Fly America Act
The Fly America Act was enacted in 1974 to mandate the use
of U.S. flag air carriers (United, Delta, American, etc.) for
all travel originating in the U.S. and her territories to
foreign countries. The Act applies to anyone using Federal
funds to travel abroad. This includes NSF, NIH, NASA, and other
Federal agencies and entities. The Act does not apply to
non-federally funded awards.
• A U.S. flagged airline must be used when Federal funds are
involved unless the flight qualifies for an exception as
detailed on the Fly America Waiver Checklist.
• Some awards from other universities or entities are
actually pass-through funds from the Federal government.
• Fly America applies to anyone flying on Federal funds, not
just the PI. This includes participants, collaborators,
speakers, guests, etc.
• Cost is explicitly not a valid reason to use a foreign
• Be careful with code share agreements (please see below).
The flight must reflect the U.S. carrier's designator code and
• The key to compliance is making sure the trip either
complies or is eligible for exemption before the trip is
If the flight qualifies for an exception, please complete
the Fly America Waiver Checklist before the trip. Send the
Checklist and the documentation supporting the permitted
exception to RA&F (RAF_PostAward@rpi.edu) for final
approval before the trip. Online travel inquiries such as an
Expedia or Travelocity printout with the travel dates and
destinations clearly marked are sufficient.
Code Share Issues
Airlines often partner with other airlines to offer a
broader selection of destinations and to simplify connections.
A seat can be purchased on one airline, but the flight is
actually operated by a cooperating airline under a different
flight number or code.
These agreements can pose a challenge when trying to
determine Fly America Act compliance. Although a code share
relationship may exist, caution must be used at time of
purchase to ensure that the flight complies. Make sure the
ticket identifies a U.S. flag air carrier designator code and
Use of United States Flag Air Carriers
America Act - It's More Than Just A Name
Fly America Act Waiver