Fly Now, Pay Later: How To Buy Airline Tickets With PayPal

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In the age of the internet, booking flights has never been quicker, easier or more straightforward. This is especially true when you leverage a digital payment method such as PayPal — in some cases, you can even pay for your purchase in installments. When it comes to using PayPal for flights, you may wonder which airlines accept this form of payment. Keep reading for a look at the many air travel options you can unlock with PayPal.

Read: How To Get Cash Back on Your Everyday Purchases

Exploring PayPal-Friendly Airline Options

Affluent jet setters and budget-conscious travelers alike can appreciate the swift and secure transaction process offered by PayPal, making it an attractive payment option regardless of the destination. You may even be able to finance your purchase through PayPal, depending on the nature of your trip. Not all airlines have embraced PayPal for flights yet, but many have. So, which ones support PayPal?

Topping the list of PayPal-friendly airlines are familiar carriers such as American Airlines and Southwest Airlines, along with renowned international options like British Airways and Lufthansa. Delta, renowned for its customer service, also accepts PayPal.

Even specialty carriers like JetBlue and Ryanair support digital booking options by accepting PayPal for airfare. Jetstar and Virgin Australia consider PayPal “fair dinkum” — as the locals would say — or completely acceptable for Oceania-bound travelers. Feel like a Far East getaway? AirAsia and Singapore Airlines also welcome PayPal transactions for flights.

In total, there are over 50 airlines that accept the digital wallet for airfare payments. Here’s a list of the highlights:

Asia

  • AirAsia
  • Air China
  • Malaysia Airlines
  • Philippine Airlines
  • Singapore Airlines
  • Thai Airways
  • Vietnam Airlines
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Africa

  • Ethiopian Airlines
  • Kenya Airways
  • South African Airways

The Americas

  • American Airlines
    • PayPal is available as a payment option for flights within the U.S., Canada and the U.K., and only for U.S.-based PayPal accounts. Other countries will be subject to a cross border fee.
  • Delta (only for domestic flights)
  • JetBlue (excluding the Dominican Republic)
  • Southwest
  • United (only for domestic flights)

Europe

  • British Airways
  • Lufthansa
  • Monarch (only for those paying in GBP and EUR currencies)
  • Ryanair

Middle East

  • El Al
  • Emirates (only for those paying in AUD, EUR, GBP and USD currencies)
  • Qatar Airways
  • Royal Jordanian
  • Saudia Airlines

Oceania

  • Jetstar Australia
  • Virgin Australia

Ease and Comfort: The Advantages of Using PayPal for Flight Bookings

Whether you’re jetting off for a business trip or embarking on a long-awaited vacation, you can use PayPal to book business-class lounges or snag economy seats. Increasingly less confined by geography or specific airlines, PayPal for flight bookings is becoming more global.

Booking a flight can be a whirlwind of excitement. The anticipation of new places and experiences can often leave you in a rush to secure the best deal. However, this is precisely when you should remember to pay close attention to the details, especially when considering payment options.

Rules To Fly By: Understanding Geographic Restrictions for Flight Bookings

Using PayPal for flights can provide a convenient and secure method of payment. Its “virtual card” feature obscures your real credit card information. However, some airlines might only allow PayPal payments from customers located in specific regions or countries, or for customers paying in particular currencies.

For example, certain airlines might only accept PayPal payments from U.S.-based customers, whereas others might restrict payment to customers who use their mobile app to book flights. Each airline has its own policies, so don’t assume one airline’s rules will apply to another — it’s always wise to check directly with the airline you’re considering.

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Check Your Baggage: A Note on Possible Fees

It’s also important to be aware of potential transaction charges. While most airlines integrate PayPal payments at minimal or no cost, others may levy additional fees. These charges might look small initially, but they can add up. Be sure to check for any extra fees to avoid unplanned expenses. It’s also a good idea to review fees that PayPal may charge to be sure you’re up to speed on the fine print.

With many airlines now supporting PayPal in their payment options, booking flights has become even more convenient and secure. However, it’s worth noting that airlines may change their policies occasionally. It’s best to check if your preferred airline accepts PayPal for flights before finalizing your travel plans.

Final Take

Booking air travel with PayPal is a good choice for travelers who want the convenience and security of using a digital wallet, and it’s a widely available option for many destinations. Remember to double-check the details with your chosen air carrier, ensure you’re aware of any additional fees and always book well in advance in case you run into any problems. Safe travels!

Buying Airline Tickets With PayPal FAQs

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about buying airline tickets with PayPal.
  • Is it possible to pay for flights with PayPal?
    • Many airlines now support the convenience and security offered by PayPal by adding it as one of their payment options. You can even use PayPal if you don't have a credit card. Here is a simple step-by-step guide to paying for your flight with PayPal:
      • Select your preferred flight. Proceed to the checkout page after choosing your desired destination, date and time.
      • Choose PayPal as your payment method. Look for the payment section. Here, you will typically find various payment options, including credit cards, debit cards and digital wallets. Select PayPal.
      • Log in to your PayPal account. Once you choose PayPal, the site will prompt you to log into your PayPal account. Enter the login credentials and proceed.
      • Confirm your payment. Review your flight details one final time, then proceed with the payment confirmation. Your e-ticket will be delivered to your inbox upon successful payment.
  • Will PayPal refund me for flights?
    • PayPal's Buyer Protection program may cover you if you have issues with your flight booking, like cancellations on the airline's end. However, eligibility depends on certain conditions, so refer to PayPal's User Agreement for more detailed information.
    • Remember that if you purchased travel insurance or your airline has a refund policy, you may want to start there first.
  • How do I pay with PayPal on Expedia?
    • Expedia, like many travel websites, accepts PayPal. Here's how to use it:
      • Choose your flight. Browse through Expedia's wide selection of flights and pick the one that suits you best.
      • Proceed to the payment page. Once you've filled in all the necessary information, navigate to the payment page.
      • Choose PayPal as your payment method. On the payment page, scroll through the options until you find PayPal. Click it.
      • Log in to PayPal. A prompt will appear, asking you to log into your PayPal account.
      • Confirm your purchase.
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