Layaway vs. Buy Now Pay Later vs. credit cards
We offer a lot of ways to book flights without paying everything upfront - but they’re not all the same. Here’s how Slice Pay’s layaway option stacks up against other popular payment types:
Layaway Flights for International Travel
Secure your flight with a small deposit and pay the rest over time with Slice Pay
Where from?
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Passengers & Class
Book today, pay over time before you fly
Dreaming of your next vacation abroad but not ready to pay for it all upfront? Layaway flights are your answer.
From savvy travellers who book early for the best fares to large families keeping an eye on the trip budget - we’re here to make booking flights simple.
At Alternative Airlines, you can secure your fare today and pay over time for international flights on over 600 airlines with our layaway partner Slice Pay.
It’s perfect if you want to stay in control of your spending, avoid interest, and travel knowing everything’s already paid for ✈️
What are layaway flights?
Layaway flights let you reserve your trip now and pay it off over time before your departure date. It’s different from Buy Now, Pay Later flights, which let you travel first and pay off the cost afterwards.
With layaway flights, you'll make a small deposit to hold your seat, then pay the remaining balance in instalments. This locks in your fare at today's price, so the earlier you book, the better!
Who layaway flights are great for
Layaway flights work for anyone who likes to plan ahead and stay in control of their budget:
- Families saving for a big vacation abroad 👨👩👧
- Couples planning honeymoons or destination weddings 💍
- Travellers who want to keep extra cash for hotels, tours, or spending money ✈️
Book now, pay later with Slice Pay
Slice Pay is our go-to layaway partner for travellers who like to plan ahead without breaking the bank.
Instead of paying the full fare upfront, you can book your flight with a small deposit and spread the rest over simple, stress-free instalments.
With Slice Pay, you pay a little bit each week until your ticket is fully paid, at least seven days before takeoff. That means you can relax, focus on packing, and look forward to your trip instead of worrying about payments after the vacation.
With secure data handling, clear updates, and reminders so you always know what’s next, Slice Pay helps keep international flights transparent and stress-free. No credit checks, no interest, no surprises - just an easy way to budget for your next big adventure.
To qualify for Slice Pay, you must:
Be 18 or over
Be a resident of the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, or the UK
Have a valid debit or credit card
Be able to pay the deposit upfront
How Slice Pay works
- Search for flights on Alternative Airlines and find your dream destination.
- Select Slice Pay at checkout - it’s that easy!
- Pay a small deposit and Hold Price Fee to lock in your fare and secure your seat.
- Spread the remaining cost over manageable weekly instalments.
- Finish payments and get ready to go!
📝 Things to note
- You’ll need to book at least 21 days before your flight.
- All payments must be completed 7 days before departure, or your booking could be cancelled.
- There are no fees for late or missed payments, but if you’re having trouble keeping up, it’s best to contact Slice Pay as soon as possible to avoid cancellation.
- Keep in mind that fare rules and airline conditions affect if and how you can change or cancel your flight.
Why use Slice Pay for your next international vacation?
International trips often need more planning and a bigger budget. A roundtrip from New York to Japan costs around $800 to $1,400 USD, but flying during Japan’s winter can rise to $2,000 USD or more.
With Slice Pay, you can book in advance to secure the best early fares by paying from just 10% of the flight cost and a small Hold Price Fee.
Suddenly, that $2,000 ticket becomes a manageable $400 upfront, giving you plenty of time to pay the rest off before you fly.
Benefits of paying with Slice Pay
- Lock in today’s prices ✈️ Grab that great deal before fares rise.
- Spread out payments 💸 Pay in smaller chunks that fit your budget.
- Fly stress-free 🧳 Your ticket’s fully paid before you travel.
- No credit checks or hidden fees 🔍 What you see is what you pay.
- Plan ahead with confidence 🕒 Perfect for early-bird planners and big trips.
| Payment Plan | When you pay | Interest or fees | Credit check? | Risk | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Layaway (Slice Pay) | Deposit + weekly instalments, all **before travel** | No interest, no hidden fees | ❌ No | No debt — fully paid before you fly | Budget-conscious travellers, early planners, families |
| Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) | Fly immediately, pay after travel | May have late fees or interest if payments missed | ✅ Sometimes | Possible debt if payments are missed | Last-minute travellers, short-term instalments |
| Credit Card / Financing | Pay later, often in monthly cycles | Interest and potential late fees | ✅ Yes | Can lead to long-term debt if balance isn’t cleared | Frequent flyers, those comfortable managing credit |
See how Slice Pay made trips happen
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Verified by Trustpilot
Planning a trip to see a new grandchild can be exciting, and a bit stressful. Thanks to Slice Pay, Teresa could travel without financial stress and focus on what really matters: family!
💬 “Slice made it possible to plan a long-awaited trip to see my grandson.”
See how Slice Pay made trips happen
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Verified by Trustpilot
💬 “The website was super straightforward - I compared flights, picked my seat, and booked in minutes.”
Using Slice Pay made covering a long-haul trip simple and stress-free. Now, Krisztian says Alternative Airlines is their go-to for booking future trips.
See how Slice Pay made trips happen
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Verified by Trustpilot
For Alexandre, booking for a large family can get expensive fast. Slice Pay made it possible to buy tickets on a manageable payment plan, something they hadn’t been able to find elsewhere.
Now, they can travel without the stress of one large upfront payment and recommend Slice Pay to other families looking to do the same.
Pay later with Slice Pay on popular international routes
With Alternative Airlines and Slice Pay, you can book layaway flights from the United States to hundreds of destinations around the globe, all while spreading the cost over manageable payments. Here are just a few popular long-haul routes our customers love:
Los Angeles to Tokyo
Explore Tokyo's artistic neighbourhoods, world-class food, and iconic landmarks like Shibuya Crossing.
- Flight Time: ~12 hours nonstop
- Average Round-Trip Price: $950 to $1,400
Miami to London
Wander along the Thames, visit world-famous museums, or catch a West End show.
- Flight Time: ~9 hours nonstop
- Average Round-Trip Price: $700 to $1,200
Chicago to Paris
Indulge in food, explore art and history, or simply enjoy a romantic city escape in Paris.
- Flight Time: ~8 hours nonstop
- Average Round-Trip Price: $800 to $1,300
Dallas to Sydney
Head to Sydney to check out the famous Harbour Bridge, sunny Bondi Beach, and explore native wildlife at Taronga Zoo.
- Flight Time: ~20-22 hours with one stopover
- Average Round-Trip Price: $1,200 to $1,800
Boston to Rome
Visit Rome and explore ancient sites, enjoy its relaxed pace, and savour regional dishes that make each area feel distinct.
- Flight Time: ~8 hours nonstop
- Average Round-Trip Price: $750 to $1,200
Ready to book your layaway flights for international travel?
Lock in great fares now and pay over time on international flights with over 600 airlines. Just choose Slice Pay at checkout when you book with Alternative Airlines.
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Frequently asked questions
What are layaway flights?
Layaway flights let you book your trip in advance and pay for it in instalments before you travel. With our layaway partner Slice Pay, you’ll secure your ticket with a small deposit, then pay the rest in weekly payments. Once everything’s paid off (at least seven days before departure) you’ll fly debt-free.
How does Slice Pay work for flights?
Slice Pay is our trusted layaway partner at Alternative Airlines. It lets you lock in your flight at today’s price by paying a small deposit, then spread the rest of the cost over time.
No credit checks, no interest, and no surprises, just a simple way to plan ahead for your next international vacation.
What’s the difference between layaway flights and Buy Now Pay Later?
With Buy Now Pay Later, you can fly before finishing your payments and continue paying after your trip.
With layaway, you’ll finish paying before you fly, meaning you travel without any debt or future payments hanging over you.
Read our guide on the difference between Slice Pay (layby) and Buy Now, Pay Later flights to find out more.
Who can use Slice Pay for flights?
To use Slice Pay, you’ll need to:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Live in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, the UK or Canada
- Have a valid form of ID
- Pay a small deposit at checkout
- Complete all payments at least seven days before your flight
What happens if I miss a payment?
Slice Pay doesn’t charge late fees, but missed payments can put your booking at risk. If you’re having trouble making payments, contact Slice Pay right away to avoid your flight being cancelled.
Can I cancel or change my flight after booking with Slice Pay?
Yes, but changes or cancellations depend on your airline’s fare rules. Some fares may be non-refundable or have change fees. It’s best to review the fare conditions before booking or reach out to our support team for help.
Can I choose seats or add baggage with a layaway flight?
Yes! You can select seats, add bags, or make other customisations when you book with Slice Pay. Any additional costs will simply be added into your layaway payments.
Why should I use Slice Pay for international travel?
Slice Pay makes budgeting for long-haul trips simple. You can:
- Lock in the best fares early
- Pay in smaller, stress-free instalments
- Avoid interest or credit checks
- Travel fully paid and worry-free
What kinds of trips are best for layaway flights?
Layaway flights work best for big international trips like family vacations, destination weddings, study abroad, or reunions abroad. If you’re planning ahead and want to avoid one large upfront payment, Slice Pay is a great choice.
Is layaway the same as layby?
Yes, “layby” is just another term for paying a deposit upfront to reserve your flight and paying the remaining balance in instalments.