Guide to Buying Flights with Deposits
A complete guide to booking flights with a deposit and paying over time
Buy flights with a deposit
Booking a flight doesn’t have to mean paying the full amount upfront. Paying with a deposit gives you the freedom to secure your seat now, then spread the cost over time.
It’s ideal if you’re:
- Planning ahead for a big trip
- Booking flights for someone else
- Wanting to lock in today’s prices before they go up
Deposit travel is all about making flights more affordable, without the pressure. You pay a small amount now, then pay off the rest before you fly.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- How deposit payments on flights work
- Who they’re for
- Why they’re a great alternative to paying in full
If you’ve ever delayed booking because of cost, this is the guide for you ✨
How to buy flights with a deposit
Booking flights with a deposit is quick and easy when you fly with Alternative Airlines. Here's how to do it:
- Search for your flight 🔎
Use our search tool to compare over 600 global airlines. Pick the one that fits your plans and budget. - Add any extras 🧳
Need bags, seats or insurance? Add them before you check out. Everything is upfront and in your control. - Choose a deposit payment method ✅
At checkout, select one of our deposit options, such as Slice Pay. You'll see exactly what you’ll pay today, and how the rest is split. - Pay a small deposit to lock it in 🔒
From just 10% upfront, your flight is booked instantly. Your payment plan starts right away, with regular reminders to keep things on track.
Once your plan’s fully paid (at least 7 days before you fly), you’re good to go. It’s a flexible, no-fuss way to secure your seat without paying everything at once.
Introducing Slice Pay
Slice Pay is a flexible way to book flights with just a small deposit upfront. It’s only available when you book through Alternative Airlines.
Pay from as little as 10% at checkout and spread the rest in weekly instalments. There are no credit checks, no interest and no late fees - just a smarter way to fly.
With Slice Pay, you can:
- Lock in flight prices early, even if you’re not flying for months
- Pay off your trip bit by bit with weekly payments
- Book instantly and get your e-ticket straight away
- Travel stress-free, knowing your flight is paid off before you go
Once your deposit is paid, your flight is confirmed instantly. Slice Pay will handle the rest, charging your card weekly until the balance is clear. It’s built for flexibility, so if plans change, you can request an extension too.
💡Want to know how Slice Pay compares to other payment options? Here's a helpful guide 👉 Slice Pay vs BNPL, Layby and more
Where is Slice Pay available?
Slice Pay is available in a select number of countries. No matter where you’re flying, you can split the cost with a deposit if you live in one of the following places:
- United States (USD)
- United Kingdom (GBP)
- Australia (AUD)
- New Zealand (NZD)
- Canada (CAD)
To use Slice Pay, you’ll need to meet just a few simple requirements:
- Be 18 or older
- Live in one of the countries listed above
- Have a valid debit or credit card
- Be able to pay the deposit upfront
No matter which airline you choose, Slice Pay is only available when you book through Alternative Airlines. Your payments are automatically collected in your local currency. You'll also receive handy reminders before each instalment is due.
💡For more on how this works with no impact to your credit, check out flights without credit checks.
Who should use Slice Pay?
Slice Pay is for anyone who wants more control over how they pay for flights. Whether you’re booking early or leaving it late, paying with a deposit just makes sense.
It’s ideal if you:
- Don’t want to pay the full cost upfront
- Need time to save before take-off
- Want to lock in today’s flight price
- Prefer clear, fixed payments with no surprises
- Want to fly debt-free
Perfect for:
- Families planning ahead and spreading the cost
- Solo travellers booking last-minute deals
- Anyone booking on behalf of someone else
- Budget-conscious travellers trying to avoid interest or debt
You’ll know exactly what’s due and when, with weekly payments that won’t change. If plans shift, Slice Pay can help you adjust your schedule.
Why use a deposit option?
Booking with a deposit gives you more control over your travel plans, without the pressure of paying the full fare upfront.
It’s a smart way to secure today’s flight prices, even if you’re not flying for months. You’ll avoid surprise fare hikes and make it easier to budget at your own pace.
Here’s why a deposit option like Slice Pay makes sense:
- Pay from just 10% upfront
- Spread the remaining cost in weekly payments
- No credit checks or interest
- No fees for late or missed payments
- Instant booking confirmation and e-ticket
It’s ideal if you're planning ahead, booking last-minute, or just want a more flexible way to pay. You’ll know exactly what you owe and when, with reminders before each instalment. And as long as your plan’s paid off 7 days before you fly, you’re ready to go.
💡Still wondering why you should use a deposit option? Here’s 10 reasons to buy flights with Slice Pay.
How it works in real life
Let’s say you’re booking a family holiday to Florida for four people - two adults and two kids - to visit Disneyland. The total flight cost? £1,600.
Instead of paying that all in one go, you choose Slice Pay at checkout. Here’s how it could look:
- Deposit today: £160 (10%)
- Weekly payments: £115 over 12 weeks
- Total paid before take-off: £1,600
- Fees, interest or credit checks: None
Your flights are confirmed as soon as you pay the deposit. You’ll get your e-tickets right away, and weekly payments are taken automatically - no need to chase or worry.
You’ll also get reminders before each instalment, and if something changes, you can request a little breathing room.
It’s travel that works around your budget - not the other way around.
Find out more about deposit travel
🤔 If you're still comparing your options or want to learn more, take a look at our other guides on deposit travel:
- Reserve now, pay later
- Layaway flights
- Book now, pay later with no credit check
- Deposit travel vs paying upfront
Or head to our blog to dive into why buying flights with deposits just makes sense and whether pay-later travel is legit.
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FAQs
Can I book a flight without paying the full amount upfront?
Yes, you can book a flight without paying the full amount upfront.
With Slice Pay, you only need to pay a small deposit, starting from just 10%, at the time of booking.
Here’s what you get:
- Instant booking confirmation
- Weekly payments with no interest
- No credit checks or hidden fees
Your flight is locked in straight away, and you can pay the rest over time. It’s travel your way, with less pressure on your wallet.
How much do I need to pay upfront?
With Slice Pay, you can book your flight by paying from just 10% upfront. The exact deposit depends on the cost of your booking and will be shown at checkout.
Here’s what to expect:
- Most flights start from a 10–20% deposit
- The rest is split into weekly payments
- No interest, no hidden fees
You’ll see a full breakdown of your payment plan before you confirm your booking.
Are there any credit checks?
No, there are zero credit checks when you choose Slice Pay at checkout.
That means no applications, no approvals, and no impact on your credit score.
Here’s what you need instead:
- A valid debit or credit card
- To be 18 or over
- To live in the US, UK, Canada, Australia or New Zealand
- To pay the deposit upfront
It’s built for flexibility, not finance checks. You book, pay a small deposit, and the rest is handled with automatic weekly payments.
Is there any interest or extra fees?
Slice Pay doesn’t charge any interest or hidden fees. The price you see at checkout is the total amount you’ll pay - nothing more.
Here’s what to expect:
- 0% interest
- No late fees
- No account setup fees
Your weekly payments are fixed and automatically taken from your card. You’ll also get reminders before each one’s due. As long as your plan’s paid off 7 days before your flight, you’re good to go.
When do I have to pay off the full balance?
You’ll need to pay off the full balance at least 7 days before your flight. Slice Pay will automatically collect your weekly payments, so there’s nothing you need to chase.
Here’s what to know:
- Your instalment plan starts after you pay your deposit
- Payments are taken weekly from your debit or credit card
- You’ll get reminders before each payment
If something changes and you need more time, you can request an extension through Slice Pay. Just make sure your plan is settled a week before take-off.
What happens if I miss a payment?
If you miss a payment with Slice Pay, there’s no fee - you won’t be charged extra.
Your flight won’t be cancelled right away, but your plan needs to be fully paid at least 7 days before you fly.
Here’s what you can do:
- Contact us as soon as possible
- Request a payment extension if needed
- Check your email for reminders and plan updates
Staying on top of your payments keeps your booking safe and travel stress-free.
Can I use Slice Pay in my country?
You can use Slice Pay if you live in:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- Canada
- New Zealand
You must be at least 18 years old and have a valid debit or credit card.
Slice Pay is only available when booking flights through Alternative Airlines. If you're based in one of the countries above, you're good to go.
Will I get my ticket right away?
Yes, you will. Once you’ve paid your deposit at checkout, your flight is booked instantly. We’ll send your e-ticket straight to your inbox.
You’ll also get:
- A full breakdown of your payment plan
- Weekly reminders before each instalment
- Updates on your booking status
Everything is confirmed and ready to go once your deposit is paid. Whether you're booking for yourself or someone else, you’ll have your travel plan in hand right away.
Can I add extras like baggage or seats?
Yes, you can. When booking your flight with a deposit through Alternative Airlines, you’ll be able to add extras before you pay.
This includes:
- Checked baggage
- Seat selection
- In-flight meals (if available)
- Extra legroom or preferred seating
All extras are added to your total upfront cost and included in your payment plan.
You’ll see a full breakdown at checkout, so you’ll know exactly what you’re paying for and when.
Just choose what you need, pick Slice Pay and you’re good to go.
What’s the difference between Slice Pay and other pay-later options?
Slice Pay is built specifically for flights and deposit travel. Unlike many other pay-later services, there are:
- No credit checks
- No interest
- No late fees
You’ll pay from just 10% upfront and cover the rest in weekly instalments. Slice Pay doesn’t require any applications or approvals - just pick your flight and pay your deposit.
It’s available in the US, UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand, only through Alternative Airlines.