Can I just purchase my airfare directly on United.com (or on another internet site directly)?
Maybe - but definitely not without prior approval from either CU's Procurement Service Center or from the CIRES Travel team!
CU's Internet Airfare policy is very specific and strict. Read more for the 2 cases in which Internet Airfare may be allowable.
The Procurement Service Center (PSC) requires that airfare for employees be purchased through the university's designated travel agencies, Concur or CBT. The PSC only allows travelers to purchase internet airfare in 2 specific cases. Please review the PSC Internet Airfare page to confirm the 2 allowable cases. The CIRES Travel team is able to assist if you have questions about purchasing “internet airfare”. Please see the PSC's complete policy on internet airfare.
The CIRES Travel team does not advise travelers to purchase Internet Airfare but if you really want to, please work with the CIRES Travel team to ensure you are meeting the requirements so that you can be reimbursed after travel.