Please be advised that Southwest Airlines has announced several upcoming service changes that will begin taking effect in 2025 and continue into 2026. These changes may impact university travelers, including faculty, staff, and students who fly Southwest for official business or personal travel. We are sharing this information to help the UMBC community plan accordingly and avoid potential disruptions.

The following service updates have been confirmed:

• Baggage Fees: Effective May 28, 2025, Southwest will begin charging fees for checked baggage. Specific pricing and allowances have not yet been announced.

• Seat Selection: Assigned seating and premium seating options are expected to become available beginning in early 2026. Further details are forthcoming.

• In-Seat Power: New 737 MAX 8 aircraft will include in-seat power ports. Southwest plans to retrofit existing 737-800 and -8 aircraft as well.

• Enhanced WiFi: Onboard WiFi systems are being upgraded to provide faster and more reliable internet access across the fleet.

• Larger Overhead Bins: Newly delivered aircraft will include larger overhead bins to improve carry-on capacity.

• Updated Cabin Seating: Redesigned seats will be introduced starting in 2025 to enhance comfort during flight.

• Digital Enhancements: Improvements to Southwest’s mobile app and website will include features such as digital bag tracking and expanded self-service tools.

These changes represent a significant shift from Southwest’s traditional policies and may influence decisions about travel logistics and budgeting. Travelers are encouraged to review these updates and consider them when making future travel arrangements.

For additional details, please refer to the attached presentation.
If you have any questions about UMBC travel procedures, please contact Business Services at TravelServicesAP@umbc.edu

To help guide the successful rollout of SAP Concur Travel at UMBC, we’ve launched the Travel Advisory Board (TAB)—a group of faculty and staff from across campus who bring valuable insight and feedback to the table. TAB was created to ensure the new travel system meets the needs of our community, improves current processes, and supports a smooth transition.

TAB members serve as liaisons to their departments, review key implementation documents, and help shape how Concur will be introduced and used across campus. Their input is essential to aligning the system with the way we work at UMBC.

We’re grateful to the inaugural members of TAB for their time, expertise, and ongoing collaboration:

• Bryan Casey, AVP and Controller, Financial Services (Chair)

• David Di Maria, Assistant Vice Provost for International Education

• Adam Drutz-Hannahs, Assistant Manager, Financial Services

• Catherine Manalansan, Administrative Assistant, JCET

• Charles Nicholas, Professor, CSEE

• Ken Schreihofer, Director, Business Systems, DoIT

• Desiree Stonesifer, Business Manager, Administrative SSC

• Margo Young, Director, Earth & Space Research Administration (ESRA)

TAB has already begun shaping key decisions that will directly impact the travel experience at UMBC. As implementation continues, the board will play a vital role in keeping the community informed, gathering feedback, and helping address questions or challenges along the way.

Have questions or want to stay in the loop? Feel free to reach out to any of the board members above—they’re here to help make Concur a success for all of us.

Dear UMBC Community,

We are excited to announce the kick-off of the SAP Concur Travel implementation project. This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to enhance our travel management processes and improve the overall experience for our faculty, staff, and students.

Project Overview: The implementation of SAP Concur Travel will provide a unified platform for travel booking and expense reporting, streamlining processes and reducing administrative burden. The solution includes features such as automated travel booking, mobile access, and real-time data integration, which will significantly improve the user experience.

Key Benefits:

• Streamlined Processes: SAP Concur Travel will simplify travel booking and expense reporting, allowing users to focus more on their core mission.
• Enhanced User Experience: The intuitive and secure platform will make it easier for users to plan and book travel reservations online and be reimbursed in an automated, policy-compliant manner.
• Compliance and Integration: The solution integrates seamlessly with Terra Dotta's International Travel Registry and CISI's enrollment portal, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and enhancing the management of international travel.
• Advanced Reporting: Consultative Intelligence and Analytics will provide advanced reporting and analytics capabilities, enabling us to gain valuable insights into travel data and support decision-making.

We are dedicated to keeping you informed and involved throughout this transition. You’ll find in-person and virtual demonstrations, training sessions, and regular updates here on MyUMBC’s Travel page and on our website. We also encourage you to watch the video linked below to learn more about the benefits coming to UMBC.

Concur Product Demo

• If a flight change results in additional costs, travelers should proceed with rebooking as needed.
  

• If the original travel booking was made through Altour or Globetrotter, the traveler is responsible for paying out of pocket for any change fees or fare differences.
  
• These expenses will be eligible for reimbursement through the standard travel reimbursement process.
  

• Upon returning from travel, please upload all change documentation to the travel system to ensure accurate processing of reimbursements.
  

We are pleased to inform you that the Travel System is back up and running. We appreciate your patience during this downtime. A special thank you to the DoIT team for their hard work and dedication in resolving the issue so efficiently.

If you encounter any further issues, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Thank you again for your understanding.