At a time when the desire to escape has never been stronger, a new trend is shaking up how we finance our travels: installment payments are making their way onto flight booking sites and other travel packages. Gone are the days of the headache from making a large payment all at once! With this solution, it becomes possible to book now and pay later, adjusting expenses for a customized vacation without stressing your wallet.
Dreaming of a vacation at the ends of the earth without emptying your bank account in one go is now possible with the rise of installment payments for booking airfare. More and more airlines and travel platforms offer this magical solution that allows you to spread out your expenses and travel more peacefully. Discover how paying in several installments is becoming the new ally of modern adventurers, what its benefits are, and what to pay attention to before diving into this new trend.
Booking holidays on credit: the revolution of staggered payments #
There was a time when paying for a trip meant breaking open your piggy bank or taking out a loan that felt as long as the flight from Paris to Sydney. Today, installment payments are refreshing the habits of vacation-goers and making long-distance destinations more accessible. Whether you dream of a stay in Japan or a getaway to Australia, there’s no longer a need to wait until you have all the savings in hand. Many hotels, campgrounds, or airlines have taken the leap by offering the option to pay in installments, with or without fees.
How do installment payments work for flight bookings? #
Like the catchy slogan from the comparator Alternatives Airlines, “book your flights, pay later,” the customer experience has been transformed. Three main options are available:
- Payment in 3 or 4 installments (over less than 90 days), typically without real additional costs.
- Deferred payment, where you pay all at once, but 15 or 30 days after the order.
- Installment payment extending beyond 90 days, which resembles a consumer loan.
The big advantage? No need for a lot of paperwork! A few clicks are all it takes thanks to the automation of the platforms: name, first name, date of birth, and your ticket is reserved even if your account isn’t ready to welcome summer yet.
Fees, a detail that matters… or not #
Good news: in many cases, paying in several installments is done without extra fees, like the 4-part interest-free offer launched by PayPal. Sometimes, a slight additional cost comes into play – around 1.67% to 2.5% depending on the number of installments, capped around €60 for substantial amounts. In short, large expenses become more manageable, especially for group travel. According to Booking, Oney, and other industry leaders, these solutions attract 40% of travelers who have tried installment payments.
A sector taking off: companies, parks, and platforms are getting on board #
It’s impossible to miss this wave: Air France, Royal Air Maroc, TUI, Lastminute, SNCF, Center Parcs, ESF… All are riding this trend. Payment is becoming a full-fledged service, as flexible as the ideal suitcase. Even for small amounts, startups like Klarna or Alma are on the case, not to mention historical players such as Crédit Mutuel, Cofidis, or major retailers like Floa Bank.
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SNCF, for instance, offers installment payment starting from €120 (in three parts through Alma) and up to four parts for €150. This is practical for families or groups of friends, especially during peak booking times. And when it comes to all-inclusive stays, Center Parcs and maeva.com are innovating by combining installment payments, loyalty bonuses, and ultra-flexible cancellation policies.
A simple, fast, and personalized service
Forget about endless forms: with installment payments, everything takes place online, right after the booking. This speed encourages impulsive purchases and allows more travelers to travel without stress. Even more surprisingly, the solution appeals to both young globetrotters and seasoned families, with a peak in usage at the beginning and end of the month, which are prime times for budget strategies.
Purchasing power, loyalty, and good tips to keep in mind #
Deferred or installment payments don’t just benefit travelers. They also boost conversion for e-commerce merchants in the tourism sector, asserting their status as an indispensable service. But before opting for the “pay later” option, one last piece of advice: make sure to compare different plans, take advantage of vacation assistance, and check loyalty programs that can sometimes be more advantageous than they appear! To find out everything about these amazing solutions, also explore this guide on deferred payments for your travels or discover how to smartly sell your getaways, even on TikTok, with these professional tips.
A trend embedding itself in travel habits #
The surge of installment payments is firmly establishing itself in the tourist landscape. From theme park stays to long-haul flights with international carriers, the concept attracts due to its flexibility and the sense of freedom it provides. Paying for your plane tickets later has never looked so appealing, as long as you read the fine print carefully… and take advantage of offers that enhance your purchasing power.
Les points :
- Booking holidays on credit: the revolution of staggered payments
- How do installment payments work for flight bookings?
- Fees, a detail that matters… or not
- A sector taking off: companies, parks, and platforms are getting on board
- Purchasing power, loyalty, and good tips to keep in mind
- A trend embedding itself in travel habits
