Flexible Fare Options
If you’re anything like us, you’ll be looking to book your next vacation as soon as you return from the last one. But when you’re short on money, booking a flight can seem like a distant dream. The good news? Some airlines allow you to book flights now but pay for them at a later date, making a vacation more affordable and allowing you to plan more flexibly.
These payment plans often require you to pay the money back in monthly installments, making life easier if you don’t have a lump sum. They usually require acredit check, so keep on top of your credit score to give yourself the best chance of borrowing responsibly.
So the next time you want to book a getaway without waiting for your upcoming pay packet, check out these airlines that allow you to book now and pay later with flexible payment plans. That way, you’ll have more money saved up to pay for the hotel of your dreams!
Best Airlines to Book Flights Now and Pay Later
American Airlines
One of the USA’s most popular flight providers, American Airlines, offers various ways to pay later, including Klarna, PayPal Credit and Affirm - some of which require bi-weekly repayments rather than monthly. There are interest-free options, too, but these will require you to meet certain criteria and pay your flights back at a certain rate.
Air Canada
Air Canada, Canada’s biggest airline, allows you to pay back your flights in monthly installments with options including Uplift and PayPal Credit. You can use this option for Air Canada vacation packages, too, if you’re short on a lump sum for your entire vacation.
Delta Airlines
If you book your flight with Delta, you’ll be offered the chance to spread your payments out with PayPal Credit. Affirm is also an option if you book a getaway through Delta Vacations.
Frontier
When you spend $49 or more on a Frontier flight, you’ll be able to spread out the cost using Uplift. If the option’s available on your flight, you’ll be able to choose it as an option at checkout instead of checking out the whole sum at once.
United Airlines
With United, you can use Klarna, Uplift, or PayPal Credit to pay for your flights using a payment plan. You can also hold a fare before paying for it - ideal for those times when you need to wait for money to come in.
KLM
This European airline takes PayPal Credit, allowing you to book a flight without paying the entire cost upfront. There’s also the option of holding the fare for 72 hours after booking for a small fee. This is ideal if you need extra time to consider the booking or if you’re waiting for some money to come into your account to complete it.
Alaska Airlines
This popular airline offers payment plans through Klarna and PayPal Credit. That way, you can pay back the fee in monthly installments rather than one lump sum.
Alternative Airlines
Not an airline of its own, Alternative Airlines is a travel agency that accepts Buy Now, Pay Later plans for all flights, using AfterPay, Klarna, Clearpay, Postpay, Laybuy, Tabby, PayPal Credit and Affirm. Through this trusted travel agency, the ‘fly now, pay later’ option is available with over 600 airlines, making it a good option if your airline of choice doesn’t offer payment plans directly. Through Alternative Airlines, you’ll find payment plans that offer weekly, monthly and bi-weekly repayments.
Things to Consider Before Book Now PayLater
While booking flights and paying them back in monthly installments can be a great idea, it’s not suitable for everyone. Here are some things to think about.
Can you Afford the Flights at a Later Date?
Buy now, pay later options should be used when you know the money will be coming in at a later date, not when you hope it will. If you don’t think you’ll be able to keep up with the monthly installments, don’t book the flights just in case.
How is Your Credit Score?
If you have a poor credit score, it might not be a good idea to borrow more until it improves. Likewise, a poor credit score might mean that companies aren’t willing to lend to you, so use a credit score checker before applying.
Will you Remember to Keep on Top of Payments?
Failing to meet payments can incur fees or interest. Make sure to make payments at the right time or if they automatically come out of your bank account, ensure your account contains adequate funds.
So there you have it! There are plenty of ways to book flights without spending a lump sum by paying back the money in monthly installments. Just remember, don’t apply for credit if you’re not in the financial position to pay it back, and always borrow responsibly. Enjoy your vacation!