Can You Book Flights With Afterpay?

Afterpay, a “buy now, pay later” service, offers consumers a way to manage purchases by splitting costs into smaller, manageable installments. This payment method has expanded beyond retail goods, providing an option for securing travel arrangements.

Afterpay for Flight Purchases

Afterpay does not directly sell flight tickets; instead, it facilitates flight purchases through partnerships with various online travel agencies. When booking flights, you will typically find Afterpay offered as a payment option on the websites of these authorized travel partners.

Popular travel booking platforms and flight search sites have integrated Afterpay. The availability of Afterpay for flights depends on the specific travel provider, which acts as the merchant in the transaction.

How to Book Flights Using Afterpay

Booking flights with Afterpay begins by identifying a travel partner that accepts this payment method. You can often find a list of participating travel agencies within the Afterpay application’s shop directory or by looking for the Afterpay logo on a travel website during checkout.

Once you have selected a flight on an eligible travel partner’s website, proceed to the checkout page. There, you will choose Afterpay as your preferred payment option. For new users, this may involve a quick registration process with Afterpay, providing necessary personal and payment details.

After approval, Afterpay will present a payment plan, and the first installment is typically due at the time of purchase. The remaining payments will be automatically scheduled. Your flight confirmation and e-ticket are usually issued once the initial payment is successfully processed.

Managing Your Afterpay Flight Payments

When you book a flight using Afterpay, the total cost is divided into four equal, interest-free installments. The first payment is made at the time of purchase, and the subsequent three payments are automatically deducted from your chosen payment method every two weeks. Afterpay sends reminders before each payment is due, and you can also view your payment schedule within the Afterpay application.

Afterpay establishes a spending limit for each user, which can fluctuate based on factors such as payment history and the frequency of on-time payments. While initial limits might start around $600, they can potentially increase with responsible use.

It is important to be aware of Afterpay’s late fee policy if a payment is missed. For orders under $40, the total late fees are capped at 25% of the original order value. For orders of $40 or more, an initial late fee of $10 applies if a payment is missed, with an additional $7 charged if the amount remains unpaid after seven days. These late fees are capped at the lesser of 25% of the original order value or $68 per order.

Important Considerations for Flight Bookings

To be eligible for Afterpay, individuals must be at least 18 years old, reside in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia, and possess a valid email address, mobile number, and a US-issued debit or credit card or bank account. Afterpay does not typically perform a hard credit check for its standard “Pay in 4” product.

In the event of a flight cancellation or refund, the merchant first processes the refund. After the merchant initiates the refund, Afterpay adjusts your payment plan or refunds any installments you have already paid. Refunds processed by Afterpay can take several business days to reflect on your original payment method.

Utilizing Afterpay for flights is a form of credit, and it is prudent to consider whether the payment plan aligns with your financial capacity. Budgeting for the scheduled installments ensures that the convenience of paying over time does not lead to financial strain. This approach can be particularly useful for managing travel expenses.