The following information is from Collegiate Travel Planners (CTP), U-M’s designated travel partner.
The travel industry has experienced a record number of flight delays and cancellations recently due to actions by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and weather events. Information provided by FlightAware reports that there have been thousands of flight delays and cancellations this week. These numbers are exceptionally higher than the normal number of airline delays and cancellations.
Summer forecasts are expected to be on par or worse than last year’s “summer of chaos.” The travel industry has seen a double-digit increase in emergency service calls due to the number of weather/geo-climate events, air traffic control issues, and airline schedule changes.
CTP has taken a number of actions to prepare for the anticipated disruptive summer and assist U-M travelers, including new call prompts—effective July 1—to prioritize travelers en route and traveling within 72 hours and hiring additional resources
Given the unprecedented call volume, CTP recommends the following actions to help mitigate traveler inconvenience and longer hold times with emergency services and airlines:
- Travelers should only use CTP Emergency Services when travel is within 72 hours of departure
- For travel outside of 72 hours, please call during normal business hours. Our goal is to service travelers who are experiencing current flight disruptions and not inhibit travelers in need from being able to reach a live agent
- Book or cancel travel reservations through Lightning, U-M’s online booking tool, whenever possible
- Avoid booking the last flight of the day
- Download airline apps and sign up for airline messages
- Use the airline app and/or relevant websites to check flight status before heading to the airport
CTP appreciates your support and patience as we work with our partners at U-M to manage these disruptions. Please contact CTP with any questions at:
- Phone: 877-804-3688
- International: 402-252-4404
- Email: [email protected]
More information from Procurement Services
CTP Portal and Lightning Booking Tool
Business Traveler USA Summer Travel Alert