# Plain Language Summary: No Tax Dollars for First-Class Flights Act

This bill prevents Members of Congress and other legislative branch employees from using taxpayer money to buy first-class or business-class airline tickets. Instead, anyone traveling on official business for Congress must fly coach class—the basic, lowest-fare seating that regular travelers use. The rule applies to all official travel expenses paid with government funds, starting in fiscal year 2023 and continuing forward.

The bill does include a few narrow exceptions. If federal regulations would normally allow a regular government employee to fly in a higher class of service under specific circumstances, then Congressional staff could do the same. For example, if someone has a medical condition that requires extra space, or if a flight is extremely long and federal rules permit premium seating, those exceptions would still apply. However, the bill makes clear it doesn't change any rules that were already in place before this law passes.

The practical effect is straightforward: taxpayers will save money on Congressional travel. Instead of paying for premium airline seats that cost significantly more, government funds will cover only standard coach fares. This applies to senators, representatives, and the various staff members who work in legislative offices. The bill essentially treats Congressional travel the same way most federal agencies already treat their employees' travel—by requiring them to use the most economical option available.

No Tax Dollars for First-Class Flights Act

Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2]

No Tax Dollars for First-Class Flights Act This bill prohibits funds made available for the official travel of a Member of Congress or other officer or employee of the legislative branch from being used for airline accommodations that are not coach-class accommodations. This prohibition is inapplicable for an individual if the use would be permitted for an employee of an agency subject to specified federal regulations for temporary duty travel allowances.