---
title: "Communities Travel Tiers"
slug: "communities-travel-tiers"
description: "Discover the Communities Travel Reimbursement tiers, covering expenses for flights, hotels, and rides while clarifying what's included and excluded in each tier."
tags: ["Travel Reimbursement", "RISE Program", "Expense Tiers"]
updated: 2026-08-23T10:44:13Z
published: 2026-08-23T10:44:13Z
canonical: "kb.tpusacommunities.com/communities-travel-tiers"
stale: true
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://kb.tpusacommunities.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Communities Travel Tiers

The TPUSA Communities Travel Reimbursement program is designed to support participants with their travel expenses associated with events. This article outlines the various tiers of **reimbursement**, detailing the covered and non-covered expenses within each tier.

> [!WARNING]
> For reimbursement requests, **flights must be booked at the base fare/economy rate only. Upgrades are not permitted and will not be reimbursed.** Any additional costs for seat upgrades, premium economy, business/first class, or other optional add-ons are the responsibility of the traveler.

### Tier 1

**Covered Expenses:**

- Flight and hotel stipend (up to $1000).
- Uber/Lyft rides to and from the airport, hotel, and venue (up to 4 trips unless it's a multi-day event).

**Not Covered:**

- Food stipend.
- Checked bags.
- Flight upgrades.

---

### Tier 2

**Covered Expenses:**

- Flight and hotel stipend (up to $1000).
- Uber/Lyft rides to and from the airport, hotel, and venue (up to 4 trips unless it's a multi-day event).
- $25 per day food stipend.

**Not Covered:**

- Checked bags.
- Flight upgrades.

---

### Tier 3

**Covered Expenses:**

- Flight stipend (up to $500).
- Uber/Lyft rides to and from the airport, hotel, and venue (up to 4 trips unless it's a multi-day event).
- Hotel room block (we cover the full cost upfront).

**Not Covered:**

- Food stipend.
- Checked bags.
- Flight upgrades.

---

### Tier 4

**Covered Expenses:**

- Flight stipend (up to $500).
- Uber/Lyft rides to and from the airport, hotel, and venue (up to 4 trips unless it's a multi-day event).
- Hotel room block (we cover the full cost upfront).
- $25 per day food stipend.

**Not Covered:**

- Checked bags.
- Flight upgrades.

### Notes

For car rentals, **prior approval** from a TPUSA Communities Director is **required**. Communities/TPUSA does not place rental vehicles in their name.

Standard room king, queen, or double is the acceptable room standard **unless approved by Director.**

It is important to note that Communities only covers transportation between the hotel, airport, and venue. Transportation costs for trips to obtain food or for other personal activities are not covered. Additionally, gas and mileage expenses cannot be submitted via the Travel Reimbursement Form; they must be included in an Activism Day submission.

---

### FAQs

#### What expenses are covered in Tier 1 of the Communities Travel Reimbursement Program?

In Tier 1, covered expenses include a flight and hotel voucher (up to $1000) and Uber/Lyft rides to and from the airport, hotel, and venue (up to 4 trips unless it's a multi-day event).

#### Are food stipends covered in Tier 2?

Yes, in Tier 2, a $25 per day food stipend is covered along with other expenses.

#### What is the policy on car rentals for Communities Travel Reimbursement?

Car rentals must be **approved** **prior** from a TPUSA Communities Director is **required**. Communities/TPUSA does not place rental vehicles in their name. We do NOT cover insurance, pre-paid gas, or any additions.

#### Am I eligible for all the money upfront?

No. We **reimburse** the expenses up to the full award amount.