I am retired and living in Bangkok.  I have an offer for contract work between 6 months up to a year in USA.  Question:  Can I get per-diem while I am on the job in US, and, if so, what is the maximum/minimum duration I have to be in US... and write-off the airtravel?   I would appreciate if someone has been through this.  Thanks.

I forgot to add.... I can be a 1099 contractor and NOT a W2 person.  If the only advantage is air-travel, then, I'd rather be a W2 employee.  On the other hand, if I can get per-diem while I am there, I am all in!  If someone has done this, I would appreciate a referral to a document or mention the per-diem amount they were allowed and the tax year this feature was implemented.