Fly America Act

All air travel and cargo transportation services funded by the federal government are required to use a “U.S. flag” air carrier service. You can find a complete list of certified U.S. flag air carriers on transportation.gov.

This requirement applies to

• Federal government employees and their dependents

• Consultants, contractors, and grantees

• Other travelers whose travel is paid for by the federal government

You cannot cross the U.S. border to use a foreign airline to avoid being subject to the Fly America Act.  If your travel does not comply with the Fly America Act, the government will not reimburse your airline ticket.

What does the Fly America Act say?

•  Regarding the Fly America Act (49 U.S.C. 40118), a person traveling on funds provided by the U.S. Federal Government must use a U.S. flag carrier (an airline owned by an American company), regardless of cost or convenience.

What is an exception to the Fly America Act?

• There are some circumstances where it's not reasonable to use a U.S. flag air carrier, and you can make an exception to the Fly America Act. 

• These circumstances are:

  • When a U.S. air carrier is not available.

  • When using a U.S. carrier service would extend the travel time by 24 hours or more.

What should I do as a traveler to ensure compliance with the Fly America Act?

• Flights should be booked through the University's designated travel agent.

• When booking travel, the traveler should inform the university’s travel agent that travel must be booked on a U.S. flag air carriers and adhere to all Fly America Act requirements. 

For more information about the Fly America Act, visit gsa.gov. 

Click here for a list of frequently asked questions.