Can you book a flight now and pay later? As demand for flights rises, so too do the prices. But fear not: you can still spread that cost over a few instalments. This means that long-awaited vacations are still on the table, even when the budget is a little tight.
Thankfully, a number of airlines and financing companies give you the option to split the costs over a period of time. We’ve put together a quick guide on who lets you book now and pay later, so you can start planning that vacation straight away.
How does the “book now, pay later” system work?
We’re all used to spreading the cost of major purchases in retail. After all, you wouldn’t want to pay for a new couch in one go! Great news: Major airlines have heard consumers and are offering something similar. You have two options to fly now and pay in instalments: purchasing your flight via a financing company or taking advantage of an airline-specific system.
Using financing companies to pay for your flights
The same financing companies you’ve grown to love for letting you pay for your shopping in instalments are saving the day in flight booking. Thanks to the likes of Klarna, Uplift, PayPal, and Affirm, you now have multiple ways to spread the cost of vacations.
Affirm
With Affirm, you can create an account and use their app to manage payments across a range of vendors. The company has a system called “Affirm Pay in 4,” whereby you can make four interest-free payments every two weeks once you’ve clicked “Buy.” For larger costs, you also have the option to pay monthly. This can be split across as long as 36 months without hidden costs or fees.
All you have to do is select Affirm as your payment method once you’ve found your flight of choice, and then follow the instructions.
Note: There is an eligibility check before you can set yourself up fully with Affirm. You’ll also need to be US-based.
Klarna
Klarna made a name for itself thanks to allowing shoppers to split their costs over four payments, interest-free, once every two weeks. This is a great option for lower-cost items and cheaper flights (but, be careful: you have to make your first payment upon checkout!).
Now, you can also access a monthly financing option through the company’s partnership with WebBank — subject to pre-approval.
You can find out more about Klarna’s process and policies here.
PayPal
If you have a PayPal account, you can use it to pay for almost any online purchases, including flights. When you check out, you’ll also get the option of PayPal Credit. This is great if you are planning to repay your credit in under 6 months, as PayPal will not charge you any interest for that length of time if the purchase is $99+.
Uplift
Lots of airlines are using Uplift as a payment option at checkout. Moreover, with some (as you’ll see below), there are special deals that you can use your Uplift account to pay for. You simply need to select Uplift at checkout and apply right at that point (you don’t need to have created an account in advance). There is a quick screening before you can be told you are ok to proceed.
Uplift then offers various repayment options, depending on the value of your trip. You can enable an AutoPay function, whereby fixed repayments are automatically deducted from your account each month. Or, you can log in and repay larger amounts at various points.
How can I reserve a flight and pay later?
First, find the flight you want. If you search for it on Skyscanner, we’ll show you all the deals we can find at that time, so you’re getting the best price for your route.
Found something you like? Great, now it’s time to check if that carrier offers a book now, pay later option. Here’s a list of the airlines we’ve found and what to expect from each.
With Alaska Airlines, you get the option to pay through Uplift at checkout. So, find your flight on Skyscanner, go through to the airline’s website, and add the flight to your cart. At this point, you will be shown your full fare and, underneath, a monthly price alternative. Click on it and the Uplift payment terms will pop up. Terms and conditions explain that you only need to make your first monthly payment upfront, and then follow the Uplift process for the rest.
As long as you can provide a U.S. billing address, American Airlines will allow you to pay via PayPal Credit. This is also available for billing addresses in the United Kingdom. You can also pay with an Affirm account on their website.
Additionally, AA runs a program called American Airlines Vacations, where you can bundle a large part of your vacation. If you go through this option, you can book your flights, accommodation, sightseeing entry tickets, and some transfers in one go. Payment can be made through Uplift for one of these vacation deals.
It’s a budget carrier, so it’s great to see that Frontier also accepts deferred payment options. You can book Frontier Airlines flights and pay with Uplift.
KLM allows you to check out with PayPal and choose the ‘Bill Me Later’ option. It gives you six months to pay off the balance, with no interest. It basically takes you through to the PayPal Credit journey when you choose this payment option.
As with all PayPal Credit deals, minimum monthly payments are required, and if you don’t pay off the balance within six months, you’ll be charged interest dated back to when you booked the tickets. See the terms and conditions here.
Lufthansa’s website lists lots of payment options. These include PayPal — and therefore PayPal Credit — allowing you to split your costs and travel to your dream destination.
You can get a delayed payment option if you book with Canadian airline Porter. Currently, they allow customers to pay with Uplift and PayPal Credit.
Even more luxurious airlines like Qatar Airways have caught on to the book now, pay later trend. They allow PayPal payments, which means you’ll be able to take advantage of the PayPal Credit option when you check out.
Book with Southwest and pay in multiple instalments via Uplift. Just like American, they also have the bundle options under Southwest Vacations, also allowing you to pay through Uplift over several months.
Additionally, Southwest Airlines list PayPal, including PayPal Credit, as a payment option.
Uplift is available when you book a Spirit Airlines flight, making their low-cost deals even sweeter.
If you’re headed to the Caribbean, you can get some great deals on Sunwing flights. And you can also pay for your flight in smaller monthly installments thanks to the airline’s partnership with Uplift.
Our final airline allowing you to defer full payment for your trip is United. They accept Uplift and PayPal Credit at checkout. However, not all fares are eligible for Uplift payments, so check carefully.
And hey, even if you’re going to pay later, it’s definitely worth finding the best price you possibly can. We just so happen to have clever ideas on how to bag a sweet last-minute flight deal and where to head to next. Happy travels!
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