Can You Pay for Flights With Affirm?

It is possible to pay for flights using Affirm, a “buy now, pay later” (BNPL) service. Affirm provides consumers with a flexible way to finance purchases over time. This payment method allows travelers to book their flights and manage the cost through scheduled installments, rather than paying the full amount upfront.

Understanding Affirm for Travel Purchases

Affirm functions as a financing solution, enabling consumers to break down the total cost of a purchase into a series of fixed payments. When considering Affirm for travel, individuals need to meet certain eligibility criteria. These include being at least 18 years old, possessing a valid U.S. address, and having a U.S. phone number capable of receiving SMS messages.

The service conducts a “soft” credit check during the application process, which helps verify identity and determine eligibility without negatively impacting the applicant’s credit score. If approved, Affirm determines interest rates based on various factors, including credit history, the purchase amount, and the merchant. Interest rates can range from 0% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) to as high as 36% APR. For example, a purchase of $800 might result in monthly payments of $72.21 over 12 months at a 15% APR. The payment plans are structured with fixed installments, ensuring transparency regarding the total amount owed, including any interest, from the outset.

Finding Flights That Accept Affirm

Travelers can use Affirm for flight bookings through several avenues. Major online travel agencies (OTAs) and travel booking platforms directly integrate Affirm as a payment option during checkout. Airlines like American Airlines and Delta Air Lines may also offer Affirm directly or through partner booking sites. Beyond direct partnerships, platforms such as Alternative Airlines facilitate Affirm payments for a wide range of carriers.

To identify if a particular flight or travel provider accepts Affirm, look for the Affirm logo displayed at checkout. Checking the payment options section on a website is another way to confirm availability. Affirm’s own merchant directory or dedicated travel pages on its website can also list partners. If a direct option isn’t available, a one-time virtual card generated through the Affirm app may be used where Visa is accepted, subject to approval.

The Affirm Application and Repayment Process for Flights

When booking a flight and opting to pay with Affirm, the application process is integrated into the online checkout. Select Affirm as the preferred payment method on the travel website. This action redirects the user to Affirm’s platform to complete the loan application. During this phase, individuals are prompted to provide personal details, including their name, email, mobile phone number, date of birth, and the last four digits of their Social Security number, to verify identity.

After submitting the required information, Affirm provides an instant decision on the loan amount, interest rate, and available repayment terms, which can range from three to 60 months, depending on the purchase and eligibility. The applicant can then review various loan offers, comparing different payment schedules and interest rates, before selecting a preferred plan. Once a plan is chosen, the final confirmation completes the flight booking.

Managing repayments is straightforward. Affirm sends reminders via email and SMS before each payment due date. Payments can be made manually through the Affirm app or website, or by setting up autopay to ensure on-time installments. While Affirm generally does not charge late fees, missing payments can negatively affect a user’s ability to use Affirm for future purchases and may be reported to credit bureaus if they are 30 or more days past due, potentially impacting their credit score. Paying off a loan early is permitted without penalty and can save on accrued interest if the loan has an APR.