What To Expect When Traveling: Travel Tips

As you may be aware, the travel industry is currently experiencing increased volume and prices, limited flight options, and evolving COVID-19 regulations. A regular email series, What to Expect When Travelling, is intended to equip University travelers with the latest travel industry information and tips.

The following tips were emailed to Concur users and Travel Card cardholders on the dates listed:

March 4, 2024: Beware of Airline Scams

Internet scams are always a threat and travel customer service scams are the latest taking place. Both The Point Guy and Frommers online travel news sites have shared articles with a current scam taking place. 

Travelers experiencing issues with their flight or wishing to contact the airline do a simple Google search for an airline customer service number and are finding a fraudulent number. The unsuspecting customer is then asked for credit card numbers and other personal information and now the fraudulent site has all the information they need.  In some instances, the fraudulent customer service agent advises “All credit card transactions over the phone to our Customer Service Department are recorded and are available as evidence in case of any dispute.”  

If you are booking any upcoming flights: 

  • Always obtain the phone number directly from the official website of the business you need to call.
  • If booking via phone or email, contact an Anthony Travel agent, the University’s contracted travel management company, to ensure a trusted source is assisting in your travel arrangements.
  • Book online through Concur to ensure a safe and secure booking platform.
February 8, 2024: WSJ's Best and Worst Airlines of 2023

Over the past few years, air travel has had struggles due to the pandemic causing drastic changes in travel patterns, staff, and more. This past year has finally set many of the airlines on the right track, as airlines strived for fewer flight disruptions, and some fared better than others. A recent Wall Street Journal article shares the best and worst airlines of 2023. (If you are unable to view the full article, ensure you are logged into your University WSJ account. To create an account, visit this page.)

The criteria to rank the airlines were based on the following: on-time arrivals, canceled flights, extreme delays, two hours tarmac delays, mishandled baggage, and involuntary bumping. Overall, the number one spot went to Delta but here is a peak into the full lineup: 

  1. Delta
  2. Alaska
  3. Allegiant
  4. Southwest
  5. American
  6. United
  7. Spirit
  8. Frontier
  9. JetBlue

If you have air travel coming up: 

  • Remain aware of possible flight disruptions. Cancellations and delays can occur for a variety of reasons, you can keep up to date with a flight status by downloading the airline apps on your phone which will deliver updates.
  • Regardless of the airline you are travelling on, be sure to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to catch your flight at its original departure time. It is not recommended to rely on any delays regardless of the airline.
  • Book online through Concur, or work with an Anthony Travel agent to ensure assistance with booking the flight that works best for you and have assistance on hand if you do experience any travel disruptions.
January 17, 2024: Brazil Postpones Visa Requirements to April

Brazil has postponed for the second time the visa regulations that will affect citizens from U.S., Canada, and Australia, requiring them to obtain a tourist visa to visit. The new date for the updated requirements is now set for April 10, 2024.  A recent article from The Associated Press shared by ABC News covers the latest news on this topic. Noting the most recent change from the January 10th deadline to the updated April 10th was due to the Brazilian government still finalizing the new visa system and not wanting to implement it too close to high season, such as New Years and the Carnival festivities in February. 

If you are traveling to Brazil: 

  • You can review the latest visa requirements by going to the U.S Visas page on the U.S. Department of State website.
  • Review how TDS and CIBT can assist with passport preparation and visas by visiting the Visa & Passport Services page on Global Operations’ website.
  • Book online through Concur, or work with an Anthony Travel agent to ensure assistance with the most recent visa requirements.
November 7, 2023: United Airlines Boarding Process

Travel like it’s 1999 with United! Starting next summer, United Airlines will institute a new boarding method called “WILMA” that will board passengers in the following order: window, then middle, then aisle seats. WILMA had previously been used in the 90’s and was noted as successful back then. A recent article from Today.com shares more about this upcoming transition, noting the goal is to shorten departure time and ensure an on-time take-off given that most planes only have approximately 45 minutes from gate arrival until moving to the runway. This new boarding process will only affect economy class; pre-board, priority, and business class will still board the plane first and with their current process.

According to the article, a primary concern with WILMA is overhead bin space. As many travelers know, space can sometimes be limited for carry-on baggage. This new process could leave aisle seats with little to no overhead space. However, United shared their plans to retrofit their fleet to increase overhead bin size, allowing enough space for each passenger to store one carry-on.  

If you are flying on United: 

  • Note this for not only seat preference but for boarding time preference as well. If you do not have a seat preference, you may want to select a seat based on boarding time preference.
  • Keep in mind that as they adjust to grow the overhead bin space, prepare for the transitional phase as there may be some ‘growing pains’ along the way. Ensure that, when possible, you have an appropriate sized carry on for the current bin sizes rather than anticipating the larger overhead bin space.  
  • Book in advance to increase your likelihood of getting your preferred seat and boarding time.
  • Book online through Concur, or work with an Anthony Travel agent to ensure assistance in selecting your preferred seating/boarding arrangements.
August 14, 2023: Passport Wait Times

 

Passport wait times are expected to remain high throughout 2023 with no guarantee of when the processing times will return to pre-pandemic levels. According to this recent article from The Points Guy, the extended processing times are due to a “pandemic-induced soar in passport demand”. This jump in demand led to a backlog in passport requests. The article shares that current wait times are as follows: 

  • Routine: 10 to 13 weeks
  • Expedited: 7 to 9 weeks

If you have upcoming international travel or know your passport is due to be renewed: 

  • Do not wait to submit your application for either a first-time passport or your renewal, even if it is far in advance of any international trips in your schedule. The U.S. State Department advises travelers to renew at least six months before planned travel.
  • Visit the U.S. Department of State website for information and links to renewing or obtaining your passport. 
  • If you require additional assistance with obtaining a visa or passport, Pitt has contracted with two visa/passport processing services. Visit the Global Operations Support website to learn more about these optional services. Note that a fee is attached when using Pitt’s third-party visa and passport preparation services.
  • If you reside in the Pittsburgh area, you can utilize Global Operations’ services mentioned above or receive local assistance as there is a county office that works with passports located in Pittsburgh. Their office processes applications, and their website includes instructions on obtaining your passport. You can visit their website here to learn which route is best for you.
July 12, 2023: Summer Travel  

As we have entered the summer season, along with the sunshine and warm weather comes increased travel leading to jam-packed airports. This recent Wall Street Journal article shares that, “federal data suggests that the number of people traversing U.S. airports could exceed the highest pre-pandemic levels”. (If you are unable to view the full article, ensure you are logged into your University WSJ account. To create an account, visit this page.) With the high volume of travel that is expected over the next few months, it’s important to plan accordingly to ensure you successfully navigate the busy airports and catch your flights. The article shares several recommendations on how to be prepared, but below are a few highlight takeaways. 

If you are planning any airline travel this summer: 

  • Arrive at the airport with plenty of time to account for long lines
  • Download the airline apps on your phone to be instantly aware of any updates such as gate changes or adjusted flight times
  • Book through Concur or with an Anthony Travel agent to ensure assistance while on the road
June 2, 2023: Elevated Airfare Costs
A recent Wall Street Journal article provides a “Pro Take” stating that “Airfares are still soaring, and pandemic fallout may keep them aloft”. From this article, we can gather that due to a combination of a high demand for travel, the post-lockdown airfare surges, and the remaining staffing issues, travelers can expect to pay ticket prices mirroring those of a decade ago. As of now, travelers can expect to see continued elevated prices as we enter into the summer of 2023. Read the full article for details on past and projected airline price trends.

If you are planning any air travel in the next few months:

  • Book in advance to ensure you receive the best prices and route options
  • Be prepared for elevated costs
  • Plan to arrive at the airports with plenty of time to account for increased travelers as the summer leads to a higher demand for travel
  • Book through Concur or with an Anthony Travel agent for assistance in navigating the best airfare options
April 28, 2023: Flight Reductions in NY and DC

Due to air traffic controller staffing shortages and an expected high travel volume, in an effort to avoid the flight disruptions and congestion the New York and Washington, D.C. airports experienced last summer, airlines are trimming their flight schedules in those regions. This will affect New York’s John F. Kennedy International and LaGuardia airports as well as D.C.’s Reagan Washington National Airport. Travelers can expect to see fewer flights and therefore higher costs as well as more fluctuation with ticket prices. This recent Business Travel News article provides details on what travelers can expect to see this summer based on the upcoming reduced schedules. 

If you are traveling this summer through New York or Washington D.C.: 

  • Book your flights as soon as possible to ensure the best options and prices
  • Be prepared to see fluctuations in prices that can occur within the same day for the same tickets
  • Review all flight route options, including those that do not have layovers in NY or DC
  • Keep in mind, these reduced schedules are expected to lead to less congestion and a better travel experience
  • Contact the University’s contracted travel management company, Anthony Travel for assistance in booking travel
March 22, 2023: Airlines Bumping Passengers

Airlines continue to deal with a high volume in travel and challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. As this recent USA Today article discusses, more passengers are getting bumped from overbooked flights by airlines. The article discusses several reasons for this increase such as airlines processes to overbook flights being complicated by the change in travel patterns that are more difficult to track. It is important to know your rights if you get bumped from a flight, including what compensation you should receive. Read the full article to ensure you are aware of what to do if you end up in the situation.

To avoid getting bumped from a flight:

  • Avoid booking basic economy airfare. These tickets are the first to get removed from the flight as they do not have seat assignments. 
  • Utilize your frequent flyer number(s). If you do not have a frequent flyer number, it is recommended to set one up with the airline you are traveling on.
  • Print out your boarding pass. Printed boarding passes cannot be adjusted as easily as digital boarding passes without the traveler's awareness. 
  • Book through Concur or with an Anthony Travel agent. This provides the best benefits for and assistance with re-booking in the event of being bumped from a flight.
February 17, 2023: Global Travel Updates

A recent Business Travel News article announces that the U.S. State Department has significantly reduced wait times for visitor visas, however the wait times remain above normal. According to the article, global wait times for U.S. visas are currently below 150 days and are projected to be below 120 days by the end of the fiscal year. 

Another Business Travel News article discusses a second piece of important international travel news, sharing that France’s transport system, including rail services and flights, will be strongly disrupted by the upcoming strike on February 19th. The article discusses what brought this latest strike on and how previous strikes have already affected French transportation systems. 

If you are planning any international travel: 

  • Apply for your Visa as early as possible to ensure you receive it in time as wait times are still high.
  • Review the rail and flight schedules in France to prepare for any disruptions or additional travel time. 
  • Avoid rail and air travel in France on the 19th of February if possible.
January 19, 2023: Extended Real ID Deadline
The Real ID deadline has been extended to May 7, 2025. As a reminder, a Real ID will be classified as a state issued driver's license or identification card that complies with the federal government’s increased security requirements. This Travelers Weekly article discusses the extension, explaining how several factors, including continued COVID-19 obstacles affected the new start date.

To ensure you are in compliance with the Real ID requirements be sure to check your state regulations, PA residents can review theirs here. If you are not a PA resident, we recommend you select your state to review its requirements, as they may vary from state to state.

January 6, 2023: UK Rail Strike
Disputes between the unions and rail operators have led to rail strikes in the United Kingdom that are expected to continue through at least January 8, 2023. The strikes will cause limited or canceled routes and schedules during the strike days. A recent Business Travel News article discusses what is causing these strikes and what travelers can expect during these times.

If you are traveling to Europe over the next week:

  • Review the strike schedule here to remain fully informed on when there will be schedule disruptions.
  • Check the train schedule on the day of travel to ensure you are aware of the most up to date schedule modifications during strike times as the schedules are subject to change each day.
  • Alternate forms of transportation besides rail travel are recommended when possible.
December 8, 2022: New British Airways Flights

British Airways will be offering increased direct flights from Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) to London Heathrow! This is great news for any Pitt travelers heading to London – under the University’s American Airlines agreement, offered through Concur and Anthony Travel, it allows University travelers to receive discounts with American Airlines’ business partners, which includes British Airways. A recent Blue Sky News article discusses this exciting change which we can expect to see implemented starting in April 2023. 

If you are planning to travel to London in or after April 2023: 

  • Book through Concur or with an Anthony Travel representative to ensure to receive the discounted rates.
  • If you have a trip planned, review the new flight additions to ensure you are on the best flight for your schedule.
November 7, 2022: November & December 2022 Travel

Many Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) plans to deck the airport halls with an increase in flights for the holiday season. Coming off this summer with a very high volume of travel and notable increases in delays and cancellations, PIT plans to resume previously suspended flights and add new flights in the coming months. A recent Pittsburgh Magazine article discusses the new flight options that will be available for holiday travel. The article mentions that the airport carriers are expected to be operating at nearly 91% of pre-pandemic levels by December.

If you are planning to travel in November and December:

  • Book your flights early to ensure the best rates and options
  • Review the new route options to pick the best flight for your travel plans
October 10, 2022: New Car Rental Fees

Many travelers have, unfortunately, grown accustomed to additional “hidden” fees, particularly with airfare and hotels. However, a recent Wall Street Journal article discusses three new fees that some in the car rental industry are now tacking on. Travelers should be aware of the following new fees and how to avoid these charges by utilizing Pitt’s University-wide Contracted Suppliers (see below):

  • The Fuel Service Charge comes when a traveler does not select the ‘pre-paid’ fuel option but still receives a charge for fuel. The charge may vary depending on the reason given by the rental property. 
  • The Cancellation Fee is a new fee made possible because of the requirement to provide a credit card to reserve a vehicle, a relatively new practice. Companies can now charge the credit card on file a cancellation fee on any prepaid rentals even when cancelled prior to 24 hours. 
  • Toll Handling/Convenience Fees are additional fees on top of the actual toll road costs which are charged by the rental car companies for paying the original toll cost.


If you are planning on renting a car: 

  • Book your rental through University-Wide Contracted Suppliers Enterprise/National Car Rentals. Booking with Enterprise/National provides: no hidden fees, discounted car rental rates, and insurance coverage.
  • The easiest method to book with the University’s contracted benefits is to book your car rental through Concur or with an Anthony Travel agent.
  • If you have a personal EZ Pass, it can be used to avoid the handling/convenience fees for toll charges, by adding the license plate of the rental vehicle to your personal EZ Pass account. 
  • Review your receipt after travel is complete. If there is any overbilling, those charges may be able to be disputed.

 

September 15 2022: Price Increases Expected for 2022 and 2023

Travel is continuing to pick up as well as travel prices. The latest trends are predicting continued price increases into and throughout 2023. A recent Business Travel News article explains these anticipated rising costs. While these projected increases are not certain due to changing variables such as global affairs and COVID regulations, the article shares the prediction that airfares on average will rise by an estimated 48.5% in 2022, followed by an 8.5% increase next year. Hotel rates are predicted to jump 18.5% this year and then a further rise of 8.2% in 2023. The article does note a smaller expectancy for price increases with car rentals, predicting a 7.3% increase for the remainder of 2022 and a 6.8% increase into 2023. 

If you are planning travel for 2022 or into 2023: 

  • Note that travel budgets may be impacted by these cost increases.  
  • Book in advance to ensure the best prices and guaranteed accommodations.
  • Be aware of potential price changes over the next year and a half when planning travel.
  • Leverage the University’s negotiated rates for airfare, hotels, and car rental through the Concur online booking tool or by booking with Anthony Travel.
  • If organizing any conferences/events, consider hosting a hybrid or virtual conference to help participants control costs. Visit this page to learn more about hybrid or virtual conferences/events and the University-wide Contracted Suppliers that offer these services.
August 26, 2022: American Airlines Flight Cuts Impact on PIT

American Airlines (AA) has recently announced a reduced flight schedule that will directly impact Pittsburgh travelers flying in or out of the Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT). AA will be cutting 17% of its flights slated for this November, and PIT will be one of the most affected airports. A recent Pittsburgh Magazine article discusses all the details surrounding these upcoming changes with the airline and how Pittsburgh travelers should plan accordingly, especially for their holiday travel plans. 

If you are planning a flight with American Airlines in the upcoming months: 

  • Book early to secure AA non-stop flights
  • Explore flights with one connection
  • Explore other University airline partners (Southwest, United, and Delta) in Concur for non-stop flights 
  • Visit this link to see what other airlines offer direct flights to your destinations
  • Work with Anthony Travel to find a flight that best suits your travel needs
August 12, 2022: Global Travel

A recent Worldwide Caution Advisory was issued by the U.S. Department of State in the wake of a recent U.S. military action, to remind U.S citizens to be alert when traveling globally. Travelers who are planning international trips should consult their destination country’s conditions by viewing the latest Travel Advisories. As a reminder, the University’s COVID-19 Standards and Guidelines, requires international business trips to be registered with International SOS (ISOS).

If you are planning to travel outside of the United States:

  • Check the U.S. Department of State website for U.S. citizen country-specific regulations.
  • To ensure University community members' safety and to facilitate extraction, should that be necessary, every international business trip must be registered via the Pitt ISOS portal. Booking via Concur or Anthony Travel automatically registers with ISOS. If you book outside of Concur or Anthony Travel, follow these instructions to manually register via ISOS.
  • Registration with the U.S. Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is also strongly encouraged.
  • In an emergency, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate or call the following numbers: 1 (888) 407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1 (202) 501-4444 from other countries.
  • Additional information about coverage for international business travel is available on the Global Operations Support website.
July 28, 2022: Hotel Costs and Amenities
Due to increased prices for labor and supplies, hotel room rates are surging as summer travel continues to increase. According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, the average daily hotel rate from June 5th – July 2nd was up about 17%, compared with the same period in 2019. However, the article also notes that while hotel costs are increasing, travelers should not expect better service during their stays. Amenities and traditional services such as daily house keeping may not be as available at certain hotel properties.  

 

If you are planning on staying in a hotel: 

  • Check with your hotel for their current available amenities at the time of your stay.  
  • Amenities are subject to change based on property location and staffing and are not brand specific. 

 

July 21: Luggage When Flying
As air travel continues to soar and staffing at airports remains low, airports are now struggling to successfully transport checked baggage to travelers. As discussed in this recent NBC news coverage, travelers are experiencing significant increases in delayed, lost, and damaged luggage when checking a bag. In the US, baggage issue claims are up 135% over last year. In Europe, London Heathrow has accumulated an unprecedented amount of baggage due to delayed baggage transportation and stated they can only handle 100,000 outgoing travelers per day.

If you are planning a flight, below are the recommendations for your luggage:

  • Avoid checking luggage when possible.
  • If checking luggage, use the airline apps to track your baggage and flight information.
  • If you check a bag, be sure to include any valuables and essentials, such as medications and a change of clothes, in your carry-on.
July 13, 2022: Reduced Flight Schedules

As the airline industry continues to experience staffing shortages and the demand for travel continues to grow, travelers are experiencing increased delays and flight cancellations. To reduce these flight disruptions airlines are cutting their schedules back

According to a recent Simply Flying article, the first half of 2022 already has more cancelled flights than the whole of 2021. If these cancellation trends continue on the current path, travelers will see more canceled flights in 2022 than pre-pandemic 2019. Below are Pitt’s four preferred airlines statistics from January 1 - June 30, 2022:

Airlines Total flights scheduled Total cancellations % Flights canceled
American Airlines 515,801 17,138 3.3%

Southwest Airlines

629,627 15,664 2.5%

Delta Airlines

489,738 9,064 1.9%
United Airlines 372,406 8,642 2.3%

To help avoid flight disruptions if you are booking a flight:

  • Book your flight as far in advance as possible.
  • Select direct versus connecting flights if available, to avoid canceled connecting flights.
  • Review virtual collaboration options, when available, as opposed to flying for in person meetings.
  • When flying internationally, avoid Heathrow Airport (LHR) connections when possible.
  • Book flights with departure times early in the day.
    • Early flights are less likely to be impacted by staff being timed out and unavailable, leading to canceled flights.
    • If your flight gets canceled and there are multiple flights to the same destination scheduled for that day, you may have the option to be placed on one of the later flights that same day.
July 1, 2022: Hotels

Due to the impact of COVID-19 on the hotel industry, staffing shortages combined with increased travel may lead to adjusted accommodations and rates for travelers. A recent Business Travel News article discusses current hotel data including both global and domestic rates, occupancy, and booking trends expected in the upcoming months.

If you are planning a stay in a hotel:

  • Be aware that not all of the usual services or amenities may be available during your stay.
  • Call in advance to confirm any amenities you may need while visiting.
  • Anticipate flexibility with services such as general housekeeping. As this recent CBS News article discusses, due to profit losses, inflated supply costs, and the staffing shortage, traditional housekeeping such as daily room cleaning, fresh towels, beds being made, and other services travelers are used to when staying in hotels may not be provided. Travelers may have to request housekeeping services depending on the length of their stay.
  • Self-service kiosks may be available (or possibly the only option) at certain properties to provide contactless check-in and check-outs. A recent article discusses this new technology in the hotel industry.
June 24, 2022: Car Rentals
Car rental prices are currently inflated due to vehicle shortages and high volume of travel as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve.

A recent Bloomberg article (a subscription may be needed to view full article) addresses the current rental car industry trends. Bloomberg explains that in 2020 car rental companies greatly reduced their fleets when COVID-19 emerged. As travel rebounds, these companies are experiencing surges in business, but the smaller fleets are resulting in limited options and higher costs for travelers. According to the article dated June 6, 2022, “The companies hope to retain higher pricing even once supply and demand rebalance, which now probably won’t happen before next year.”

If you are planning on renting a car:

  • Enterprise/National are University-wide Contracted Suppliers and provide discounted rates that include auto insurance coverage. 
  • Enterprise and National Car Rental fall under the same umbrella. This means travelers can rent vehicles through either company.
  • Joining Enterprise’s Emerald Club provides perks and offers contactless key pickup using their app when booking rentals with National.
June 16, 2022: International Travel

Over the weekend the US Department of State released an announcement that all COVID-19 testing regulations have been lifted for US inbound flights as of June 12, 2022. Business Travel News also released this article discussing the recent change.

If you are planning any international travel: 

  • Be aware of your destination country’s COVID-19 regulations. Check the US Department of State travel page and the CDC’s website to stay informed of the most recent travel restrictions.
  • If you are traveling to a destination that requires testing, be sure to have a plan in place for a potential positive testing result prior to departure.
June 10, 2022: Pilot Shortages & Air Travel

There is currently a shortage of airline pilots, resulting in fewer flight options along with increased flight disruptions such as cancellations and delays. According to a recent AviationPros article, American Airlines has parked 100+ jets due to a lack of pilots. Additionally, a CBS article indicates that the industry is expecting a shortage of 12,000+ pilots by 2023, and United Airlines aims to address this by launching an in-house pilot academy.  

As a result, the following are some recommendations related to air travel:  

  • When possible, build in an extra day of travel on your trips to account for any possible flight disruptions and to ensure you do not miss important plans. 
  • If you experience a flight cancellation or delay and need to be rebooked on a new flight: Anthony Travel, the University’s preferred travel management company, has the advantage of being able to book flights across all airlines. Whereas agents with individual airlines are only able to present options within their airline.
  • Utilize flight itinerary apps: TripIt Pro and the airline app for the airline you are traveling will provide updated information on your flights. 
  • Patience during this difficult transition time for the travel industry is important and can help ensure your experience goes smoothly.
June 2, 2022: General Travel Tips

As you may be aware, the travel industry is currently experiencing increased volume and prices, limited flight options, and evolving COVID-19 regulations. This Wall Street Journal article, featuring travel industry experts, dives into why we are seeing these travel trends and what we can expect from the airlines in the future.

Considering the current state of the travel industry, it is important to anticipate challenges in booking and during travel as well as to understand the resources available to assist. The following are intended to help travelers in preparing for and during travel:

Travel Tips

  • Afterhours assistance: calling Anthony Travel after-hours assistance is the quickest way to receive help when experiencing a travel disruption versus calling an airline directly. Peak after hours wait times are as follows: Anthony Travel: 40-50 minutes; airline representatives: 4-5 hours
  • If you experience a flight disruption and need to be rebooked, it is important to know that once a traveler has checked in, the airport/airline controls that record. The airlines will only be able to look at flight options within their own airlines. To have access to all flight options and obtain the fastest service find an airline ticketing agent in the airport, while also calling Anthony Travel.
  • Using mobile apps to stay informed: to ensure you receive the latest updates from the airlines regarding flight information, be sure to download the airline apps as well as TripIt on your mobile device. Visit this page for more information about TripIt.
  • A travel waiver must be issued by airlines if there is any cost incurred from a flight disruption. If any airline does not offer to cover all costs, ask to speak to a manager or contact Anthony Travel.
  • If you experience a flight disruption, such as a cancellation, and need to be booked on a new flight but no flights are readily available, a car rental may be an option or a hotel room can be promptly booked to allow you to get out of a congested airport and be booked on the next available flight.
  • Travelling abroad: review the Travel Restrictions on joinsherpa.com. It is important to know that a positive COVID-19 test will deem a traveler unable to fly however it does not result in a refundable ticket or waiver. A new flight will need to be booked, please note change fees will be associated with the new booking. If traveling with students, it is important to have a chaperone plan in place to account for a chaperone to stay with any students who test positive and need to remain behind while the remaining students have a chaperone for the trip home. Stay tuned for additional tips to assist with travel as the industry continues to evolve.

For assistance while traveling or with booking questions, contact Anthony Travel.

For additional assistance, visit the Purchase, Pay & Travel website or contact Purchase, Pay & Travel Customer Service.