Overview
Frequently asked questions about the UCSF Connexxus travel booking system.
Connexxus is the preferred method for booking travel at UCSF. Connexxus offers discounted UC-contract prices, as well as a "one-stop shop" for booking airline tickets, lodging, and rental cars.
Q: Who has access to Connexxus?
A: UCSF employees are automatically granted access to Connexxus. There is no need for employees to request access to Connexxus. Log into your UCSF MyAccess account, and click on the Connexxus link.
Q: Can UCSF affiliates obtain access to Connexxus?
A: Yes. If the affiliate has a business need to access Connexxus such as to book travel for UCSF employees as a Travel Arranger, a UCSF department can authorize the non-employee to obtain access to Connexxus. To obtain access to Connexxus, the department’s Business Officer or Financial Administrator should email [email protected] with the person’s information, UCSF ID number, and provide the business reason on why this person needs access to Connexxus.
Q: Can I book travel on behalf of a guest?
A: Yes, travel arrangements can be made for guests (non-UC employees) and third-party affiliates in Connexxus For instructions and FAQs about booking travel on behalf of a guest, go to Connexxus > Help > FAQ > Booking.
- You will be prompted to enter the traveler’s name as it appears on their official government photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport).
- You should obtain the traveler’s cell phone number for airline and/or travel agency updates.
- For reimbursement claims, it is the department’s responsibility to report the guest’s actual travel expenses within 45 days of the end of the trip.
Q: Are Connexxus rates competitive with those I can get from booking directly or shopping online?
A: Yes. Connexxus travel agencies use the same global distribution systems that commercial travel companies such as United, Delta, or Expedia use for scheduling and pricing options. All accredited airlines, schedules, and prices are offered through the Connexxus travel agencies. Airfare prices booked through Connexxus should be equal to or less expensive than those you will find elsewhere.
Q: May I book Southwest “Wanna Get Away” fares through a Connexxus travel agency?
A: Yes, both the UC Travel Center and BCD Travel have access to Southwest “Wanna Get Away” fares, as well as exclusive UC-negotiated discounts with Southwest. Either agency can assist you with a Southwest reservation and accept a direct bill SpeedType as payment.
Q: What is the benefit to the business traveler to book airfare using Connexxus and Direct Bill?
A: In addition to the airfare scheduling and pricing options provided through Connexxus being equal to or better than most anything you might find on other travel booking sites, booking through Connexxus and using Direct Bill provides many other significant benefits to our UC business travelers:
- Flexibility to make travel arrangements either online or with an agent by phone.
- Canceled Connexxus tickets result in a credit that can be used for a future flight, even if the ticket was non-refundable.
- Supports the Direct Bill process to charge airfare directly to the University so that our business travelers do not have to pay for their airline ticket(s) in advance and then wait until after the completion of travel to get reimbursed.
- Qualify for various airline benefits based on availability.
- Free preferred seats
- Upgrades to business or first-class seats
- Priority boarding and priority standby
- Automatic enrollment in Business and Travel Accident Insurance coverage at no cost for employees and students.
Q: Why was I charged fees for booking airfare with BCD Travel?
A: When booking travel or making changes to your travel arrangements with BCD Travel or UC Travel Center, there may be associated fees. To learn more, log into Connexxus to review fees information.
Q: Can I use direct-bill with a SpeedType for booking and paying lodging?
A: No. Direct-bill with a SpeedType can only be used when booking airfare via BCD or the UC Travel Center (UCTC). Hotel accommodations can be paid for using the traveler’s UCSF corporate travel card or using personal funds (ex: personal credit card). Reimbursement for lodging expenses to the traveler will require an expense report to be submitted via MyExpense.
Q: Can I use a SpeedType that has special characters in it such as an underscore for booking airfare through Connexxus?
A: No. SpeedTypes intended for use in Connexxus cannot include underscores ( _ ), hyphens ( - ), or any other special characters. Please contact your department’s Financial Administrative team to obtain a valid SpeedType to book airfare.