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Travel Reimbursement Policy: A Comprehensive Guide

Starting a journey for a corporate excursion can be a whirlpool of commotion, but the genuine expedition frequently commences upon arrival, when confronted with a heap of receipts and the intimidating mission of maneuvering through your organization’s protocol for its travel reimbursement policy . This guide acts as your essential resource for understanding and mastering the intricacies of these policies, ensuring that you receive reimbursement for every eligible penny spent.

Understanding the Basics: What is a Travel Reimbursement Policy?

At its core, a travel reimbursement policy is a set of rules that governs how employees can claim expenses incurred on business trips. These guidelines are tailored to each company, detailing eligible expenses and the process for submitting claims. They’re the blueprint for fair compensation, covering transportation, lodging, meals, and other incidental costs.

Expense Categories

Transportation: Flights, trains, taxis, and more.
Accommodation: Hotels and rentals.
Meals and Entertainment: Daily allowances based on location.
Incidentals: Parking fees, internet charges, etc.

Spend Limits

These policies often set spending limits to prevent excessive claims, such as daily meal caps or maximum hotel rates.

Required Documentation

Receipts, invoices, and boarding passes are the keystones of a solid claim, providing the evidence needed to back up your expenses.

Approval Process

Understanding the chain of command for approvals is crucial to a smooth reimbursement experience.

Eligible Expenses: What Can You Claim?

Knowing what you can claim is half the battle. From efficient expense management solutions to transportation costs, here’s a breakdown of typical reimbursable expenses:

Transportation Costs

Airfare, train tickets, rental cars, and taxi fares.
Keep all travel documents as proof.

Accommodation Expenses

Hotel stays and rentals are reimbursable.
Save hotel bills or rental agreements.

Meals and Entertainment Allowances

Companies usually provide a daily meal allowance.
Document your meal expenses within the set limits.

Incidental Expenses

Claim parking fees, internet charges, and tips.

Appropriate Documentation: How to Keep Track of Your Expenses

Organization is key when it comes to reimbursement. Here’s how to keep your expenses in check:

Save All Receipts

Collect and save every receipt related to your business expenses. Consider using a receipt management app for digital storage and easy access.

Record Details

For each expense, jot down the date, location, and purpose. This will streamline your claim process.

Use Digital Tools

Embrace digital tools and apps for expense tracking. They can automate the process, making it less of a chore.

Submission Procedures: Navigating the Reimbursement Process

With your documentation in order, it’s time to submit your claim. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Create an Expense Report

Compile a detailed report of your expenses, complete with all supporting documents.

Submit Your Expense Report

Follow your company’s procedures, whether it’s through an online portal or via email, to submit your report.

Reimbursement Timelines: When Can You Expect to Get Paid?

Timelines for reimbursement vary, but most companies have set periods for processing claims. Stay informed about these timelines and follow up if necessary.

Tips and Strategies for Maximizing Your Reimbursement

Maximizing your reimbursement is an art. Here’s how to master it:

Review your company’s policy before your trip to understand the coverage and limits.

Keep Track of Expenses in Real-Time

Document expenses as they occur to ensure accuracy and ease the reimbursement process.

Submit Claims Promptly

Don’t delay in submitting your expense report. The quicker you submit, the faster you’ll be reimbursed.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid: Mistakes that Could Delay or Deny Your Reimbursement

Even with the best intentions, mistakes can happen. Here’s what to avoid:

Inadequate Documentation

Lack of proper receipts and invoices is a common reason for reimbursement hiccups.

Non-Compliance with Policy Guidelines

Stick to the rules set out in your company’s policy to avoid any reimbursement roadblocks.

Travel Reimbursement Policy Best Practices: Recommendations for Employers

For employers, crafting a clear and concise policy is paramount. Here are some best practices:

Clear Communication

Ensure all employees are well-versed in the policy’s details, from eligible expenses to submission guidelines.

Simplify Procedures

Streamline the process to avoid confusion and make it easier for employees to submit their claims. As we navigate the complexities of travel reimbursement, it’s clear that a solution like Clyr can transform this often cumbersome process into a seamless experience. With Clyr’s ability to integrate with major management platforms and provide real-time expense notifications, the days of manual tracking and lengthy reimbursement cycles can be a thing of the past.

Crafting a Travel Reimbursement Policy That Works for Everyone Leveraging Technology for Efficient Reimbursement

In the age of digital transformation, leveraging technology is not just a convenience—it’s a necessity for efficient expense management solutions. With the right tools, the reimbursement process can be significantly streamlined, reducing the time from submission to payment. Here’s how technology can make a difference:

Automated Financial Reporting for Out-of-Office Teams : For teams that are constantly on the move, automated financial reporting can be a game-changer. It ensures that expenses are logged and categorized accurately, which is essential for timely reimbursement.
Integration-Friendly Financial Tools for Property Management : Property management teams often juggle multiple tasks and expenses. Integration-friendly financial tools can synchronize financial data across platforms, making it easier to track and manage expenses.
Real-Time Expense Tracking Software : Real-time tracking allows for immediate recording of expenses, which can prevent the loss of receipts and ensure that no expense goes unclaimed.

By adopting top financial reporting software for field teams, companies can benefit from a more cohesive and transparent expense management process. Clyr, for instance, offers seamless financial data synchronization for field services, ensuring that every dollar spent is accounted for and reimbursed accordingly.

The Role of Mobile Apps in Expense Management

Mobile apps have revolutionized the way we manage our expenses on the go. They offer the convenience of capturing receipts and tracking expenses in real-time, which is particularly beneficial for employees who are often out of the office. Here are some advantages of using mobile apps for expense management:

1. Instant Receipt Capture : Snap a photo of your receipt, and it’s securely stored and ready for your expense report.

2. On-the-Spot Expense Entry : Enter expenses as they happen, reducing the risk of forgetting or losing track of them.

3. Accessibility : Access your expense records anywhere, anytime, right from your smartphone.

For example, a receipt management app can simplify the process of collecting and organizing receipts, making it easier for employees to submit accurate expense reports. This not only saves time but also reduces the likelihood of errors that could delay reimbursement.

How to Handle International Travel Expenses

International travel adds another layer of complexity to expense management. Currency conversions, varying tax laws, and additional documentation requirements can complicate the reimbursement process. Here are some tips for handling international travel expenses:

Understand Currency Exchange Rates : Keep track of the exchange rates at the time of each transaction to ensure accurate reimbursement.
Know the Tax Implications : Different countries have different tax laws. Be aware of what can and cannot be claimed as a business expense.
Use Efficient Expense Management Solutions : Choose a platform that can handle multiple currencies and automate the conversion process.

For businesses with international operations, it’s crucial to have efficient expense management solutions that can adapt to the complexities of global travel. This not only simplifies the reimbursement process but also ensures compliance with international financial regulations.

Addressing Common Questions About Travel Reimbursement

Travel reimbursement policies can be complex, and employees often have questions about what they can claim and how to go about it. Here are some common questions and their answers:

What if I lose a receipt?- Check if your company accepts credit card statements or if they have a specific policy for lost receipts. Some companies may allow a signed statement explaining the expense.
Can I claim expenses for leisure activities during a business trip? – Typically, only business-related expenses are reimbursable. However, some companies may allow for a reasonable amount of leisure expenses if they do not add additional cost to the trip.
How do I claim mileage if I use my personal car?- Companies usually reimburse mileage at a standard rate. Keep a log of your business travel mileage to submit with your expense report.
How can I address a delay in my reimbursement? – Take the initiative to follow up with your finance department. While delays can happen, it is crucial to verify that your claim is being processed.

By addressing these questions proactively, companies can alleviate concerns and make the reimbursement process smoother for everyone.

The Future of Travel Reimbursement: Trends and Predictions

The landscape of travel reimbursement is evolving with technology and changing work patterns. Here are some trends and predictions for the future:

Increased Automation : With platforms like Clyr, we can expect more expense management automation , reducing manual entry and speeding up the reimbursement cycle.
Mobile-First Solutions : As remote work becomes more common, mobile apps will play a larger role in expense management.
Personalized Expense Policies : Companies may start to offer more personalized policies that cater to individual needs and work habits.
Integration with Travel Booking : Seamless integration with travel booking systems will allow for pre-approval of expenses and automatic tracking.

These advancements will not only make the process more efficient but also more employee-friendly, leading to higher satisfaction and compliance.

Case Studies: Successful Reimbursement Stories

Let’s explore a few case studies where companies have successfully implemented efficient expense management solutions:

A Tech Startup: By using expense report automation , a growing tech company reduced its reimbursement cycle from weeks to just a few days, improving employee satisfaction.
A Consulting Firm: With the adoption of real-time expense tracking software, consultants could submit expenses on the go, leading to real-time budget updates and better financial planning.
A Nonprofit Organization : By simplifying job costing with financial software, a nonprofit was able to allocate funds more accurately and report to donors more transparently.

These stories highlight the positive impact of adopting modern expense management practices.

Expert Insights: Interviews with Finance Professionals

In conversations with finance professionals, several key points are consistently highlighted:

The Importance of Policy Clarity : Clear policies prevent confusion and ensure that employees know what’s expected of them.
The Role of Technology: There’s a consensus that technology, especially expense reporting in QuickBooks and similar integrations, is crucial for efficiency.
Employee Training: Educating employees on the use of expense management tools is essential for maximizing their benefits. These insights from experts underscore the need for companies to invest in both technology and employee training.

The Intersection of Travel Policies and Employee Satisfaction

Employee satisfaction is closely tied to how travel policies are structured and implemented. A fair and transparent policy can lead to:

Boosted Morale: The sense of being valued among employees is heightened when they are assured that their expenses will be reimbursed effortlessly.
Better Compliance: Clear guidelines and easy-to-use tools encourage employees to comply with the policy.
Attracting Talent: Competitive reimbursement policies can be a factor in attracting and retaining top talent.

By considering employee satisfaction, companies can create policies that are beneficial for both the staff and the organization.

Crafting a Travel Reimbursement Policy That Works for Everyone

Creating a travel reimbursement policy that meets the needs of both the company and its employees involves several key steps:

Gather Input: Include feedback from employees who travel frequently to understand their needs and challenges.
Define Clear Guidelines: Establish what is and isn’t reimbursable, and under what circumstances.
Leverage Technology: Implement tools like Clyr to streamline the process and reduce administrative burdens.
Regularly Review and Update: As business needs and travel norms evolve, so should your policy.

By crafting a well-thought-out policy, companies can ensure a smooth reimbursement process that supports their financial goals and keeps employees content.

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The trains and stations of the Moscow Metro

2 Comments · Posted by Alex Smirnov in Cities , Travel , Video

The Moscow Metro is the third most intensive subway system in the world after Tokyo and Seoul subways. The first line was opened on May 15, 1935. Since 1955, the metro has the name of V.I. Lenin.

The system consists of 12 lines with a total length of 305.7 km. Forty four stations are recognized cultural heritage. The largest passenger traffic is in rush hours from 8:00 to 9:00 and from 18:00 to 19:00.

Cellular communication is available on most of the stations of the Moscow Metro. In March 2012, a free Wi-Fi appeared in the Circle Line train. The Moscow Metro is open to passengers from 5:20 to 01:00. The average interval between trains is 2.5 minutes.

The fare is paid by using contactless tickets and contactless smart cards, the passes to the stations are controlled by automatic turnstiles. Ticket offices and ticket vending machines can be found in station vestibules.

Tags: Moscow city

Automatic Refunds and No More Hidden Fees: D.O.T. Sets New Rules for Airlines

The Transportation Department issued new requirements on refunds when flights are canceled or delayed and on revealing “junk” fees before booking. Here’s what passengers can expect.

A blue airport screen showing extensive cancellations and delays is shown in close up with a man standing in front of it.

By Christine Chung

The Transportation Department on Wednesday announced new rules taking aim at two of the most difficult and annoying issues in air travel: obtaining refunds and encountering surprise fees late in the booking process.

“Passengers deserve to know upfront what costs they are facing and should get their money back when an airline owes them — without having to ask,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a statement, adding that the changes would not only save passengers “time and money,” but also prevent headaches.

The department’s new rules, Mr. Buttigieg said, will hold airlines to clear and consistent standards when they cancel, delay or substantially change flights, and require automatic refunds to be issued within weeks. They will also require them to reveal all fees before a ticket is purchased.

Airlines for America , a trade group representing the country’s largest air carriers, said in a statement that its airlines “abide by and frequently exceed” D.O.T. consumer protection regulations.

Passenger advocates welcomed the new steps.

Tomasz Pawliszyn, the chief executive of AirHelp, a Berlin-based company that assists passengers with airline claims, called it a “massive step forward and huge improvement in consumer rights and protection” that brings the United States closer to global standards in passenger rights.

Here’s what we know about the D.O.T.’s new rules, which will begin to go into effect in October.

There’s now one definition for a “significant” delay.

Until now, airlines have been allowed to set their own definition for a “significant” delay and compensation has varied by carrier . Now, according to the D.O.T., there will be one standard: when departure or arrival is delayed by three hours for domestic flights and six hours for international flights.

Passengers will get prompt refunds for cancellations or significant changes for flights and delayed bags, for any reason.

When things go wrong, getting compensation from an airline has often required establishing a cumbersome paper trail or spending untold hours on the phone. Under the new rules, refunds will be automatic, without passengers having to request them. Refunds will be made in full, excepting the value of any transportation already used. Airlines and ticket agents must provide refunds in the original form of payment, whether by cash, credit card or airline miles. Refunds are due within seven days for credit card purchases and within 20 days for other payments.

Passengers with other flight disruptions, such as being downgraded to a lower service class, are also entitled to refunds.

The list of significant changes for which passengers can get their money back also includes: departure or arrival from an airport different from the one booked; connections at different airports or flights on planes that are less accessible to a person with a disability; an increase in the number of scheduled connections. Also, passengers who pay for services like Wi-Fi or seat selection that are then unavailable will be refunded any fees.

Airlines must give travel vouchers or credits to ticketed passengers unable to fly because of government restrictions or a doctor’s orders.

The vouchers or credits will be transferable and can be used for at least five years after the date they were issued.

Fees for checked baggage and modifying a reservation must be disclosed upfront.

Airlines and ticket agents are now required to display any extra fees for things like checking bags or seat selection clearly and individually before a ticket purchase. They will also need to outline the airline’s policies on baggage, cancellations and changing flights before a customer purchases a ticket.

The rules, which apply to all flights on domestic airlines and flights to and from the United States operated by foreign airlines, have varying start dates.

For example, automatic refunds must be instituted by the airlines within six months. But carriers have a year before they’re required to issue travel vouchers and credits for passengers advised by a medical professional not to fly.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Christine Chung is a Times reporter covering airlines and consumer travel. More about Christine Chung

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places: Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai: Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto: The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland: The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas: Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

Moscow Metro Font

Moscow Metro is a multi-line display typeface inspired by the Moscow underground map. It comes in Regular and Color versions.

Moscow Metro is ideal for posters and headlines, neon signage and other artworks.

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Designed by: Nadira Filatova Website

License: free for commercial use.

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Airlines must cough up cancellation cash and can no longer hide fees under new federal rule

A federal rule announced Wednesday will require airlines to quickly give cash refunds — without lengthy arguments — to passengers whose flights have been canceled or seriously delayed, the Biden administration said.

“Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them — without headaches or haggling,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement.

The rule from the Transportation Department says passengers who decline other reimbursement like travel credits are to get cash refunds.

It applies when a flight is canceled or has a “significant change,” the administration said.A “significant change” includes when departure or arrival times are three or more hours different from the scheduled times for domestic flights or six hours for international flights, and when the airport is changed or connections are added, it said.

Passengers are also to get refunds when their baggage is 12 hours late in delivery for domestic flights.

The new rule comes after promises to hold airlines accountable after major disruptions that made travel hell for passengers, including the 2022 Southwest Airlines meltdown , which resulted in almost 17,000 significantly delayed or canceled flights and a missing baggage nightmare.

The Transportation Department said that the new rule means refunds are automatic and that "airlines must automatically issue refunds without passengers having to explicitly request them or jump through hoops."

Also announced Wednesday was a rule requiring airlines to more clearly disclose so-called junk fees upfront, such as surprise baggage or other fees, the department said.

It said that rule is expected to save fliers around $500 million a year.

The surprise fees are used so tickets look cheaper than they really are, and then fliers get the unwelcome surprise of fees on checked bags, carry-on bags or reservation changes — or even discounts that are advertised but apply to only part of the ticket price, officials said.

Airlines will also have to tell fliers clearly that their seats are guaranteed and that they don't have to pay extra to ensure they have seats for flights, according to the Transportation Department.

Airlines for America, an industry trade group, said that its member airlines “offer transparency and vast choice to consumers from first search to touchdown” and that they do offer cash refunds.

The 11 largest U.S. airlines returned $10.9 billion in cash refunds last year, an increase over $7.5 billion in 2019 but slightly down from $11.2 billion in 2022, the group said.

“U.S. airlines are providing more options and better services while ticket prices, including ancillary revenues, are at historic lows,” Airlines for America said.

Left out of the federal changes announced Wednesday are those involving "family seating fees," but the Transportation Department said in a statement that "DOT is planning to propose a separate rule that bans airlines from charging these junk fees."

Travelers have complained to the Transportation Department that children weren’t seated next to accompanying adults, including in some cases young children, department officials said last year.

Fees on bags specifically have made up an increasing amount of airline revenues, the Transportation Department said Wednesday in announcing the new rules.

A Transportation Department analysis found that airline revenue from baggage fees increased 30% from 2018 to 2022, while operating revenue — which is from the flights themselves — increased by only half that amount, the department said.

Jay Blackman is an NBC News producer covering such areas as transportation, space, medical and consumer issues.

Phil Helsel is a reporter for NBC News.

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The Moscow Metro Museum of Art: 10 Must-See Stations

There are few times one can claim having been on the subway all afternoon and loving it, but the Moscow Metro provides just that opportunity. While many cities boast famous public transport systems—New York’s subway, London’s underground, San Salvador’s chicken buses—few warrant hours of exploration. Moscow is different: Take one ride on the Metro, and you’ll find out that this network of railways can be so much more than point A to B drudgery.

The Metro began operating in 1935 with just thirteen stations, covering less than seven miles, but it has since grown into the world’s third busiest transit system ( Tokyo is first ), spanning about 200 miles and offering over 180 stops along the way. The construction of the Metro began under Joseph Stalin’s command, and being one of the USSR’s most ambitious building projects, the iron-fisted leader instructed designers to create a place full of svet (radiance) and svetloe budushchee (a radiant future), a palace for the people and a tribute to the Mother nation.

Consequently, the Metro is among the most memorable attractions in Moscow. The stations provide a unique collection of public art, comparable to anything the city’s galleries have to offer and providing a sense of the Soviet era, which is absent from the State National History Museum. Even better, touring the Metro delivers palpable, experiential moments, which many of us don’t get standing in front of painting or a case of coins.

Though tours are available , discovering the Moscow Metro on your own provides a much more comprehensive, truer experience, something much less sterile than following a guide. What better place is there to see the “real” Moscow than on mass transit: A few hours will expose you to characters and caricatures you’ll be hard-pressed to find dining near the Bolshoi Theater. You become part of the attraction, hear it in the screech of the train, feel it as hurried commuters brush by: The Metro sucks you beneath the city and churns you into the mix.

With the recommendations of our born-and-bred Muscovite students, my wife Emma and I have just taken a self-guided tour of what some locals consider the top ten stations of the Moscow Metro. What most satisfied me about our Metro tour was the sense of adventure . I loved following our route on the maps of the wagon walls as we circled the city, plotting out the course to the subsequent stops; having the weird sensation of being underground for nearly four hours; and discovering the next cavern of treasures, playing Indiana Jones for the afternoon, piecing together fragments of Russia’s mysterious history. It’s the ultimate interactive museum.

Top Ten Stations (In order of appearance)

Kievskaya station.

Kievskaya Station went public in March of 1937, the rails between it and Park Kultury Station being the first to cross the Moscow River. Kievskaya is full of mosaics depicting aristocratic scenes of Russian life, with great cameo appearances by Lenin, Trotsky, and Stalin. Each work has a Cyrillic title/explanation etched in the marble beneath it; however, if your Russian is rusty, you can just appreciate seeing familiar revolutionary dates like 1905 ( the Russian Revolution ) and 1917 ( the October Revolution ).

Mayakovskaya Station

Mayakovskaya Station ranks in my top three most notable Metro stations. Mayakovskaya just feels right, done Art Deco but no sense of gaudiness or pretention. The arches are adorned with rounded chrome piping and create feeling of being in a jukebox, but the roof’s expansive mosaics of the sky are the real showstopper. Subjects cleverly range from looking up at a high jumper, workers atop a building, spires of Orthodox cathedrals, to nimble aircraft humming by, a fleet of prop planes spelling out CCCP in the bluest of skies.

Novoslobodskaya Station

Novoslobodskaya is the Metro’s unique stained glass station. Each column has its own distinctive panels of colorful glass, most of them with a floral theme, some of them capturing the odd sailor, musician, artist, gardener, or stenographer in action. The glass is framed in Art Deco metalwork, and there is the lovely aspect of discovering panels in the less frequented haunches of the hall (on the trackside, between the incoming staircases). Novosblod is, I’ve been told, the favorite amongst out-of-town visitors.

Komsomolskaya Station

Komsomolskaya Station is one of palatial grandeur. It seems both magnificent and obligatory, like the presidential palace of a colonial city. The yellow ceiling has leafy, white concrete garland and a series of golden military mosaics accenting the tile mosaics of glorified Russian life. Switching lines here, the hallway has an Alice-in-Wonderland feel, impossibly long with decorative tile walls, culminating in a very old station left in a remarkable state of disrepair, offering a really tangible glimpse behind the palace walls.

Dostoevskaya Station

Dostoevskaya is a tribute to the late, great hero of Russian literature . The station at first glance seems bare and unimpressive, a stark marble platform without a whiff of reassembled chips of tile. However, two columns have eerie stone inlay collages of scenes from Dostoevsky’s work, including The Idiot , The Brothers Karamazov , and Crime and Punishment. Then, standing at the center of the platform, the marble creates a kaleidoscope of reflections. At the entrance, there is a large, inlay portrait of the author.

Chkalovskaya Station

Chkalovskaya does space Art Deco style (yet again). Chrome borders all. Passageways with curvy overhangs create the illusion of walking through the belly of a chic, new-age spacecraft. There are two (kos)mosaics, one at each end, with planetary subjects. Transferring here brings you above ground, where some rather elaborate metalwork is on display. By name similarity only, I’d expected Komsolskaya Station to deliver some kosmonaut décor; instead, it was Chkalovskaya that took us up to the space station.

Elektrozavodskaya Station

Elektrozavodskaya is full of marble reliefs of workers, men and women, laboring through the different stages of industry. The superhuman figures are round with muscles, Hollywood fit, and seemingly undeterred by each Herculean task they respectively perform. The station is chocked with brass, from hammer and sickle light fixtures to beautiful, angular framework up the innards of the columns. The station’s art pieces are less clever or extravagant than others, but identifying the different stages of industry is entertaining.

Baumanskaya Statio

Baumanskaya Station is the only stop that wasn’t suggested by the students. Pulling in, the network of statues was just too enticing: Out of half-circle depressions in the platform’s columns, the USSR’s proud and powerful labor force again flaunts its success. Pilots, blacksmiths, politicians, and artists have all congregated, posing amongst more Art Deco framing. At the far end, a massive Soviet flag dons the face of Lenin and banners for ’05, ’17, and ‘45. Standing in front of the flag, you can play with the echoing roof.

Ploshchad Revolutsii Station

Novokuznetskaya Station

Novokuznetskaya Station finishes off this tour, more or less, where it started: beautiful mosaics. This station recalls the skyward-facing pieces from Mayakovskaya (Station #2), only with a little larger pictures in a more cramped, very trafficked area. Due to a line of street lamps in the center of the platform, it has the atmosphere of a bustling market. The more inventive sky scenes include a man on a ladder, women picking fruit, and a tank-dozer being craned in. The station’s also has a handsome black-and-white stone mural.

Here is a map and a brief description of our route:

Start at (1)Kievskaya on the “ring line” (look for the squares at the bottom of the platform signs to help you navigate—the ring line is #5, brown line) and go north to Belorusskaya, make a quick switch to the Dark Green/#2 line, and go south one stop to (2)Mayakovskaya. Backtrack to the ring line—Brown/#5—and continue north, getting off at (3)Novosblodskaya and (4)Komsolskaya. At Komsolskaya Station, transfer to the Red/#1 line, go south for two stops to Chistye Prudy, and get on the Light Green/#10 line going north. Take a look at (5)Dostoevskaya Station on the northern segment of Light Green/#10 line then change directions and head south to (6)Chkalovskaya, which offers a transfer to the Dark Blue/#3 line, going west, away from the city center. Have a look (7)Elektroskaya Station before backtracking into the center of Moscow, stopping off at (8)Baumskaya, getting off the Dark Blue/#3 line at (9)Ploschad Revolyutsii. Change to the Dark Green/#2 line and go south one stop to see (10)Novokuznetskaya Station.

Check out our new Moscow Indie Travel Guide , book a flight to Moscow and read 10 Bars with Views Worth Blowing the Budget For

Jonathon Engels, formerly a patron saint of misadventure, has been stumbling his way across cultural borders since 2005 and is currently volunteering in the mountains outside of Antigua, Guatemala. For more of his work, visit his website and blog .

Photo credits: SergeyRod , all others courtesy of the author and may not be used without permission

Singapore Airlines pays for couple's 'mental agony' after their business class seats broke

Singapore Airlines was ordered to pay an Indian couple 200,000 rupees (about $2,400) for “mental agony” after their business class seats malfunctioned on a flight from Hyderabad, India, to Singapore last May.

The settlement was first reported by India Today and included a refund for the cost of their trip, which was about $1,600 in total.

According to the magazine, Ravi and Anjali Gupta’s seats were unable to recline automatically during their roughly five-hour flight.

Cruising Altitude: I slept through the longest flight in the world. Here's my secret.

A Singapore Airlines spokesperson confirmed the fine to USA TODAY and noted that the Guptas’ seats could still recline manually.

“Our crew proactively checked in on these customers regularly and offered to manually recline the seat when needed,” a statement from the airline said. “We apologize to Mr and Mrs Gupta for the inconvenience caused by this mechanical issue.”

The couple connected through Singapore to travel to Perth, Australia, and the airline said there were no further issues on the second flight.

Airline fees and reimbursements are getting heightened attention in the U.S. after the Department of Transportation announced new rules on reimbursements last week.

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected].

Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow. Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?