Airlines that offer payment plans for tickets
Most major U.S. airlines do not offer their own payment plans directly through their websites. Instead, they partner with third-party financing companies or accept payment methods that spread the cost across multiple charges. The airlines that do offer branded installment options are United Airlines (through Affirm), American Airlines (through Affirm and Synchrony), Delta Air Lines (through Affirm), and Southwest Airlines (through Affirm). These partnerships let you split your ticket price into equal monthly payments without paying interest, provided you meet the lender's approval requirements.
If your airline does not offer a direct payment plan, you can still spread payments using a buy now, pay later (BNPL) service like Affirm, Klarna, or Afterpay at checkout. You can also use a credit card with a 0% introductory APR period, though interest kicks in after the promotional window closes. Some airlines also allow you to book now and pay later through their own layaway-style hold options, though these typically require full payment within a set window (usually 7 to 14 days) rather than spreading payments over months.
Key Takeaways
- United, American, Delta, and Southwest offer interest-free installment plans through Affirm, splitting your ticket into three or four equal monthly payments.
- If your airline does not partner with a lender, you can use a standalone BNPL app like Klarna or Afterpay at the payment screen during checkout.
- A credit card with a 0% introductory period works for spreading payments, but interest charges begin once the promotional rate ends.
- Airline hold options let you reserve a ticket for 7 to 14 days without paying, but they require full payment by the deadline rather than splitting across months.
How airline payment plans work with Affirm
When you book a flight on United, American, Delta, or Southwest, you will see Affirm as a payment option at checkout. You enter your personal information, and Affirm instantly tells you whether you are approved and what your monthly payment will be. If approved, your first payment is due immediately, and the remaining payments are charged to your bank account or debit card on the same day each month. The payment schedule is typically three or four months, depending on your ticket price and Affirm's assessment.
Affirm charges the airline the full ticket price upfront, so the airline processes your booking immediately—you get your confirmation number and can check in normally. Your payment plan is between you and Affirm, not between you and the airline. If you miss a payment, Affirm will contact you directly, and late fees or interest may apply depending on your agreement. You can see your payment schedule and remaining balance in the Affirm app or on their website.
Using buy now, pay later apps at airline checkout
If your airline does not offer Affirm or another branded plan, many airlines accept Klarna, Afterpay, PayPal Pay in 4, and other BNPL services during checkout. These work the same way as Affirm: you select the BNPL option, get instant approval or denial, and split your ticket into equal payments. The number of payments varies by service—Klarna offers four interest-free payments, Afterpay splits into four payments, and PayPal Pay in 4 does exactly that. Your first payment is usually due at checkout, and the rest are charged automatically on scheduled dates.
Not every airline accepts every BNPL service, so you may need to try a few at the payment screen to see which ones are available. Some airlines only accept Affirm or Synchrony, while others accept multiple options. If none of the BNPL services your airline supports work for you, a credit card remains your fallback—though you will be responsible for managing the interest rate once any promotional period ends.
Credit cards and 0% promotional periods
Many travel rewards credit cards and general-purpose cards offer 0% APR for 6 to 21 months on purchases, including flights. This is not a payment plan in the traditional sense—you are charged the full ticket price immediately—but it lets you pay off the balance over time without interest accruing during the promotional window. Once the promotional period ends, any remaining balance is subject to the card's regular APR, which typically ranges from 16% to 24% for most cards.
The advantage of a credit card is flexibility: you can pay as much or as little as you want each month (as long as you meet the minimum payment), and you are not locked into a fixed schedule. The disadvantage is that if you do not pay off the balance before the promotional period ends, interest charges can add up quickly. Read the card's terms carefully to understand when the 0% period expires and what the regular APR will be.
Airline hold and layaway options
Some airlines allow you to hold a ticket for a short period without paying, giving you time to arrange funds. Southwest, for example, lets you hold a booking for 7 days without payment. American Airlines offers a similar hold period. This is not a payment plan—you still owe the full amount by the deadline—but it can buy you time if you are waiting for a paycheck or reimbursement. After the hold period expires, the airline releases the ticket and you lose the reservation.
A few airlines also offer gift card layaway, where you can purchase a gift card in installments and then use it to book a flight. This is rare and usually requires you to contact the airline directly rather than use their website. Check your specific airline's website or call their customer service line to learn whether they offer this option.
What happens if you miss a payment
If you miss a payment on an Affirm plan or another BNPL service, the lender—not the airline—is responsible for collecting. Affirm will send you email and text reminders, and if you continue to miss payments, they may charge late fees, report the debt to a collection agency, or pursue legal action. Your credit score can be damaged if the debt is reported to the credit bureaus. The airline itself will not cancel your flight for a missed BNPL payment, because the airline was already paid in full when you booked.
If you miss a payment on a credit card, the card issuer will charge interest on the balance and may increase your APR if your account goes into default. Again, the airline will not cancel your flight—the issue is between you and the card issuer. To avoid missed payments, set up automatic payments through your bank or the lender's app so the money is deducted on the due date.
Comparing payment plan options for flights
| Payment Method | Interest Cost | Typical Timeline | Approval Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Affirm (airline partner) | None (0%) | 3–4 months | Instant |
| Klarna or Afterpay | None (0%) | 4–6 weeks | Instant |
| Credit card 0% promo | None during promo; regular APR after | 6–21 months (promo); then ongoing | Depends on card issuer |
| Airline hold | None | 7–14 days | Immediate |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all airlines accept Affirm?
No. United, American, Delta, and Southwest offer Affirm, but smaller carriers like Alaska Airlines, JetBlue, and Spirit do not have direct Affirm partnerships. You can still try using Affirm as a standalone payment method at checkout if the airline accepts it, but you may need to use a different BNPL service or a credit card instead.
Can I use a payment plan to book a flight for someone else?
Yes, but the payment plan is in your name, not the passenger's. You will be responsible for all payments, and the passenger's name must match the ticket. If you are buying a ticket as a gift, you can book it on a payment plan and then transfer or gift the ticket to the recipient, depending on the airline's policy.
What if I need to cancel my flight after setting up a payment plan?
Cancellation policies depend on the airline and ticket type, not on your payment plan. If you cancel and receive a refund, the refund goes back to the lender (Affirm, Klarna, etc.), not directly to you. You will still owe any remaining payments on the plan unless the refund covers them. Check the airline's cancellation policy before booking.
Will using a payment plan hurt my credit score?
A hard inquiry from Affirm or another BNPL lender may temporarily lower your score by a few points. On-time payments will not hurt your score and may help it. Missed or late payments will damage your score and may be reported to credit bureaus.
Can I pay off my airline payment plan early?
Yes. Most BNPL services and credit cards allow early payoff without penalty. Paying early will not reduce the total cost (since there is no interest), but it will free up your credit limit or reduce the lender's claim on your account sooner.