Notice from Direct Travel
Direct Travel is closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Middle East. While conditions remain fluid, we want to provide guidance on what travelers and travel managers should know at this time.
Current Impact on Air Travel
At present, disruptions are primarily affecting airport operations in parts of the Middle East. Some routes have been adjusted, select services suspended, and temporary airspace restrictions implemented as precautionary measures. These changes may result in longer flight times, rerouting, or cancellations.
Airlines and authorities continue to assess the situation in real time. Additional operational adjustments are possible depending on further developments.
Direct Travel’s Approach
We are actively monitoring airline advisories, government guidance, and regional security updates. Our global teams are aligned and prepared to support any clients whose travel plans may be affected.
Please be assured:
– Your advisors are proactively reviewing itineraries that may be modified
– Alternative routes are being evaluated where necessary
– Our 24/7 emergency support infrastructure is fully operational for urgent rebooking or travel changes
All URI employees and students who go on university travel outside of the State of Rhode Island will submit a travel authorization, receive approval, and submit travel expenses online using our travel module.
Travel authorization, booking, and reimbursement is a multi-step process. This overview will provide you with the information you need to get started and we hope that you reach out with questions along the way.
We encourage you to become familiar with the URI Travel Policy and Procedures before planning your travel.
REAL ID Travel Update
Beginning February 1, 2026, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today that it will refer all passengers who do not present an acceptable form of ID and still want to fly an option to pay a $45 fee to use a modernized alternative identity verification system, TSA ConfirmID, to establish identity at security checkpoints beginning on February 1, 2026. View the announcement here: TSA Press Release
For more information about REAL ID, you can visit the TSA website at REAL ID | Homeland Security
REAL ID FAQs: REAL ID FAQs | Homeland Security
Domestic Travel Process
Foreign Travel Process
Contact
210 Flagg Road, First Floor
Kingston, RI 02881
Email Address: travel@etal.uri.edu
| Travel | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Manager, Travel & Expense | Christina Caccioppoli | c.caccioppoli@uri.edu | 401.874.3524 |
| Business Analyst, Travel – Athletics Travelers | Tom Reed | tomreed@uri.edu | 401.874.4928 |
| Traveler’s last name A – M | Deb Bourassa | dbourassa@uri.edu | 401.874.4545 |
| Traveler’s last name N – Z | Dawn Yeaw | dawn_yeaw@uri.edu | 401.874.9398 |