Travel Update 07-07

Section 3000.300 of the Travel Regulation Council rules states, “All travel shall be by the most economical mode of transportation available considering travel time, costs and work requirements.” In most cases when air travel is required, utilizing Midway Airport is the most cost effective. The Governor’s Travel Control Board has entered into an agreement with Big Sky Airlines to provide air service between Springfield’s Abraham Lincoln Capitol Airport and Chicago Midway. The negotiated rate of $99 each way is in effect until February 1, 2008. When making flight arrangements, employees should ask for the lowest fare and should not assume that the ‘State” rate is automatically the lowest fare.

Please remember when traveling by air, it is imperative that employees arrive at least one hour before departure. Approximately 30 minutes before departure, the ticket counter is closed and available seats are given to passengers flying “stand by”.

Reservations can be made by either calling (800) 237-7788 or on the internet at www.BigSkyAir.com. Reservations can also be made at the ticket counters at either airport. Employees should note that Big Sky Airline flights are handled by the Frontier counter at Midway Airport. Agencies may also purchase EASYTICKETS at the $99 dollar rate which can be used by any authorized employee, have no cancellation fee and can be used up to one year from the date of purchase. EASYTICKETS must be purchased at least 15 one way tickets at a time. Flights must be cancelled no less than 24 hours before departure time and will be assessed a $25 change fee (this does not apply to EASYTICKETS).

Travel Update #07-05 Continued :

The State of Illinois no longer has a negotiated rate with United Airlines which provides service between Springfield’s Abraham Lincoln Capitol Airport and Chicago O’Hare. Travel Update 07-04 requires prior approval from the Governor’s Travel Control Board for any anticipated flight for this route on United Airlines (i.e., United Express – Air Wisconsin) where the quoted airfare is in excess of the $140 one-way rate (fare code VCAIL as noted in Travel Update #06-02). This approval request should be forwarded to the Board in the same manner as a request for an exception to the travel rules. Only those requests with compelling justification will be considered for approval. Employees are strongly encouraged to secure alternative forms of transportation should an excessive airfare be offered. Although this rate code is no longer in effect, employees unable to obtain rates equal or lower than $140 each way must still obtain approval in advance from the Governor’s Travel Control Board.

As the appointed Travel Coordinator for your agency, it is your responsibility to disseminate this information to all appropriate personnel within your agency. If you have any questions, please contact Kelley Shaw, State Travel Coordinator, at (217) 782-4705 or by e-mail at kelley.shaw@illinois.gov.