Book Flights

Questions? Contact SCM Response Team

Overview

Information on booking flights for UCSF travelers.

Guidance on Booking Flights

Before booking a trip, review the current maximum daily expense caps and allowable/unallowable expenses for UCSF travelers. All current rates and allowables are listed here.

Transportation expenses are reimbursed based on the most economical mode of transportation and the most commonly traveled route consistent with the authorized purpose of the trip.

Under the Fly America Act, only U.S. air carriers shall be used for all travel reimbursed from federal grants and contracts, including NIH Grants. However, there are exceptions, including Open Skies Agreements, which allow federally funded transportation services for travel and cargo movements on foreign air carriers under certain circumstances.

All travel booked using BCD Travel or UC Travel Center on Connexxus is automatically registered in UC’s Business Travel Insurance.

In the event of a canceled trip, the traveler is responsible for canceling any reservations in compliance with the cancelation terms established by the hotel, airline, etc.

Travel reservations can be changed or canceled via a travel agent or online in Connexxus. The agent can determine if the ticket had a refundable fare and process the refund or determine if a credit can be issued for future use by the traveler. Fees may apply. Note: The traveler should not expect to be reimbursed for additional costs (e.g., penalty fee, fare increase), unless there was a valid business reason to change or cancel the trip; you should not expect the University to pay for changes made for personal reasons.

Ancillary Airline Charges

The department designated travel approver may approve travel-related ancillary charges such as early check-in, priority boarding, seat selection, checked or carry-on baggage fees, excess baggage fees, higher-cost economy airfare (Economy Plus, Extra Comfort, etc.), or other necessary air expenses to accomplish the business purpose of the trip. Exceptional approval does not need to be obtained for these types of travel expenses. Ensure that your fund sources allow these charges.