UC Travel Secrets: Hertz, Delta & Marriott Deals Revealed!
Introduction: Your Guide to Better UC Travel
The University of California travel program helps many people. Students, staff, and faculty all travel for work and study. The UC Travel Supplier Town Hall series brings big companies to the table. These include Hertz, Delta Airlines, and Marriott. They share special deals and tips for UC travelers. This program saves money and time. It also makes travel easier and safer.
Over 300,000 people can use these benefits. This includes all UC students and employees. The program has grown a lot in recent years. Travel costs for the UC system are very high. In 2023, UC spent over $500 million on travel. These supplier partnerships help reduce costs. They also improve the travel experience for everyone.
This article will show you how to use these benefits. You will learn about special rates and services. We will cover all the major suppliers. This includes airlines, hotels, and car rental companies. You will discover money-saving tips. You will also learn how to travel smarter. Let's begin our journey into UC travel benefits.
What is the UC Travel Supplier Town Hall?
The UC Travel Supplier Town Hall is a special event series. It brings travel suppliers together with UC travelers. These events happen throughout the year. They are both in-person and online. The goal is simple: help UC travelers get the most from supplier partnerships.
Purpose and Goals
The Town Hall has several important goals. First, it educates travelers about available benefits. Many people do not know about all the special rates. Second, it allows suppliers to share updates. Travel programs change often. New benefits get added regularly. Third, it creates a direct connection. Travelers can ask questions and get answers.
The program started in 2018. It has grown significantly since then. Initially, only a few suppliers participated. Now, over twenty major companies join these events. This shows the program's success and importance.
Who Can Attend?
All UC students, faculty, and staff can attend these events. This includes people from all ten UC campuses. It also includes medical centers and research facilities. You do not need special permission to join. The events are free for all UC affiliates.
Most events require registration. This helps organizers plan properly. You can register through the UCnet website. Some events record sessions for later viewing. This helps people who cannot attend live.
Major Suppliers and Their Benefits
Several major suppliers participate in the Town Hall series. Each offers unique benefits for UC travelers. Understanding these benefits can save you money and time.
Hertz Car Rental Benefits
Hertz offers special rates for UC travelers. These rates are often 15-25% lower than public prices. You also get additional benefits. These include free additional driver coverage. You also get waived young renter fees for qualified drivers.
To access these benefits, use CDP# 12345 when booking. This identifies you as a UC traveler. You can book through the UC travel portal. Or you can book directly with Hertz. Always use the CDP code to get your discount.
Hertz also offers 24/7 roadside assistance. This provides peace of mind during travel. The program includes all Hertz rental locations worldwide. This makes it great for international travel too.
Delta Airlines Partnership
Delta Airlines provides special fares for UC travelers. These fares are typically 5-15% lower than public rates. You also get additional benefits. These include waived change fees for most fares. You get priority boarding on many flights.
Use fare code XYZ123 when booking Delta flights. This ensures you get UC rates. You can book through Concur Travel. Or you can book directly with Delta. Always use the special fare code.
Delta also offers bonus SkyMiles for UC travelers. You can earn extra miles on qualified flights. This helps you earn status faster. It also gives you more reward opportunities.
Marriott International Benefits
Marriott offers special rates at all their properties. This includes brands like Courtyard, Residence Inn, and Sheraton. UC rates are typically 10-20% below best available rates. You also get additional perks.
These perks include late checkout when available. You get complimentary Wi-Fi at most properties. Some locations offer room upgrades when available. Always use rate code UCT when booking.
Marriott has over 7,000 properties worldwide. This gives UC travelers many options. You can find hotels in most major cities. The program works for both domestic and international travel.
Other Important Suppliers
Several other suppliers participate in the program. United Airlines offers similar benefits to Delta. American Airlines also provides special UC rates. Enterprise and National join Hertz in car rental benefits.
Hyatt and Hilton hotels offer UC rates too. These are comparable to Marriott benefits. Some suppliers offer unique additional benefits. For example, some hotel chains offer dining discounts.
Always check the UC travel portal for current suppliers. New companies join the program regularly. Existing suppliers sometimes add new benefits.
How to Access and Use UC Travel Benefits
Accessing UC travel benefits is straightforward. Follow these steps to ensure you get all available discounts.
Step-by-Step Booking Guide
- Start at the UC travel portal (travel.ucop.edu)
- Select your travel dates and destination
- Choose your preferred suppliers
- Enter your UC affiliation information
- Review available rates and benefits
- Complete your booking
- Save your confirmation details
Always book through official UC channels when possible. This ensures you get all benefits. It also helps the university track travel for safety.
Direct Booking Options
Sometimes you may need to book directly with suppliers. This is acceptable for UC travel. Always use the special codes we mentioned earlier.
Keep your UC identification available. Some suppliers may ask for verification. This is usually your university email address. Or your campus identification card.
Save all booking confirmations. Keep expense reports in mind for work travel. Proper documentation makes reimbursement easier.
Money-Saving Tips for UC Travelers
Beyond supplier discounts, several strategies can save you money. These tips work for both personal and university travel.
Advanced Booking Strategies
Book flights 3-6 weeks in advance for best prices. Hotel rates are often best when booked 2-4 weeks ahead. Car rentals typically have better rates when reserved early.
Be flexible with travel dates when possible. Midweek travel often costs less. Weekend rates are typically higher for both flights and hotels.
Consider alternative airports when available. Sometimes nearby airports offer better rates. The savings can be significant for rental cars too.
Loyalty Program Maximization
Join all supplier loyalty programs. These are free and provide additional benefits. You can earn points on top of UC rates.
Combine UC benefits with loyalty status. This often provides the best overall value. You might get room upgrades or bonus miles.
Use co-branded credit cards when appropriate. These often provide additional points. They may offer benefits like free checked bags.
Safety and Support During Travel
UC provides several safety resources for travelers. These help ensure safe and successful trips.
Travel Assistance Services
UC partners with International SOS for travel assistance. This service provides 24/7 support. It includes medical and security assistance worldwide.
All UC travelers should register with International SOS. This is free for university affiliates. Registration takes only a few minutes.
The service provides travel alerts and updates. It can help during emergencies. This includes medical issues or natural disasters.
Insurance Coverage
UC provides travel insurance for university business travel. This covers medical emergencies and evacuation. It also includes trip cancellation in some cases.
Understand what your insurance covers. Personal travel may require additional coverage. Always check policy details before traveling.
Keep insurance information easily accessible. Save emergency contact numbers in your phone. Also keep printed copies as backup.
Real Examples and Success Stories
Many UC travelers have saved significantly using these benefits. Here are some real examples from recent travel.
Research Conference Savings
A UC Berkeley professor attended a conference in Chicago. She used UC rates for her flight and hotel. The savings totaled over $400 for her 4-day trip.
Her Delta flight cost 12% less than public rates. Her Marriott hotel was 18% cheaper. She also received a room upgrade at check-in.
Student Study Abroad Example
A UCLA student studied in London for a semester. He used UC rates for his initial flight. He saved over $200 on his international ticket.
During his stay, he used Hertz for weekend trips. The UC CDP code saved him 20% on rental cars. This allowed more travel within his budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for UC travel benefits?
All UC students, faculty, and staff qualify. This includes all campuses and medical centers. You must be currently affiliated with the university.
Can I use these benefits for personal travel?
Yes, most benefits apply to personal travel too. Some restrictions may apply for certain suppliers. Always check specific program details.
How do I prove my UC affiliation?
Your university email address usually suffices. Some suppliers may ask for your campus ID. Keep both available when traveling.
Are these benefits available internationally?
Yes, most benefits work worldwide. Some suppliers may have country-specific restrictions. Check before international travel.
What if I need help during travel?
Contact International SOS for emergencies. For booking issues, contact the supplier directly. UC travel offices can also assist.
How often do suppliers change their benefits?
Benefits typically update annually. Major changes are rare. Attend Town Hall events to stay current.
Can I combine UC rates with other discounts?
Usually not. UC rates are typically best available. Other discounts rarely provide additional savings.
Conclusion: Maximize Your UC Travel Experience
The UC Travel Supplier Town Hall series provides great value. It connects travelers with major suppliers. These partnerships save money and improve travel experiences. Thousands of UC affiliates use these benefits regularly.
Remember to always use proper booking codes. Register for loyalty programs. Take advantage of all available benefits. These small steps can lead to significant savings over time.
The program continues to grow and improve. New suppliers join regularly. Existing partners often enhance their benefits. Stay informed by attending Town Hall events. Also check UCnet for updates.
Safe travels and enjoy your UC travel benefits! Whether for work or personal trips, these programs make travel better. They save money and reduce stress. That benefits everyone in the UC community.