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Monday, February 24, 2025

Planning a Vacation? Here’s Why Approval Comes First

We all need time off and planning a vacation can be exciting! But before you book that flight, it’s important to make sure your vacation time is approved. Otherwise, you might run into issues

A Real Example: What Can Happen If You Skip the Approval Step

A member booked a trip before submitting a vacation request. When they finally requested the time off, it was denied because there wasn’t enough coverage. They were stuck with a nonrefundable flight and no approved vacation days.

Luckily, we were able to advocate for the member, and the request was eventually approved. However, this situation could have been avoided with proper planning.

Lesson Learned: Always Get Approval First!

Here’s what you can do to avoid this situation.

  • Submit your vacation request early—the sooner, the better.
  • Wait for approval before booking flights or accommodations.
  • Check your workplace policy to understand blackout periods or restrictions.
  • If your request is denied, ask if there are alternative dates that could work.

While we can advocate for fair treatment, it’s always best to follow the proper process to avoid unnecessary stress.

Plan smart, enjoy your time off, and make sure you’re set before you book!