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Buy Flights with Card-Linked Instalments

Use your existing credit card to book flights and budget better

A woman smiling looking at her credit card while holding her phone.

Book flights with card-linked instalments

Booking a flight is exciting. Paying for it in one go? Not always. That's where card-linked instalments come in, letting you split the cost using the credit card already sitting in your wallet.

Unlike traditional Buy Now Pay Later services that require separate accounts or credit checks, card-linked instalment plans, like Splitit, work directly with your existing card.

It's a smarter, simpler way to manage the cost of flying without the faff!

A list of flexible payment methods with Splitit selected at checkout

What are card-linked instalments?

Card-linked flight instalments let you turn one big payment into smaller monthly chunks using the credit card you already own. No applications, no new accounts - just your existing card working harder for you.

When you pay with Splitit, the full amount is authorised on your card upfront (not charged, just held to guarantee future payments). Then you're billed in instalments according to your chosen plan. Your first payment is charged within 48 hours, and the rest follow automatically on the same day each month.

At Alternative Airlines, we partner with Splitit to offer card-linked instalments at checkout. There's no additional interest, no fees and no credit checks. Your standard card terms still apply, but you get the breathing room to spread the cost over 3, 4 or 6 months.


Why use Splitit? ✨

  • Use your existing credit card
  • Split the cost over 3, 4 or 6 months
  • No credit checks, no fees and no added interest
A man smiling at his phone. Can I pay over time with my credit card? Yes!

Benefits of using card-linked instalments to buy flights

Spread the cost over time 📆

Break down a £800 flight into three, four or six monthly payments. Suddenly that family holiday to Spain or business trip to New York feels a lot more manageable.


Potential for 0% interest ✨

With Splitit, there's no additional interest on top of your existing card rate. You're simply using your available credit to pay in instalments, keeping costs transparent and predictable.


No need for separate BNPL accounts ☺️

Forget creating new accounts or remembering extra login details. Your credit card does the heavy lifting, keeping your payment history in one familiar place.


Keep your card rewards and points 🎁

Using your credit card to split payments means you still earn those air miles, cashback or loyalty points. Every payment works towards your existing rewards programme.


Financial protection and dispute resolution 🛡️

Credit card purchases come with built-in protections. If something goes wrong with your booking, you've got your card issuer backing you up with dispute resolution and consumer safeguards.

How to buy flights with card-linked flight instalments

A search for flights from London to Lisbon at Alternative Airlines

Search for your flight 🔎

Use our search form to find flights from over 600 airlines. Pop in your departure and arrival airports, travel dates, cabin class and number of passengers.

How to buy flights with card-linked flight instalments

The search results for London to Lisbon flights at Alternative Airlines

Choose your flight ✈️

Compare options, filter by price or flight duration, and pick the flight that works best for you. Add any extras like checked baggage or seat selection.

How to buy flights with card-linked flight instalments

A list of flexible payment methods at checkout at Alternative Airlines

Select Splitit at checkout ☑️

When you reach payment, choose Splitit as your payment method. You'll see options for 3, 4 or 6 monthly instalments.

Select the plan that fits your budget. Splitit will place an authorisation on your card for the full amount (not a charge, just confirmation you have available credit).

How to buy flights with card-linked flight instalments

An example booking confirmation for London to Lisbon flights, paid for with Splitit

Confirm and fly ✨

Make your first payment, and we'll send your e-ticket straight away. Splitit handles the rest, billing your card monthly according to your chosen plan. You'll get email updates to keep you on track.

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Eligibility requirements for Splitit

18+ icon

Be 18 or over

Be a resident of the UK, the US, Canada, Australia or New Zealand

Credit card round dark icon

Have a valid credit card

Can I use Splitit for flights?

At Alternative Airlines, you can use Splitit to book flights with over 600 airlines worldwide. Whether you're flying budget with Ryanair or long-haul with Emirates, card-linked flight instalments are available at checkout.

We've built the world's most flexible flight booking experience by working with top payment providers. Splitit sits alongside our 40+ other payment options, giving you genuine choice in how you pay.

    Card-linked flight instalments vs third-party BNPL services

    Not all “pay later” options are created equal. Here’s how card-linked instalments, like Splitit, stack up against traditional Buy Now Pay Later services, so you can choose the one that works best for your wallet and your travel plans.

    Feature Card-linked instalments (Splitit) Third-party BNPL
    Approval Uses existing card credit, no separate application Requires approval through BNPL provider
    Credit checks None (uses your card's existing terms) Often requires soft or hard credit check
    Interest No additional interest (standard card rate applies) Varies by provider, often 0% but not always
    Fees No late fees or admin charges May charge late fees or missed payment penalties
    Credit score impact Can improve score if card payments made on time Varies by provider
    Rewards Keep all card rewards and points Usually no rewards unless using specific cards
    Protection Full credit card consumer protections Protection varies by provider
    Cash, travel credit cards and a passport

    Tips for card-linked instalment plans

    • Check your available credit: Splitit authorises the full purchase amount on your card upfront. Make sure you have enough available credit to cover the cost, even though you'll only pay in instalments.
    • Understand the terms: Your standard credit card terms and conditions still apply. If your card charges interest on purchases, that rate will apply to your instalment payments.
    • Know your repayment schedule: Splitit sends email updates before each payment. Keep track of when payments are due and make sure your card has sufficient funds to avoid declined payments.
    • Consider your budget and travel plans: Only book what you can comfortably afford to repay. A flight might feel more accessible in instalments, but you still need to make every payment on the agreed schedule.
    • Maximise your rewards: If you have a rewards credit card, card-linked instalments let you earn points on the full purchase amount. Choose a card that offers travel rewards or cashback to get more value from your booking.
    • Using Splitit can improve your credit score: Making regular, on-time payments on your credit card can boost your credit score. This helps with future borrowing like loans or mortgages.
    A family laughing together. £325 paid today with Splitit

    Book your flight and pay over time with Splitit

    Card-linked flight instalments give you the freedom to fly without the financial friction. No separate accounts, no hidden fees, just your existing credit card working smarter to spread the cost.

    At Alternative Airlines, we've built our reputation on making flight booking financially accessible for everyone. Splitit is just one of over 40 ways to pay, but it's perfect if you want simplicity, flexibility and the rewards your credit card already offers.

    Search for your next flight and choose Splitit at checkout. Your travel plans shouldn't wait for your bank balance to catch up.

    Frequently asked questions

    Can I use card-linked instalments for international flights?

    Yes, absolutely. With Splitit at Alternative Airlines, you can use your credit card to pay for flights in instalments to destinations all over the world. Whether you're booking a short-haul trip or a long-haul adventure, card-linked flight instalments are available on any of the 600+ airlines we work with.

    There are no restrictions based on route or airline, so you can book your travel plans now and spread the cost, no matter where you’re flying.


    What happens if I cancel my flight?

    If you need to cancel, the refund will depend on the airline’s cancellation policy. We’ll help guide you through that process. Just keep in mind that your Splitit instalments won’t automatically stop - you’ll still need to make any remaining payments unless your card provider or Splitit confirms otherwise.

    If the airline offers a refund, it will be processed to your card, and your payment plan may be adjusted. We'll be here to support you at every step.


    Are there penalties for early repayment?

    Nope - there are no hidden fees or penalties. If you'd like to clear your remaining balance early, you're free to do so at any time. Simply contact Splitit or your credit card provider to request early settlement.

    It’s a flexible option that puts you in control of your repayments. Paying early won’t affect your booking or flight in any way, and you’ll still enjoy all the same protections and benefits from your credit card.


    Do all airlines accept card-linked flight instalments?

    Yes, when you book through Alternative Airlines, Splitit is available on every flight we offer across 600+ global airlines. Since the payment is handled through our checkout (not by the airline directly), it doesn’t matter who you fly with.

    Whether it’s Emirates, Ryanair, United or a regional airline, you can split the cost using your credit card with no extra accounts, no credit checks and no fuss.


    What currencies can I use?

    Right now, Splitit is available for payments in GBP. We’re working hard to roll out additional currencies soon, including USD, AUD and SGD, making card-linked instalments even more accessible no matter where you're booking from. If you're shopping in another currency, you can still browse flights and select Splitit at checkout once your currency is supported.


    Will I still get flight protection?

    Yes, absolutely. Booking with card-linked flight instalments doesn’t affect your eligibility for flight protection. You can add protection to your booking at checkout, just like you would with any other payment method.

    Plus, because you’re using your credit card, you also benefit from built-in consumer protections, including dispute resolution and refund rights. It's an extra layer of peace of mind when plans change or things go wrong.