Announcements

Yale Expands Flight Options in Concur with NDC: What You Should Know

February 4, 2025

Yale has enabled New Distribution Capability (NDC) in Concur to give travelers access to more flight options. When searching for flights in Concur, you may see options marked as “NDC.” Understanding what NDC is and how it differs from traditional booking methods can help you make informed travel choices.

What is NDC?
NDC is an innovative technology standard that enables airlines to offer more personalized and dynamic content directly to travelers than traditional travel agency content. NDC allows airlines to provide richer content such as exclusive offers, ancillaries (like seat selection, baggage, and upgrades), and tailored services. This content is delivered via modern APIs, enabling real-time access to up-to-date pricing and product availability.

How is NDC Different?

  1. Direct Airline Access: Allows airlines to distribute content directly, which can mean more flexibility and control for airlines over their pricing and offers.
  2. Rich, Personalized Offers: Enables personalized offers, bundles, and ancillary services.
  3. Real-Time Pricing: Offers more dynamic pricing, which can adjust based on demand, availability, and other factors, giving you potentially more competitive rates.
  4. Enhanced Ancillaries: Allows airlines to offer additional services like priority boarding, lounge access, and special accommodations, which can be booked in conjunction with flights.

What to Consider When Booking NDC Flights
Since airlines have more control over NDC content, the customer service experience (such as refunds, cancellations, or changes) may vary depending on the airline’s policies, which could be less standardized than with traditional travel agency bookings.

Key Takeaways
NDC provides more flexibility, customized travel options, and potentially better pricing. However, travelers should be mindful that customer service experiences and policies may vary by airline, and pricing may fluctuate in real time.

World Travel Online Booking Solution Upgrade Scheduled for January 28, 2025

January 17, 2025

Yale Travel is excited to announce that the World Travel online booking solution (Concur) will be upgraded to Concur T2 on January 28, 2025, bringing a modernized interface and enhanced functionality to improve your travel booking experience.

Why is this upgrade happening, and what’s changing?

  • Improved Content: Expanded global content coverage with richer product details, including direct airline content.
  • Streamlined Booking: Faster and more efficient booking and checkout process.
  • Advanced Search Capabilities: Omni-search functionality and improved filters for precise results.
  • Sustainability Options: New search filters to make environmentally conscious travel choices easier.

The upgrade will occur on January 28, 2025 at 10 a.m., with no disruption to your travel booking activities. Users must log out and log back in any time after 10 a.m. on January 28 to access the upgraded platform.

Training Materials and Resources

To help you navigate the new system and make the most of its features, we’ve prepared the following resources:


TSA Finalizes May 7 Real ID Enforcement Deadlines

January 12, 2025

Airport security will require Real ID driver’s licenses and state identification cards for domestic travelers in 2025.

The Transportation Security Administration published a final rule providing a framework for federal agency-phased enforcement of Real ID requirements. Federal agencies, including TSA, will begin Real ID enforcement on the deadline of May 7, 2025. Starting on that date, only those state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards that meet the security requirements established by the Real ID Act will be allowed for official purposes, including boarding commercial aircraft.

Congress passed the Real ID Act in 2005 to enhance security standards for identification directly in response to the security vulnerabilities highlighted by the 9/11 attacks. Anyone who uses a driver’s license or state-issued identity card as their primary form of identification to board commercial passenger aircraft should ensure these credentials are Real ID-compliant.

TSA Statement: TSA publishes final rule on REAL ID enforcement beginning May 7, 2025 | Transportation Security Administration

Travelers should check the DMV website for their resident state to confirm whether they need to apply for a Real ID: Learn how to get a REAL ID | CT.gov


Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) mandate for travelers entering the UK will take effect beginning January 8th, 2025

November 26, 2024

Beginning January 8, 2025, all US, Canadian, and non-European passport holders must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter or transit through the UK. Travelers must secure their ETA before departure to avoid flight boarding or UK entry issues. (Beginning April 2, 2025, the ETA requirement expands to any non-British and non-Irish citizens, as well as any non-visa holders for the UK.)

Key Details About the ETA

  • Purpose: The ETA is required for short stays (up to six months) for purposes such as tourism, business, family visits, or short-term study.
  • Transit Requirement: It is also mandatory for travelers transiting through the UK.
  • Who Needs It:
    • Effective January 8, 2025, all US, Canadian, and non-European passport holders. An ETA can be applied for now for travel on or after January 8, 2025.
    • Effective April 2, 2025, this expands to any non-British and non-Irish citizens, as well as any non-visa holders for the UK. An ETA can be applied for beginning March 5, 2025, for travel on or after April 5, 2025.
  • Application Process:
    • Complete an online application.
    • Provide passport details and a digital photo, and pay a non-refundable fee of £10.00 (approximately $13.00).
    • Processing typically takes three working days.
  • Validity: The ETA will be digitally linked to the traveler’s passport and remains valid for two years, or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.

Action Required

To avoid disruptions to your travel plans:

  1. Apply for the ETA well in advance of your trip.
  2. Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your travel.
  3. Apply for an ETA via the ETA Application.

For more information about the UK’s ETA requirement, visit the UK government’s ETA website.

If you need help applying, please visit CIBTvisas.