Which Airlines Use PayPal Credit? Your Definitive Guide

The short answer? While not every airline directly integrates PayPal Credit into their booking process, many airlines can effectively be used with it. The key is often how you book your flight rather than the airline itself.

Decoding Airline Payments: PayPal Credit and Its Landscape

Let’s face it, air travel can be a significant expense. That’s where PayPal Credit, with its potential for financing and deferred payments, becomes a tempting option. However, the direct integration of PayPal Credit into an airline’s website is less common than you might expect. So, how do you navigate this situation?

Understanding Direct Integration vs. Indirect Methods

Direct integration means you can select PayPal Credit as a payment option directly on the airline’s website or app during checkout. Indirect methods involve using third-party travel agencies or PayPal-supported payment gateways.

Direct Integration: Some airlines, albeit a smaller number, have partnered with PayPal to offer seamless PayPal Credit integration. Typically these involve larger carriers in the US and Europe, but availability varies significantly. Indirect Methods: This is where the magic happens for most travelers. Many online travel agencies (OTAs) like Expedia, Priceline, Travelocity, and others accept PayPal as a payment method. And, crucially, that usually includes the option to use PayPal Credit. These OTAs then handle the payment to the airline. So, while you’re not directly paying the airline with PayPal Credit, you’re effectively using it to finance your flight.

Airlines That Potentially Support PayPal Credit (Indirectly)

Because airlines generally don’t list whether or not they can be paid via PayPal Credit on their websites, it is important to know that the following information is based on airlines often booked on OTAs that accept PayPal, thereby enabling the use of PayPal Credit.

• Major US Carriers: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines (Southwest only through third-party sites).
• International Airlines: British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines. (Availability varies by region and booking platform).
• Budget Airlines: Ryanair, easyJet, Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue. (Again, typically through OTAs or alternative payment gateways).

Crucial Note: Always verify PayPal Credit availability at the final checkout stage on the chosen OTA. Policies can change, and regional differences can apply.

Why the Indirect Route is Often Necessary

The decision of airlines not to use direct PayPal Credit integration is a complex one. Here’s a glimpse into the reasoning:

• Transaction Fees: Airlines already operate on tight margins. Direct PayPal Credit integration incurs transaction fees that they may prefer to avoid.
• Existing Payment Systems: Airlines have invested heavily in their own payment infrastructure, often integrated with loyalty programs and co-branded credit cards. Switching to, or adding, another payment method like PayPal Credit is complex.
• Partnerships: Airlines often have exclusive agreements with specific credit card companies, providing incentives for customers to use those cards.
• Technical Complexity: Integrating with PayPal Credit across all booking channels (website, app, phone) requires significant technical effort.

Maximizing Your PayPal Credit Usage for Flights

Here are some practical tips for successfully using PayPal Credit for your flight bookings:

1. Start with OTAs: Begin your search on reputable online travel agencies known to accept PayPal.
2. Check the Fine Print: Before confirming your booking, carefully review the payment options available and ensure PayPal Credit is presented as a valid choice.
3. Consider PayPal Key: PayPal Key lets you generate a virtual credit card number linked to your PayPal account. You can then use this virtual card anywhere a credit card is accepted online, even if the website doesn’t explicitly support PayPal.
4. Be Aware of Promotional Periods: PayPal sometimes offers special promotions with airlines or OTAs, providing additional incentives for using PayPal Credit.
5. Read Reviews: Before booking with an unfamiliar OTA, check online reviews to ensure its legitimacy and reliability.

FAQs: Your PayPal Credit Flight Booking Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the use of PayPal Credit for booking flights:

1. Can I use PayPal Credit directly on an airline’s website?

In some cases, yes. Some airlines, particularly larger US and European carriers, offer direct PayPal integration, which may include PayPal Credit. However, this is not the norm. Always check the payment options available on the airline’s website during checkout.

2. How do I use PayPal Credit if the airline doesn’t directly accept it?

Use an online travel agency (OTA) like Expedia, Priceline, or Travelocity that accepts PayPal as a payment method. When you pay through PayPal on these sites, you can typically choose PayPal Credit as your funding source.

3. What is PayPal Key, and how does it help me book flights?

PayPal Key generates a virtual Mastercard linked to your PayPal account. You can use it like a regular credit card anywhere online, even if the site doesn’t explicitly accept PayPal. This can be helpful for booking flights directly on airlines’ websites that don’t offer direct PayPal integration.

4. Are there any fees associated with using PayPal Credit for flights?

PayPal Credit often offers promotional periods with 0% APR for a limited time. However, if you don’t pay off your balance within the promotional period, you’ll be charged interest at the standard APR. Always review the terms and conditions of your PayPal Credit account.

5. Can I use PayPal Credit to book flights for someone else?

Yes, you can typically use PayPal Credit to book flights for someone else, as long as you are the account holder and authorized to use the credit line.

6. What happens if I need to cancel or change my flight booked with PayPal Credit?

The airline’s or OTA’s cancellation and change policies apply. If you receive a refund, it will typically be credited back to your PayPal Credit account.

7. Is it safe to use PayPal Credit for online flight bookings?

PayPal is a secure payment platform. However, always book through reputable airlines and OTAs to protect yourself from fraud.

8. Can I use PayPal Credit to pay for baggage fees or other airline extras?

If you book your flight through an OTA that accepts PayPal Credit, you can often use it to pay for baggage fees or other extras offered by the airline during the booking process.

9. Does using PayPal Credit affect my credit score?

Applying for PayPal Credit will result in a credit inquiry, which can slightly affect your credit score. Responsible use of PayPal Credit, including making timely payments, can positively impact your credit score over time. Late or missed payments can negatively impact your score.

10. Can I combine PayPal Credit with other payment methods for my flight booking?

This depends on the OTA or airline’s policies. Some may allow you to split your payment between PayPal Credit and another payment method, while others may not.

11. Are there any specific airlines that I should avoid when using PayPal Credit?

No specific airlines should necessarily be “avoided.” The key factor is whether you can book through an OTA or utilize PayPal Key to make the payment. If an airline doesn’t offer PayPal as a direct payment option and you can’t use PayPal Key, you won’t be able to use PayPal Credit.

12. How can I find out about special PayPal Credit promotions for flights?

Sign up for PayPal’s email list and follow them on social media to stay informed about special promotions and offers. Check the PayPal website periodically for updated deals.

By understanding these nuances and employing the strategies outlined above, you can effectively leverage PayPal Credit to make your flight dreams a reality, even if your preferred airline doesn’t directly integrate with PayPal. Happy travels!