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In today’s fast-paced world, flexibility in payment is becoming increasingly important, especially when it comes to travel. Airline payment plans are becoming more ideal for long-term travel planning.

If you’ve been planning a dream vacation or organizing a trip you’ve been saving for, it can help to spread out the cost of your flight. Many companies are now offering payment plans for small purchases, and that’s because the economy is becoming more inflationary.

It’s getting harder to afford even the basic things when you consider tariffs, inflation, and general capitalism.

It might be more cost-efficient for you to spread out your larger travel expenses so you can still have enough to do nice things for yourself. Fortunately, several airlines worldwide offer payment plans, allowing travelers to book and pay for flights in installments.

Why Payment Plans for Flights?

Payment plans, also known as “buy now, pay later” options, are offered to make travel more accessible. They do this by breaking down the cost of a flight into smaller, more manageable payments.

This approach is very beneficial for travelers who may not have the full amount upfront but still want to secure their tickets before prices go up.

These plans are often interest-free or have low interest rates, making them a great choice for budget-conscious travelers.

Read more on the leading payment plan companies you should know and their rates.

Airlines Offering Payment Plans Worldwide

1. United Airlines (United States)

• Plan Offered: United Airlines partners with Affirm to offer a buy now, pay later option.
• How It Works: During checkout, select Affirm as your payment method. You’ll be asked to enter a few details to determine your eligibility. You can then choose a payment plan (3, 6, or 12 months) with fixed monthly payments, if approved.
• Fees: Interest rates change based on your credit, but some plans may be interest-free. Late payment fees may apply if you miss a payment.

2. Qantas (Australia)

• Plan Offered: Qantas offers a payment plan called “Qantas Frequent Flyer Points Plus Pay.”
• How It Works: Qantas Frequent Flyer program members have a flexible payment option. You can use a combination of points and cash to pay for flights. The cash portion can be split into monthly installments using a linked credit card.
• Fees: No additional fees. Standard credit card interest rates may apply if the balance is not paid in full by the due date.

3. Air New Zealand (New Zealand)

• Plan Offered: Air New Zealand offers a payment plan through its partnership with Fly Now Pay Later.
• How It Works: Select ‘Fly Now Pay Later’ at checkout and complete a quick application. If approved, you can choose a repayment plan (up to 12 months) and pay in installments.
• Fees: Interest rates change, and there may be a small processing fee. Late fees apply for missed payments.

4. FlySafair (South Africa)

• Plan Offered: FlySafair offers a payment plan called “Mobicred.”
• How It Works: At checkout, select Mobicred as your payment option. You’ll need to have an existing Mobicred account or sign up for one. The cost of the flight is split into monthly installments.
• Fees: Interest rates apply, and there may be a small account management fee.

5. British Airways (United Kingdom)

• Plan Offered: British Airways partners with Klarna to offer a buy now, pay later option.
• How It Works: During checkout, select Klarna as your payment method. You’ll be redirected to Klarna’s platform to complete the purchase. Payments can be split into 3 or 4 installments.
• Fees: No interest or fees if payments are made on time. Late fees may apply for missed payments.

6. Emirates (UAE)

• Plan Offered: Emirates offers a payment plan through its partnership with Tabby.
• How It Works: Select Tabby at checkout and complete the application process. If approved, you can split the cost of your flight into 4 interest-free payments.
• Fees: No interest or fees if payments are made on time. Late fees may apply.

7. AirAsia (Malaysia)

• Plan Offered: AirAsia offers a payment plan called “AirAsia Flex.”
• How It Works: Flex allows you to book now and pay later by holding your booking for a set period (usually 14 days). After the hold period, you can pay in full or installments using a credit card.
• Fees: A small fee is charged for the Flex option, and standard credit card interest rates may apply for installments.

8. JetBlue (United States)

• Plan Offered: JetBlue partners with Uplift to offer a buy now, pay later option.
• How It Works: During checkout, select Uplift as your payment method. You’ll need to complete a quick application. If approved, you can choose a payment plan (3–24 months) with fixed monthly payments.
• Fees: Interest rates vary, and there may be a small processing fee. Late fees apply for missed payments.

9. American Airlines

• Plan Offered: American Airlines offers a payment plan through Uplift.
• How It Works: You can book flights or vacation packages and pay for them over time in monthly installments. A soft credit check is required during the application.
• Fees: Interest rates depend on your credit profile. No late fees, but interest accrues if payments are missed.

10. Delta Air Lines

• Plan Offered: Delta offers “Delta Pay Over Time” through its co-branded American Express credit card.
• How It Works: Eligible cardholders can book flights and pay for them over time in monthly installments. This option is available only to Delta SkyMiles American Express cardholders.
• Fees: Standard credit card interest rates apply if the balance is not paid in full by the due date.

11. Southwest Airlines

• Plan Offered: Southwest offers a payment plan through its Southwest Airlines Credit Card (issued by Chase).
• How It Works: Cardholders can book flights and pay for them over time using their credit card. Some third-party services may also offer payment plans for Southwest flights.
• Fees: Standard credit card interest rates apply if the balance is not paid in full.

12. Alaska Airlines

• Plan Offered: Alaska Airlines offers a payment plan through Uplift.
• How It Works: You can book flights and pay monthly. A soft credit check is required during the application.
• Fees: Interest rates depend on your creditworthiness. No late fees, but interest applies if payments are missed.

13. Air Canada

• Plan Offered: Air Canada offers a payment plan through Uplift.
• How It Works: You can book flights and pay for them in fixed monthly installments. A soft credit check is required during the application process.
• Fees: Interest rates vary based on your credit profile. No late fees, but interest accrues if payments are missed.

How to Use a Travel Payment Plan

1. Check Eligibility: Most payment plans require a quick credit check or application process. Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria before proceeding.
2. Select the Payment Plan Option: During checkout, look for the payment plan option (e.g., Affirm, Klarna, Fly Now Pay Later).
3. Complete the Application: Provide the necessary details to determine your eligibility and approve your payment plan.
4. Choose Your Plan: Select the repayment term that works best for you (e.g., 3, 6, or 12 months).
5. Make Payments: Set up automatic payments or manually pay each installment by the due date to avoid late fees.

Fees Associated with Payment Plans

• Interest Rates: Some plans are interest-free, while others charge interest based on your creditworthiness.
• Processing Fees: A small fee may be charged to set up the payment plan.
• Late Fees: Missing a payment can result in late fees and additional interest charges.
• Account Management Fees: Some plans (e.g., Mobicred) charge a monthly account management fee.

Tips for Using Payment Plans Wisely

Payment plans for flights are a game-changer for travelers who want to spread out the cost of their trips. But keep in mind that putting your flight, travel plans, or anything on a payment plan means owing somebody else, so you have to plan your payment accordingly.

Do not end up in a worst-case scenario as a debtor. Here are some tips to prevent that:

1. Read the Fine Print: Understand the terms and conditions, including interest rates and fees.
2. Budget for Payments: Ensure you can comfortably afford the monthly installments.
3. Avoid Late Payments: Late fees and penalties can add up quickly, so always pay on time.
4. Compare Options: Some payment plans may offer better terms than others, so shop around.

With options available from major airlines worldwide, it’s easier than ever to book your dream vacation or essential business trip without breaking the bank.

Just be sure to understand the terms, fees, and repayment schedule to make the most of these convenient payment options. Happy budgeting!