Frequently Asked Travel Questions

Who are the approved Travel Agencies we can use through Emory?

Emory currently has three (3) approved travel agencies: CTM, SEQUEL (formally Maupin/Hess), and Cadence.

Will Emory reimburse an Airbnb?

If Airbnb represents the lowest rate available and is economical for the traveler, Airbnb will be addressed as an exception. Additional documentation is required when lodging via Airbnb.

Will Emory reimburse Lyft/Uber for ground transportation?

An Emory corporate card can be added to an Uber or Lyft account and toggle back and forth between personal and business forms of payment. If you do not have a corporate card, simply ask the driver for a voucher as a receipt.

Can students who do not receive an Emory stipend and do not have a status of student-employee create an Emory travel profile?

No, but travel can be booked on behalf of the students, by their school's Program Advisors/Coordinators. Or the student can self-book travel through one of the other approved travel agencies. Students must confirm with their school that booking through one of the other agencies is allowable.

Can visitors book their travel through Emory's travel partner agencies?

Travel for candidates/guests/visitors is not required to be booked through one of Emory's approved travel agencies. The traveler can book his/her own travel outside of Emory Travel, but if Emory will ultimately pay for the travel, the traveler must follow the Emory Travel Policy guidelines. It is the school's/unit's responsibility to make the traveler aware of the Emory Travel Policy guidelines.

No, but travel can be booked on behalf of the visitor, by the school/unit.

Are basic/low-cost economy class airfares permitted by Emory travel policy?

Yes, Emory travel opened the option to purchase these low-cost economy class airfares. However, these low-cost airfares come with tight restrictions. When booking these airfares, you will be prompted with a pop-up to acknowledge that you do understand the restrictions.

What are the typical restrictions on these types of basic/low-cost economy class airfares?

Each airline has their own set of restrictions, so it is important that you make yourself aware of the restrictions prior to booking your travel. In general, these types of fares have less flexibility. Seats are assigned after check-in, (ie: no seat assignments during the booking process.) Additionally, you will not be able to make changes or receive a refund should an issue arise, and you cannot travel. For Delta Airlines, they do not offer the same perks (e.g., zone 1 boarding, automatic re-booking in case of flight cancellation) that you get when booking the main cabin fare or a higher class of fare.

Are First Class and Business Class fares permitted?

First Class tickets are not allowable without prior granted exception. (Note: Exception for first class tickets for flights greater than 4 hours are allowed only when business class seats are unavailable on the route. Direct point-to-point travel is required.)

Business Class tickets are categorized as Upgraded Seating that must be approved prior to booking an upgraded seat.

The Upgrade Airfare Exception Form is required for any upgraded seating that is not within the Emory Travel Policy guidelines.

Can airline tickets be purchased directly through the airline carrier?

Emory requires that all Emory business related airfare must be booked through one of Emory's approved travel agencies.

By booking your airfare through an approved travel agency, you receive perks and together we can leverage issues that may occur while you travel.

When should I use Agent Assisted vs. Booking Online?

Agent Assisted is recommended when your work-related travel includes: traveling with your family members (blended travel), complex international reservations, or same day travel.

Are there fees associated with Agent Assisted booking?

Yes, there is a fee per transaction (e.g., 2 travelers, 2 tickets, 2 transactions = 2 fees applied). Each travel management company has their own set of fees, so it is important that you are aware of the fees prior to booking your travel.

What do I do if the hotel associated with the conference is sold out of the discounted rate?

If the negotiated conference rate is sold out, the next lowest rate available at the conference hotel can be booked.

Emory has a relationship with the Atlanta Marriott Hotels giving you access to special rates, benefits and inclusions that have been negotiated with CTMs preferred accommodation partners.

Are there prohibited countries to travel?

Yes, The U.S Department of State website provides travel advisory information for other countries, including prohibited countries.

How do I arrange ground transportation for department visitor?

Emory's travel partners have many options including a limousine, black car service, vans, buses, and car rental agencies.

Should I accept or deny rental car insurance coverage?

If booking a car rental for U.S. business related travel, decline the insurance coverage because it is covered by Emory's blanket insurance policy.

If booking for business travel outside the U.S., select the insurance option.

Can I add a personal trip onto my work trip?

Yes. If the personal travel does not impact the cost to Emory and the extended/ personal trip leave is approved or has no impact on your work schedule. (Example: A work conference in Orlando Monday through Wednesday. The family wants to tag along and go to Disney and stay over the following weekend. If both legs of the trip cost Emory, the same amount (or less) and the leave on Thursday and Friday is approved this is allowable. Emory would reimburse the traveler for the round-trip ticket, the lodging while attending the conference, and customary incidentals (ground transportation, meals or per diems are examples).

In some countries (i.e., Japan) a reserved seat on a train is classified as above “basic fare” but not as First Class. Are these expenses reimbursable?

Yes, the reserved seats are reimbursable.