Travel

Laboratory of Cell Biology

Before traveling...

Complete the LCB Travel Request Form and take or send it to the LCB office (minimum lead times given below). This form is a fillable PDF, and a completed form can be saved for future use with Adobe Acrobat.

Request a reservation for a flight, train or rental car by contacting Omega Travel: Email: nihmd@owt.net Fax: 1-866-657-0070 Phone: 1-800-419-2312

As for using Omega to book hotel rooms, while this is standard policy, it is not required. Travellers are free to book their own rooms, but in this case, must use their own credit cards for the booking. If travellers want Omega to book their rooms, they should visit the Omega web site [http://www.nihtravel.com/] and set up a Staff profile where credit card and other personal information can be entered via a secure web site. For per diem rates, see the links below.

(Omega will email or fax your itinerary to you. Then, submit the itinerary, with the Travel Request Form, to the LCB office.)

For reference Omega Emergency phone: 1-866-651-0076

Lead time needed

Non-sponsored

Submit the LCB Travel Request Form at least 30 days prior to travel.

Sponsored (at least $500)

* Submit the Travel Request Form at least 40 days prior to travel (no exceptions are allowed by the Administrative and Ethics Offices)
* Letter of Invitation must be attached in order to process travel (see below)
* Attach other documents to explain the trip

Invitation letter should state:

--the dates of travel covered

--“NO Federal funds will be used to support the travel”

--“NO honorarium will be provided”

The letter should indicate:

--what expenses will be paid directly by the sponsoring organization (provided in-kind) and/or what will be reimbursed by a check made out to the NIH

After traveling...

Within 5 days of returning, complete the Voucher Form and take it to the LCB office with your receipts. As above, this form can be saved with Adobe Acrobat.

Important travel information:

Ticketing: Do not upgrade your seats with the airlines if your ticket has not been issued. This may cause you to lose your reservation.
Hotels: Do not contact the hotel directly for reservations or changes. Contact Omega World Travel.
Reservations: When canceling reservations, contact Omega World Travel.
Car Rental: Decline any additional liability or collision insurance while on official government business. These are included in the government rates.

Useful links:

Traveler Information Know what you can take, bring back, wear at airports

Baggage fees New regulations regarding fees for additional baggage

City Pair Pricing One-way fares listed--useful for planning trips to multiple destinations

Per diem rates Domestic rates (subject to change throughout the year)

Foreign per diem rates From the State Department

Fed Room Listing Hotel rooms available at federal rates

Distance, time, date Useful site for calculation and planning