Airfare Cost Guidelines
- International trips funded by federal contracts and grants must comply with the Fly America Act.
- Christopherson Business Travel may be able to book published first or business class fares at negotiated discounts.
Airline Fees/Rules Guidelines
The Travel office always strives to keep its information current. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the airline industry changes fees without notice to their customers. Christopherson Business Travel is our best resource to help us make appropriate business decisions based upon current conditions as we book travel. Some frequent travelers will be exempt from some of the fees listed here, but please consult with Christopherson Business Travel. Often, using the state-contracted fares are the best way to avoid some fees. It’s important that travelers and travel planners be aware of what fees will be reimbursed to the traveler as an allowable business expense.
Baggage Fees (varies by airline and paid by personal credit card at check-in)
Allowable
First Bag Fee
Travel where duration is 7 days or less
Allowable
Subsequent Bag Fees
Travel where duration is 8 days or longer
Unallowable – without memo of explanation
Subsequent Bag Fees
Travel where duration is 7 days or less
Exchange Fees
Allowed by Airline
First 24-hour hold
Penalty Fee: None
Not Allowed by Airline
Second 24-hour hold
Penalty Fee: Delta = $50 per segment – Cost to be passed to Dept.
Churning (Holding Air Reservations)
Allowed by Airline
First 24-hour hold
Penalty Fee: None
Not Allowed by Airline
Second 24-hour hold
Penalty Fee: Delta = $50 per segment – Cost to be passed to Dept.
If booking non-refundable tickets, you must provide the travel number and chartfields once the first hold is released if your traveler wants to book that itinerary. If we are asked to hold the reservation for a second time, and the airline assesses a penalty, your department will be charged for the penalty. Our booking system does not hold reliable information to monitor these instances. State-contracted fares are not subject to these rules, so if your traveler is unsure of exact times or dates or may not be in the office in the next 24 hours to accept the itinerary, you may want to request state rates. Consult with Christopherson Business Travel for help.
Seat Preference Fees
Allowable with Explanation
Cost Varies by Airline
Some frequent travelers will be exempt from these fees. In most cases, our OnSite Agents will confirm seating at no charge.
Unused Ticket Credits (MCOS) Not Accepted by All Airlines (Rules Vary by Airline)
Re-Usable within 1 Year of Original Issue Date
Airline Change fees will be applied against value of credit.
If your traveler has unused tickets, they should use the credit to book their next trip within 6 months to avoid the ticket used for institutional credit.
Private Automobile Mileage
Travelers may, when most appropriate and cost effective, be reimbursed for personal auto mileage.
Upon approval of their department, travelers may be reimbursed for mileage expenses that exceed the expense of their normal commute.
Travelers will be reimbursed according to the following rates from the United States General Services Administration.
36 cents per mile
- Effective for travel beginning January 1, 2024: 67 cents per mile
- Effective for travel beginning January 1, 2024 : 67 cents per mile
Fleet Vehicle Usage
State agencies, including the University of Utah and the Board of Regents, should support the investment of the state fleet when its use is the most cost-effective option. We have outlined some examples to guide departments in employing this guideline. The Travel office may determine that lower rate is most appropriate for reimbursement.
- Example: Two to four people need to attend a day meeting in Logan.
- Appropriate Use: Those involved should meet on campus and take a fleet vehicle to attend the meeting.
- Example: One person needs to attend a meeting in Cedar City for up to six days.
- Appropriate Use: Employee should use a fleet vehicle that can be picked up after 3:30 the day prior to departure.
- Example: Employee needs to attend a conference in Las Vegas.
- Appropriate Use: Airfare can be obtained for approximately $152, so the employee should book commercial airfare. State vehicle use should, for the most part, remain within Utah.
- Example: Employee lives in Layton, and is attending a day meeting early in the morning in Logan.
- Appropriate Use: Employee should use the lowest practical cost method for attending meeting. Private auto would be the most appropriate due to the time it takes to drive to University Fleet Services to pick up the fleet vehicle.
Rental rates, availability and reservations can be made at the University Fleet Services.
Partial Day Per Diem
Per Diem Rates (Overnight Stay Required)
We require brochures or registration summaries for trips where the purpose is a publicized meeting. We encourage departments to deduct the value of meals provided by the conference or meeting based upon the federal M&IE breakdown table. Recommended values are provided for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and incidentals.
Extended Single-day Per Diem
Extended day meal (actual cost, with receipt, of one meal only): $15.00 maximum for extended days over 10 hours in length, where greater than 100 miles was traveled each way.
Non-Conventional Lodging
Camping or staying with friends/family while on university business: $20.00/day.
Airport Parking
Maximum Parking Charge: $35.00/day, one day max
Maximum Parking Charge: $12.00/day
The additional short-term parking fee (i.e., more than one day) may not be charged to state-appropriated funds or grant and contract funds. The Travel team will update allowable parking reimbursement amounts as costs change. For more information, refer to parking information at the Salt Lake City International Airport.
Self Insurance Rate
Charged to department when traveler rents a car and state contracts are not utilized: $3.00/day.
Personal phone calls
$5.00/day max.