This request is in regard to the possible problems with saving money by using
nonrefundable/advance purchase/Sat-night-stay airline tickets.  Fares are
cheaper with a Saturday night stay, but WHAT IF the conference/meeting doesn't
start until Sunday evening or Monday?  Do you:

(1)  encourage getting the lower fare and then allow the costs for hotel
and meals on non-conference days to be charged to the grant,

(2)  encourage getting the lower fare but disallow the non-conference days to
be charged to the grant, OR

(3)  encourage the researcher to travel directly to the conference and back
regardless of the cost of the airfare?

Along the same lines:

(4)  IF a principal investigator has purchased a nonrefundable ticket but then
is UNABLE to travel, do you allow the UNUSED ticket to be charged to the
grant?

Your responses will be appreciated!

Ruth Tallman
Office of Research and Sponsored Programs
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA  18015
xxxxxx@lehigh.edu
Phone: 610-758-3024