I have a lot of conversations about travel with a lot people from some pretty varied backgrounds. One surprising question that comes up quite frequently is if you can use PayPal for airline tickets. I'm not sure why it is surprising to me because online banking and payments--and PayPal in particular--are more predominant than not. I figured if several friends have questions about PayPal for airfare, other people may be asking the same thing. So, long story short, YES, there are instances where you can use PayPal for airline tickets and travel. Read on for the long story version!
Why Use PayPal For Airline Tickets and Travel?
First, what are the benefits of using PayPal for airline tickets and travel? Most users prefer PayPal for the following reasons:
- Convenience - when using PayPal, credit card information does not need to be entered. This results in an easier and quicker transaction.
- Security and Assurance - with the security features PayPal provides, combined with dispute resolution options, PayPal can help alleviate concerns when making such a big purchase.
Additionally, since credit card information doesn't need to be entered, the chance of those numbers being compromised is reduced. As PayPal says, "you shouldn't have to send so much sensitive, financial data when booking travel reservations [which] is why we allow you to pay with just an email address an password". - 0% Interest Option - while it is always advisable to use available funds instead of credit, PayPal Credit offers 0% interest for six months in many instances. Many people pay for their trips with high interest payment plans or credit cards, so having the option to pay no interest is an attractive one for affording travel. (You can catch more useful tips on how to afford to travel post by reading my post, "How to Afford to Travel | 16 Ways to Make it Happen". Check it out!)
Which Airlines Accept PayPal for Airline Tickets?
U.S. Based Airlines that Accept PayPal
Airline | PayPal Details |
|---|---|
PayPal is accepted for all travel except award tickets. | |
PayPal is accepted for flights departing from the United States on delta.com. | |
JetBlue accepts PayPal and PayPal Credit. | |
Southwest accepts PayPal and PayPal Credit. PayPal can also be combined with Southwest gift cards, vouchers, or funds from unused E-Ticket reservations. | |
PayPal can be used to purchase tickets and gift certificates, as well as to enroll in United Club and to pay for various fees. |
U.S. Based Airlines that Do Not Currently Accept PayPal
The following U.S. based airlines do not currently accept PayPal for airline tickets:
- Alaska Airlines
- Allegiant Air
- Frontier Airlines
- Hawaiian Airlines
- Spirit Airlines
European Based Airlines that Accept PayPal for Airfare
Here is a quick list of the European airlines that are known to accept PayPal for airline tickets:
-Aegean Airline
-AirBaltic
-Air France
-Alitalia
-Aurigny
-Austrian Airlines
-Azores Airlines
-Binter Canarias
-Blue Air
-Blue Panorama Airlines
-British Airways
-Brussels Airlines
-CSA Czech Airlines
-Eurowings
-Flybe
-Iberia
-Jet2
-KLM
-LOT Polish Airlines
-Lufthansa
-Luxair
-Ryanair
-SAS
-SATA
-SmartWings
-TAP Portugal
-Transavia
-Virgin Atlantic
-Volotea
-Vueling
Caribbean and Latin American Based Airlines that Accept PayPal
Here is a quick list of the Caribbean and Latin American airlines that are known to accept PayPal for airline tickets:
-Aeromexico
-Air Caraibes
-Amaszonas
-Caribbean Airlines
-GOL Airlines
-Interjet
-LATAM
-StarPeru
-Viva Air
-Volaris
Asian Based Airlines that Accept PayPal for Airfare
Here is a quick list of the Asian airlines that are known to accept PayPal for airline tickets:
-Air Asia
-Air China
-ANA
-Cathay Pacific
-Cebu Pacific Air
-China Airlines
-China Eastern Airlines
-China Southern Airlines
-EVA Air
-Hainan Airlines
-Malaysia Airlines
-Philippine Airlines
-Scoot
-Singapore Airlines
-T'Way Air
-Thai Airways
-Vietnam Airlines
-Xiamen Airlines
African Based Airlines that Accept PayPal
These are the African airlines that are known to accept PayPal for airline tickets:
-Ethiopian
-Kenya Airways
-Royal Air Maroc
-South African Airways
-TAAG
Middle Eastern Based Airlines that Accept PayPal
Here is a quick list of the Middle Eastern airlines that are known to accept PayPal for airline tickets:
-El Al
-Emirates
-Etihad
-Qatar Airways
-Royal Jordanian
-Saudia
Oceana Based Airlines that Accept PayPal
Here is a quick list of the Oceana airlines that are known to accept PayPal for airline tickets:
-Air Niugini
-Jetstar
-Qantas
-Virgin Australia
Other Ways to Use PayPal for Airline Tickets and Travel
PayPal is also accepted by other travel sites and businesses. PayPal's website lists Expedia, Hotels.com, Hotwire, and Orbitz as entities where PayPal can be used to pay for travel. Basically, through participating business partners like Expedia, your airfare can still be purchased with PayPal. Other travel businesses, other than the ones already mentioned, that accept PayPal for things like accommodations and activities include:
- HomeAway
- City Pass
- Big Bus Tours
- VRBO
- Tours4fun
- Agoda
- Wimdu
Conclusion of PayPal for Airline Tickets and Travel
Every situation is different. Sometimes it is better to use a travel agent. Sometimes you'd rather utilize a travel site that doesn't accept PayPal. And sometimes PayPal is the perfect solution. It is good to know your options so you can make an informed decision about how to pay for your travel. PayPal provides a great option that is convenient, financially savvy (in the right situation and with the right discipline), and secure. Hopefully your questions have been answered and you're more informed than you were before. If not, just drop a line in the comments below, send an email, or find The Wandering Firefighter on social media and we'll see if we can square it all away for you!
Thank You!
If this post was helpful to you in any way and you enjoyed it, please share, subscribe, and follow on social media! There are new travel-related topics published on a regular basis and I'll always do my best to provide the information that you need! Please leave a comment if you would like or send me a request on what you'd like to see blogged and I would love to respond! And remember: "die with memories, not dreams".
-Jeramie
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