How do I submit/start a travel request?
CIRES employees should create and submit a travel request in InsideCIRES under CIRES Travel Submission for themselves. Once the travel request is submitted, CIRES Travel will review for clarity and compliance. If more information is needed, CIRES Travel will send the travel request back to you as "revisions needed" for you to make revisions and resubmit. If there are no additional requests nor questions, CIRES Travel will approve your travel request in InsideCIRES. When a travel request is approved, the traveler will receive an email stating that the trip can be booked either through the CU Travel and Expense system (Concur) or by contacting Christopherson Business Travel directly. To learn more about how to submit a travel request, please watch a recording of or review the slideshow from our last training - Travel Request Training Video | Slides.
Can I purchase an upgraded airfare ticket when I have a long international flight?
Please see CIRES Connect > Travel Costs > “Upgrades - Airfare” for full guidance. If your travel is being supported by non-sponsored funds, you may be able to purchase an upgraded flight. If your travel is being supported by sponsored funds, you must have an approved ADA Accommodation documented with the PSC prior to ticket issuance. Please email CIRESTravel@colorado.edu about specific circumstances.
Why do I need to provide comparison quotes?
The purpose of comparison airfare quotes is to establish the maximum amount of airfare that CIRES could cover for your trip. As an example, you are traveling to AGU and you want to include 1 additional day of personal travel after the meeting. You will be required to provide comparison airfare quotes comparing the cost of what your airfare cost would have been traveling the business-only days vs. your intended airfare itinerary, including the 1 personal day.
Airfare quotes:
Business only: $300
Business + personal: $350
In this example, CIRES would cover up to $300 in airfare costs.
Do I need an approved travel request before I register for a conference?
No, you do not need an approved travel request before submitting an abstract or registering for a conference. We recognize that sometimes registering for a conference does not result in any travel.
Approval is required before you travel for CIRES or University business. Travelers should request and receive approval before charging any travel related costs, to the greatest extent possible. Receiving pre-travel approval from CIRES Travel ensures that there is sufficient funding available for the trip and that your trip plans are in compliant with the funding source, department, university, state and federal policies and procedures.