The Fly America Act of 1974 is a federal law (Title 49 U.S. Code, Section 40118) established a legal requirement that all government-financed air travel be performed by U.S. air carrier services where such service is available. All flights (domestic and international) supported with federal funds must be taken on U.S. flag air carriers, regardless of cost or convenience—unless an exception, as listed in the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR), is authorized.
Important Note: Under the Fly America Act, domestic travel includes travel within and between the United States, its territories and possessions. Travel outside these specified areas is considered international travel, including travel to Canada and Mexico.
As of January 1, 2021, The United Kingdom (U.K.) is no longer a member of the EU. Consequently, the Open Skies Agreement with the EU does not pertain to the U.K. Travelers must use a U.S. Flag Carrier to travel from the U.S. to the U.K. and not a U.K. airline (e.g., British Airways), unless they use a different Fly America Act exception. Travelers may continue to use an EU agreement for travel from the U.S. to the U.K. as long as the flight stops in the EU prior to arrival in the U.S. or the U.K.
Exceptions to the Fly America Act
Learn about exceptions to the Fly America Act.Flight Reservations: Improve FAA Compliance
Learn how to book flights with Concur, World Travel, Inc, and other sources.Fly America Resources
Learn about tools that are available to help ensure allowable costs only are being incurred.