Federal travelers are required by 49 U.S.C. 40118, commonly referred to as the "Fly America Act," to use U.S. air carrier service (i.e Delta, American, United, etc.) for all air travel and cargo transportation services funded by the U.S. government.

Sponsored Projects  

Certain sponsored projects (including state grants) may contain provisions that further limit the amount and type of reimbursable travel expenditures. Travelers and/or appropriate sponsored projects personnel should ensure any proposed travel is in accordance with the sponsored project’s agreement before the travel begins.

Flight Arrangements 

When booking international travel, the Principal Investigator of the funding grant is responsible to comply with the Fly America Act. Travel charges that do not comply with this regulation will be the responsibility of the Principal Investigator’s department and must be moved to an acceptable non-federally funded source.

Compliance 

To ensure compliance with the Fly America Act:

  • When using federal funds, purchase international airline tickets thru a US flag Carrier,  or;
  • Use a travel agency for your booking.
    • NOTE: Be sure to confirm that travel agent is aware that travel is federally-funded and must adhere to the Fly America Act 

Exceptions

Exceptions must be documented prior to travel and pre-approved by PVAMU Research Office. In no case is the use of a foreign air carrier justified because of cost, convenience, or traveler preference. International Airfare booked on a US flag carrier will not require an exception.

 

Permitted Exceptions to the Fly America Act:

If a Us flag air carrier offers nonstop or direct service (no aircraft change) from your origin to your destination, you must use the U.S. flag air carrier service unless such use would extend your travel time, including delay at origin, by 24 hours or more.

If a U.S. flag carrier does not offer nonstop or direct service (no aircraft change) between you origin and your destination, you must use a U.S. flag carrier on every portion of the route where it provides service unless, when compared to using a foreign air carrier, such use would:

  1.  Increase the number of aircraft changes you must make en route by 2 or more; or
  2. Extend your travel time by 6 hours or more; or
  3. Require a connecting time of 4 hours or more at an overseas interchange point.

If an exemption is needed:

  1.  Complete the Fly America Act Exemption Form indicating the reason for the exemption.
  2. Attach a proposed itinerary of the trip.
  3. Fax to PVAMU Research Services for approval.

This exception form will need to be kept on file in the department and a copy should be included with the payment of the airfare for auditing purposes.