UPCOMING TRAINING
The Travel & Expense Management team hosts a quarterly Lunch & Learn series to review information related to the travel and expense management programs. The PantherExpress Travel & Expense Management team is committed to ensuring that the community feels comfortable and confident with the travel and expense management tools, the Travel Card, and Concur system. The fall brown bag sessions will be:
- Tuesday, November 5, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the William Pitt Union, Kurtzman Room
- Thursday, November 14, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the William Pitt Union, Kurtzman Room
Both sessions will cover the same topics and provide time for questions and answers. The dates linked above go to the University Calendar where you can download files to add to your personal calendar. Attendees are encouraged to bring their lunch; food will not be provided.
Have a topic you’d like to see covered? Submit your request to Emily Duchene, Travel Program Manager.
Travel Vendor Updates
American Airlines
Great News! The University’s volume is increasing and so are the discounts! The University of Pittsburgh and American Airlines have increased the discount on tickets to an average of 5%. Discounts vary by fare class. These discounts also apply to American Airlines Joint Business Partners; British Airways, Iberia, Finnair, and Japan Airlines. In addition travelers will be able to access Seat Select and Priority Access and will now receive Priority 4 Boarding when booking online through Concur or with Anthony Travel. In order to receive these benefits the traveler must have an AAdvantage membership number in their Concur profile. Please go to aa.com/enroll. Once the traveler has created the AAdvantage membership number it must then be entered into Concur in the traveler’s "Profile Settings” in their profile.
Southern Airways Express
As a time-saving alternative to driving, Southern Airways Express is now offering CampusConnection, which makes traveling to and from the University of Pittsburgh-Bradford regional campus affordable and easy. Southern Airways Express offers 4 daily nonstop flights to Pittsburgh International Airport with discounts up to 25%. In addition to Bradford, Southern Airways Express also offers flights to/from Pittsburgh International Airport and Altoona, Dubois, Morgantown and Lancaster. This flyer provides more information.
Expense Processing Reminders
Please keep the following in mind when submitting expense reports to avoid them being returned.
- Per diems are based on time of travel, departure-return dates and destination city. Utilize the Travel Allowance section in Concur to manage the allowable meals.
- Refrain from using the Miscellaneous expense type and consult the Sub-Codes link or for verification, contact PantherExpress Customer Service 4-3578 and select option 1.
- Services, donations, sponsorships, gift card, and study participant payments, are not permitted in Concur, regardless of a Travel Card, cash or personal credit card purchase. All should be processed in the PantherExpress system or Vincent ONLY
- Not sure what form of payment to use? PCard vs Travel Card - use the Payment Method Comparison guide.
- Utilize Anthony Travel, the University of Pittsburgh’s contracted travel vendor. Note: disputes with Expedia and other online companies will not be honored.
Other Transportation News
University Vehicle Fleet Rentals
Effective September 1, 2019 Fleet Management announced they would no longer be renting vehicles. Vehicle rentals must now be booked through the PantherExpress Travel Management program using the Concur online booking tool or with the University’s Travel Management Company, Anthony Travel.
To rent a vehicle through Concur or with Anthony Travel a credit card in the driver’s name is required at time of pick up. The University offers a University-paid Travel Card for anyone who requires a form of payment for University business and travel. To apply for a Travel Card visit: pext.pitt.edu/travel-card.
To add a credit card to your Concur profile log into my.pitt.edu and click on Concur, then click on Profile, Profile settings, Credit Card Information.
The University’s agreement with Enterprise Rent-A-Car includes insurance and there is no need for the renter to purchase additional insurance.
Ground Transportation
The University has two contracted providers, Pittsburgh Transportation Group and Regency, for departments and individuals who utilize car services. Learn more about rates and how to make reservations on the Ground Transportation page.
FAST FACTS!
University Travel Card
The University’s preferred method of payment is the University Travel Card. The University Faculty and Staff are eligible to receive a University Travel Card. University Travel Cards are issued in an individual’s name not in a department’s name, cards should not be given to another person to use. Travelers may apply for a University Travel Card here.
Dedicated Email Account
A dedicated email for the University Travel Card and Purchasing Card (P-Card) has been created. In addition to the existing online inquiry form, this dedicated email will manage all the questions related to the University Travel Card and P-Card. The email address is pittcreditcards@cfo.pitt.edu. Please direct all emails here to ensure prompt replies.
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