Travel News and Tips
Beware of Malware While on Hotel Internet Connections
The FBI recently released a security warning to travelers who use their laptop computers on hotel internet connections. There has been an increase of malicious software that users are unknowingly installing on their laptops while traveling abroad. The FBI press release describes how this is done:
“In these instances, the traveler was attempting to set up the hotel room Internet connection and was presented with a pop-up window notifying the user to update a widely used software product. If the user clicked to accept and install the update, malicious software was installed on the laptop. The pop-up window appeared to be offering a routine update to a legitimate software product for which updates are frequently available.”
The FBI recommends that people who use their laptops when traveling abroad take extra precautions when using a hotel internet connection. They recommend that you perform any necessary software updates before traveling, and if you must update something while traveling, you should do so only directly from the software provider’s website. For more information, view the FBI press release.
Easier Access to Compass Online Travel Reservations
You no longer need to use your Compass username and password to log in to Compass—just use your NU NetID and password. All of your Compass profile information is associated with your NetID, so it will load automatically when you log in.
Instructions for first-time and returning users are posted on the Compass web page.
Supervisors Receive Travel Itineraries
We have asked our approved travel agencies to send a copy of travel itineraries to each employee's supervisor. This implementation will simulate NUFinancials and give notice of travel being charged to an NU chart string. No notices should be sent for trips not being directly charged to an NU chart string.
If an employee (for whom you are a supervisor) books a trip and you do not receive an itinerary notification, or if you receive a notification in error, please contact Jeff Levin at 1-5993.
New Passenger Information Required for Booking
When you book a flight, the following information will be required:
- Full name of the passenger (as it appears on the identification document to be used when traveling)
- Passenger date of birth
- Passenger gender
- Passenger "redress number" -- if available (For more information, visit the TSA website)
Collecting this information allows the TSA to prescreen passengers against government watch lists, in accordance with the Department of Homeland Security's Secure Flight Program.
Traveler Notification Services
United's Easy Update notification service alerts travelers to flight changes, cancellations, and delays.
- Alerts can be sent via text message, e-mail, or phone.
- Sign up at United's website to receive notifications.
Most major airlines offer similar flight notification services. Visit the airline's web page to sign up.
Transfer Your Elite Status to United Airlines
You can match your elite status on any of 40+ airlines with equivalent status in the United Mileage Plus Program (up to Premier or Premier Executive status).
To apply for the Corporate Status Match program:
- Complete the application
(doc). - E-mail your completed application (saved as a Word document) to premiermatch1@united.com with the subject line "Mileage Plus Corporate Status Match".
Travel Tips
- TSA Prohibited Items
Learn which items are not permitted in carry-on and checked baggage for air travel. - Tower Travel
Visit NU's corporate travel agent, Tower Travel, for daily updates that may affect business travel. - International Travel: Alerts and Fact Sheets
The U.S. State Department issues alerts about dangerous situations and other conditions that may pose security risks for American travelers. Country-specific general travel information is also available.
