Most major U.S. airlines now offer payment plans, but the terms depend on which airline and which payment partner they use

You can split the cost of a flight across multiple months with American, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, and JetBlue, among others. The mechanics vary: some airlines partner with Affirm or Klarna, which handle the payments and let you choose your plan length at checkout. Others use their own credit card or a branded financing option. A few offer payment plans only to frequent flyer members or through specific booking channels.

The key difference from a general retailer payment plan is that airlines typically charge interest if you don't pay in full within a promotional period—usually 3 to 6 months. If you do pay on time, there's no interest. Some plans charge interest from day one. You need to know which applies before you book, because the total cost of your flight can shift significantly.

Key Takeaways

  • American, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, and JetBlue all offer payment plans at checkout, but the payment partner and terms vary by airline.
  • Most plans charge no interest if you pay in full within 3 to 6 months; interest applies if you miss the important date or choose a longer plan.
  • Affirm and Klarna are the most common payment partners, and you can usually see your plan options and interest rate before you complete your booking.
  • Some airlines restrict payment plans to their credit cardholders or frequent flyer members, so check whether the option appears for your booking.
  • Payment plans cover the ticket price but typically not taxes, fees, or add-ons like seat selection or baggage—read the terms at checkout.

How airlines partner with payment companies

Most airlines don't manage payment plans themselves. Instead, they integrate a third-party lender—usually Affirm, Klarna, or Paypal Credit—into their checkout flow. When you select "pay over time" at the airline's website or app, you're actually explore for a short-term loan from that lender, not from the airline.

The lender approves or declines you in seconds based on your credit and income. If approved, you see the plan options available to you: typically 3, 6, or 12 months. The lender then pays the airline in full when ready, and you repay the lender according to your chosen schedule. The airline never waits for payment—they get their money right away.

This is why the interest rate and terms can differ between passengers on the same flight. Your rate depends on your credit profile and the plan length you choose, not on the airline's pricing. Two people sitting next to each other may have paid different total amounts because one may have access to for a 0% plan and the other didn't.

Which airlines offer plans and through which partners

American Airlines uses Affirm. You see payment options at checkout on aa.com and the mobile app. Plans typically run 3, 6, or 12 months. American also offers its own branded credit card financing through Citi, which may have different terms.

Delta partners with Affirm and also offers its own American Express card financing. The Affirm option appears at checkout; the Amex option requires you to hold or explore for the Delta card.

United Airlines uses Affirm for general passengers and offers Chase credit card financing for cardholders. The Affirm option is visible during checkout on united.com.

Southwest Airlines integrates Affirm into its booking flow. You'll see payment plan options at checkout on southwest.com and the app.

Alaska Airlines offers Affirm at checkout and also has its own Visa card through Bank of America with financing options.

JetBlue uses Affirm and also offers its own credit card through Barclays with promotional financing periods.

Smaller carriers like Spirit and Frontier may offer plans through Affirm or Klarna, but availability varies. Check at checkout—if the option doesn't appear, the airline may not currently offer payment plans for your route or booking type.

What gets included and what doesn't

Payment plans cover the base ticket price. What they don't cover varies by airline, so read the terms before you confirm. Most plans exclude taxes and government fees, which you'll pay upfront or in full at checkout. Some exclude airline fees like seat selection, baggage, or seat upgrades.

If you're booking a round-trip or multi-leg flight, the entire ticket price is usually may be able to access for the plan. If you're adding a hotel or rental car through the airline's booking portal, those typically aren't included—only the flight itself.

The promotional period (the window during which you pay no interest) applies only to the financed amount. If you're charged taxes upfront, those don't count toward the plan. Read the disclosure at checkout; it will specify exactly what's financed and what isn't.

Interest rates and what happens if you miss a payment

If you choose a 3 or 6-month plan and pay on time, you pay zero interest. If you choose a longer plan—12 months or more—interest usually applies from day one. The rate depends on your credit and the lender; Affirm rates typically range from 0% to 30%, but your actual rate is shown before you confirm the plan.

If you miss a payment, the lender (not the airline) will contact you. Missing a payment doesn't affect your flight—you've already paid the airline. But it does affect your credit score and may trigger late fees from the lender. If you fall significantly behind, the lender can pursue collection action.

Some payment plans allow you to make early payments without penalty. Check the terms when you sign up; most lenders let you pay off the balance early, which stops interest from accruing on future months.

When payment plans don't appear at checkout

You may not see a payment plan option for several reasons. The lender may have declined you based on your credit or income. Some airlines restrict plans to passengers booking within the U.S. or to those with a certain frequent flyer status. Certain ticket types—like basic economy on some carriers, or tickets booked through a travel agent—may not be may be able to access.

If you don't see the option, you can try booking again or contact the airline's customer service to ask whether you're may be able to access. Some airlines allow you to call and request a payment plan even if it doesn't appear online, though this is less common.

If you're declined by one lender, you might still may have access to for the airline's own credit card financing, which uses a different approval process. That's worth exploring if the Affirm or Klarna option isn't available.

Comparing airline payment plans to credit cards and other options

A payment plan from Affirm or Klarna is different from putting a flight on a rewards credit card. With a credit card, you're borrowing from the card issuer and paying interest if you carry a balance. With an airline payment plan, you're borrowing from a specific lender for a specific purchase, and you know the exact payoff date and interest cost upfront.

If you have a 0% promotional period on a credit card, that might be cheaper than a payment plan if the card's rate is lower. But most people don't have an active 0% offer, so a 0% payment plan can be the better choice. The trade-off is that payment plans are tied to a single purchase, while a credit card can be used for anything.

Airline credit cards (like the American Express Delta card or the Chase United card) often offer their own financing promotions—sometimes 0% for 12 months or longer. If you fly frequently, holding one of these cards might give you better terms than Affirm, plus you'd earn miles on the purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use a payment plan, or can I still pay in full?

You can always pay in full. The payment plan option appears at checkout, but it's optional. Choosing to pay over time doesn't affect your booking or your flight.

Will a payment plan hurt my credit score?

explore for a payment plan triggers a hard credit inquiry, which can lower your score slightly. If you make all payments on time, the impact is usually small and temporary. Missing payments will hurt your score more significantly.

Can I change my payment plan after I book?

Once you've confirmed the plan, you typically can't change the length or terms. You can usually pay off the balance early without penalty, but you can't extend the timeline. Contact the lender if you need to discuss your specific plan.

What if the airline cancels my flight after I've started paying?

If the airline cancels, you'll get a refund or rebooking. You'll still owe the lender for the payment plan unless the airline refunds you in full. Contact the lender to discuss your options—some will pause or cancel the plan if the underlying purchase is refunded.

Are payment plans available for international flights?

Most airlines offer payment plans on international flights, but some restrict them to U.S. bookings or U.S. residents. Check at checkout; if the option doesn't appear, the airline may not offer it for your route.