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Welcome to the Penn Travel News web site for the latest in travel and entertainment
related announcements. Our latest announcements are:
Concur Travel Quick Reference Guide and FAQ
August 22,2011
Please check out the new Concur Travel Quick Reference Guide and FAQ.
Some other helpful links for Concur Travel:
- Logging In: http://www.concurtraining.com/ls_rsrcs/CONCUR_CTE_EU_SIM_en-us_LogOn.htm
- Updating your travel profile: http://www.concurtraining.com/ls_rsrcs/CONCUR_TRV_EU_SIM_en-us_TravelProfile.htm
- aking a booking http://www.concurtraining.com/ls_rsrcs/CONCUR_TRV_EU_SIM_en-us_TravelReservation.htm
USAirways announces new and faster service to Boston called FastPath
August 9, 2010
The Boston - Philadelphia commute will be faster beginning August 16
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US Airways FastPath is about to make the Boston-Philly commute faster and easier. Boston-Philly commuters will enjoy a curbside Web Check-in bag drop, dedicated check-in areas and kiosks, priority security lanes and dedicated departure gates always closest to security. Upon landing, the baggage carousel will always be the closest to the baggage claim entrance and it will always be the same.
Who thought commuting between Boston and Philadelphia could be this fast and easy?
With our hourly service every weekday, over 100 flights a week and the first and last flight of the day from each city, you can count on US to get your clients there faster.
Click here for details.  |
US Airways also announces double miles between Philadelphia and Boston.
Click here for details.
Amtrak Service announcements
August 9, 2010
Amtrak Plans change. Now so do your tickets.
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Amtrak announces a new and improved way to manage your travel plans online. Now you can easily modify your existing travel reservation on Amtrak.com without having to call the contact center or go to a station. So when your plans change, you can make sure your rail reservations change with them. Best of all, Amtrak does not charge a fee to change your ticket.
Using your ticket reservation number, you can modify the dates and times of both your departure and return trips, upgrade your class of service and change the method of your ticket delivery. Log in to your Amtrak.com profile for access to all your upcoming trips, or go to the "My Trip" tab on the homepage to search by reservation number. Standard refund and cancellation policies apply.
The next time your travel plans change, remember you can go to Amtrak.com to modify your reservation. All aboard!
Amtrak announces free wireless internet access on Acela Express trains
June 7, 2010
Next time you travel in the Northeast Corridor, take advantage of wireless Internet access onboard Acela Express trains and in select stations along the Northeast Corridor. With AmtrakConnect you'll enjoy complimentary Internet access so you can stay connected while you're on the go. Whether you're using a mobile device or a laptop, you can look forward to being even more productive while you're en route to your destination.
AmtrakConnect Wi-Fi is available on all Acela Express trains, in all ClubAcela lounges and in stations along the Acela route.
New pricing with Enterprise and National
May 3, 2010
Travel Services (as part of Purchasing Services) is pleased to announce the recent renegotiated car rental discount pricing agreement with Enterprise and National Car Rental companies. As part of a larger initiative with E&I Cooperative in higher education, we are now able to offer some of the best car rental pricing available to educational institutions. For additional information on these new rates and more, click here for the Travel Portal and select the “Ground Transportation” link. Culture Quest now featured on the Travel Portal
May 3, 2010
Travel Services (as part of Purchasing Services) introduces a new preferred vendor on the Travel Portal. Culture Quest is a local tour company which speclizes in creating educational custom-tailored tours and short-term international study programs for groups traveling to Europe, Latin America and beyond. For more information on their services, click here for the Travel Portal and select the “Student Travel Providers” link.
Savings Opportunity with US Airways extended for another Year
May 3, 2010
Travel Services (as part of Purchasing Services) has renegotiated a discount pricing agreement with US Airways. For additional information on US Airways, click here for the Travel Portal and select the “Make Airline Reservations” link.
Timely Flight Delay Information published by the FAA
April 15, 2010
Travel Services (as part of Purchasing Services) recommends that you use this site for the latest flight delay information for airports around the United States.
http://www.fly.faa.gov/flyfaa/usmap.jsp
United Announces Nonstop Service to Africa
March 15, 2010
United announced the schedule for their first-ever nonstop service to the African continent, with once-daily service linking Washington with Accra, the capital of Ghana, which begins June 20. To celebrate the new service to Africa, they are offering special fares for travel between June 20 and August 29, 2010.
New Office Location for Penn’s Travel Program Administrator
February 2, 2010
The University’s Travel Program Administrator, has relocated to a new office in Purchasing Services at Suite 421A, 3401 Walnut Street.
New Club Quarters Hotel Discount Pricing Agreement
January 29, 2010
Travel Services (as part of Purchasing Services) has awarded a renegotiated discount pricing agreement with Club Quarters. Club Quarters offers travelers a unique and inexpensive hotel alternative. In order to streamline the reservation process, the Penn Purchasing Card can be used to make hotel reservations at Club Quarters - Philadelphia.
For additional information on Club Quarters, click here for the Travel Portal and select the “Hotels” link.
New Continental Airline Travel Discount Pricing Agreement
January 29, 2010
Travel Services (as part of Purchasing Services) is pleased to announce the continued availability of the discount pricing agreement with Continental Airlines. This contract is the result of a strategic sourcing initiative that is intended to enhance the scope of travel and entertainment related services and provide more savings opportunities for faculty and staff travel.
For additional information on Continental Airlines, click here for the Travel Portal and select the “Making Airline Reservations” link.
New Continental Airlines Vacations Announcing a 10% Discount for Penn Faculty & Staff
January 29, 2010
Travel Services (as part of Purchasing Services) is pleased to announce a new discount pricing agreement with Continental Airlines Vacations. This 10% discount off of their vacation packages is the result of a strategic sourcing initiative that is intended to enhance the scope of travel and entertainment related services and provide more savings opportunities for personal travel for faculty and staff.
Travel Portaland select the “Penn Employee Discounts” link.
Important information for Travelers returning to the United States from Canada
January 6, 2010
Effective immediately, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) is implementing temporary emergency measures at security checkpoints under the direction of Transport Canada. These measures will affect all flights from Canada to the United States. Currently U.S.A bound passengers are permitted zero carry-on bags. Carry-on bag means items to which a passenger has access to during a flight, but does NOT include personal items such as medication or medical devices, small purses, cameras, coats, items for care of infants, laptop computers, crutches, canes, walkers, containers carrying life sustaining items, a special needs item, musical instruments, or diplomatic or consular bags.
The Penn Travel Portal
January 5, 2010
The Penn Travel Portal is available to all Penn faculty and staff for authorized business travel. The portal also contains Penn faculty and staff personal travel promotions as well as student related travel services and information.
Please note that the new Penn Travel Portal URL is www.upenn.edu/penntravel. Please share this travel related information with co-workers in your office or lab.
Please direct all questions regarding Penn Travel to Travel.
New Mileage Reimbursement Rate for Calendar Year 2010
December 17, 2009
Effective January 1, 2010, the mileage reimbursement rate for personal vehicles being used for business purposes will be 50˘ per mile. This rate should be in effect for the entire calendar year.
| EFFECTIVE DATES | STANDARD MILEAGE | MOVING EXPENSES ONLY |
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| Effective January 1, 2010 | 50˘ per mile | 16.5˘ per mile |
| January 1 - December 31, 2009 | 55˘ per mile | 24˘ per mile |
The mileage reimbursement rate for moving and relocation expenses will be 16.5˘ per mile.
The mileage reimbursement rate is determined by the Federal Government at the beginning of every year. This mileage rate covers all transportation and operating costs of the vehicle, including, but not limited to, gasoline. When using a mileage reimbursement rate, insurance coverage and any damage to the vehicle is the responsibility of the vehicle owner. Additional reimbursement will be made for turnpike tolls, bridge tolls and reasonable parking fees.
Please direct all questions to Travel.
Delta/KLM/Air France Airline Travel Discount Pricing Agreement
November 30, 2009
Penn Travel in collaboration with Purchasing Services is pleased to announce the awarding of a new airline travel discount pricing agreement with Delta/KLM/AirFrance effective December 1, 2009.
This new Penn Travel agreement with Delta/KLM/Air France is designed to give all Penn travelers traveling on Penn authorized business an opportunity to save money on midrange to full fares. Discounts vary up to 5% for domestic air travel and up to 25% for international air travel depending on the destination and class of service when booked through one of Penn’s preferred travel agencies or through the two online booking products. Click here for more information about this and all of Penn’s preferred airline discounts listed in the “Making Airline Reservations” section of the Penn Travel Portal.
Wyndham Hotel Group Discount Pricing Agreement
November 24, 2009
Purchasing Services is pleased to announce the awarding of a new
Wyndham Hotel Group preferred rate agreement effective January 1, 2010.
This new Penn Travel hotel agreement is designed to give all faculty and staff a
discount of 20% below best available unrestricted rate for both business and personal
travel for all eleven (11) Wyndham brands and 7,000 hotels worldwide.
Algonquin Hotel Discount Pricing Agreement
November 24, 2009
Purchasing Services is pleased to announce a new
Algonquin Hotel in New York hotel discount rate agreement. The Algonquin
Hotel is one of our preferred hotels in New York City.
Club Quarters Opens New Hotel in New York City
November 24, 2009
Club Quarters is now accepting reservations for all dates starting October 15, 2009
at its newest Club Quarters at the World Trade Center. The hotel is situated at
140 Washington Street on the south side of the World Trade Center with unfettered
views of what will become one of the United States’ most famous landmarks, the 1776
foot Freedom Tower.
Axiom & GetThere Become New Preferred Online Booking Tools
August 31, 2009
Purchasing Services is pleased to announce the latest travel services enhancement
and expanded access to Penn’s negotiated savings through the inclusion of two new
online travel booking tools.
The Axiom online booking tool, supported by American Express, and the GetThere online
booking tool, supported by Marathon Travel, is now available in the “Make Airline
Reservations” section of the Penn Travel Portal.
Marathon Travel & Premier Tours Join the Penn Travel Portal as Preferred Travel
Agencies
August 31, 2009
Purchasing Services is pleased to announce the latest travel services enhancement
and expanded access to Penn’s negotiated savings through the inclusion of two new
preferred travel agencies.
Marathon Travel, a preferred contract supplier resulting from a partnership with
the Educational & Institutional Cooperative (E&I), and Premier Tours, a
Philadelphia based diversity travel agency with expertise in travel to South Africa,
are now available in the “Make Airline Reservations” section of the Penn Travel
Portal.
Avis & Hertz Car Rental Discount Pricing Agreements
 
August 17, 2009
Purchasing Services is pleased to announce the availability of new Hertz & Avis
discount pricing agreements effective September 1, 2009. These new car rental discount
pricing agreements are the result of a collaborative buying initiative with the
Educational & Institutional Cooperative Services (E&I).
Enterprise & National Car Rental Discount Pricing Agreements
July 31, 2009
Purchasing Services is pleased to announce the availability of a renegotiated Enterprise/National
Car Rental discount pricing agreement effective August 1, 2009. The Enterprise portion
of this new car rental discount pricing agreement is the result of a collaborative
buying initiative with the Educational & Institutional Cooperative Services
(E&I).
United Airlines Air Travel Discount Pricing Agreement
April 30, 2009
 Purchasing Services is pleased to announce the availability of
a new air travel discount pricing agreement with United Airlines effective June
1, 2009. This contract is the result of a strategic sourcing initiative that is
intended to leverage the University’s annual travel spend to enhance travel options,
identify new contracting and cost containment opportunities.
Lufthansa Air Travel Discount Pricing Agreement
April 30, 2009
 Purchasing
Services is pleased to announce the availability of a new air travel discount pricing
agreement with Lufthansa Airlines effective June 1, 2009. This contract is the result
of a strategic sourcing initiative that is intended to leverage the University’s
annual travel spend to enhance travel options, identify new contracting and cost
containment opportunities.
PhillyCarShare Car Sharing Discount Pricing Agreement
April 8, 2009
In continuing support of Penn’s Green Campus Partnership, Purchasing Services is
pleased to announce a renegotiated PhillyCarShare discount pricing agreement resulting
in a reduction of weekday rates for Penn business drivers, effective April 1, 2009.
Penn’s partnership with PhillyCarShare, which began in 2007, has grown to be the
largest university car sharing program in North America.
Wally Park Philadelphia International Airport Parking Discount Pricing Agreement
April 1, 2009
Purchasing Services is pleased to announce the availability of a new Philadelphia
International Airport parking discount pricing agreement with Wally Park. This contract
is the result of a strategic sourcing initiative that is intended to leverage the
University’s annual travel spend to enhance travel options, identify new contracting
and cost containment opportunities. You can receive the Penn discounted rate by
booking on-line or driving into the location below. A valid PennCard is required
for the discounted rate.
WallyPark near Philadelphia Int’l Airport 1
Scott Way, Lester, PA 19029
Phone: 1-877-WALLY-PK
US Airways Air Travel Discount Pricing Agreement
April 1, 2009
 Purchasing
Services is pleased to announce the availability of a renegotiated air travel discount
pricing agreement with US Airways. This contract is the result of a strategic sourcing
initiative that is intended to leverage the University’s annual travel spend to
enhance travel options, identify new contracting and cost containment opportunities.
American Airline Air Travel Discount Pricing Agreement
October 27, 2008
Purchasing Services has negotiated a new air travel discount agreement effective
November 1, 2008 with American Airlines, a University travel contract supplier.
Effective immediately, savings range from 2% to 5% domestically and up to 10% on
full fare international tickets.
Reservations must be made through the Penn Desk at American Express Travel in order
to take advantage of our new savings opportunity with American Airlines.
FASTTRACK Philadelphia International Airport Parking Discount Pricing Agreement
October 3, 2008
Purchasing Services is pleased to announce the availability of a new Philadelphia
Airport parking discount pricing agreement with FASTTRACK.
This contract is the result of new collaborative contract initiative to better leverage
the University’s travel related purchase volume and enhance the services provided
to Penn faculty and staff.
Club Quarters Hotel Discount Pricing Agreement
July 2, 2008
Purchasing Services has negotiated a new discount pricing agreement with Club Quarters,
a University preferred travel contract supplier. In order to streamline the hotel
reservation process for the Club Quarters hotel in Philadelphia for visitors to
Penn, the Penn Purchasing Card can be used to make hotel reservations at Club Quarters
- Philadelphia.
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