Inside Iowa State: Iowa State University

July 5, 2002

ISU travelers may buy air tickets through Web sites

Effective July 1, ISU travelers are allowed to buy airline tickets from Internet travel sites -- instead of the university's contracted travel agencies -- if approved by their department chairs. Travelers may use either personal credit cards or their (ISU) American Express corporate cards to purchase tickets from Web sites. However, reimbursement won't be made until after the trip. Travel advances won't be given to purchase airline tickets.

Documentation of the ticket cost (passenger receipt coupon or a copy of the e-ticket confirmation showing the amount paid) must be attached to the travel voucher. International air tickets require a second proof of payment.

Those who purchase through an Internet site should not complete an air travel requisition form. (The university's three contracted travel agencies will continue to accept the form.)

A few other notes:

It is the traveler's responsibility to seek refunds and exchanges when purchasing from Internet sites. ISU staff or contracted agency staff can't help travelers with ticket problems associated with Web sites.
Purchases from local, non-contracted travel agencies still aren't allowed.
Purchases must be made with respect to cost efficiency, not considerations such as frequent flier miles or other premiums that personally benefit the traveler.

Questions about the policy may be directed to Bill Cahill, 4-5181.