Financing Your Flight: Airlines and Travel Sites That Accept Affirm

Affirm has emerged as a popular buy now, pay later (BNPL) option, allowing travelers to spread the cost of flights over manageable monthly installments. But which airlines and travel sites are on board with this financing solution? Let’s dive in. Numerous airlines and travel platforms have partnered with Affirm to offer flexible payment options for flights, hotels, and vacation packages. Expedia, Priceline, Alternative Airlines, and CheapAir are some of the most popular travel sites where you can book flights and pay using Affirm.

Here’s a more granular look at some prominent options:

• Expedia: One of the largest online travel agencies (OTAs), Expedia often features Affirm as a payment option during checkout for flights, hotels, and bundled packages. Look for the Affirm logo when you’re reviewing your purchase.
• Priceline: Similar to Expedia, Priceline integrates Affirm into its payment process, particularly for flights and hotel bookings. Its “Express Deals” might also qualify for Affirm financing.
• Alternative Airlines: This travel site specializes in providing diverse flight options, including those from smaller airlines. They prominently feature Affirm as a payment method, often highlighting its availability for various flight routes.
• CheapAir: Known for its price comparison tools and flexible payment plans, CheapAir allows you to use Affirm to finance flights, especially those purchased well in advance.
• American Airlines: One of the world’s largest airlines, American Airlines allows you to use Affirm to buy airline tickets from their website.
• United Airlines: Another major US airline, United, now offers Affirm as a payment choice, especially useful for longer trips or more expensive fares.
• Other Airlines and OTAs: While the above are some of the most prominent, many other travel websites and smaller airlines are constantly adding Affirm as a payment option. Always check the payment options at checkout to see if Affirm is available.

Essentially, if you’re looking to finance a flight, checking major travel booking sites and specific airlines’ websites for the Affirm logo during the payment process is your best bet. Remember that availability can vary depending on the flight’s cost, your creditworthiness, and Affirm’s specific partnerships at the time of booking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Using Affirm for Flights

What is Affirm and how does it work for flights?

Affirm is a financial technology company that provides installment loans for online purchases. When booking a flight, if Affirm is offered as a payment option, you can apply for a loan directly through the Affirm platform during the checkout process. Affirm will assess your creditworthiness and, if approved, offer you a loan with specific terms, including the interest rate, repayment period (typically 3, 6, or 12 months), and monthly payment amount. Once you accept the terms, Affirm pays the airline or travel site, and you repay Affirm in monthly installments.

What credit score do I need to use Affirm for flights?

While Affirm doesn’t publicly disclose a specific minimum credit score, they generally look for a fair to good credit history. Factors such as your credit score, credit history length, debt-to-income ratio, and payment history all play a role in their approval process. Having a credit score above 600 significantly increases your chances of approval, but approval isn’t guaranteed even with a higher score.

Are there any fees associated with using Affirm for flights?

Affirm doesn’t charge late fees or prepayment penalties. However, interest charges (APR) are applied to the loan amount. The APR varies depending on your creditworthiness and can range from 0% to 36%. It’s crucial to review the loan terms carefully before accepting to understand the total cost of the flight, including interest. Some airlines or travel sites may offer 0% APR promotions through Affirm for a limited time.

Can I use Affirm for international flights?

Yes, Affirm can be used for international flights if the airline or travel booking site offers it as a payment option. The process is the same as booking domestic flights: simply select Affirm at checkout and apply for a loan. Ensure that you understand the currency conversion rates and any potential international transaction fees that might be applied by your bank or credit card company if you are using a linked debit or credit card for repayments.

What happens if my Affirm application is denied?

If your Affirm application is denied, you will need to use an alternative payment method to book your flight. Reasons for denial could include a low credit score, insufficient credit history, high debt-to-income ratio, or recent delinquencies on your credit report. Affirm will usually provide a reason for the denial, which can help you understand what to improve before reapplying in the future. Consider checking your credit report for any errors and addressing any outstanding debts or issues.

Can I use Affirm to book flights for someone else?

Yes, you can generally use Affirm to book flights for someone else, as long as you are the one applying for and responsible for repaying the loan. The flight tickets will be issued in the passenger’s name, but the Affirm loan will be in your name. Make sure you have the other person’s correct information (name, date of birth, etc.) when booking the flight.

How do I make payments to Affirm for my flight?

Affirm offers several convenient ways to make payments:

• Debit Card: Link your debit card to your Affirm account and set up automatic payments.
• Bank Account: Link your bank account for direct withdrawals. This is often the preferred method for automatic payments.
• Check: You can mail a check to Affirm, but this is the slowest option and not recommended for timely payments.
• Affirm App/Website: Make manual payments through the Affirm mobile app or website.

Setting up automatic payments is recommended to avoid missed payments and potential negative impacts on your credit score.

What happens if I need to cancel my flight booked with Affirm?

The cancellation policy depends on the airline’s or travel site’s specific terms and conditions. If you cancel your flight and are eligible for a refund, the refund will be processed back to Affirm. Affirm will then credit the refunded amount to your loan balance. Depending on the amount of the refund and your payment history, you may see a reduction in your monthly payment or a shortened loan term. Always review the cancellation policies before booking a flight, especially when using financing options.

Can I reschedule my flight if I used Affirm to pay for it?

Rescheduling a flight booked with Affirm depends on the airline’s or travel site’s policies. If you are allowed to reschedule, any additional costs associated with the change (e.g., fare difference) might need to be paid upfront or financed through a separate Affirm loan, depending on the policies of the airline or travel agency and the amount of the change fee. Contact the airline or travel site directly to inquire about rescheduling options and any associated fees.

Does using Affirm for flights affect my credit score?

Yes, using Affirm can affect your credit score. When you apply for an Affirm loan, Affirm performs a credit check, which can result in a slight dip in your credit score. Making timely payments on your Affirm loan can positively impact your credit score over time. However, late or missed payments can negatively affect your credit score and remain on your credit report for several years. Therefore, it’s crucial to manage your Affirm loan responsibly.

Are there any limits to how much I can finance with Affirm for flights?

Affirm has maximum loan amounts that vary based on your creditworthiness and the specific retailer or travel provider. Generally, you can finance flights up to several thousand dollars, but the exact limit will be determined during the application process. Affirm will assess your credit profile and income to determine the maximum loan amount you are eligible for.

How do I find out if a specific airline or travel site accepts Affirm?

The easiest way to find out if a specific airline or travel site accepts Affirm is to check their website or app during the checkout process. Look for the Affirm logo among the payment options. You can also contact the airline or travel site’s customer service directly to inquire about payment methods. Many websites also have FAQ or help sections that list accepted payment options, including financing solutions like Affirm.