Hi Lynn,
Our institution currently permits airline travel in classes other than coach for travel to:
-Alaska
-Hawaii
-Destinations outside North America
-For necessary medical reasons (accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation)
If the situation warrants and only with approval from a Dean or Officer or their authorized representative

Lynn, we do allow any ticket classes on flights longer than 8 hours, except for the highest class on any given flight. This is how we have attempted to address the issue of airlines not having a labeled "first class" anymore. This restriction typically excludes the types of seats you are describing, the lie-flat seats with traditional first-class services. For example, on Delta this would exclude Delta One and First Class seats, but would allow for a Comfort+ or Premium Select seat.

USF allows business class travel for all segments of trips with at least one segment lasting longer than 8 hours. We created an airline class guide for our users a few years ago that specifically states that luxury classes like Delta one and United Polaris are not allowed.

We are currently redrafting our policy to align with the updated FTR/CFR and if approved it will allow business class but prohibit first. We do not dip into defining all the sub-categories.

Delayed response here, but Purdue does allow up to business class for flights that are 14 hours or longer (including layovers). We have updated regulations going live on July 1st that update that time to 8 hours (including layovers) - this includes international or domestic flights. We do not allow first class.

I have found, I think particularly with Delta, that because they do not have a "Business Class", I have had travelers upgraded for free to First Class for a leg of their trip while the remaining parts of their flights are the requested/booked economy. So, that may be an interesting development if we see more of the free upgrades because it will not be a black and white non-reimbursable charge like we have been used to seeing in the past when First Class shows up on an airfare receipt.