Travel Booking
Collegiate Travel Planners (CTP), the university’s designated travel partner, provides negotiated rates on airfare, hotels, rental cars, and more for university business travel. U-M and CTP discounts are automatically applied when booking business travel with CTP.
Additional benefits of booking business travel with CTP:
- Fully supported business travel
- 24/7 assistance to travelers through agents and the travel portal
- Easily apply unused tickets and e-credits to new bookings or reallocate them to alternate travelers within the university
- Book for up to 9 guests and/or employees at the same time through CTP’s online booking tool, Lightning
- A dedicated team of agents who specialize in booking group travel for groups of 10 or more
CTP has a team of travel agents dedicated to U-M, which is available M-F from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time. A general after-hours service is available outside of business hours for emergency situations at the same main phone line.
Book through the online travel booking tool or via agent assistance. Agents can be reached by phone, email, or the Travel Request Form.
For training and informational materials, access the Travel Booking TDx Knowledgebase.
For student travel, please review Student Travel: Guide to Booking, Policy, and Reconciliation prior to booking.
Announcements
More flight-booking options available for U-M-related travel
Effective May 1, 2026, U-M employees have more options available when booking flights for university-related business. While the use of Collegiate Travel Planners, U-M’s designated travel partner, will still be the preferred way to book flights for university-related travel, it will no longer be required. If, however, employees elect to book flights outside of CTP, a U-M payment card (PCard or Travel & Hosting Card) must be used for payment. In addition, travelers will now be able to book basic economy fares using the CTP Lightning booking tool. Read more in the University Record.
New Mileage Reimbursement Rate
Effective January 1, 2026, the university’s mileage reimbursement rate increased to 72.5 cents per mile from 70.0 cents per mile for qualified university business travel that commences on or after that date.
Lightning has a New Look!
Starting March 16, 2026, Lightning has a visual refresh with lighter, brighter colors designed to make the platform easier to see and use. All features and functionality remain the same.
The updated visual design is also reflected when booking with Lightning in the CTM Mobile App.
Upcoming Events
Virtual sessions for U-M travel booking questions
The Travel Program Team hosts multiple training and Q&A sessions each month, all of which cover the same core material. These sessions are open to all employees, and you’re welcome to attend whichever one best fits your schedule—there’s no need to join more than one unless you’d like a refresher. CTP and U-M representatives will be available during each session to answer any questions you may have.
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June 23, 2026, 1 to 2 p.m. – Virtual Supplier Feature: Weber’s Boutique Hotel & Restaurant
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July 9, 2026, 10 to 11 a.m. – Travel Program Q&A
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July 23, 2026, 10 to 11 a.m. – Travel Program Training
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August 12, 2026, 2 to 3 p.m. – Travel Program Q&A
- August 27, 2026, 10 to 11 a.m. – Travel Program Training
Travel Program Training: In these sessions, we’ll walk you through a live demo of Lightning, CTP’s online booking tool, demonstrating how to book air, hotel, and car. We’ll also show you how to update your CTP profile and highlight helpful resources available to support your travel needs.
Travel Program Q&A: These informal sessions are an open forum for any travel-related questions you may have. You’re welcome to join just to ask your question and leave, or stay for the entire session to hear what others are asking. It’s a flexible and relaxed way to get the answers you need.
The Zoom link and passcode below can be used for all sessions:
https://umich.zoom.us/j/96013633019
Passcode: 684564
Travel Policy
The Travel and Business Hosting Expense Policy is published in SPG 507.10-1. For a summary of allowable expenses, refer to the Summary of Allowable and Unallowable Expenses.
Reminder: Individual schools/colleges and departments may have stricter policies than those at the university level. It is highly recommended that you familiarize yourself with all departmental travel policies, as well as the SPG, before booking university travel.
Airfare
Employees are strongly encouraged to book airfare using the university’s travel partner. If an employee elects to book flights outside of CTP, a U-M payment card (PCard or Travel & Hosting Card) must be used for payment.
The university will pay for the cost of standard coach airfare and travelers should always select the lowest price airfare within the bounds of the most logical schedule. It is highly recommended to book airfare at least 14 days in advance to take advantage of better pricing and availability. For full U-M guidelines and limitations, please see SPG 507.10-1.
The university has negotiated discounted rates with our four largest airline suppliers. There are also several perks available when booking using these contracts. Visit the Delta, United, American, and Southwest supplier pages to learn more about perks, including how to upgrade to complimentary preferred seating.
Lodging
Car Rental
Employees should use the university’s preferred car rental suppliers, National Car Rental and Enterprise Rent-A-Car. This ensures that appropriate insurance is included and discounted university rates are applied.
Risk Management advises that travelers decline all collision insurance for vehicle rentals originating in the U.S. as the university self-insures for commercial rental vehicle loss/damage. When traveling outside the U.S. it is recommended that travelers accept collision insurance. See the Insurance and Claims Administration website for more information on insurance coverage.
Personal Car Mileage or Car Rental?
Use the Trip Optimizer tool to receive a cost estimate for claiming mileage reimbursement vs. renting a car.
International Travel
The International Travel Policy (which includes U.S. territories) is published in SPG 601.31.
NOTE: Booking international travel through the university’s designated travel partner does not automatically register your international U-M Related Travel in the U-M Travel Registry. You must register your international travel separately.
Travel Meals/Per Diem
U-M adheres to U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) per diem policy for employee travel meals and incidental expenses. The per diem rates are set by the GSA for travel to domestic/CONUS (continental U.S.) and international/OCONUS (foreign and non-continental US) destinations. Travelers are allowed 75 percent of the per diem amount on the first and last days of travel. University employees on business travel should pay for their own individual meals and incidentals out of pocket while traveling. Per diem can be claimed via an expense report after the trip and is calculated based on the travel destination. Receipts are not required. For full U-M guidelines, please see SPG 507.10-1
(Looking for the Hosting policy? See Expense Reporting.)
Non-employee Travel
Whenever possible, business travel for non-employees (students/guests) should be paid for with a university PCard and should be arranged using the university’s designated travel partner, CTP.
Non-employee travel meals are reimbursable for the actual cost incurred, provided the rate does not exceed current maximums ($30 breakfast, $30 lunch, $70 dinner). In lieu of reimbursing actuals, units may also pay non-employees at a set rate, provided that the rate does not exceed the GSA per diem rate. See Expense Reporting to learn more about processing these payments.
CTM Mobile App
The CTM Mobile app is similar to the desktop version of the CTP Lightning booking tool and will allow you to book and manage travel arrangements directly from your mobile device.
Download and learn more about the CTM Mobile App:
IOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ctm-mobile/id1396829738
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.travelctm.us.mobile&hl=en_AU&pli=1
Forms
Individual Travel Request Form (CTP)
This form can be used to request a travel booking for an individual traveler instead of calling or emailing an agent.
Group Booking Request Form (CTP)
This form must be completed to start a group travel booking for a group of 10 or more travelers. Read more about the Group Travel booking process.
Fly America Act Exception Form
This form must be completed whenever non-U.S. flag air carrier service is used and intended to be charged to a federal project/grant. The completed form must be submitted with the expense report.
Airfare Booking Exception Form
This form must be completed for approval to book airfare outside of U-M policy due to extenuating circumstances.
Request Travel-Related Disability Accommodations
This form (select the “Accommodate Login” button) can be used by employees with disabilities or medical conditions to request travel accommodations, including airfare seat class upgrades, as well as exceptions to book outside of CTP Lightning, in instances where employees encounter accessibility issues using the tool. For more information, see Airfare Booking Accessibility Guidance.
More Information
Travel Resources
U-M Benefits Office - International Travel
Information for employees and students to prepare for international travel, including health insurance.
Global Michigan
Resources for employees and students planning international travel.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Featuring details about travel advisories, carry-on guidelines, prohibited items, etc.
US General Services Administration (GSA)
Provides per diem rates specific to major cities (both domestic and foreign).
U-M Travel Registry
Register your international travel.