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Cadet Lift & Take-Off Program (TOP) Instructions

Cadets: Follow directions in your "Congratulations 2024 Cadet Lift/TOP Notification & Instructions" email received from NHQ Cadet Programs to accept or decline assistance. (Deadline: April 1, 2024

Travel Instructions

  1. Follow directions in your "Congratulations 2024 Cadet Lift/TOP Notification & Instructions" email received from NHQ Cadet Programs to accept or decline assistance. (Deadline: April 1, 2024

  2. PHOTO ID - If traveling via air, use this secure upload link to provide us with a photocopy of the front and back of the photo ID you will use to go through security. Here is a link to the TSA website which tells you what forms of ID are acceptable.  Note that children under 18 years of age flying unaccompanied, will need to comply with ID requirements of their airline.

  3. See Important information below for any questions. You will receive an email with your travel itinerary approximately 6 to 8 weeks prior to the start of the activity. 


Payment Instructions

Once your activity is finished and you have returned home, submit the following documents to this secure upload link.  Do NOT send documents via email.  Label ANY uploaded documents: Yourlastname_CAPID_ItemName.  (Ex. Jones_648513_BaggageReceipt or Jones_648513_GoogleMap)

Required Documents

  1. Payment Request Form - Fill out the highlighted portions and include the name of the activity, including its course number and location. (The course number is on the NCSAS.com website at the top of the ad for the activity, or you can find it on the preferences tab of your eServices application.) The form must be downloaded first, and then filled in before saving and uploading.  Otherwise, it will show up as a blank form.  

  2. Baggage Receipts - Receipts should include the purchase date, name of the traveler, itinerary for travel which includes dates and times, departure and arrival airports, and fare class or description.  It also must show the paid amount and ticket totals which breaks out fees. Reimbursement cannot be processed for payment until after travel commences

  3. Google Map - You may choose to travel by car instead, and we will reimburse for mileage up to the amount of the lowest-cost, non-refundable 21-day-advance purchase, round-trip ticket for those who live outside of the local area (50 miles).  You must include a google map or the like which shows the distance from your point of departure to the activity and back. This map will serve as the source to calculate your payment. 


Important Information - Cadet Lift or Take-off Program (TOP) Cadet Travel

Travel Policy Notes

We will book your travel by air and may have the ability to accommodate some special requests.  Otherwise, if your requirements are so unique that you choose to book air travel yourself, please get permission from cadetinvest@capnhq.gov first. Reimbursement requests may be made at any time up to 2 weeks after your activity completes but will not be paid until after the date that travel commences.

Click here to view the FY24 Travel Reimbursement Policy

Air

Our travel reimbursement policy allows us to purchase a non-refundable main cabin, basic, economy or similarly discounted/deeply discounted fare ticket. The lowest-cost round-trip ticket with a reasonable travel itinerary that meets arrival/departure criteria for the activity is the basis for reimbursement/booking. The ticket must be purchased a minimum of 21 days in advance. If you have special requests like remaining for vacation or not returning to the same airport, we will book/reimburse if it is less than the cost of a round trip.  If the airline requires a fee for an unaccompanied minor, we will pay that fee, but be prepared, you most likely will have to pay the fee at the airport even if we book your ticket.  You also may be reimbursed for one checked bag to and from your activity and will need to pay that fee at the airport as well. 

Receipts should include the purchase date, name of the traveler, itinerary for travel which includes dates and times, departure and arrival airports, and fare class or description.  It also must show the paid amount and ticket totals which breaks out fees. Reimbursement cannot be processed for payment until after travel commences.

We will do our best to accommodate special requests or unique travel needs but may not always be able to do so.  Staying to see family or departing and returning from different airports may be possible - If the special request costs more, we will book if you pay for the fee/fare above reimbursable costs, or you may choose to book yourself request reimbursement (requires prior approval). 

Ground

You may choose to travel by car instead, and we will reimburse for mileage up to the amount of the lowest-cost, non-refundable 21-day-advance purchase, round-trip ticket for those who live outside of the local area (50 miles).  You must include a google map or the like which shows the distance from your point of departure to the activity and back. This map will serve as the source to calculate your payment. 

You may also travel by train or bus IF the activity staff has indicated they will pick you up at those terminals. You will have to purchase a bus or train ticket yourself and request reimbursement (prior approval required). Any receipts should include the purchase date, name of the traveler, itinerary for travel which includes dates and times, departure and arrival location, and fare class or description.  It also must show the paid amount and ticket totals which breaks out fees. Reimbursement cannot be processed for payment until after travel commences.   

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