As we approach the end of semester many faculty are planning research travel outside the United States. Whether planning to attend a professional meeting, to visit the laboratory of a colleague to learn a new skill, or to do field work for your project, there are some things to keep in mind as you plan your trip.
Anyone whose air travel is financed by US Government Funds must use a US Flag Carrier for that trip to the maximum extent possible. This rule applies even if a ticket on a foreign carrier would cost less, or be more convenient.
- If a US carrier offers non-stop or direct (no change of plane) service from your point of origin to your destination you must use that carrier.
- If a US carrier does not offer nonstop or direct service you must use the US flag carrier on every portion of the route where such service is available.
Travelers are frequently confused about “Code Share” arrangements between US Carriers and Foreign Carriers. If, for example, you are flying to Italy from the US and your Delta flight is actually is operated by Alitalia and has an Alitalia flight number, your e-ticket or other travel document must show the Delta flight number to qualify for reimbursement from federal funds.
You may use a foreign carrier for travel wholly within a foreign country when a US carrier is not available or when service on a foreign carrier would be three hours or less and use of a US flag carrier would at least double your en route travel time. , If you are traveling on to another city in Italy, to which Delta does not offer service, you may book on a foreign flag carrier.
The staff at Orbitz for Business are aware of these rules and of other Yale travel policies, just make sure to tell the booking agent that you are flying on US Federal Funds when booking your ticket.
The few exceptions to the Fly America rule are explained in detail in Yale guidance 3301 which can be found at http://www.yale.edu/ppdev/Guides/purchase/3301GD.02USFlagCarrier.pdf and in the checklist and request for waiver document which can be found at
http://www.yale.edu/ppdev/forms/ap/3301FR.6FlyAmericaActChecklistWaiver.pdf. (The waiver form is also available in a fillable format on the policy website.)