Fly America Act

Consistent with the Fly America Act, Claremont McKenna College generally requires individuals paying for travel through federal funds to only us U.S. flag air carrier service. U.S. carriers must be used even if foreign carriers offer tickets at a lower price, offer preferred routing, are more convenient, or are part of a frequent-flyer arrangement such as the Star Alliance. Limited exceptions to the Fly America Act are outlined below:

When a U.S. air carrier is not available.
When the use of a U.S. carrier service would extend the travel time by 24 hours or more.
When a U.S. carrier does not offer nonstop or direct service between origin and destination; and,
- Increases the number of aircraft changes outside the United States by two or more.
- Extends travel time by at least six hours or more.
- Requires a connecting time of four hours or more at an overseas interchange point.
Short Distance Travel - When the flight time from origin to destination is less than 3 hours and the use of a U.S. flag carrier doubles the time en-route.
When there is an applicable Open Skies agreement in effect which the Department of Transportation says meets the requirements of the FAA.

When one or more of the above circumstances apply, a written explanation indicating the appropriate exception must be provided with your funding request.

Questions about the Fly America Act should be directed to the Office of Institutional Philanthropy.