Travel plays a vital role in advancing Rice’s teaching, research, and community engagement. To better support faculty and staff in this work—and to ensure resources are used wisely—Strategic Sourcing and Procurement has introduced new tools that make booking simpler, more affordable, and more efficient.
United Airlines: From IAH to Global Destinations
Rice has partnered with United Airlines through its Business Blueprint Discover Program. The dedicated booking portal offers:
- Discounts on select routes and fares
- Easier booking and management tools
- The ability to change names on unused tickets—a major improvement over past restrictions
The portal can be used for both business and personal travel. Be sure to select the correct program (“Business Travel” or “Break from Business”) when booking. Details and access instructions are available on the Procurement Travel website.
Southwest Airlines: From HOU Across the U.S.
Southwest Airlines now offers a dedicated portal for Rice business travel. Benefits include:
- Discounted fares on select routes
- Easy booking through the portal
- Travel credit and benefits for Rice when the portal is used
Visit the Procurement Travel website for access.
Local Hotels: Updated Rates and Listings
Rice has refreshed its directory of preferred hotel partners near campus, including:
- InterContinental
- Hotel ZaZa
- Westin
- Hilton
- Marriott
The site now features updated rates, amenities, cancellation policies, and booking instructions. Whether for business or personal stays, be sure to book early to avoid blackout dates during major Houston events and secure the best rates.
A New Travel Website: Your One-Stop Resource
All updates can be found on Rice’s new Travel website. The site includes:
- Direct access to United and Southwest booking portals
- Updated hotel listings and booking links
- University travel policy and FAQs
- Contact information for travel support
Before booking, review Policy 806, Rice University’s Travel Policy, to ensure compliance with procedures, reimbursements, and approvals.
International Travel Support
In addition to Strategic Sourcing and Procurement’s new travel portal, Rice Global has also strengthened its support for international travelers on university business with new tools and policies that enhance safety and risk management:
- New Travel Registry – Register trips through Rice’s Ideal-Logic system, which streamlines the process and enhances traveler safety.
- New Travel Assistance Provider – Crisis24 replaces International SOS, offering real-time alerts, global safety support, and improved traveler resources.
- Policy 852 Updates – The policy now includes clearer guidance for university-related travel, including approvals for elevated-risk destinations and updated research security requirements.
To learn more about these resources, watch Juliana Crim's presentation from the Sept Admin Forum.
Passport Renewal Services
Courtesy of Campus Services & Sustainability, eligible Rice community members may renew their passports at the campus post office (located in the Delivery Services annex, behind Glasscock). To complete the process, travelers should complete a DS-82 form and schedule an appointment for a passport photo, if needed.
With these changes, Rice is better equipped to keep travelers safe and supported—whether you’re attending a conference, hosting a guest, or traveling abroad.