The Joys of the Fly America Act

Whenever a federal grantee or employee travels internationally, he or she must fly a U.S. flag carrier airline, such as United or Delta, even if taking a foreign airline would be cheaper or more convenient.  There are a few limited exceptions, but the rule is otherwise pretty strict. It’s a silly, protectionist rule that must cost the federal government a lot of money each year in wasteful spending. It also leads to incredibly inconvenient travel schedules for federal travelers.

While my flight cost a pretty high sum (let’s just say I could get a business class seat for cheaper on a foreign airline), the schedule is not too bad, although I am flying a less direct route than I would have preferred.  I am heading to PNH (Phnom Penh International Airport) via ICN (Seoul-Incheon) out of JFK.  The only saving grace is that the Fly America Act allows for codeshare flights on foreign airlines.  So, while my flight is booked through Delta, I’m actually writing this en route to Seoul onboard a Korean Air flight.  Plus I get Delta Skymiles, so I guess it’s not that bad.

More on my flights later.

Preparations

I’ve known that I was heading to Cambodia for about a month now. I applied to the Fulbright Specialist Program back in January and was accepted to the roster of approved candidates by the end of February.  (Once approved, a Fulbright specialist is added to a roster that can be accessed by embassies and foreign schools in search of American scholars with whom to partner.)  Still, I’ve had a lot going on – arranging all of the many logistics, getting things in order at my home school, preparing for the classes I’ll be teaching, and I was also a part of an ABA site inspection team.  So, packing was, unfortunately, left to the last minute.

It’s hot in Cambodia pretty much year-round. But, I’ll also be teaching, so I’ll need my professional “uniform” as well. I also had to pack all of the “tools” (teaching materials, books, etc.) I’d need while in-country.

So, the night before my flight, I spent several hours getting everything in order. Thankfully Korean Air allows two pieces of luggage, even in the cheap seats economy. Jonnathan (my husband) and I had a nice dinner at one of our favorite places in Long Beach, Lost and Found. Most importantly, I spent quality time with the dogs, who tend to get sad if either of us leave for an extended period of time.

I’m a big fan of these luggage organizer things by Belle Hop that I picked up a few years ago.  They allow you to keep pieces of clothing separated and organized.  I wish I knew where I got them.  They’re a lifesaver.

I also discovered really neat tutorials on how to fold suits and shirts in regular luggage.  (I hate taking a garment bag.)

Luckily everything fit!  I was right under the weight limit.  Now I’ll just be praying that both pieces of luggage arrive safe and sound in Phnom Penh …

Welcome

This blog will chronicle my work in Cambodia in October 2016 as part of the Fulbright Specialist Program. I am a professor and vice dean and St. John’s University School of Law in New York and was awarded a Fulbright grant to teach and consult at the Royal University of Law and Economics in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. I’ll primarily be teaching short courses in Legal Writing for students in RULE’s LL.M. program. You can follow me on Twitter @proflcunningham.