The Travel Program Team has engaged in many valuable discussions following the Collegiate Travel Planners (CTP) airfare booking requirement policy change. Understandably, this change has been met with some uncertainty. While the announcement has prompted thoughtful questions from the university community, it has also revealed several common misconceptions about using CTP. This article aims to dispel these myths, offer reassurance to university travelers, and clarify what to expect moving forward.
Let’s set the record straight:
🔹 “I can’t make last-minute changes.”
❌ Busted! CTP offers 24/7 support for rebooking. Travelers can also use carrier mobile apps, such as Delta’s, for in-route, same-day changes, ensuring flexible and convenient travel experiences while on the go.
🔹 “Airfare in CTP’s Lightning system is more expensive.”
❌ Busted! Lightning reflects the carrier website prices with additional exclusive discounts of two to 10 percent applied. The final price reflecting the consolidation of all trip legs and applicable discounts appears on the Confirmation page in Lightning. On the rare occasion that you may find a cheaper price on a carrier’s website, CTP’s price match ensures you still get the best deal.
🔹 “I won’t earn miles and MQDs.”
❌ Busted! Continue earning airline miles and status qualifiers (such as Delta MQDs) by adding your frequent flyer numbers to your profile before your first booking, ensuring that all your loyalty rewards remain intact.
🔹 “I’ll lose waived baggage fees and other airline benefits.”
❌ Busted! Delta’s American Express benefits, such as waived baggage fees, are still available. These benefits are automatically applied by entering your SkyMiles number in your CTP profile before your first booking. This applies to benefits from all airline status programs.
🔹 “Booking requires an agent.”
❌ Busted! The Lightning platform provides an intuitive booking experience comparable to airline websites, allowing you to choose from a wide range of options for maximum savings and flexibility.
Don’t see your question answered here? You can also review the CTP Booking Requirement and FAQs articles regarding this change.
Procurement’s Travel & Expense AI assistant, Trip, can also answer questions about the change, general travel guidelines, how-tos, and more. Trip can be found on the bottom right-hand corner of the Travel Booking webpage.