Ticket reservations and confirmations

Payment methods and charges

Baggage and seats

Flight search

Passenger and flight details

Check-in Information

Car Hire

Yes, just use your airline reference and surname and they will be able to help you.

Can I contact the airline myself?

Child fares differ from airline to airline. Some airlines sell child fares at a cheaper price than adult tickets, whereas others sell child fares at the same price as adult fares.

In many cases, children under 12 may qualify for a discount and the amount will depend on the cost of the accompanying adult’s ticket. Infants under 2 years pay a percentage of the adult fare. To find child/infant prices just complete the booking form and enter the number of adults, children or infants and you will automatically get a total and a breakdown of the very lowest fares available for your party. You can request a Skycot for an infant and, subject to availability, this will be confirmed at check-in.

Are there any child discounts?

To find out the latest travel restrictions, log in to Manage Booking or use our travel restrictions guide.

What are the latest travel restrictions?

Refund Protection is a refund management company through which we offer Cancellation Protection.

Cancellation Protection covers you for a refund if you need to cancel your flight for a list of different unforeseen circumstances. 

Please review Refund Protects FAQs and Terms and Conditions on the following link for more information https://www.refundable.me/faqs/.

What is Refund Protect?

Your Alternative Airlines reference is a numerical code that can be found at the bottom of your booking confirmation and at the top right-hand corner of your E-ticket. 

When contacting our Customer Service Team, please provide this reference to ensure smooth correspondence and assistance.

How do I find my Alternative Airlines reference number?

Occasionally, airlines may need to make changes to their flight schedules, and these changes can occur anytime from the moment of booking until the day of your travel. 

If your flight experiences a schedule change, our Customer Resolutions Team will promptly inform you about the updated flight details and provide guidance on the available options for your convenience. 

Please note that we are only able to provide information on schedule changes that we have been notified of by the airline. If we have not yet been made aware of any schedule changes, we may not be able to offer specific guidance until we receive the necessary information from the airline.

I have received a Schedule Change, what do I do?

In case you have not yet received your e-ticket, there is no need to worry. It is possible that your booking is currently being processed by our ticketing team. 

We make every effort to issue tickets within 24 hours of receiving payment. However, if there are any delays, we will notify you via email to keep you informed. Therefore, please remember to check your email regularly for the most recent updates regarding the status of your e-ticket.

I haven't received my e-ticket

After completing the check-in process for your flight, you will receive a boarding pass. This document can be obtained in two ways: either by printing it out or by saving it to your mobile device. 

It is essential to have your boarding pass ready as you will be asked to present it to airport staff in order to board the plane and proceed with your journey.

What is a boarding pass?

Once your booking is confirmed, Alternative Airlines will send you an E-ticket containing important information regarding your flight, as well as the details of the passenger(s) traveling. 

It is crucial that you carefully review all the information on your E-ticket to ensure its accuracy once you receive it. Please take the time to verify that all the details provided on the E-ticket are correct to avoid any inconvenience during your travel.

What is an e-ticket?

When booking flights with Alternative Airlines, you have the flexibility to choose from over 40 different payment methods. 

We have partnered with some of the world's leading payment providers, including PayPal, Afterpay, Klarna, Affirm, Visa, MasterCard, and many more. 

To explore all the available payment options for booking flights with Alternative Airlines, please visit the following webpage https://www.alternativeairlines.com/ways-to-pay

Payment methods to pay for flights

Indeed! At Alternative Airlines, we accept PayPal as a payment option, allowing you to purchase flights with ease. 

You can search for flights on any airline using our platform and complete your payment using PayPal or PayPal Credit. 

This provides you with a convenient and secure way to book your flights, offering flexibility and peace of mind during the purchasing process.

Can I pay for my flights using PayPal?

We do not charge extra for taxes. Our pricing policy offers total transparency, this means the price you see is the price you pay. There are no hidden charges for pre-payable airport/government taxes, service charges and other fees. 

We include a price breakdown for all bookings, so you can see exactly what the cost of your flight is made up of.

Is there an extra charge for taxes on flights?

If you would like to utilise your airline credit, please get in touch with us or directly contact the airline, providing them with the new destinations and dates for your desired travel. 

Our team will assist you in checking the availability of flights based on your preferences. 

It's important to note that any fare and tax differences resulting from the changes may require additional payment. Additionally, please ensure that the airline remains the same as the one you originally booked with. 

How do I utilise my airline credit

The baggage allowance policy varies across different airlines. Each airline has its own specific rules and regulations regarding the amount of baggage you can check. 

Free baggage allowances may also vary depending on the fare or class of your ticket. In cases where an airline does not provide a free baggage allowance, they often offer the option to purchase baggage allowance at an additional cost. This allows you to customise your baggage needs according to your preferences. 

To find information about your baggage allowance, you can refer to your E-Ticket or visit the airline's website. 

How much baggage can I check-in?

To conveniently access information about the seats and bags you have booked, you can find them in the "Manage my Booking" section on our website or on your E-Ticket. This section will provide a detailed display of the seats and bags associated with your reservation. 

Furthermore, you can directly view this information on the airline's website as well. By accessing your booking or entering your reservation details on the airline's website, you will be able to see the seats and bags that you have booked. 

Whether you prefer to review your selections on our website or the airline's website, we ensure that you have easy access to manage and view your seat and baggage arrangements. This helps ensure a smooth and organised travel experience for you.

How do I see what seats and bags I have on my booking

Alternative Airlines allows you to perform a multi-city search when booking your flights. This feature is ideal if you are planning a trip with multiple destinations and would like to book all your flights under one reservation. 

To initiate a multi-city search, simply select the "multi-city" option on the flight search bar. This will enable you to input your desired departure and arrival cities for each leg of your journey, allowing you to easily book flights to multiple destinations within the same trip.

Can I do a multi-city search?

To update or change the date of birth on your reservation, please go to the contact us page and advise us of your correct date of birth. We ask that you type it in Date, Month and Year format (e.g. 15 Sept 1982) 

We will then change this on our system. Some airlines may require you to reach out to them directly to get this amended but we will let you know if this is the case 

How do I get my date of birth updated

For full information on flying with a child, infant or baby, see our page flying with children.

I want to fly with my child/infant/baby

Not all airlines require passport information during the booking process. At Alternative Airlines, we only ask for passport information if the airline you have selected specifically requires it. In such cases, you will have the opportunity to add the passport details directly on the airline's website. 

During the booking process, if passport information is necessary, we will inform you accordingly and provide instructions on how to enter the required details.

Why have you not asked for my passport details?

If there is a spelling mistake on a passenger's name you will need to contact us as soon as possible via phone or email. 

If the airline permits name changes we will require a copy of the passengers passport/ID showing the correct name, which we can then forward on to the airline. 

Some airlines will charge a fee for name correction, which will be passed on to you. Please note most airlines will only allow changes of up to 3 characters. Name changes are not guaranteed.  

I have a spelling mistake on a passenger name

Most airlines allow you to check in online directly on the airlines website. Please always check your E Ticket for any specific check in instructions for the airline you are flying with.  

If the airline doesn't offer online check-in, you must check-in at the airport.    

How do I check-in?

For full information on unaccompanied minors, visit the webpage 'Unaccompanied minors' 

My child will be flying alone

In the event that your child reaches the age of 2 during your trip, it will be necessary to book two separate one-way flights. 

On the outbound flight, your child will be classified as an infant, while on the inbound flight, they will be classified as a child. This ensures compliance with the airline's age guidelines and appropriate fare structures.

My child turns 2 during the trip

To maintain passenger privacy and security, we are unable to discuss any booking details with individuals who are not traveling and are not named on the booking. 

However, if you have the consent of the passenger, we can discuss booking-related information with you. 

Passenger consent can be obtained either through email or over the phone. This procedure ensures that we uphold the privacy and confidentiality of our customers' information.

I am not the passenger, can I still contact you?

If the transaction for your reservation was not completed, your card will not have been debited. In the event of a payment failure, we recommend trying a different payment method than the one you initially used. 

If the alternative payment method also fails, please get in touch with us, and we will investigate the situation further. Our team will make every effort to assist you and ensure the successful completion of your reservation.

Failed payments

Certain airlines provide the option of receiving credit for your flight in the event that you are unable to travel. If this option is available, we can assist you in removing the flights from your booking. 

When you are ready to rebook, you can simply contact us or the airline. However, it's important to note that there may be a time restraint in when you can use this credit. 

For further details and more information, we recommend reaching out to our Customer Service team. They will be able to provide you with the necessary information and guide you through the process.

How do I get credit for my flight?

The rules and restrictions associated with a booking depend on the specific fare type that was chosen for the reservation. These rules and conditions, known as Fare Rules, vary based on the fare type and can include limitations and restrictions. Generally, lower fare costs are associated with more restrictions. 

For example, some fares may be non-changeable or non-refundable. During the booking process, the fare rules for a particular fare type are displayed, providing you with information about any applicable restrictions. Additionally, the fare rules are also included on your E-Ticket, which is sent to you after the booking is confirmed. 

It's important to note that the fare rules are determined by the airlines themselves, and Alternative Airlines is unable to override or alter these rules. We encourage you to review the fare rules carefully to understand the terms and conditions associated with your specific fare type.

What are the fare rules of my ticket and what do they mean?

Once you have conducted a flight search on our platform, you can easily find a specific airline by following these steps: On the right-hand side of the search results page, you will find a section labeled "Airlines." Click on this section. 

A list of airlines will be displayed. Scroll through the list to find and select your chosen airline. Once you click on the airline, the search results will update to show flights exclusively operated by that particular airline. 

By selecting your preferred airline from the list, you can narrow down the search results and focus on flights offered by that specific airline. 

Can I search by a specific airline?

Yes! All transactions with Alternative Airlines are SSL (Secure Socket Layer) protected. Your information is securely transmitted during the processing of all payments. You can therefore book with total confidence in the knowledge that your personal details are completely safe.

Is it safe to use my credit and debit card details?

We accept Visa, MasterCard credit and debit cards, American Express, JCB debit and credit cards, Diners card, Discover card, Maestro and Union Pay. View all the ways you can pay for flights with Alternative Airlines

Which credit and debit cards do you accept?

Debit and credit card issued in the UK are accepted without any additional charge. Debit cards and credit cards issued in the UK are accepted without additional charge. Visa and MasterCard cards from the EU are accepted without additional charge. All other cards are subject to a supplementary charge.

Do you charge to use credit or debit cards?

Yes, we accept payments using: PayPal, CashApp, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Ali Pay, WeChat Pay, Vodacom M-PESA, Airtel and MTN. Check out all the ways to pay for flights with Alternative Airlines

Can I pay for flights using mobile?

Certain airlines allow you to include baggage and select seats while making your reservation. After your booking is confirmed, you have the option to add these services through the Manage my Booking portal, unless you have already completed the check-in process. 

In certain situations, the airline may require you to add baggage and seats directly through their website before your flight or during the check-in process. 

It is not necessary to purchase seats in advance as they will be assigned free of charge during check-in.

For Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, Alaskan Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines flights, you may have to wait until check-in opens to purchase additional baggage depending on which fare you have booked.

How do I add baggage/seats to my booking?

Whether you wish to change or cancel your flight, this will depend on the fare rules of the ticket you have purchased. These rules will have been shown to you during the booking process on our website and are also displayed on your e-ticket.   

For cancellations, please use Manage my Booking to get your cancellation quote. If you wish to cancel your reservation you may be liable to any cancellation fees as levied by the airline. Some airlines allow customers to cancel within 24 hours of booking their flights. Please be aware that this may only be applicable if you book directly with the airline. Please ensure you read the airlines terms and conditions. Alternative Airlines have no choice but to follow the airlines policies and have no influence over what the airline say.  

If your flight does fall under a policy that allows for a full refund within 24 hours, the 24 hours starts from when you confirm your booking. Alternative Airlines is open from 9am - midnight UK time, and if your 24 hour cancellation period expires whilst we are closed, and you contact us during this time, then you will not be entitled to a refund. You must contact us within our opening hours and allow us time to process the refund to qualify for a refund.  

For date amendments, you may have the option to change these through Manage My Booking. If this option isn't available online, or you would like to amend your route or passenger names,  please use the contact us page and complete all the information.  One of our customer service team members will be in touch with a quote. Please note that your fare rules determine the types of amends that can be made. All changes will be subject to amendment fees and any fare/tax differences, as specified by the airline rules. Fees vary depending on the airline and the type of ticket/fare that you have purchased. 

How do I cancel/amend a booking?

Once you complete your booking, you will be directed to our booking confirmation page, which will confirm the successful reservation of your travel. This page will provide you with an Alternative Airlines booking reference. 

It is important to make a note of this reference number as our Customer Service Team will require it to assist you with any inquiries or requests related to your booking. 

Additionally, you will receive an email containing your ticket confirmation, which will reconfirm passenger details, provide a comprehensive itinerary, and outline the cost of your booking. 

If you need to reach out to us, kindly have your Alternative Airlines booking reference handy to ensure prompt assistance.



How do I know when my reservation is confirmed?

The airline reference, which is required to view your booking on the airline's website and complete the check-in process before your flight, can be found in the top right-hand corner of your E-ticket. 

This information is included in the email sent to you by Alternative Airlines.

How do I find my airline reference?

To access your reservation on the airline's website, go to the 'Manage my Booking' section. 

Remember to use your airline reference provided on your E-ticket rather than the Alternative Airlines booking reference. 

If you encounter any difficulties or have any further questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to our Customer Service team for assistance.

The airline cannot locate my booking

To help us assist you as quickly as possible, please provide the following information along with your query:

Your booking reference - it can be found in your confirmation email and will look like this: AA-12A-3BCD

I want to discuss my car rental booking

Plans range from Pay in 4, split over a few weeks, up to longer monthly instalments that can run over a year, depending on the provider. As an example, some payment providers support pay-later plans stretching up to 18 months

How do payment plans work?

Buy now, pay later is currently only available to US residents. You'll also need to be 18 or older, hold a valid US driver's licence, and have a valid phone number or email address. Providers run a soft credit check as part of the application, this doesn't affect your credit score.

Am I eligible for buy now, pay later?

Head to the search bar, enter your pickup location and dates, then use the filters to sort by price low to high, or narrow results down to a specific vehicle type or provider. It's the fastest way to compare and find the best deal for your trip.

How do I search and filter by price?

No, the base price stays the same either way. Paying later spreads the cost into smaller instalments, it doesn't discount the total.

Does paying later make my rental cheaper?

Yes. Enter your extended dates for a long-term rental, or different pickup and drop-off locations for a one-way trip, directly in the search bar. Availability will vary by provider and location.

Can I book a long-term or one-way rental?

Choosing an economy or compact car, booking in the off-peak months of November to March (January tends to be cheapest), picking midweek dates over weekends, and collecting from a city location rather than an airport all help bring the cost down. Sticking to one driver also keeps costs down, since extra drivers add fees.

How do I find a cheaper rental?

Plans range from Pay in 4, split over a few weeks, up to longer monthly instalments that can run over a year, depending on the provider. As an example, some Avis bookings support pay-later plans stretching up to 18 months.

How do the payment plans work?

Alternative Airlines offers car rental across the United States alongside our flight bookings. You can search, compare, and book a rental directly on the site: enter your pickup location, dates, and driver age in the search bar, then compare cars and prices from our rental partners. Once you've picked a car, you can pay in full or split the cost with a buy now, pay later plan.

What is Alternative Airlines car rental and how do I book?

You'll generally need to be 21 or older to rent a car in the US. New York and Michigan are the exception, allowing drivers from 18, though a young driver surcharge usually applies there. You'll also need a valid driver's licence and a valid credit card.

What are the age and licence requirements?

Mileage allowances vary by provider and rental type. If you're planning a long trip, look for a rental with unlimited mileage so you're not caught out by overage charges. We recommend checking this at the point of booking.

What are the mileage limits?

You can choose from economy, compact, mid-size, and standard cars, SUVs, minivans, pickup trucks, luxury cars, convertibles, sports cars, and electric vehicles. Whatever the trip, there's a vehicle class to match it.

What vehicle types are offered?

Right now, car hire is available across the United States only, including pickup at all major US airports.

Where are rentals available?

At Alternative Airlines, we offer a wide range of payment options to make booking your car rental as convenient as possible. While credit and debit cards are common methods, we also provide flexible payment plans that allow you to spread the cost over time. We recommend checking the available payment options during booking to find the one that best fits your situation. Please note that you will still require a credit card with available funds for a deposit at the rental desk.

Can I still book a car if I don't have a credit card or debit card?

How old do I have to be to hire a car?

The price you see when booking a car rental with Alternative Airlines is the base price you'll pay, whether you pay now or later. Additional fees may apply for extras like extra drivers or cleaning if the car is returned in poor condition. We recommend reviewing the rental terms carefully during booking to understand any potential extra charges.

What's the difference between the price I see now and what I'll actually pay at the counter?

You can't directly add a car rental to an existing flight booking, you can easily book a car rental separately through our website. We offer a wide range of rental options across the US with flexible payment plans to suit your needs. You also have the option to provide your flight number during booking, so the car rental company can track your journey.

Can I add a car rental to a flight booking I already made?

We partner with Affirm, Klarna, Afterpay, PayPal, Sezzle, and Zip. You'll see these as options at checkout alongside paying in full.

Which pay-later providers do you offer?

Most providers charge a fee for each additional driver, since every driver needs their own insurance cover, though some states waive this for a spouse or partner. Returning a rental excessively dirty, muddy, or smelling of smoke can also trigger a cleaning fee, so it's worth keeping things tidy.

Are there fees for extra drivers or a dirty return?

Yes, insurance is required, but you don't always need your own policy. Most rental providers include minimum third-party insurance in their quote, or you can add collision damage waivers at the rental desk. Worth checking your personal car insurance too, some policies already cover rentals.

Do I need insurance?

All requirements will be given to you during the booking process. Please ensure you only book if you have the relevant documentation.

What documentation do I need?

Some providers give a grace period of 30 to 60 minutes before late fees kick in. Past that, expect an additional charge, so plan your return time with enough time to spare.

What happens if I return my rental late?

We work with we work with both national and regional car rental companies across the US. When searching for your location and rental company available to you will be displayed.

Which rental brands are available?

Car rental bookings cannot be directly changed once made. Instead, you would need to cancel your current booking and make a new reservation with the preferred car type. If you need to do this you will need to locate your confirmation email or visit our help centre and follow the link to amend your booking to see cancellation options and get a quote for any refund amount. This way, you can choose the best car for your trip and budget

I need to change my car type, how to do it?

Across all our rental partners, you'll typically need to be 21 or older (18 in New York and Michigan, with a young driver surcharge), hold a valid driver's licence, have a valid credit card, and provide a working phone number and email address.

What are the general eligibility requirements across brands?

Alternative Airlines offers car rental services exclusively across the United States, including all major US airports. Unfortunately, we do not have car hire availability at at any other locations at this point in time. If you are planning travel within the US, we would be happy to assist you with car rental options there.

I need a car for 3 days starting tomorrow, is anything available outside of the USA?

Most car rental companies offer cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the pick up time, once you confirm your booking you will see the specific cancellation terms for your booking. There will be an Alternative Airlines cancellation fee which will be advised to you when you request the cancellation.

Can I cancel my booking outside of 24 hours?

No, you cannot change the lead driver. If you need to do this you will need to locate your confirmation email or visit our help centre and follow the link to amend your booking. Once there, choose the cancel rebook option, and then create a new booking with the correct details. Please note Alternative Airlines cancellation charges will apply.

Can I change the lead driver?

After you drop off your rental car, providers can still charge for additional fees such as extra drivers, cleaning if the car is excessively dirty, or any damages found after inspection. The exact timing for these charges varies by provider and is usually outlined in your rental agreement. We recommend reviewing your rental terms or contacting the rental company directly for precise details.

How long after drop-off can they still charge me?

Yes you can, as long as the pick up is outside of 24 hours. There will be an Alternative Airlines cancellation fee which will be advised to you when you request the cancellation.

What can we help you with?