Pay later on reunion flights
Flexible ways to fly home and reconnect without the upfront cost
Reuniting families without the financial burden
Flying across the ditch to attend a wedding or heading home after a long year of backpacking in Asia?
Flights to and from Australia and New Zealand aren’t always cheap - especially when reunions or long-awaited holidays are overdue.
Upfront flight costs can quickly add up, making it harder to celebrate milestones, attend birthdays, or enjoy time together.
At Alternative Airlines, we make it easier to stay connected 💜
With our pay later options, you can book flights now and spread the cost over weekly or monthly instalments.
That means you can focus on what truly matters without worrying about covering the full ticket price upfront.
How do pay later flights work?
Booking a flight with one of our trusted pay later partners is simple and stress-free. You reserve your seat today and pay the rest over time, splitting the total into smaller, manageable instalments instead of covering the full cost upfront.
At checkout, just pick your preferred pay later option, set up an account if needed, and confirm your booking.
Buy Now, Pay Later options available to residents of Australia and New Zealand ✨
Secure your flight home with a deposit
Not ready to pay the full fare upfront? Slice Pay lets you lock in your seat with a small deposit and pay the rest over time.
Slice Pay works more like a lay-by/layaway: you pay a small deposit to secure your seat, then pay every week until your departure. It's different to a BNPL because you settle the full balance at least 7 days before you fly.
It’s perfect for travellers who may not qualify for traditional BNPL plans, and also ideal for families or large groups who want to spread the cost and have it fully settled before flying.
Residents of Australia and New Zealand can reserve flights today with a deposit starting from 10%, and pay the rest in manageable instalments.
Benefits of pay later flights for family travel
Family reunions often come with tight timelines or peak travel periods when prices soar. For Australians and Kiwis, this can put extra pressure on budgets.
Pay later flights make it easier by:
- Avoiding large upfront costs - Grab a seat on your flight now and spread the payments over time.
- Making last-minute travel possible - Don’t miss weddings, birthdays, or urgent family events.
- Keeping trips affordable - Even when fares are higher during school holidays or Christmas.
With pay later options, booking a flight to see family isn’t just easier - it’s smarter. You get to focus on what really matters: spending time with family and whānau.
Top airlines for flights home
At Alternative Airlines, we ticket over 600 airlines worldwide, so you can always find the perfect way home. Here are some of the favourites Aussies and Kiwis choose when booking with pay later:
Qantas
Australia’s flagship airline connects major domestic routes, as well as long-haul flights to London, Los Angeles, and Singapore. Perfect for family reunions close to home or across the globe.
Air New Zealand
A favourite for trans-Tasman travel, with plenty of direct flights between Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and major Australian cities. Also offers long-haul services to the US and Asia, keeping Kiwi families connected worldwide.
Virgin Australia
Known for competitive pricing on domestic flights and popular routes across the ditch, Virgin makes quick family visits more affordable.
Jetstar
Budget-friendly and ideal for short-haul trips across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific. A great option for students or anyone planning a quick reunion without breaking the bank.
Singapore Airlines
A major international carrier that links Australia and New Zealand with Asia and Europe. Often chosen for long-haul family visits, especially to London, India, or Southeast Asia.
Emirates
Popular with families travelling to Europe, the Middle East, or Africa. With connections from Sydney, Melbourne, and Auckland through Dubai, it’s a go-to for longer-distance reunions.
With so many options, you can pick the airline that suits your trip best. And with pay later, you can book the seat now, and spread the cost over time.
Popular destinations for family reunions
Australians and New Zealanders travel far and wide to reconnect with family and friends. With pay later, you can secure these flights now and spread the cost, making reunions easier to plan.
Across the ditch
The short flights between Australia and New Zealand are some of the most popular for reunions. Families regularly travel between:
- Sydney to Auckland - one of the busiest trans-Tasman routes.
- Melbourne to Wellington - perfect for quick family visits.
- Brisbane to Christchurch - popular during school holidays and Christmas.
Domestic catch-ups
Reunions don’t always mean heading overseas. Many families spread out across different states or islands:
- Sydney to Melbourne - one of the busiest routes in the world, often for weekend family catch-ups.
- Auckland to Wellington - essential for whānau living across the North Island.
- Brisbane to Cairns - popular for family get-togethers in Queensland.
Long-haul reunions
For Aussies and Kiwis with family abroad, international flights can be costly. Pay later helps by breaking down big-ticket fares:
- Sydney to London - connecting families across generations in the UK.
- Auckland to Los Angeles - a key route for reunions with relatives in the US.
- Melbourne to Singapore - a major stopover hub for onward family travel to Europe and Asia.
Community & heritage travel
Many Australians and New Zealanders use pay later flights to reconnect with cultural roots and extended family:
Fly home or reunite with loved ones
How pay later makes family reunions possible
🎂 Last-minute birthday surprise
Emma books a flight to Auckland for her sister’s 30th using Afterpay, spreading the cost over weekly instalments so she can celebrate without stress.
👪 Family holiday over school break
The Lee family locks in five Singapore tickets with Slice Pay, paying gradually while keeping the trip affordable.
🚨 Emergency overseas visit
James secures a flight to Los Angeles with Zip pay later, travelling immediately without worrying about the full upfront cost.
💐 Long-awaited whānau reunion
Mia books her seat to Apia using Klarna, turning years of waiting into a real reunion, paid off in manageable instalments.
Add extras to make your trip home smoother
Flying home isn’t just about the ticket: the little extras can make the journey more comfortable and stress-free. With Alternative Airlines, you can add them at checkout and include the cost in your pay later plan, so everything is sorted upfront.
Add-ons available with pay later
Ready to book your flight home?
Pay later has changed how Australians and New Zealanders reconnect with family. No more waiting for payday or putting big flight costs on a credit card.
At Alternative Airlines, we make it simple. Search and book flights from over 600 airlines, choose from 40+ ways to pay - including Afterpay, Zip, and Klarna - and pick the option that works best for you.
Life moves fast, but family moments shouldn’t have to wait. With our flexible pay later options, you can lock in your flights today and spread the cost over time.
And if you ever need a hand, our friendly customer service team is here to support you - from booking through to boarding.
Start your search today and see how easy it is to make that long-awaited reunion a reality, one payment at a time.
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Frequently asked questions
How does pay later for flights work?
When you book a flight with Alternative Airlines, you can choose a pay over time option at checkout. This lets you secure your ticket today and spread the cost into weekly, fortnightly, or monthly instalments, depending on the provider.
Which pay later options are available in Australia and New Zealand?
We work with trusted providers including Afterpay, Zip, Klarna, and Slice Pay. Availability depends on your country of residence, but you’ll see all eligible options when you check out.
Who can use Slice Pay?
Slice Pay is ideal for travellers who may not qualify for standard BNPL options, and for families or large groups who want to lock in flights and have them fully paid before travelling.
You must be 18 or older, be a resident of Australia or New Zealand, have a valid debit or credit card, and be able to pay the deposit upfront.
Can I use pay later for both domestic and international flights?
Yes. Both BNPL and Slice Pay can be used for flights within Australia, across the ditch to New Zealand, and long-haul international trips - perfect for reunions near and far.
Do I pay interest with BNPL or Slice Pay?
Most BNPL providers offer interest-free instalments if you pay on time.
Slice Pay has no hidden fees and no interest - the only fee you'll pay is a small Hold Price Fee to secure today's fare.
Some BNPL providers offer longer-term financing options, which may include interest - you’ll see the details before confirming.
Can I add extras like baggage or seat selection and still pay later?
Yes. Extras such as seat selection, additional baggage, insurance, or airport lounge access can be included in your instalment plan.
What happens if my travel plans change?
Your flight will follow the airline’s change and cancellation policies, while your instalments remain with your chosen pay later provider. Our friendly customer service team can guide you through the process if you need help.
Can I use pay later for last-minute trips?
Absolutely. Pay later options let you book flights quickly without worrying about the full upfront cost, making last-minute trips to weddings, birthdays, or emergencies possible.
Is using pay later safe?
Yes. We only work with trusted, regulated providers, and all payments are handled securely. You’ll always know exactly what you owe and when.