State-Funded Airfare/Train Policy

For Airfare Needs, Please Contact Direct Travel with your BU Control Number in Hand (Click Here)

If you were issued a ZU control number for your airfare, please have your support staff use the guest booking method to book your airfare directly with Direct Travel.  If booking for a BU guest or student travel, you will receive a BUG control number and use the guest booking policy as well.  If you are unaware of the policy, please email travel@binghamton.edu for guidance.

NYS Employees can pay for their own airfare and be reimbursed!  Of course, there are rules:

  • It must be an economy airfare priced without any upgrades that would add to the cost.
  • If you want to upgrade your flight, you must have an economy flight quote for the work event IN PRINT to serve as tyour transportation budget.
  • If you have a loyalty card and upgrading your seat will not cost NYS anything, feel free to use it.
  • If the only way for the traveler to be allowed to bring a bag as a carry on or checked (for an additional baggage fee) adds to the cost of the airfare, that is OK. You have to be able to bring a bag with you!
  • The airfare must be for work related travel only.
  • If you want to add personal time to your work trip, you will need an economy airfare quote for the work portion only.  This will serve as your transportation budget.  This must be obtained IN PRINT at the same time you book your work plus personal travel airfare.
  • All of the NYS Office of the State Comptroller’s travel rules/regulations still apply.
  • The most economical method of travel is used in the best interest of the State.
  • Airfare expenses must be submitted with a detail and itemized receipt with the traveler’s proof of fiscal liability (credit card or bank statement).  If personal time is included, the economy quote must also be provided.
  • Using frequent flyer miles or airfare credits to book the airfare is not reimbursable.
  • Airfare cannot be reimbursed until after the travel event and must be submitted via the Employee Report of Travel Expenses and Claim for Payment.