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Find answers to common questions about Connexxus, UC's travel program.
In the right place? For questions on other travel and entertainment related topics, see:
General
Profile
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Hotels
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Q: Are Connexxus rates better than those I can get from booking directly or shopping online?
A: Yes. Connexxus keeps travel costs contained by providing a wide range of booking options for airfare, hotel, and car rental at discounted rates.
Q: Which Connexxus booking option should I use?
A: Each option is slightly different. If you're not sure which one to use, click Compare all booking options on the Connexxus welcome page.
Q: Am I required to use Connexxus?
A: UCSD strongly encourages using Connexxus. The benefits of using it include:
Q: What if I see an access denied message when I try to log into Connexxus?
A: All employees who have had travel preauthorized in the last 6 months, or who are associated with a travel preauthorization (travel preparers and approvers), are able to log into Connexxus through their existing Single Sign On (SSO). If the traveler needs to register for SSO, follow the instructions in Blink. If you still get an access denied message, contact the ACT Help Desk 534-1853.
Q: Can the preparer complete the traveler profile, or does the traveler have to do it?
A: The traveler must log in, designate a travel preparer, and check the Can Access checkbox. This allows the designated arranger to view and update profile info.
Q: Is date of birth required?
A: It's required only if passport information is entered in the profile.
Q: How often can I update the profile?
A: The traveler can update the profile anytime. Also, if the traveler designates a travel arranger and checks the Can Access checkbox, the designated arranger can view and update profile info.
Q: If the designated travel arranger changes, how is the profile updated?
A: The traveler can update the profile, including designating a new travel arranger.
Q: How do I designate an arranger if I searched by last name and the person I’m searching for doesn't appear in the list?
A: Try searching for the arranger by e-mail address in the search field.
Q: Can travelers book their own travel?
A: Yes, if the traveler has a UCSD travel event number.
Q: Can I book travel for a non-employee or visitor?
A: Yes, if you have obtained a UCSD travel event number. See Booking Travel for a Non-Employee Using Connexxus.
Q: How are charges applied, and do travelers need a credit card?
A: Airfare is paid by UCSD. The employee traveler's UCSD Travel Card or a personal card can be used for hotel and car rental.
Q: Can non-business trips have a Connexxus discount?
A: No. Connexxus is only for business trips.
Q: Can I still book travel over the phone with the travel agent?
A: Yes. You can call a BCD agent (UCSD is serviced by Balboa Travel team) or a UC Travel Center agent. See details.
Q: How are preparers notified of traveler self-bookings?
A: E-mail itineraries are sent to the traveler and designated travel arranger.
Q: What if my name in Connexxus appears different from how my name appears on my I.D.?
A: You can edit your first name and middle initial, the last name is read-only. UCSD provides last names in a specific format to meet airline ticketing requirements (no hyphens, apostrophes, spaces, or non-alpha characters). If it is different, please contact UCSD Travel.
Q: How do I make changes or cancellations?
A: See instructions for Changing or Canceling a Connexxus Booking. If you cancel a booking, see also Canceling a Travel Event.
Q: How do I know what the booking fee is for each option?
A: In Connexxus, on the left side bar, see the Partner Programs section and click on Agency. On the Agency page that opens, a Fee Schedule link is available for each Connexxus agency.
Q: How do I view an itinerary?
A: See instructions for Viewing a Connexxus Itinerary.
Q: If a conference has a special hotel rate, should I use Connexxus?
A: The hotel suggested by the conference organizer is usually an option, not a requirement. You can use Connexxus for the hotel booking and receive a Connexxus discount. However, if hotel arrangements are restricted to a pre-determined arrangement made by the conference organizer, do not use Connexxus.
Q: If a traveler already is a Starwood member/ preferred guest, is the Connexxus discount applied or does the traveler need to enroll via Connexxus?
A: Enrollment for the Connexxus discount on Starwood needs to be set up referencing a specific SET number for UCSD. This generates a member number that, once entered in the Connexxus traveler profile, will ensure the Connexxus discount is applied.
Q: Is Starwood membership and its rewards the property of the university for use only on business travel?
A: Yes, Starwood enrollment for Connexxus discount is specific to UC business travel, and uses a specific code (SET number) for UCSD travelers.
Q: Will Connexxus work on a Mac or browsers other than Internet Explorer?
A: Yes, it works on a Mac and with various browsers. However, only Internet Explorer is guaranteed.
Q: Is my personal card information safe and secure in my Connexxus traveler profile and reservations?
A: Yes. All Connexxus service providers formally agreed and are committed to securing clients personal information. Each provider deployed appropriate physical, electronic, and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure your information. These measures include but are not limited to Secure Socket Layer, firewalls, intrusion detection, and other automated security software.
Q: What if a traveler does not have Single Sign-On?
A: The traveler needs to self-register.
Q: Is there a time limit to completing a profile? I entered my profile information but it did not save.
A: You have a 30 minute timeframe to enter your profile information and click the Save button. If you timed out before saving, exit Connexxus, open a new browser session, log into Connexxus, and retry. Make sure you click the Save button within the 30 minute timeframe.
Q: What if I click Profile and nothing happens?
A: Some browsers will open a new window behind the Connexxus portal window. Check for a hidden window by minimizing the window you’re currently using.
Q: What are the training options for Connexxus?
A: There are several options, including:
Note: Additional guidance also is available in the Connexxus portal, including selecting a booking option and setting up a profile.
Q: Is UC business travel insurance automatic for Connexxus bookings?
A: Yes, coverage is automatic when booking through Connexxus. If booking travel by other means, complete the coverage form for trips outside of California.
Q: If a trip includes some personal travel, can I use Connexxus?
A: Yes. Connexxus is for business trips, but you can still use it if the business trip will have a brief personal portion.
Q: Are UCSD associate agencies part of Connexxus?
A: No.
Q:Will other agencies be added to the Connexxus family?
A: There is no plan to add other agencies to Connexxus. Agencies were selected for Connexxus through a formal process coordinated by the UC Travel Council with representation from all UC locations.
Notice: UCSD travel policy, as published in Blink, is decisive. It has been adapted to UCSD's organization, delegation of authority, terminology, chart of accounts, and processing applications. The source for UCSD travel policy is UC Travel Policy and Regulations.