Avoid upfront travel costs today
Upfront flight costs don’t have to hold you back. With flexible options like Buy Now Pay Later and Slice Pay, you can secure your seat today and spread the cost on your terms.
How to Avoid Upfront Costs When Travelling
Avoid upfront flight costs with deposits and Buy Now Pay Later
Where from?
Where to?
Dates
Passengers & Class
Want to avoid upfront travel costs? You can!
One of the biggest hurdles when booking a flight? Having to pay the full amount upfront.
Whether you're planning ahead or booking something last-minute, a large upfront cost can make travel feel out of reach.
At Alternative Airlines, we make it easier to take control of your budget and still get where you need to go. We offer flexible ways to book flights without the full payment upfront.
You can:
- Spread the cost with Buy Now, Pay Later options
- Secure your flight with a deposit using Slice Pay
Both options let you lock in today’s prices and pay off the balance over time. It means you can plan, book and fly without waiting for payday, or watching flight prices rise while you save.
Flexible payments give you more choice, more time and more freedom to travel your way ✨
Why upfront costs can stop people from booking
Paying the full cost of a flight upfront can be a dealbreaker. It’s a big spend, and not everyone can drop that kind of money in one go, especially for long-haul or family travel.
Many travellers need time to budget or wait until payday. But by then, the price may have gone up or the flight could be sold out. It adds pressure, turns booking into a financial juggling act, and often leads to missed opportunities.
Upfront costs can cause:
- Missed deals while waiting to save
- Stress around timing and budgeting
- The need to borrow or use credit cards
Even if you’re ready to book, paying everything at once can eat into funds for your trip. This can be things like baggage fees, accommodation, or that first dinner when you land.
Flexible payment options remove that pressure. You can secure your flight now, then pay over time in a way that fits your budget. It’s about giving you more control, more freedom, and fewer reasons to hold off booking.
Buy flights with a deposit using Slice Pay
Booking a flight doesn’t have to mean paying it all upfront. With Slice Pay, you can secure your flight today with just a small deposit, then spread the rest in weekly payments, interest-free.
It’s simple, flexible and only available when you book through Alternative Airlines. You’ll see the exact deposit amount and payment schedule at checkout, so there are no surprises.
- Pay from as little as 10% upfront
- No credit checks, interest or late fees
- Weekly payments handled automatically
Once your deposit is paid, your flight is confirmed and your e-ticket is sent instantly.
Slice Pay is available in the UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. You just need to be over 18, have a valid debit or credit card, and be able to pay the deposit and the Hold Price Fee.
As long as your plan is paid off at least 7 days before you fly, you’re good to go. It's ideal if you're booking ahead, planning a trip for someone else, or just want to secure a fare before prices rise.
Book flights with Buy Now Pay Later
Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) is a simple way to avoid paying everything upfront when booking flights. It lets you split the cost into smaller payments over time, so you can confirm your booking now and sort the rest later.
Choose from trusted BNPL providers like Afterpay, Klarna, Zip, Affirm and PayPal Credit when you book through Alternative Airlines. Depending on the option you choose, your first payment might not be due until weeks later.
There’s no need to delay your plans while saving up. BNPL is available on flights with over 600 airlines and can be used to book domestic or international travel.
Here’s why travellers choose BNPL:
- Spread the cost over time
- Apply directly at checkout
- Clear terms, with no surprise fees
- Available in the US, UK, Australia, Canada and more
- Works with debit and credit cards
BNPL is perfect if you want more time to pay without missing out on a deal. Whether you’re flying next month or next week, you can keep upfront costs low and stay in control of your budget.
Why book flights with Alternative Airlines?
We make it easier to fly without the financial pressure. At Alternative Airlines, you can book flights today without paying the full fare upfront. That means you can lock in the best prices and still take control of your budget.
Choose from deposit options like Slice Pay, where you secure your flight with a small upfront payment, or spread the full cost over time with Buy Now Pay Later. It’s your choice, without the stress of a big one-off charge.
We work with trusted payment providers, giving you access to flexible plans that fit around how you live and spend.
- Book flights with a deposit from 10%
- Pay weekly or monthly in instalments
- Use Afterpay, Klarna, Affirm and more
- No interest or credit checks on selected options
- Available in USD, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD and more
Booking through Alternative Airlines means instant e-ticket confirmation, clear payment plans and no chasing. Everything’s upfront, except the cost.
Whether you're planning ahead or booking last-minute, we help you stay in control of your money while still getting where you need to go.
Trusted globally
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot
We’re super proud of our Trustpilot rating, but don’t just take it from us. See why millions of others love booking their flights through Alternative Airlines
FAQs
How can I avoid paying the full cost of a flight upfront?
You can avoid paying the full cost of a flight upfront by choosing a flexible payment option at checkout.
At Alternative Airlines, we offer two main ways to do this:
- Slice Pay: Pay a small deposit (from 10%) and spread the rest in weekly instalments.
- Buy Now Pay Later: Use providers like Klarna, Afterpay or PayPal Credit to delay or split the total cost.
These options let you secure your fare without the pressure of paying everything today.
How is Buy Now Pay Later different to a deposit option?
Buy Now Pay Later lets you book your flight without paying anything upfront in most cases. You pay in instalments over time, often bi-weekly or monthly, depending on the provider.
A deposit option like Slice Pay requires a small upfront payment to secure your flight. The remaining balance is then paid in weekly instalments before you travel.
Key differences:
- BNPL may offer delayed first payments
- Slice Pay locks in your flight with a deposit
- BNPL instalments can continue after you fly
- Slice Pay must be paid off before departure
What's the best way to avoid upfront travel costs?
The best way to avoid upfront travel costs is by using flexible payment options when booking your flights.
At Alternative Airlines, you can:
- Use Slice Pay to book with a deposit from just 10% and pay the rest weekly
- Choose Buy Now Pay Later options like Afterpay or Klarna to split the full cost over time
These options let you secure your flight without needing the full amount today. They’re simple, interest-free in most cases, and help you plan travel around your budget.
Why should I avoid paying upfront for flights?
Paying upfront for flights can put pressure on your budget, especially if prices are high or you’re booking for more than one person.
It can also delay your plans while you wait to save, only for fares to increase. Spreading the cost means you can lock in today’s price and book sooner.
- Avoid fare hikes by securing your flight early
- Keep your savings intact by paying in smaller amounts
- Make travel more manageable with flexible options that work around you
How does Slice Pay help with upfront travel costs?
Slice Pay helps you avoid paying the full cost of your flight upfront. You can secure your booking with a deposit starting from just 10%. The rest is split into weekly instalments, paid off before you fly.
There are:
- No interest charges
- No credit checks
- No late fees
You'll get your e-ticket as soon as the deposit is paid. Slice Pay is available in the UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. It's a straightforward way to manage travel costs over time.
How does Buy Now Pay Later help me avoid upfront costs?
Buy Now Pay Later lets you book flights without needing to pay the full cost straight away.
Instead, you can split the total into smaller payments over time, often with nothing due at checkout. This gives you more flexibility when booking, especially for last-minute travel or bigger trips.
- Pay in instalments rather than all at once
- Avoid draining your budget on booking day
- Secure today’s prices before fares go up
It's a simple way to book now and manage your money on your own terms.
Is there any catch to paying later for flights?
Paying later is a flexible way to manage your travel costs, but it’s important to check the details.
With Slice Pay, there are:
- No interest charges
- No credit checks
- No fees for missed payments
BNPL providers like Klarna or Affirm may offer interest-free options too, but some plans could include:
- Late fees
- Interest on longer terms
- Eligibility requirements
Always review the terms at checkout to make sure the payment plan works for your budget.
Is this a loan or will it affect my credit score?
Slice Pay isn’t a loan and won’t affect your credit score. It doesn’t require a credit check, and your eligibility is based on a few simple details at checkout.
Buy Now Pay Later providers like Klarna or Affirm may run a soft check, but this won’t impact your credit file.
- Slice Pay: no credit check, no impact on score
- BNPL: soft check may apply, but no hard inquiry
Everything is explained clearly before you confirm your payment option.
Do I still get my ticket if I haven't finished paying?
Yes, you’ll still get your ticket even if you haven’t finished paying.
As soon as your booking is confirmed and your first payment is made, whether it’s a deposit or your first BNPL instalment, we’ll email your e-ticket straight to your inbox.
You don’t need to wait until the full balance is paid. Just make sure:
- Your payment plan is completed at least 7 days before you travel (if using Slice Pay)
- You keep up with your agreed instalments if using a Buy Now Pay Later provider
Your booking is secure once confirmed.
Who can use Slice Pay or BNPL to avoid upfront costs?
Slice Pay is available to residents of the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. You’ll need to be over 18, have a valid debit or credit card, and be able to pay the deposit. It’s a straightforward way to spread the cost without interest or credit checks.
Buy Now Pay Later availability depends on the provider and your location. At checkout, we’ll show you the payment options available based on your country and currency. Some providers may have their own eligibility checks.
To qualify, you’ll typically need:
- A valid payment method
- Be at least 18 years old
- Live in a supported country
You can find out all available payment methods for your country on our Ways to Pay page.