Announcements

    Hotel Direct Billing Process:

    We have developed a new process to assist with setting up direct billing at Yale’s preferred hotels in New Haven.

    After booking the reservation for your guest, whether through World Travel/Concur, the hotel directly, or the internet, you can use the link below to provide the hotel with the required information for the direct billing. By selecting the hotel from the provided drop-down menu, the hotel will be notified directly via email. You will be copied on the email for your records. The hotel will have your contact information in case they have any questions, and also to confirm the direct billing to you.

    Hotel Direct Billing.

    *Note: This process is only applicable to the hotels listed in the dropdown menu.

    Ongoing Issues at Newark Liberty International Airport

    May 16, 2025

    We want to bring to your attention some critical issues affecting Newark Liberty International Airport:

    • Recent Telecommunications Blackouts: Two recent telecommunications outages at the FAA’s (Federal Aviation Administration) Philadelphia TRACON (Terminal Radar Approach Control) Area C, which manages aircraft entering and exiting Newark Airport, caused temporary disruptions. One outage occurred when a primary telecommunications line failed, and a backup line failed to activate.
    • FAA and Airline Responses: The FAA has been slowing arrivals and departures at Newark to manage these risks and is working on technological and logistical improvements. United Airlines has reduced its schedule by 35 flights daily to mitigate persistent delays.
    • Meeting and Future Plans: The FAA scheduled a delay reduction meeting on May 14 to address these issues. These meetings were ongoing as of May 16. Additionally, plans are in place for a new air traffic control system that is projected to be operational within three years.

    Given the potential for further disruptions, we advise travelers to consider alternative airports during this period of uncertainty.

    New Travel Resource: Yale’s Preferred Suppliers

    April 9, 2025

    We are excited to introduce a brand-new resource to enhance your travel booking experience at Yale: the Yale Preferred Supplier Portal.

    Yale’s preferred travel agency, World Travel, provides business travelers and arrangers with a world-class online booking tool, Concur. While we strongly encourage using World Travel/Concur for all business-related travel, we recognize that it may not always be the best option.

    To support your travel needs in those instances, we have launched the Yale Preferred Supplier Portal, a dedicated resource providing trusted alternatives that align with Yale’s travel policies.

    What you will find on the supplier portal

    • Direct Access Links – Quickly book travel with Yale’s preferred suppliers.
    • Preferred Rates – Take advantage of exclusive, negotiated Yale discounts.
    • Contractual Benefits – Your bookings through these links help Yale secure even better rates in future negotiations.

    This new resource is now available, and we encourage you to explore it and take advantage of its benefits.

    We are launching the supplier portal with a focus on airline programs, giving you access to preferred rates and benefits with select carriers. Additional supplier content, including hotels, car rentals, and more, is in the works and will be added in future updates.

    We value your feedback: Your input is invaluable as we strive to make this resource as effective and user-friendly as possible. We welcome and encourage your feedback and suggestions on the supplier webpage.

    We are committed to providing you with the best travel experience and support. Thank you for your continued cooperation and contributions to Yale’s travel program.

    Please don’t hesitate to contact us via our Questions form if you have questions or need assistance.

    Brazil Visa Requirement for U.S. Citizens

    March 17, 2025

    Effective April 10, 2025, U.S. citizens traveling to Brazil for tourism or business will need a visa to enter the country. Travelers should apply for an e-Visa in advance and allow ample time for processing to avoid disruptions. Those who already have a valid physical visa in their passport for the purpose of their visit do not need to apply for a new one.

    Important Update: Guest Bookings on Amtrak in Concur

    February 25, 2025

    We want to inform you of an important change regarding guest bookings on Amtrak through Concur T2. This change only applies to guest bookings and does not impact users with active Concur profiles.

    Key Updates

    • Full guest booking functionality in Concur T2 is scheduled for release in October 2025.
    • Currently, guest bookings for air, car, and hotel revert to the legacy Concur platform, but this option is no longer available for Amtrak.
    • Concur T2 recently introduced a new application programming interface (API) for Amtrak, and Yale cannot operate on two APIs simultaneously.
    • As a result, only guest bookings for Amtrak are temporarily unavailable through Concur.

    Alternate Booking Options
    Until the new Guest Booking functionality launches, only guest bookings for Amtrak can be made:

    We appreciate your patience as we prepare for the upcoming enhancements. Stay tuned for further updates, including details on Yale Travel’s preferred supplier webpage, which will feature direct booking options with Amtrak.

    For any questions or assistance, please contact Yale Travel via the Questions form.

    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

    UK ETA Requirement for US Citizen’s 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.