How to get work to reimburse for mileage redemption?
#16
Join Date: Dec 2016
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As a strategy I normally do this at the end of each one once I reach my maximum status for an airline. So for example, if its December 1 and I've reached 1K on United, I'll likely book the rest of the month's (year's) trips with miles so I can pocket some extra dough.
#17
Join Date: Dec 2016
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However, once you cancel that ticket, it ceases to be a receipt for some amount that you actually paid on behalf of your employer. In some companies, requesting reimbursement for a plane ticket that was cancelled and refunded rather than flown would be grounds for termination.
#18
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#19
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 636
I'm not suggesting anyone deceive their employer, but frankly, how would they find out unless you performed the transaction on a company credit card? If I book a flight in dollars, get a receipt, cancel (and get refunded) and then re-book the exact same flight using my miles how would my employer found out? I would have a receipt, and copy of my boarding pass. They wouldn't know to look for any refund or credit.
#20
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 466
An update: So last time, I simply didn't use any miles and went with the economy ticket.
But I'm facing the same dilemma again, because the company has asked me to move, and I'd really like to use my accumulated miles for the big move.
I guess I'll have to talk to the HR about what the different requirements are.
As before, the options seem to be:
1) Fly economy
2) Get upgradeable economy and upgrade to business
3) Book a separate economy reservation that is refundable and cancel the ticket, book a separate award booking (need to investigate whether the HR is okay with this)
4) Book a separate award booking reservation and get reimbursed for lowest advertised economy fare.
5) Book an award reservation and get reimbursed for the fuel surcharge + taxes
It'd be most straightforward if I could just get reimbursed for the lowest advertised price, but I'm not sure if that will fly.
But I'm facing the same dilemma again, because the company has asked me to move, and I'd really like to use my accumulated miles for the big move.
I guess I'll have to talk to the HR about what the different requirements are.
As before, the options seem to be:
1) Fly economy
2) Get upgradeable economy and upgrade to business
3) Book a separate economy reservation that is refundable and cancel the ticket, book a separate award booking (need to investigate whether the HR is okay with this)
4) Book a separate award booking reservation and get reimbursed for lowest advertised economy fare.
5) Book an award reservation and get reimbursed for the fuel surcharge + taxes
It'd be most straightforward if I could just get reimbursed for the lowest advertised price, but I'm not sure if that will fly.
#21
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I would think that 5 - reimburse for the lowest coach fare, which is likely what you'd pay according to most travel policies I've seen - would be easiest. It's the equivalent of 1, no? Everything else is likely more expensive.
#22
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 466
I guess there's no way they'd reimburse me for a full fare of economy if I only used miles.
#23
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I'm not suggesting anyone deceive their employer, but frankly, how would they find out unless you performed the transaction on a company credit card? If I book a flight in dollars, get a receipt, cancel (and get refunded) and then re-book the exact same flight using my miles how would my employer found out? I would have a receipt, and copy of my boarding pass. They wouldn't know to look for any refund or credit.