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Buy Flights with a Credit Card

Pay for flights upfront or split the cost

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Book flights and pay with a credit card

Booking a flight is a big decision. Whether you're heading off on a family holiday, a last-minute work trip or visiting loved ones abroad, the way you pay matters.

At Alternative Airlines, we accept all major credit cards and even offer card-linked instalment plans, so you can pay upfront or split the cost into instalments using your existing credit card.

No hidden fees. No surprise charges. Just straightforward booking with the payment option that works for you!

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Why book flights with a credit card?

Better protection when things go wrong πŸ›‘οΈ

Credit cards offer stronger consumer protection than debit cards, especially for larger purchases like flights. If your airline cancels, you face fraudulent charges or something else goes wrong, you're better covered. It's peace of mind you don't get with a debit card.


Rewards that actually add up 🎁

Using your credit card for flights means earning points, cashback or vouchers. The more you spend on everyday purchases (including travel), the more you earn. Some cards also throw in perks like airport lounge access or travel insurance.


Split the cost with Splitit ✨

With Splitit, you can divide your flight cost into 3, 4 or 6 monthly instalments using your existing credit card. No new loan applications. No credit checks. No additional interest or fees beyond your standard card terms. You keep all your rewards and benefits too.

A row of credit card logos

Which credit cards can you use?

We accept every major credit card, so you can book flights with the one that suits you.

  • Visa: Accepted globally and one of the most popular payment methods. Pay with your Visa debit or credit card at checkout.
  • Mastercard: With over 190 million cards in the US and 576 million worldwide, Mastercard works across all 600+ airlines we offer.
  • American Express (AMEX): Known for generous rewards schemes, cashback and points. A solid choice if you're maximising benefits while booking.
  • Discover: Popular across the US and accepted for all flights. Offers rewards and straightforward terms.
  • Diners Club: Part of the Discover Global network, Diners Club is accepted when you book with us.
  • JCB: With over 80 million users in 190+ countries, JCB offers exclusive rewards and services for travellers.

We also accept Maestro, UnionPay and Mada, giving you even more ways to pay.

A search form at Alternative Airlines with AUD currency selected

How to book flights using a credit card

  1. Search for flights: Use the search form at the top of the page. Enter your travel dates, departure and arrival airports, number of passengers and cabin class. Hit search.
  2. Choose your flights: Browse the results and pick the flights that work for you. We search 600+ airlines, so you'll have options.
  3. Fill in passenger details: Complete the passenger information page with the details of everyone travelling.
  4. Select your payment method: At checkout, choose how you'd like to pay. Pay in full with your credit card, split the cost into instalments with Splitit, or you can pick for the 40+ other payment methods we offer.
  5. Confirm and book: Complete your booking and you'll get instant confirmation. Your e-ticket lands in your inbox straight away.
A family laughing together. Β£325 paid today with Splitit

How to pay in instalments with Splitit

Splitit lets you spread the cost of your flight over 3, 4 or 6 months using your existing credit card. Here's how it works:

  1. Choose Splitit at checkout: Pick your preferred payment plan (3, 4 or 6 months).
  2. Authorisation hold: Splitit places a temporary hold on your card for the full amount to confirm you have available credit. This isn't a charge.
  3. Pay monthly: Your card is charged each month according to your chosen plan. You'll get email updates to keep you on track.

What you need to qualify βœ…

  • Be 18 or over
  • Live in the UK or US
  • Have a valid credit card with up to Β£65,000 available credit

Why use Splitit? πŸ€”

  • Keep all your credit card rewards and benefits
  • No credit checks or loan applications
  • No additional interest or fees (your standard card terms still apply)
  • Paying on time can help improve your credit score

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

Cash, travel credit cards and a passport

Best travel credit cards

Choosing the right credit card for booking flights can save you money and unlock perks. Here are some popular options worth considering.


Cards with travel rewards ✈️

No foreign transaction fees 🌐

  • Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture X and Barclaycard Arrival Plus waive foreign transaction fees. This saves you 2-3% on international bookings compared to cards that charge these fees.
  • Most standard credit cards charge foreign transaction fees, so if you book flights abroad regularly, switching to one of these cards makes sense.
A woman sitting in a business-class lounge

Airport lounge access πŸ›‹οΈ

  • American Express Platinum includes Priority Pass membership, giving you access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide. Chase Sapphire Reserve offers the same benefit.
  • Capital One Venture X also includes complimentary lounge access through Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass. If you travel regularly, lounge access pays for itself quickly.

Travel insurance and protection πŸ›‘οΈ

  • Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve both include trip cancellation insurance, trip delay cover and lost baggage protection. Citi Premier offers similar benefits.
  • These protections can save you hundreds if something goes wrong with your travel plans.

Flexible payment options πŸ’Έ

  • Cards that work with Splitit let you spread the cost without applying for new credit. You use your existing card and keep all the benefits. Most major Visa, Mastercard and AMEX cards work with Splitit when you book with us.
Couple on laptop

Tips for booking flights with a credit card

  • Maximise your rewards. Check if your card offers bonus points for travel bookings. Some cards also have partnerships with airlines, giving you extra perks when you book.
  • Watch out for foreign transaction fees. If you're booking international flights, check whether your card charges fees for transactions in foreign currencies. Some cards waive these fees, saving you money.
  • Check your credit limit. Make sure you have enough available credit before booking, especially if you're paying for multiple passengers or splitting the cost with Splitit.
  • Set up payment reminders. If you're using Splitit, set calendar reminders for your monthly payments to avoid missing one.
  • Compare payment options. Sometimes paying upfront saves you money. Other times, splitting the cost gives you more flexibility. Pick what works for your budget.
Alternative Airlines customer support

Why book with Alternative Airlines?

We make flight booking easier πŸ’œ

Search 600+ airlines, compare prices, filter flights with ease and choose from over 40 ways to pay, including flexible options like Splitit and Buy Now, Pay Later.


We're here when you need us πŸ’œ

Our Customer Service team is here to help from booking to boarding. Got questions? We're here to help.


Trusted by millions πŸ’œ

We're rated Excellent on Trustpilot. Millions of travellers have booked with us, and we're proud of the service we provide.

Ready to book your next flight?

Use the search form at the top of the page to start searching. Pay with your preferred credit card or split the cost into instalments with Splitit. Either way, you'll get instant confirmation and support every step of the way!

FAQs

Can I use a credit card when booking flights?

Yes you can - when you book with Alternative Airlines. We make it quick and easy to search and book flights with more than 600+ global airlines, then checkout using your preferred payment method.

As well as all major credit and debit cards, this also includes a wide range of Buy Now Pay Later and monthly financing options, including Klarna and Affirm, as well as e-wallets, including PayPal Credit.

Are there extra fees for using a credit card?

We don't charge fees for using a credit card. Your card provider may charge foreign transaction fees depending on the currency, so check your card's terms before booking.

What should I do if my payment is declined?

Check that your card details are correct and that you have enough available credit. If the problem continues, contact your card provider or try a different payment method. Our Customer Service team can also help.

What credit card is best for travel?

There are lots of credit cards that offer perks, such as cashback and rewards, and are ideal to use when booking flights, hotels and to take with you when you travel.

Use this guide to find out more about some of the most popular global credit card options.

Can I use a debit card to book flights?

Yes, we accept debit cards from Visa, Mastercard and other major networks. However, credit cards offer stronger consumer protection, fraud cover and rewards. For larger purchases like flights, credit cards are generally the safer choice.

How do I know if my booking is secure?

We use secure payment processing to protect your information. You'll receive instant booking confirmation and your e-ticket by email once payment is complete. All transactions are encrypted and safe.

Can I split the cost if I'm booking for multiple passengers?

Yes, you can use Splitit to split the total cost of your booking, even if you're booking for multiple passengers. The full booking amount is divided into your chosen payment plan.

Does Splitit affect my credit score?

Splitit doesn't require a credit check to use, so it won't affect your credit score when you sign up. However, paying your instalments on time can help improve your credit score over time.

What happens if I miss a Splitit payment?

Your standard credit card terms apply. If you miss a payment, your card provider may charge late fees or interest according to your card agreement. Splitit will send you email reminders to help you stay on track.

Can I use Splitit with any credit card?

Splitit works with most major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, AMEX and Discover. You need to have enough available credit to cover the full booking amount.