Travel Packages

As a way to save money, some travelers may consider booking a package with airfare, hotel and/or car rental on a discount website such as Expedia, Orbitz or Priceline. The IRS requires that the expense of each travel component (airfare, hotel, car, etc.) be listed out separately on an itemized statement from the vendor. When purchasing travel packages, it is important to make sure an itemized statement is obtained because, without proper substantiation, expense reimbursements will be treated as taxable income and will be reimbursed through Payroll. Please see airline travel guidelines below

Airline Travel

All airline travel using University funds must be purchased through the University's preferred travel agency or online provider (See Direct Billing tab above). Tickets will be direct billed to the University. The preferred travel agency has a professional staff that is familiar with the University's guidelines and travel procedures. They are trained to find the lowest fare possible that meets the traveler's needs.

First class travel is not allowed.

Airfare upgrades and additional fees: Airlines may offer you a number of options to make your flight more comfortable. These upgrades may include but are not limited to:

• Premium seating — more leg room, closer to the front of the plane, etc.
• Early check-in
• Seat changes

This type of cost can only be interpreted as an upgrade and beyond what is considered the standard airfare and baggage costs that the university would consider reimbursable. If you elect to purchase one of these options, it will be at your own expense and would not be reimbursed.

General Airport Parking Guidelines

Airport parking should be reimbursed up to the equivalency of the long term parking rate for reasonable parking expenses incurred by the traveler. While it is impractical to list parking rates for every airport in the country or even in the State, there are some general guidelines that all University travelers are to follow when parking at airports.

• Economy, long-term, or off-premises parking serviced by shuttle is preferred, when available.
• The University will not reimburse upcharges for premium or valet airport parking.
• Receipts with details are required.

See these websites for helpful airport parking resources:

Indianapolis Airport

FastPark ISU Enrollment - IND Airport

World Airport Guides

Privately-Owned Vehicles

Travel in private vehicles is reimbursed as mileage. The amount paid for mileage is intended to compensate the traveler for wear and tear and gas. The official station (starting point) will be the location of the traveler's permanent office or home, whichever is less. Whenever an employee travels other than by the shortest route, an explanation must be indicated on the Expense Report. Mileage reimbursement will be calculated in Chrome River using Google maps.

Only one round trip mileage to and from the Indianapolis airport is allowed for reimbursement with the exception of picking up a candidate or an honoraria person. University employees are expected, when possible, to share a vehicle when traveling to common events.

Use of a private vehicle on University business will be reimbursed based on the current Federal mileage rate (these rates will be updated each time the Federal rates change):

July 1 through December 31, 2022 Rates
• Full Federal rate for the first 500 miles (currently 62.5 cents)
• One half of Federal rate per mile for the next 2,500 miles (currently 31.25 cents)
• 0 cents per mile for all miles over 3,000

January 1, 2023 Rates
• Full Federal rate for the first 500 miles (currently 65.5 cents)
• One half of Federal rate per mile for the next 2,500 miles (currently 32.75 cents)
• 0 cents per mile for all miles over 3,000

ISU does not generally reimburse mileage for use of a personal vehicle within Vigo County. The exception being local travel is a part of your job to support University sponsored activities such as visiting local schools or businesses. Local mileage reimbursement may require an additional level of approval if it is not clearly stated as a part of your routine job duties.

Rental Vehicles

The cost of renting an automobile while on University business may be reimbursed when suitable local transportation is not available, or when such rental is considered more advantageous to the University than the use of taxies or other local transportation due to routing or time factors. When reserving your car, you should request the least expensive practical vehicle. Do not purchase additional insurance when renting a car (see ISU car insurance policy).

Eligibility Requirements

To rent a vehicle for University business, all drivers must be 25 years old and take the Defensive Driving Course. To rent a 12 passenger van, the driver must take a driving test with a driver’s education instructor. Contact Risk Management at ext. 7946, or go to the Office of Risk Management website.

Direct Billing Rental

The University has direct billing contract with Enterprise. [NOTE: You must use your University Username and password to access the Enterprise site.] You must have a valid Travel Authorization number (TA) to direct bill a rental vehicle. When renting a car through Enterprise (Wabash Ave. branch), you will be required to refuel the vehicle at the same level as it was received before returning it to Enterprise. Maintain your refueling receipts, which will be submitted with your Expense Report. Please keep in mind that refueling rates charged by the rental agency are extremely expensive.

If you have questions regarding Enterprise/National direct billing, please contact a Travel Account Specialist (x3541) or Catherine Procarione (x3525).

Other Rental Arrangement

When renting a car that will not be direct billed through Enterprise, remember to refuel your rental car prior to its return and save the gas receipts for reimbursement. Refueling rates charged by the rental agency are extremely expensive. Your receipts will be submitted with the Travel Expense Report.

Drive Vs. Fly Rule

The mileage reimbursement cannot exceed the cost of comparable 30-day advance purchase airfare rates. Persons who choose to drive rather than fly long distances are allowed to claim subsistence and lodging one day prior and one day after official ISU Business for travel expenses.

Other Means of Travel

Other means of travel are available in lieu of commercial airlines and cars. Unless noted otherwise, the Pre-Approval and Expense Report process is the same. Save all receipts related to these modes of transportation.

• Train tickets are reimbursed up to the lowest airfare cost available for your destination.
• Bus tickets are reimbursed at the actual cost of the ticket.
• Motorcycle mileage is reimbursed using the same rates as privately-owned vehicles.
• Trailers, motor homes, or camper mileage is reimbursed using the same rates as privately-owned vehicles, plus the actual cost of space rental. Trailer rentals or leases are not reimbursable.
• Employee piloted aircraft (either rented or privately-owned) is not authorized or reimbursable travel.
• Charter aircraft is contracted through the preferred travel provider.

Reimbursable Lodging

The following are allowable reimbursements for lodging expenses:

• Standard Occupancy room rate
• Applicable taxes
• 3 minute phone call home to say you have arrived safely
• Hotel parking
• Business faxes
• Business photo copy charges

Non-Reimbursable Lodging

The following examples are non-reimbursable lodging expenses:

• Movies
• Room service
• Mini bars (alcohol)
• Gratuity
• Porters

Sharing a Room

When sharing a room with an ISU employee or student, the total room charge may be claimed by only one traveler as long as it is noted on each of the Expense Reports involved.

If each person is claiming their prorated share of the total room charge, the travelers will need to request a hotel bill to be issued in both of their names showing payment by each person.

The Expense Report for each traveler must reflect that the room was shared and with whom it was shared.