Book Travel Online Using Compass
Compass News: Effective Oct. 24, Compass users will log in with their NU NetID and password. For returning users, your Compass profile will load automatically upon login. For new users, see instructions below.
Compass is the online tool used by Northwestern faculty and staff to book travel reservations. The online rate for booking through Compass is only $7. Travel can be billed to a department account number or to a personal credit card.
Provided by Tower Travel, Compass is customized with Northwestern's negotiated rates and travel policies.
Instructions for First-Time Users
- Open Compass.
- If prompted, enter your Northwestern University NetID and password.
- Read the Terms and Conditions. Click Yes to accept the terms.
- Click Accept to accept the Privacy Release.
- You will be taken to the Compass main page. Click My Profile to review and update your personal profile information.
How to Use Compass
Several guides are available for using Compass:
- Creating an Online Profile
This step-by-step guide walks you through how to create an online profile in Compass. - Booking Travel for a Guest
Follow these steps to book travel for a non-NU guest. - Traveler Arranger Instructions
Follow these steps to book travel for another NU traveler. - Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to questions about using Compass to book flights, hotels, and other travel. - Quick Reference Guide
(pdf)
This printable PDF covers how to set up user profiles, arrange travel for others (or designate others to arrange travel for you), access previous reservations, create Trip Templates, and more.
Technical Support
Logging in to Compass
Only current, benefits-eligible faculty and staff can use Compass. If you do not meet these requirements (i.e. you are a graduate student or temporary worker) but still need access, ask your faculty advisor/supervisor to send an email to Jeff Levin explaining your role with the University, your department, your netID or student ID number, why you need access, and the date after which you will no longer need access.
If you are a current, benefits-eligible faculty or staff member, but you are having trouble with your netID and password, visit the NUIT website or call the NUIT Help Desk at 1-4357.
Compass Error Troubleshooting
If you receive a "403 Access Forbidden" error when trying to log into Compass? If so, try clearing the cookies and cache on your Web browser using these instructions. Then, close your Web browser completely (all open tabs and windows). Finally, re-open the browser and navigate back to the Compass log-in. If this doesn't work, try to log in to Compass from a different Web browser. If you are still unable to log in and you are a current, benefits-eligible faculty or staff member, contact the NUIT help desk at 847-491-HELP (4357) or open a Support Request.
Making a Reservation
Having trouble making a reservation? Please contact Tower Travel's Online Solutions Department (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.):
- Phone: 630-928-7090 or 866-NU2-TRVL (866-682-8785)
- E-mail: onlinesolutions@towertravel.com
Voice messages and e-mail messages will be returned during regular business hours.
