforced by a comprehensive auditing function within the system, which reviews and verifies the accuracy of claims and can flag any disallowed expenses. The system also provides guidance and education to travelers, aiding in understanding compliance requirements and the importance of adhering to established travel policies.
Furthermore, in the broader context of regulatory compliance, the updated restrictions on service animals in air travel ensure that individuals with genuine needs are accompanied by properly documented and trained service animals. These measures help sustain a fair and equitable travel environment, benefiting those who rely on these essential services animals while maintaining compliance with federal regulations and avoiding exploitation of loopholes related to pet travel.