Discontinuation of Diners Club “Ghost” Card at Travel Agencies

Michael V. McKee, University Controller

Effective June 11, 2004, the University of Florida will discontinue using the Diners Club “Ghost” card as a means of charging airfare at travel agencies. The University started its own Purchasing Card Program effective April 1, 2004 and as part of that program, departments may use the Purchasing Card to pay airfare regardless of the source of funds being used. Departments may now use “local funds” to pay Purchasing Card charges. This is a change from the State Purchasing Card program that the University used prior to April 1. If a department does not have a Purchasing Card they many contact pcard@ufl.edu to obtain a card. As a last resort, a department can execute a travel authorization to the travel agency for airfare.

In addition, the University of Florida’s contract for preferred travel agencies has expired and will not be renewed. These travel agencies have provided excellent service during the past seven years and we appreciate their good partnership. Although there will no longer be “preferred travel agencies”, the University of Florida will continue to support the use of local travel professionals by our faculty and staff.

If you have any questions please contact Ms. Lisa Deal (lsd@ufl.edu) at 392-1331 for Purchasing Card issues or Randy Staples (rstaple@ufl.edu) at 392-1241 for Travel issues.