Direct Billing Option- FAQs

  • What is the direct billing option?
    It is a ghost credit card payment system available through the preferred travel agencies. Travelers must use a Travel Order form (TO) to charge directly the purchase of airline or rail tickets to their university account through the university's preferred travel agencies.

  • What are the advantages of the direct billing option?
    The business traveler will have the amount of the airfare directly billed to the university account(s) indicated on the Travel Order Form.

    No need to request a travel advance to cover airfare.
    The business traveler will still accumulate personal frequent flier miles on all direct billed airfare.

  • What are Travel Order (TO) forms?
    A Travel Order (TO) form is a pre-numbered form that must be completed any time the direct billing option is used to purchase air or rail tickets through the university's preferred travel agencies.

  • Where can I obtain Travel Order forms?
    Travel Order (TO) forms are available through Material Services (732/445-2255) shopping the Internal Suppliers (e.g., "Find a Product" area of Internet Procurement in the RIAS system).

  • How does it work?
    A Travel Order (TO) form is filled out completely with an approval signature and is faxed to the travel agency purchasing the air or rail ticket(s) on your behalf. The travel agency, upon receipt of the TO form, will purchase the air or rail ticket(s) using the direct billing option. The original Travel Order form is submitted to University Procurement & Contracting , Attention: Travel Buyer, within two business days of the fax order date (as required by Internal Audit).

  • Can I utilize a personal credit card for the purchase of air or rail tickets through the preferred travel agencies?
    Yes. A TABER (Travel and Business Expense Report) must be submitted for all business travel expenses when reimbursement is requested.

  • How will my department be billed?
    Your department will be debited according to the account distribution and amount indicated on each Travel Order (TO) Form.

  • If I find a less expensive ticket on the Internet or with the airline directly can I purchase it?
    Yes. University travelers can purchase airline tickets either through the University preferred travel agencies or via the Internet or with the airline directly. If a ticket is purchased on the Internet, the traveler is required to complete and submit a TABER (Travel and Business Expense Report) and send it to Disbursement Control.

  • Have individual department approval processes been changed?
    No. The university and departmental approvals pertaining to travel have NOT changed.

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Last Updated: May 4, 2006



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