Navigating university travel can be complex, but UT Austin provides resources to simplify the process. While booking through contracted agencies or the Concur online system is recommended rather than required, utilizing these services, especially Anthony Travel, offers significant advantages for university travelers. These benefits range from expert planning assistance to crucial 24-hour support, ensuring smoother and more secure travel experiences.
Benefits of Using Contracted Travel Agencies for University Travel
Choosing a UT Austin contracted travel agency, such as Anthony Travel, provides a multitude of benefits designed to support faculty, staff, and students. These agencies are equipped to handle the unique requirements of university-related travel, offering services that go beyond standard online travel platforms.
- Expert Travel Planning and Support: Contracted agencies like Anthony Travel excel in simplifying the often intricate process of travel planning. Their agents provide personalized assistance, guiding you through every step, from initial booking to itinerary adjustments. This expertise is invaluable in ensuring all travel arrangements align with university policies and individual traveler needs.
- 24/7 Emergency Assistance: Travel disruptions can occur at any time. Anthony Travel and other contracted agencies offer crucial 24-hour support, providing immediate assistance with rebooking flights, managing cancellations, and securing refunds, regardless of the time zone or hour. This round-the-clock service provides peace of mind and immediate solutions when unexpected issues arise.
- Optimized Rental Car Reservations: Securing rental cars through contracted agencies guarantees compliance with UT Austin’s agreements. Anthony Travel ensures reservations are made with contracted companies, providing necessary insurance coverage and pre-negotiated university rates. This protects travelers from personal liability and simplifies direct billing to the university.
- Complex Itinerary Management: For trips combining business and personal travel, or when traveling with family, Anthony Travel offers specialized assistance. Their agents can expertly manage these complex itineraries, ensuring seamless arrangements and adherence to university travel guidelines.
- Student Group Travel Expertise: Organizing travel for student groups presents unique logistical challenges. Contracted agencies have experience in managing these arrangements, providing tailored support to meet the specific needs of student travel, ensuring smooth and safe trips for educational groups.
- Automatic Enrollment in International Travel Emergency Programs: International travel introduces additional layers of complexity and potential risks. For international travelers, Anthony Travel automatically enrolls individuals in the On Call International program. This vital service offers emergency assistance and support during international trips, addressing health, safety, and security concerns that may arise abroad.
- Streamlined Payment Options and Direct Billing: Contracted agencies simplify payment processes by offering central billing options for airfare, car rentals, and motor coach bookings. This eliminates the need for individual travelers to pay upfront and seek reimbursement, streamlining expense management for university departments and travelers.
- Exclusive Airline Discounts: Leverage negotiated discounts with major airlines. Anthony Travel can access airline discounts that are often not available through public travel websites, providing cost savings for university travel budgets. These discounts extend to airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska Air, and Japan Airlines.
- Chartered Flight Services: For large groups or specific travel needs, contracted agencies can arrange chartered flight services. This specialized service provides customized travel solutions for unique university travel requirements.
Anthony Travel: UT Austin’s Primary Travel Agency
Anthony Travel stands as the primary contracted travel agency for UT Austin, offering specialized services tailored to the university community. Their dedicated team understands the nuances of university travel policies and is readily available to assist with all travel-related needs.
Requesting Assistance from Anthony Travel:
To initiate support from Anthony Travel, travelers can conveniently submit an online AT Travel Request form. This form streamlines the initial request process and ensures all necessary information is captured for efficient service.
Direct Contact Information for Anthony Travel Agents:
For direct communication, Anthony Travel agents can be reached via phone, fax, or email during their operating hours:
- Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM Central Time, Monday – Friday
- Phone (Toll-Free): 1-800-684-2044
- Austin Office Phone: 512-617-8444
- Fax: 866-921-6242
- After-Hours Emergency Service: 1-800-342-9008 / Access Code (VIT code): S4RRG
- Email: [email protected]
- Online Form Submission: FORM submission
See Travel Agency Fees for details on service charges.
Anthony Travel, along with other UT Contracted Travel Agencies, provides comprehensive support for booking air, car, train, and hotel reservations. This includes leveraging discounts with major airlines and offering 24-hour assistance for travel disruptions, flight changes, and re-arrangements.
UT Concur Online Travel Tool
For self-service online booking, UT Austin offers the Concur Online Travel Tool. This system allows travelers to research and book air, car, and hotel reservations with reduced transaction fees.
Note: Registration is required before using the UT Austin Concur tool. Visit the Concur Online Booking Tool page for registration and detailed information.
Concur Support Contact:
For questions or assistance specifically related to Concur:
- Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM only
- Phone: 888-940-6696
- Email: [email protected]
Concur offers features such as a mobile app for managing travel, receipts, and reports. It also securely stores traveler profiles, automatically applying airline, car, or hotel memberships to reservations. Travel arrangements can be delegated to support staff, and Concur provides access to vendor discounts on airlines, car rentals, and hotels.
Collegiate Travel Planners (CTP)
Collegiate Travel Planners (CTP) is another contracted travel agency option for UT Austin travelers.
Contacting Corporate Travel Planners (CTP) Agents Directly:
- Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Central Time, Monday – Friday
- Phone (Toll-Free): 866-366-1142
- San Antonio Office Phone: 210-366-9565
- Fax: 210-366-9581
- After-Hours Emergency Service: 1-800-441-6512 / Access Code (VIT code): S2P2A
- Email: [email protected]
- Note: CTP does not support Concur Travel bookings.
See Travel Agency Fees for details on service charges.
Conclusion
For UT Austin faculty, staff, and students, utilizing contracted travel agencies like Anthony Travel and the Concur online tool are highly recommended for efficient and supported travel arrangements. Anthony Travel, as the primary agency, offers comprehensive, personalized support and a deep understanding of university travel needs, making them an invaluable resource for simplifying and securing your university-related journeys.
