Contracted Travel Agency
The University of Illinois System has contracted with Anthony Travel, a national leader in higher education travel, to accommodate the travel needs for all universities. Employees have the option of working directly with one of our dedicated travel consultants or accessing the iTravel online booking tool. In addition, departments may book a single group trip that exceeds the bid limit, currently $100,000.00, without a competitive bid or Request for Proposal (RFP).
Group Airfare
Airfare booked for a group through one of our dedicated Anthony Travel agents must be purchased with a university TCard. If a TCard limit must be increased, please plan ahead as a minimum of 10 business days is required to ensure accurate and appropriate exception processing.
Cancelling Trips / Redeeming Unused Airline Tickets
When an employee purchases an airline ticket for business travel from Anthony Travel and the trip is canceled, the airline reservation must be cancelled prior to departure. When the reservation is canceled prior to departure and the purchased airline ticket is non-refundable, the unused ticket will be held in the employee's profile and may be applied as a credit for future business travel. When the airline ticket is refundable and cancelled prior to departure, a credit will be applied to the card used to purchase the ticket.
Benefits of iTravel and Anthony Travel
- Travel industry experts exclusively dedicated to the University of Illinois System.
- Waived transaction fees for travel arrangements made online or with a full-service agent.
- 24/7 online access to user-friendly iTravel, configured to accommodate the System’s travel policy.
- Ability to book for other department members as travel arrangers/assistants.
- Support for reservations made online or with a full-service agent.
- Access to discounts offered by National/Enterprise Car Rental and Club Quarters Hotels[CY1](University membership).
- Savings negotiated and obtained due to long-standing vendor relationships, such as discounted room rates, avoided cancellation fees, and complimentary upgrades.
- Discounted hotel rates through ABC-CCRA Premier, the largest hotel program in the world with 53,000+ properties in 185 countries.
- Group travel discounts and benefits, including deposit waivers, free name changes, preferred status on airline group desks, and delayed ticketing deadlines.
- Streamlining labor required by system staff to secure group hotel contracts and mitigating risks associated with agreements.
- Ability to change names on all tickets for a $100 fee with United airlines.
- Maintains profiles for individual travelers listing the traveler's preferences for seats, hotel and car rental, and frequent travel program numbers.
- Proactive management of unused airline tickets. Traveler profiles automatically populated with unused ticket information and alerts travelers of the unused ticket(s) when making future airline reservations.
- Takes every reasonable step to transfer unused non-refundable tickets issued to non-system employees into airline vouchers for the system.
- Fly America Act consultation and informing travelers of visa, passport and health requirements for international travel. In emergency situations, assistance will also be provided to obtain a new or renewal passport.
- Travel assistance provided 24 hours/7 days per week/365 days a year through a tiered support system.
- iTravel training and support through in-person and webinar sessions.
FAQ
How are Contracted Travel Agencies chosen?
A Request for Proposal (RFP) was conducted by the Illinois Public Higher Education Consortium (IPHEC) for a Full-Service Travel Agency and Online Booking Tool. The agency chosen by the University of Illinois System was awarded based on the services offered and competitive fees.
Does Anthony Travel provide internet booking capabilities and full-service assistance?
Yes, Anthony Travel administers the system’s iTravel online booking tool and provides full-service agents dedicated exclusively to the University of Illinois System.
Why should I use Anthony Travel instead of another travel agency?
You will not pay agency fees through Anthony Travel, and we have agents dedicated exclusively to the University of Illinois System. Also, Anthony Travel is exempt from the competitive bid process for a single domestic group trip that exceeds the bid limit.
What are the service fees associated with Anthony Travel and the online booking tool?
The transaction fees for travel booked through Anthony Travel and the iTravel booking tool are waived.
What should I do if I have to change a reservation?
Once an airline ticket is issued, it can only be changed by calling Anthony Travel. Hotel and car reservations can be changed in iTravel or by calling Anthony Travel.
What should I do if an airline ticket for a guest (non-employee) is booked through iTravel or Anthony Travel and the guest ends up canceling his/her trip?
Contact a dedicated Anthony Travel agent and explain that the airline ticket was for a guest and the traveler will no longer travel on the system's behalf. The agent will contact the airline and request a future name change so the remaining portion of the ticket can be used for another traveler. Please note, this is not guaranteed for every situation, such as Basic Economy airline tickets.
When booking international travel, is it better to contact a full-service agent or use iTravel?
For multi-leg international itineraries, group travel, or travel to remote destinations, it is best to contact a dedicated Anthony Travel agent for assistance.
Is our Contracted Travel Agency and online travel booking tool mandated?
The System’s contracted travel agency and iTravel booking tool are not mandated however, they are recommended due to the easy-to-use online travel booking tool, dedicated travel agents, and waived agency service fees.
What if I'm traveling for U of I System business and want to take my spouse/family with me?
Call a dedicated Anthony Travel agent to make your arrangements. Employee travel may be purchased with a university travel card, but spouse/family travel must be paid for with a personal credit card.