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Vacation payment plans - book now, pay later.

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Vacation payment plans 

Jet off on your dream 2024 getaway with vacation payment plans by Expedia Affirm. From relaxing beach escapes to European city breaks, your next adventure is more affordable than you think thanks to Expedia’s book now, pay later vacations. Instead of paying the entire trip cost up front, pay-later travel deal lets you make monthly payments towards your adventure whether it’s in 2024 or 2025. Expedia Affirm gives you the option to spread the cost over 3, 6, or 12 months, with no hidden fees. This means you can bag the best travel deals with monthly vacation payment plans. 

Wondering where to take your kids for a summer break in the sun? Choose from a vast array of family vacation packages with payment plans. Your kids could soon be swimming with dolphins in Cancun or riding rollercoasters in Florida’s theme parks. If it’s a romantic retreat you’re seeking, whisk your partner away to an adults-only resort by the beach. You’ll encounter a plethora of all-inclusive vacations with payment plans to hot destinations, including the Caribbean and the Maldives. Play around with the easy-to-use search wizard to view a wide range of book now, pay later vacations. Simply select “Monthly payments” at checkout to book your pay-later travel deal. 

Worried your 2024 plans may change? No problem. Expedia Affirm lets you cancel or modify your booking at no extra cost. You’ll encounter epic vacation payment plans with flexible booking conditions for a vast array of accommodation, car rental, and travel packages. Read on for ideas and inspiration, with everything from romantic weekend getaways to all-inclusive vacations with payment plans. 

Book now, pay later vacations

1. choose your dream expedia vacation.

Take your pick from hundreds of book now, pay later vacation packages. Need inspiration for 2024? Scroll down and you’ll encounter plenty of ideas for relaxing vacations with payment plans, including short getaways and international adventures. If you’ve got somewhere in mind, tap your dates and destination into the search wizard to compare the best pay-later travel deals.

2. Select the plan that works for you

Ready to snatch up one of Expedia’s book now, pay later vacations? Then click “Monthly payments” at checkout, “Continue to Affirm”, and enter a few pieces of information. It’ll give you an instant, real-time decision and display the vacation payment plans available. Pick the one that suits you best and you’re all set – your dream escape is booked.

3. Make simple and easy payments

Once you’ve reserved one of Expedia’s book now, pay later vacation packages, create your account to set up monthly payments. You can do so through the Affirm website or by downloading the app. Whichever option you choose, you can set up automatic payments in a few quick and easy steps.

Why book now, pay later with Expedia?

Whether it’s catching a tan in the Caribbean or soaking up the culture in Europe, you can now jet off on the adventure you’ve been dreaming of for years. With a vast array of destinations and vacation types available, Expedia Affirm makes travel more affordable than ever. Here are just some of the benefits of booking Expedia’s buy now, pay later vacations. 

waiting until pay day to score the best discounts.

Frequently asked questions about payment plans to book now, pay later on Expedia

Can i pay monthly for my vacation with expedia.

Yes, you can pay monthly for your vacation with Expedia Affirm vacation payment plans. Simply choose your dream travel package and select “Monthly payments” at checkout. You’ll have the option to spread the cost over 3, 6, or 12 months, giving you financial flexibility when planning your dream getaway. These pay-later travel deals include all-inclusive escapes, family breaks, weekend getaways, and more. Thanks to Expedia’s vacation payment plans, you can now jet off on the adventure you’ve been dreaming of for years.

How to use Affirm on Expedia and where can I find this payment option?

To take advantage of Affirm’s vacation payment plans, choose your travel package and select “Monthly payments” at checkout. Click “Continue to Affirm”, enter your details, and you’ll get an instant, real-time decision. It’ll then display the final cost for spreading the cost over 3, 6, or 12 months. Choose the plan that’s right for you and you’re all set. You can then log in to Affirm or download the app to set up automatic payments.

How do I use Afterpay on Expedia?

Affirm is Expedia’s trusted partner for pay-later travel. Book with Expedia Affirm to spread the cost over 3, 6, or 12 monthly payments with simple interest and no hidden fees. You can even set up automatic payments on Affirm’s website or through the app. Expedia’s vacation payment plans are available on a vast array of packages, accommodation, and car rentals.

Is there a credit check when paying with a payment plan?

Yes, there is a credit check to see if you qualify for Expedia Affirm’s vacation payment plans. The good news is this pre-check will have no impact on your credit score. It’s quick and easy to perform, and you’ll get a real-time decision instantly. All you need to do is enter a few brief details to do the check.

Can I book all-inclusive vacations with payment plans?

With Expedia Affirm, you can book a vast array of all-inclusive vacations with payment plans. Choose to split the total cost of your escape into 3, 6, or 12 monthly installments. If you’re open to ideas and need inspiration, check out Expedia’s all-inclusive vacation packages to view some of the most popular deals. If you know where you’d like to jet off to, tap your dates and destination into the search wizard. Select the “All-inclusive” filter under “Meal plans available” to view hundreds of the best vacations with payment installments. Whether you’re craving white-sand beaches in the Bahamas or the tropical shores of Hawaii, your next getaway is more affordable than you think. 

Can I book family vacation packages with payment plans?

You can book a wide range of family vacation packages with payment plans thanks to Expedia Affirm. Once you’ve found your perfect 2024 escape, click the “Monthly payment” tab at checkout and follow the quick and easy steps. You’ll have the option to pay in 3, 6, or 12 monthly installments with simple interest and no hidden fees. Take a peek at Expedia’s family vacations for ideas and inspiration. If you’ve got somewhere in mind already, enter your dates and destination into the search wizard to view hundreds of the best pay-later travel deals. From Florida’s exhilarating theme parks to the Dominican Republic’s fun-filled kid-friendly resorts, your family adventure is just a few clicks away. 

What are the benefits of vacation payment plans?

Expedia’s book now, pay later vacations mean you can jet off on the dream trip you wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford in 2024. From romantic sunsets on Jamaica’s beaches to the elegant streets of Paris, the world is more accessible with Expedia Affirm. You’ll have the option to pay in 3, 6, or 12 monthly installments, and you’ll see the total cost up front. There are no hidden fees or late payment fees either, so you can rest assured that what you see is what you pay. Automatic payments are easy to set up and make for a hassle-free booking. Many of Expedia’s vacation packages even allow you to modify or cancel your trip at no extra cost, giving you peace of mind in case your 2024 plans change. As you no longer have to pay up front, you can nab the best travel deals before they’re gone – no need to save up or wait until payday.

How can I find great deals on vacation packages with payment plans?

If you’re keen to score the best deals on book now, pay later vacations in 2024, it’s a good idea to be flexible with your dates. You may find cheaper vacations on different days. For travel during peak season dates, be sure to book early to nab the best prices and your first choice of hotels – accommodation can fill up during busier months. If you plan to get away in low season, you may score a great deal for a last-minute escape. Another way to score great travel discounts is to take advantage of special offers, discounts, and promotions.

Are there any additional fees or interest charges for pay monthly vacations?

You’ll be pleased to know there are no hidden fees with Expedia Affirm’s monthly payment vacation plans. What you see is what you’ll pay. Before you confirm, you’ll be able to view the total cost of your book now, pay later vacation package. While most credit cards charge compound interest that’s complicated to work out, with Affirm you’ll pay simple interest on your monthly installments. Best of all, there are no late payment fees or just-because fees. Expedia Affirm’s simple and transparent pricing make booking your dream 2024 escape a breeze.

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The 10 Best Payment Plans for Vacations

Vacations are a time to have fun, sit back, and relax. It’s a great way to let off steam that comes with the monotony of life. The only possible drawback I can think of? The meticulous planning and finances. 

The good thing is, there’s an alternative. The “Book Now Pay Later” vacation payment plans option is increasingly becoming popular and for good reason! 

Imagine this scenario: You need a vacation badly. You’re burnt out from working and the distinction between your work and private life has disappeared, but you don’t have enough in savings to fund your vacay. Should you wave that badly needed vacation goodbye? 

Not quite. This is where payment plans come into play. Payment plan offers range from interest-free policies to low down payments and easy monthly installments. 

Even if you can’t afford a vacation right now, you can still take the leap. Your dream of exploring the City of Light? Vacationing in the Maldives? Payment plans put them all within reach. 

The benefits of using payment plans for vacation packages abound. With so many options in the tour and travel market, it can get a little overwhelming. Don’t fear, this article has you covered. 

Top Vacation Payment Plans

1. expedia .

With their Uplift payment program , you can book a trip today and set easy monthly instalments that fit your budget. You don’t have to pay an arm and a leg every month. These monthly payments can be tailored to your budget allowing you to travel before your loan is paid off in its entirety. Southwest are a particularly good choice if you are looking for all-inclusive vacations with hundreds of resorts to choose from.

• They have customizable monthly payments. 
• They offer an easy application process. 
• There are no charges in the monthly payments, no late fees, and no prepayment penalties. 
• Large range of all-inclusive vacations and resorts (including Mexico and Caribbean)
• Canceled flights are refunded as Southwest Airlines air credit which can be limiting. 
• Canceled land travel, tours, and accommodations are refunded in the form of travel credit from Southwest Vacations. 

3. Funjet (Best for All-Inclusive Packages)

Funjet has a great payment plan if you want to travel and save money at the same time. With a simple downpayment, you can secure the best deals at great rates. 

You’ll have to make your vacation reservation six weeks in advance with deposit options available at checkout. You can schedule a final payment or make multiple payments at zero interest. 

• Cancel any time for any reason. There are no pesky rebooking fees. 
• Reserve a vacation for as little as $50. 
• Reservations are subject to change. 
• Deposit options are not available if you’re traveling during a holiday. 

4. Luxury Escapes 

Luxury Escapes’ Latitude Financing Payment plan offers a 12-month interest-free period. You’ll pay monthly installments, but after the 12-month promotional period, you’ll be charged a pretty hefty 24.99% interest rate. 

Luxury Escapes offers flexible booking dates. That means you can book a limited-time deal for a certain property now and rebook it for a different date later. 

• They have a seven-day refund guarantee. 
• There are no hidden costs. 
• If your preferred date is unavailable, you can’t get a refund. Make sure to read the terms and conditions carefully. 

5. Contiki 

A small layaway deposit of $99 will lock in your travel dates. Contiki accepts Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. They can accommodate all types of installment plans : weekly, monthly, two payments of 50% each – you name it, you got it. You just have to make the entire payment 45 days before departure. That’s it. 

• There are no interest charges and no fees. 
• They offer flexible payment plans. 
• The Freedom Guarantee ensures you can reschedule travel dates, swap the tour type, or choose a different region to travel in altogether. You can avoid cancellation fees with this feature. 
• Cancellation fees as high as 50% if cancellation is done within one to seven days before departure and 100% if done on the day of departure. 

6. United Vacations (Best for Layaway Vacation Packages)

With United Vacations, you can finance your trip through Uplift . United have a layaway vacation option which allows you to lay down an initial $250 deposit and pay the rest at least 45 days before the departure date. The best part? You can use multiple credit cards to fund your trip.

• If you get the vacation protection package, you won’t have to deal with cancellation fees. You have the flexibility to change or cancel the plan as needed. 
• You can book your entire trip through United Vacations from hotels, flights, car rentals to resorts, airport transfers, and excursion experiences. 
• Airfare is non-refundable. If your flight was canceled, they’ll give you credit you can use within a year as long as your tickets were booked through American Airlines. If not, policies vary from carrier to carrier. 

7. JetBlue Vacations 

JetBlue’s annual percentage rate ranges from a huge 10.99% to 25.99% for a loan term of 12 to 18 months. Their partnership with MarcusPay enables them to offer top-tier package getaways. 

If you want lower rates and longer terms, you’ll need to have excellent credit scores. Additionally, rates are generally higher for longer-term loans. 

• They don’t require a deposit upfront. 
• If you find the same package for a cheaper price within 24 hours of booking, they’ll match it and refund the difference. 
• JetBlue Vacation charges a $200 cancellation fee per person plus additional penalties charged by the hotels. 

8. G Adventures 

Deposits for layaway vacations start at $250. If you’re unsure about a specific tour but don’t want to let the opportunity pass you by, they have a “holding an option” tool that lets you reserve a spot for 48 hours without paying a pretty penny. 

The best part? If you ever have to cancel a trip, change it, or push it back, you’re not forced to use it within a year or two. It’s good for life. You can pay the full balance close to your departure date. 

• They have small groups per trip. This helps you form a closer connection to the places and people you visit on your travels. 
• They offer lifetime deposits. 
• “Optional” activities cost you an additional fee if you decide to purchase. If you don’t want to factor in any additional costs to your budget, you can pass on these. 
• Depending on the trip, guides can be a hit or miss. 

9. Intrepid Travel 

Intrepid Travel provides exemplary flexibility in changing travel plans. There are no change fees as long as you notify them about the changes at least 21 days in advance. You have the flexibility to choose an entirely new trip or pick new travel dates. 

You only need to secure your trip with a deposit and you can pay the rest in installments whenever you like. Just make sure you’ve paid for the trip in full at least 21 days before you’re scheduled to depart. 

• There are no interest and rebooking fees. 
• You can hold your trip for up to 5 days without paying a deposit. 
• If you’re traveling solo, you’ll have to pay a mandatory single supplement fee for certain trip types. 

10. Priceline 

Priceline.com comes through with terrific ways to save on travel. As long as you know how to look for deals, you’ll hit pay dirt.  

Check out Priceline’s Express Deal which can save you anywhere between 10% to 40% off flights. The catch? You don’t know what time your flights will depart. It can be a red-eye for all you know. 

• Priceline offers significantly lower prices. 
• You can place bids for a lower price. If you get it, it’s a win. If you don’t, you lose nothing. 
• Once the fee is charged, you don’t get a refund if you change your mind. 
• You can’t reserve a room for more than 2 people. 

Most popular destinations for vacation payment plans

If you are looking for inspiration for your next vacation then we’ve chosen 5 of the most popular destinations which are available to finance with installments.

Bonus Trip – Disney World Payment Plan

If you’re looking for family vacation payment plans then one of the best is the Disney World payment plan , we’ve written about it before and it’s a great choice if you have kids. Family vacations can be expensive and instalments are a great way to spread the cost. With Disney you can book your vacation and choose how often you want to pay. The payment plans are extremely flexible allowing you to look forward to your next family vacation without the stress of a huge amount leaving your bank account.

Wrapping It All Up 

Payment plans for vacations are probably the best thing for people who don’t mind taking a chance and are flexible in their travel itineraries. With plans offering 0% interest rates and easy installments, who wouldn’t want to travel the world? 

Before you settle on a payment plan, read the fine print. There are multiple “book now, pay later” options available on the market, but some have better deals than others. Always explore your options and take your time in making a decision. Most, if not all travel plans, are non-refundable. Click wisely. 

Can you use Afterpay for vacations?

Yes. You can currently use Afterypay for hotels and accommodations via the website Agoda.com. Agoda is a reputable travel company and is part of the Priceline group.

Can you use Affirm for travel?

Yes. There are multiple travel companies which accept Affirm at checkout. These companies currently include Expedia, Priceline, Delta Vacations and CheapOair.

Can you finance vacations with Klarna?

Yes. It is possible to book vacations with Klarna using their ‘Pay in 4’ option which allows you to split your vacation payments into 4 payments using the Klarna app.

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16 Airlines That Let You Book Flights Now and Pay Later

Planning a trip but don't want to pay for it all at once? These sites offer book-now, pay-later flights.

Orbon Alija/Getty Images

If you think a vacation is out of your reach, think again. Some airlines and online travel agencies have services that allow you to book a trip now and pay for it over time.

Affirm, PayPal, Uplift, and Klarna are among the book-now, pay-later services travel companies and airlines offer. Here, we break down the basics of these and airlines' own "BNPL" options so you can secure flights when the prices are lowest, even if you don't want to pay for them in full upfront.

Airlines Offering Book-now, Pay-later Flights

AeroMexico connects major U.S. cities to Latin American destinations like Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta. The airline partners with Uplift to provide a monthly payment option. When you go to book a flight, you'll see an option to pay in monthly installments. Click through and you'll be asked for any personal information Uplift needs to process the loan.

You can also pay in installments through Klarna. Download the Klarna extension for Chrome or the app and you should see a pink "K" icon that will show you financing options. AeroMexico takes PayPal, which means you can use PayPal Credit to split up payments if you're approved.

Pay monthly for Air Canada flights and Air Canada Vacations packages with Uplift or PayPal Credit.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines partners with Uplift and Klarna to offer financing for flights.

Allegiant also uses Uplift and Klarna to provide payment plans. Select the Allegiant Pay option at checkout to choose financing through Uplift.

American Airlines

American Airlines offers several ways to buy now and pay later, including Klarna; PayPal Credit; Citi Flex Pay for select Citi cardholders; and Affirm, which has biweekly, monthly, and interest-free options but doesn't cover the cost of any flight extras, like luggage. American Airlines Vacations also gives you the option to pay monthly with Uplift.

Azul Airlines is a low-cost Brazilian airline that accepts payments through Uplift and PayPal.

Delta Air Lines

Delta offers PayPal Credit as a payment option, and you can pay using Affirm if you book your trip through Delta Vacations , a service for SkyMiles members that bundles flights, hotels, transportation, and activities.

One of the United Arab Emirates' two flag carriers, this airline partners with financing institutions Uplift and Klarna. You can also pay with PayPal Credit.

Frontier Airlines

Budget carrier Frontier Airlines lets you pay monthly installments through Uplift on purchases of $49 or more. If eligible, you will see the option at checkout. Frontier is also a Klarna retail partner.

KLM offers customers the option of holding a fare for 72 hours for a non-refundable fee. This is great if you find a fare that you want to book but need a few days to think about it. In addition, the airline takes PayPal Credit. This service is shown on the payment page as a "Bill Me Later" option, but directs you to your PayPal wallet.

Lufthansa has a list of payment methods on its website . Some monthly payment options are available specifically for residents of Brazil and Colombia. U.S. residents may pay monthly through PayPal Credit.

Porter Airlines

Porter , a Canadian airline, allows customers to use Uplift and PayPal to purchase flights across the U.S. and Canada.

Qatar Airways

Unless you're flying from Brazil, Brunei, or Kazakhstan, you can hold any Qatar Airways booking for up to 72 hours. How long prospective travelers can hold their Qatar flights depends on where they intend to fly to and from. The "Hold My Booking" option, available on the payment page, requires a non-refundable fee that doesn't go toward the price of your ticket. In most cases, you can also use PayPal Credit.

Southwest Airlines uses Uplift to break the cost of the flight up into fixed monthly payments. It also accepts PayPal Credit and Klarna.

Sunwing connects Canadian cities with destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean. You can pay for plane tickets in monthly installments through Uplift.

United Airlines

Use Uplift, PayPal Credit, or Klarna to pay for United Airlines flights in monthly installments. The company also has a program called FareLock that allows you to pay a fee to hold a fare for three, seven, or 14 days before paying for it in full. If you decide not to buy the ticket, you forfeit the fee. This service is offered only on itineraries wholly operated by United Airlines and/or United Express.

Online Travel Agencies Offering Monthly Payment Options

Alternative airlines.

Any ticket booked through Alternative Airlines can be paid for in weekly, biweekly, or monthly installments with Uplift. The online travel agency markets itineraries by more than 600 airlines, and Uplift financing can be used for all of them. You can also split payments through Klarna.

CheapOair.com

CheapOair uses Affirm to offer customers a monthly payment option.

Funjet Vacations

Funjet Vacations uses Uplift to offer monthly payments for its flights and vacation packages.

Priceline uses Affirm to handle monthly payments. Select the "monthly payments" option on the secure billing step of the booking process and choose from three-, six-, or 12-month options. Alternatively, break it up into four payments over six weeks using Klarna.

How Buy-now, Pay-later Services Work

Airlines and travel agencies partner with BNPL services like the travel-specific Uplift or the more broadly available Affirm to offer monthly payment options. Some take payments through PayPal Credit and/or Klarna. Learn about the differences between these services and how they work.

Affirm allows customers to pay monthly or every two weeks. Terms can last up to 48 months for the largest loans, but more typically, they last up to a year. Interest rates vary by person, ranging from 0% to 36% APR, and are determined at the time of sign-up. A down payment and credit check might be required when you apply for a loan.

To use Affirm, you will need a phone number to use as an account login. The service is available only in the U.S. and Canada. Once you've created your account and gotten approved for a loan amount, you can set up auto-pay or pay each month via the app or website. You can find a full list of Affirm's travel partners, including airlines and accommodations, on its website .

PayPal Credit

This is a monthly payment option provided by travel companies that take PayPal. Typically, you'll choose PayPal as your payment method, and once you sign into your PayPal account, you can choose PayPal Credit . As of 2023, the variable purchase APR is about 28% for new accounts, but you can avoid paying interest altogether if you pay the loan off within six months. Loan applications are subject to credit approval.

Uplift is the leading pay-over-time financing service in the travel space, partnering with cruise lines, hotel chains, airlines, and more. Once you have selected a product, like your flight, you are shown a per-month rate based on the price of the items in your shopping cart. When you get to the payment page and choose monthly payment as your option, you will be asked for some personal details, and once you click "check rate," you will be told whether you've been approved. Uplift offers an APR of 0% to 36% based on your credit. You won't be penalized for paying late or early, and you can set up autopay so the money comes out of your account automatically.

Klarna breaks up the price of your ticket into monthly payments or four equal payments to be made two weeks apart. Add the Klarna extension to your Chrome browser or download the app on your phone, then book your flight as usual, selecting Klarna at checkout. The first payment will be due upfront. Klarna offers an APR of 0% to about 30%.

$400 instant savings at select resorts. Book now.

$250 down, pay later

Reserve your vacation for as little as $250 down.

United Vacations allows you to reserve your vacation from just $250 per person and pay the rest later. United Vacations offers you the flexibility to apply multiple payments over time, or even pay using multiple credit cards. The final payment is due at least 45 days prior to departure. The amount of your deposit includes a portion of your flights, your hotel stay and the full cost of any vacation add-ons, such as show tickets, excursions or travel protection.

How do I put as little as $250 down and pay later?

If you are booking your vacation more than six weeks in advance, the deposit option will appear during the booking process on step three of checkout. At this point, you can even schedule automatic final payments or set up email reminders. The actual deposit amount required varies based on the destination and hotel accommodations selected.

Scheduling automatic final payment

Select a final payment date more than 45 days before your departure date and your credit card will automatically be charged on that date. If you've entered multiple credit cards for your initial deposit, select the corresponding number in the Payment # field (a "1" in this box will charge the first credit card listed, a "2" will charge the second credit card listed, and so on).

Scheduling an email reminder

It's easy to set up an email reminder that will notify you when payment is due on your vacation. This makes it especially easy when you are making multiple payments toward the full vacation price. Just follow the instructions during step three of checkout to schedule your email reminder.

The actual deposit amount required varies based on the destination and hotel accommodations selected. Destinations outside of North America require a $350 per person deposit. Some special holiday/convention periods (or other exceptions) may apply where full payment is required at time of booking. Vacation cancellations/revisions are subject to penalties outlined in the  Terms and Conditions . If you prefer, you may pay for some or your entire final vacation amount due before the final payment date (you can do this either by logging in to the account you created at time of booking or by calling us at the phone number above).

Have questions?

Call us at  1-888-854-3899 . You can also find answers to most of your questions by reviewing our  Frequently Asked Questions .

Uplift is the leader in Buy Now, Pay Later for travel .

When you pay monthly for a flight, a cruise, a hotel, or vacation package – you’re giving yourself the freedom to travel farther and explore more enjoyably. Millions of consumers choose Buy Now, Pay Later options for vacation and travel so that they can say “yes” to all those bucket-list items and pay over time.

Paying monthly with Uplift helps you avoid late fees or annual fees you may incur using a credit card. Not to mention you’ll never have to worry about prepayment penalties, debt traps, or compound interest using Uplift.

Whether you’re traveling for work, to visit family or friends, or simply taking that trip you’ve always been dreaming of, using Uplift to pay for flights in installments or spread the cost of your hotel into monthly payments is the perfect option.

Unlike other Buy Now, Pay Later companies, Uplift’s Customer Service Squad is available 24/7 and provides unparalleled service from purchase to final payment.

A few of our partners:

Uplift knows just how much thought, care, and planning goes into creating the most memorable experiences. Lump-sum costs shouldn’t hold you back from booking.

When it comes to paying monthly for your vacation purchases, rest easy knowing that Uplift is the original Buy Now, Pay Later for travel.

Take a look at what our valued travelers have been saying lately.

My daughter just moved from CA to TX and was not able to come home for Thanksgiving. I thought I would surprise her with a visit from myself, her brother and his wife. She will be very happy.

So excited this will be my first trip to Las Vegas an I can take it off my bucket list thanks to Uplift.

Was a great option to pre-book flights without having to pay the entire amount! We travel with a family of 5 so everything is always expensive!

Need more answers to your questions about Uplift? Start here.

Why choose Uplift?

Uplift gives you the freedom to purchase what you want now and pay with fixed monthly payments. Uplift is often a better alternative to credit cards because Uplift charges only simple interest while some credit cards charge interest on interest. Uplift also makes budgeting easy so you can manage your expenses over time rather than paying one large sum all at once.

What kind of products and services can I purchase using Uplift?

Uplift can be used to purchase a wide range of products and services from our travel partners and retailers. Click here to see a full list of our current partners who offer Uplift. Click here to see a full list of our current partners who offer Uplift.

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What is the advantage of using Uplift vs a credit card?

While some credit cards charge interest on interest, Uplift charges only simple interest. If you carry a balance on a credit card, it can be hard to understand what it will cost you. With Uplift, the cost is clear at the time of purchase, with simple interest, predictable payments, and no fees.

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Pay your way

Super-simple travel payment plans so you can choose when and how to pay for your trip.

Pay monthly or bi-weekly

Automatic payments with no interest and certainly no drama.

• Put $150 down*
• Your card or bank account is automatically charged once or twice per month
• Finish paying 30 days before your trip

* If you book your trip less than 100 days before departure, the minimum deposit will be $750. Trips booked less than 60 days before departure must be paid in full.

Pay at your own pace

No fixed schedule. Pay over time, on your own terms.

• Put $450 down*
• Pay off the balance on your own schedule
• Finish paying 99 days before your trip

* Plus a $50 service fee to cover the costs associated with processing these payments.

Pay in full

Everything up front, nothing to worry about later.

• Pay for your trip in its entirety
• Relax some more

Pay with affirm

Travel now, pay later.

• Check your eligibility during checkout
• Pay over 6, 12, or 18 months. For example, on a $1,500 purchase, you may pay $135.39 for 12 months with a 15% APR.
• Go on your trip, even if you’re still paying for it

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If you miss one payment, the amount will be distributed evenly over your remaining payments. However, if you miss two consecutive payments, you will be withdrawn from the plan altogether. Note: there is a $35 decline fee each time you miss a payment.

Can I make a payment outside of my payment plan?

Yes, you can do this anytime from your online account under the payments tab. An additional payment does not take the place of any upcoming automatic payments. Your new balance will be distributed evenly over the remaining payments.

How do I use a Future Travel Voucher?

Future Travel Vouchers issued in 2020 or 2021 can be applied to any travel booked prior to 12/31/2022, for departures before 9/30/2024. Just book a trip like you usually would and then start a chat on our website to apply the voucher to your order.

What if I switch trips or move my trip to a later date?

All completed payments will be applied to your new trip and any remaining balance will be redistributed evenly over your new time frame.

What payment methods do you accept?

You can pay using a credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard) or by using a checking account.

Is Affirm a loan?

Technically speaking, yes. Our financing partner, Affirm, will lend you the money to pay for your trip, and you’ll pay them back over time.

Does Affirm perform a credit check?

Affirm only performs a ‘soft’ credit check to help verify your identity and determine your eligibility for financing. Checking your eligibility will not affect your credit score.

Can I pay for my trip in pennies?

Please don’t.

If I refer a friend, do I get a discount on my trip?

Actually, yes. We have group and referral discounts to make it even easier to afford your trip. Learn more about these discounts here.

What if I have more questions?

You’re in luck! We’re available via phone, email, live chat, and messenger pigeon. You can reach us here.

Travel now. Pay over time.*

Through Uplift, you can book your trip today and make easy monthly payments that fit nicely within your budget. It's a fast and easy way to turn your ideal vacation into reality. Plus, you can travel before your loan is paid off.

With Uplift Pay Monthly you get:

Great rates

Affordable plans

Pay off your vacation with convenient monthly payments. To keep things simple, Uplift can automatically process your payments and notify you with a convenient email and text.

Quick and easy application

Simply select Pay Monthly at checkout, complete a short application, and you’ll receive a quick decision.

No surprises

Make the same fixed payment each month with no late fees and no prepayment penalties.

Questions? Visit the Uplift  FAQ page .

*Down payment may be required. Actual terms are based on your credit score and other factors and may vary. APRs range from 0% to 36%. Not everyone is eligible. Loans made through Uplift are offered by these lending partners: uplift.com/lenders . Privacy Policy . Terms of Use . Uplift’s Address: 440 N. Wolfe Road Sunnyvale, CA 94085

$400 instant savings at select resorts. Book now.

Flexible Payment Options

Paying for your getaway is simple with Apple Vacations. We offer flexible payment options to help you plan the perfect vacation without the stress of budgeting or having to pay upfront. Take a look at the choices available or give us a call at (800) 517-2000 to learn more about how you can finance your trip.

Vacation Now, Pay Over Time with Uplift

When you book with us, you’ll have the option to spread the cost of your vacation over low monthly payments . Enjoy flexible payments, no late fees and no pre-payment penalties and you can even travel before your installments are paid off. It’s a fast and easy way to turn your dream vacation into a reality.

*Down payment may be required. Actual terms are based on your credit score and other factors and may vary. APRs range from 0% to 36%. Not everyone is eligible. Loans made through Uplift are offered by these lending partners: uplift.com/lenders . Privacy Policy . Terms of Use . Uplift’s Address: 440 N. Wolfe Road Sunnyvale, CA 94085

Make a Deposit

Our deposit program allows you to save your spot on the sand without having to pay in full the same day. Please review our deposit requirements as charges and payment schedules vary per package type.

If you've received an Apple Vacations gift card, you can treat yourself to a beachy getaway to Mexico, the Caribbean, Costa Rica, Panama or Hawaii at any time! Redeem your gift card today or give a special someone in your life the gift of sand and sunshine.

Buy Now, Pay Later: the top sites that will let you pay in instalments for your travels

Nov 25, 2018 • 3 min read

A number of companies have introduced a 'buy now, pay later' service, enabling travellers to pay for their flights, hotels or tours in monthly instalments . In the US, a study by the consultancy  Atmosphere Research Group  claims that 41% of travellers surveyed expressed an interest in using instalment payments for trips that cost US$2000 (£1562) or more. If you're looking to spread the cost of your next trip, we've rounded up the top sites that allow you to do that.

Bookings over $200 can be paid through instalments on Expedia. It was introduced in 2016 when online lender Affirm announced in 2016 that it would offer its services on Expedia. Affirm, which is owned by PayPal co-founder Max Levchin, allows customers to buy goods immediately and pay for them in three, six or 12-monthly instalments using a bank transfer, cheque or debit card. On Expedia, travellers can find this feature by selecting a flight and hotel package and then selecting the “Monthly Payments” tab. See more here .

Thomas Cook

Earlier this year Thomas Cook launched a zero-deposit 'buy now, pay later' scheme for holidaymakers. The offer came into effect on 1 March 2018 and is valid for travel dates between 1 November, 2018 and 31 October, 2019. The scheme applies to a large proportion of Thomas Cook offerings. To avail, customers need to set up a direct debit from their current account which is billed each month (customers can choose the payment date). The monthly instalment amount depends on the cost of the holiday and the travel dates. The final payment has to be made no later than six weeks before the departure date.

Lonely Planet priced a holiday to the five-star Sunlight Bahia Principe Costa Adeje in Tenerife, Spain. Departing from Manchester Airport on 17 March, 2019 the total cost for flights and one-week accommodation for two adults, at the time of publishing, is £1364 (US$1747). With the 'buy now, pay later' scheme it's possible to pay monthly instalments of £454.66 (US$582.18) in December, January and February. See more here .

Virgin Holidays

Virgin Holidays also allows customers to spread the cost of their trip across monthly payments when they set up a direct debit. Payments are debited from customers accounts on either the 1st, 7th, 14th or 21st of the month. Virgin Holidays also lets customers pay off their trip in chunks i.e. customers can pay £100 this month and £50 next month, as long as the full balance is received 12 weeks before departure. See more here .

Airfordable

Chicago-based start-up, Airfordable, allows customers to pay for airline tickets in instalments. Customers submit a screenshot of an itinerary along with the trip details and then Airfordable presents a payment plan. After making an initial deposit, regular payments can be made on the overall balance through the date of departure. It works with almost any major travel provider such as Google Flights, Priceline and Expedia. See more here .

FOMO Travel

Geared towards millennials, FOMO Travel or 'fear of missing out' is a South Africa-based company that offers holiday instalment plans. Its USP is what the company calls a “social savings lay-by model.” It requires recurring monthly payments, but it lets users invite friends and family to contribute to those payments, essentially crowdfunding the vacation. Customers can go to the FOMO Travel website and select a package according to their budget and departure dates. Their personalised FOMO payment plan and monthly obligations will be calculated accordingly. The site has a number of packages but trips can be tailor-made. See more here .

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How To Set Up Payment Plans As A Travel Agent

If you’re a travel agent, payment plans can be an excellent tool to add to your arsenal. 

In addition to making travel more accessible for clients, offering the right payment plans can actually increase your business revenue. 

Not sure where to get started? Keep reading. 

In this blog, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to set up payment plans effectively:

Step 1: Understand the Legal and Financial Regulations

Before you can begin offering payment plans, you need to make sure you understand all of the  legal and financial regulations related to installment payments and payment processing for the travel industry . 

Because these rules may vary a bit from place to place and business to business, we recommend consulting with a legal professional if necessary to ensure compliance with local laws.

Step 2: Choose a Payment Structure

Once you’ve researched the legalities of payment plans, you’ll need to decide which payment structure you'll offer to your clients. 

While the option you choose depends on your business structure and priorities, common options include splitting the total cost into equal monthly payments or establishing specific payment dates and amounts.

Once you've decided on a payment structure, provide written documentation for your customer. This document should outline the payment schedule, amounts, due dates, and any applicable fees.

Step 3: Select Payment Methods

Next, determine which payment method(s) you'll accept for the installment payments. Depending on the payment processing tool you’re using, this could include credit/debit cards, bank transfers, ACH transfers, or eCheck payments.

To streamline the payment process, we recommend using a travel agency payment processing platform that supports automated, online payments. The right payment platform can help manage payment schedules, decrease the risk of fraud or chargebacks, and streamline the payment process. 

Step 4: Booking and Deposit

Now that the payment terms have been established, you’ll need to collect a deposit to secure the booking. 

This non-refundable deposit typically covers any upfront costs, including but not limited to flights, accommodations, and tours. Deposit amounts vary depending on the total cost of the trip. 

Step 5: Payment Plan Fulfillment

Once the customer has made all the payments outlined in their installment agreement, you should provide them with a written notice stating that the payment plan has been fulfilled, and that the installment agreement is terminated. Make sure that both you and your customer keep a copy of this document for your records. 

Seamless Chex: Powerful Payment Processing for the Travel Industry

Setting up payment plans for your travel agency requires careful planning, communication, and adherence to legal and financial regulations. 

Providing a convenient and flexible payment option can help attract more clients and enhance their overall travel experience.

Fortunately, Seamless Chex is here to help.

We offer powerful online travel agency payment processing solutions designed to streamline the payment process and help you better serve your customers. 

Ready to learn more? 

Contact us today to see how SeamlessChex can help your travel agency. 

Discover The Payment Processing Solution That's Right For Your Business

Revolutionize Payment Processing Forever

Start accepting and sending customer payments today.

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How to Make a Flight Payment Plan with No Credit Check

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

If you need to buy a plane ticket but don’t want to pay the full amount upfront, an option to consider is purchasing your flight using a flight payment plan that doesn’t require a credit check.

This can be a valuable option for travelers who can’t or don’t want to pay the total amount of the flight right away but who also don’t want to put the travel on a credit card — which may carry a sizable interest rate. 

If you’re considering this option, keep reading to learn how to find a flight payment plan. 

What is a flight payment plan?

A flight payment plan is a buy now, pay later option for booking flights. While the specifics vary based on your particular plan and other factors, a flight payment plan involves paying for the flight over time in equal installments. Usually, you can find these payment plans as a checkout option on the airline or online travel agency's website. Look for buy now, pay later plans from companies like Uplift, Affirm, Klarna or PayPal Credit.

Here’s an example of how a flight payment plan works:

Say you want to buy a round-trip ticket on Southwest Airlines, flying from Oakland, Calif., to Fort Lauderdale, Fla. You find a ticket that departs on Sept. 6, 2023, and returns on Sept. 14 for $447.97. 

Southwest allows you to pay in full or spread out your payments at checkout using Uplift. Uplift is a company that will enable qualifying customers to pay $47.34 at booking and then pay an additional $47.34 each month for the following nine months. Using the Uplift option, you’d pay $473.40 for your flight — $25.43 more than if you paid directly.

Although you’ll end up paying slightly more for the flight using Uplift than you would if you paid in full right away, this can be a great option for travelers who don’t have a credit card or who want to avoid using a credit card, especially if the card has a high interest rate.

» Learn more: 5 ways credit cards can beat buy now, pay later plans

Why look for flight payment plans with no credit checks?

Before signing up for a flight payment plan, check to see if you’ll be subject to a hard credit check for approval. Many buy now, pay later services only do a "soft credit inquiry." The main difference between a soft and a hard credit check is that a soft credit check doesn’t affect your credit score, whereas a hard credit check will.

Your credit score is essential for several reasons, including getting preferential interest rates for car loans or home mortgages, which is why you should favor flight payment plans that don’t require hard credit checks.

» Learn more: 6 tips for traveling without a credit card

Making a flight payment plan with no credit check

If you’re looking to use a flight payment plan to buy a plane ticket, the next step is to book your travel with either an airline or a booking website that offers flight payment plan options — and be sure to look for one that doesn’t require a hard credit check.

Airlines and booking websites that offer flight payment plans with no hard credit checks include:

United Airlines.

Southwest Airlines.

American Airlines.

Alaska Airlines.

While the exact steps will vary based on who you’re booking with, you’ll typically take the following steps to book your flight and secure your payment plan:

Search for and select the flight you want to book. Indicate that you’d like to use a buy now, pay later plan.

Fill in the information required to set up your payment plan, which may include your name, birthday, Social Security number and phone number. 

If you’re approved, select the payment option you want to use.

After you find a plan that works for you, accept the plan. You’ll usually also have to make an initial deposit. 

If you want to book a flight with an airline or booking site that doesn’t allow you to set up a flight payment plan at checkout, you may be able to set up a plan directly with a buy now, pay later company. For instance, Zip.co allows you to set up a flight payment plan with Booking.com or Delta with no hard credit check.

» Learn more: The problems with using buy now, pay later to fund travel

Flight payment plans with no credit check recapped

If you’re purchasing a flight and don’t have the funds available to pay for it in full upfront — or if you’d rather spread out your payments over time — it’s worth considering a flight payment plan.

However, finding a plan that doesn’t require a hard credit check is best since that can lower your credit score. 

To secure a flight payment plan with no credit check, you should first look into airlines and booking websites that offer that option, such as Alaska Airlines, United and Priceline.

After you find a flight you like, fill in the relevant information and review your payment options. If the plan looks good to you, accept the terms, including paying an initial deposit.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-6.5% Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

$300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Cruise payment plans: All you need to know about paying for a cruise

You're going on a cruise! You've spent time researching and narrowing down your destination, ship and sailing dates, and now it's time to book. But what can you expect in terms of cruise payments? What's the best way to pay for a cruise? Will you have to cough up the full fare upfront, or can you put a cruise on layaway?

Here, I'll answer those questions by discussing cruise payment schedules, different methods of paying for a cruise and the pros and cons of paying in full versus putting down a deposit and paying the rest later.

Note: Payment methods and schedules vary by cruise line and booking outlet. Not all options are offered by all lines or via all booking methods. Check with your cruise line or booking outlet for availability before making a reservation.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

How to pay for a cruise

You can pay for your voyage in multiple ways. Most passengers put the charges on a credit card , which is often the quickest and most convenient method. Additionally, you can use gift cards (either cruise line-specific or those from major credit card issuers that aren't tied to a specific retailer), future cruise credits from your cruise line or even cash if you book in person through a travel agent .

Other options include payment by electronic check, PayPal or Apple Pay (depending on how you book) or points and miles on a third-party platform . You can also redeem free cruise certificates from cruise lines that award them for things like casino play , reaching a high loyalty status tier, winning high-stakes bingo or even cruises gone wrong .

You can choose to pay in full at the time of booking, which could earn you additional perks or savings, or make an initial cruise deposit with subsequent payments until anywhere from two to three months before your sailing date.

Specific financing and payment plan options vary by cruise line. For example, Carnival Cruise Line uses EasyPay to allow interest-free autopayments to be charged to you at regular intervals in order to pay off your cruise before you set sail. Princess Cruises' and Holland America's EZpay program offers a similar interest-free setup.

Carnival also offers Uplift as an option. Although some passengers are approved for no down payment and/or 0% interest, interest rates will apply for other cruisers, and under the program, your voyage doesn't have to be completely paid off before your embarkation date. Royal Caribbean allows passengers to finance their cruises using Affirm, with both interest-free and simple-interest options available. Some lines also allow payments through the popular payment app Klarna, which has different payment options, both with and without interest. (Check with your cruise line for details on its specific payment plans.)

Here are the pros and cons of paying over two different time periods.

Paying all at once

If you have the funds to pay for the entire amount of your sailing right away, feel free. It means you won't have to remember to make additional payments. Plus, as an incentive, some cruise lines extend additional perks or discounts to entice travelers to lock in their plans at the time of booking.

For example, wave season deals often include incentives to pay in full. At the time of publication, Emerald Cruises was discounting cruise fares by thousands of dollars for anyone paying in full at the time of booking. Scenic was allowing passengers to choose from additional savings, free airfare or free pre- or post-cruise land tours for paying in full right away. Silversea was slashing fares for pay-upfront voyages by 10%-20%.

The drawback, however, is that you part with a lot of money upfront if you decide to pay immediately. For many cruisers who book a year or more ahead of time, that money could be more lucrative sitting in a bank account that earns interest instead of providing an interest-free loan to a cruise line.

Paying incrementally, with an initial minimum deposit

Alternatively, you can pay a deposit — a portion of the cruise fare for each person on your reservation — to lock in your cabin. Then, in the months leading up to your sailing, you'll make additional payments, according to your cruise line's payment schedule, until you no longer owe anything. If you don't pay off the remaining balance by the final payment date — usually two to three months before embarkation day — the cruise line will cancel your reservation, and you won't be allowed to sail.

Incremental payments are a better choice if you're unsure whether you can or want to sail but want to lock in an attractive fare or snag a cabin on a new ship or unusual itinerary while you decide. If you pay off your cruise early, you can get your money back (except for certain discounted fares and nonrefundable deposits) should you cancel before the final payment deadline. However, it can be a hassle to go through the refund process and wait for the cruise line to return your funds.

Another obvious draw of this method is that it costs less upfront. You can pay over time instead of draining your savings or putting the full amount on a credit card and then incurring fees if you can't pay off your card in full.

Generally, there is no interest or penalty for paying over time if you go the deposit route, so in most cases you won't be charged more if you opt for a payment plan. Plus, you can always pay the balance off early or in larger amounts than are required by your cruise line.

One drawback is that you'll have to remember to make additional payments on time to avoid cancellation of your reservation. Plus, you might not be able to take advantage of a cruise line's cheapest fares if you're not willing to pay in full at the time of booking.

Note that if you book a last-minute cruise after the final payment date (typically, two or three months prior to sailing), you must pay in full; there is no deposit option.

How much is a cruise deposit?

The amount of the deposit required varies by cruise line, but typically you can expect to shell out a couple hundred dollars per person to reserve a cabin with most major cruise lines. It's based on several factors, including the length of the sailing, the overall cost of the voyage, the type of accommodations booked and whether or not the line is running a promotion. Sometimes, as a booking incentive, lines will waive deposits completely or heavily discount them.

At the time of publication, as part of their wave season promotions , Carnival Cruise Line and Costa Cruises were touting deposits as low as $50 per person, while Princess Cruises was offering them for $100 per person. Disney Cruise Line also slashed its required deposits by half — a big deal for a line that rarely offers discounts. Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line and UnCruise Adventures also were offering deposit reductions.

The next section outlines the specific deposit amounts for the most popular cruise lines.

Cruise payment schedules

Below are the payment schedules and deposit amounts for each of the "big eight" cruise lines.

Note: Deposits are per person and refundable prior to the cruise line's final payment deadline, unless otherwise indicated. For cruises booked after the final payment deadline has passed, payment is required in full at the time of booking.

Carnival cruise payment schedule

For most sailings, Carnival requires a deposit of $100 per person for two- to three-day sailings, $150 for four- and five-day sailings and $250 for six- to nine-day sailings. Longer cruises and voyages to Alaska, Europe and the Panama Canal, as well as ocean crossings, require a deposit of $400 per person.

Deposits for Carnival bookings are generally nonrefundable unless cruisers specifically purchase fully refundable fares.

Final payment is required either 76 or 91 days from the sailing date, depending on the destination, cabin type and length of cruise booked.

See Carnival's website for more information.

Celebrity cruise payment schedule

For Sky Suite cabins and lower, Celebrity charges $100 per person for cruises up to five nights, $250 for six to eight nights and $450 for voyages of nine nights or longer. Those prices double, per person, for Celebrity Suites and above.

For Galapagos sailings, deposits for non-suites at the time of booking are $450 per person; suites are $900 per person.

Deposits for Celebrity bookings are generally nonrefundable at any time unless cruisers specifically purchase fully refundable fares.

For cruises of four nights or fewer, final payment must be made at least 75 days prior to sailing. For voyages of five or more nights, final payment is due at least 90 days in advance.

Galapagos sailings must be settled further in advance, with final payment due anywhere from 120 to 180 days in advance, depending on the ship.

More information can be found on Vacations To Go 's website.

Disney cruise payment schedule

Disney Cruise Line 's fine print states that deposits are determined at the time of booking, so they vary.

For non-suite and non-concierge voyages of five nights or fewer, the line requires final payment 90 days or more prior to embarkation day; for sailings of six nights or longer, payment must be made 120 days or more in advance. For suites and concierge-level accommodations, final payment is due 91 days or more prior to sailing.

You can read more in the line's terms and conditions .

Holland America cruise payment schedule

Holland America 's deposit amounts vary widely, requiring passengers to pay anywhere from $350 to $2,900 per person, depending on the sailing.

For Alaska, Bermuda, Caribbean, Canada/New England, Europe, Mexican Riviera, Panama Canal and long Hawaii voyages, final payment must be made no fewer than 75 days prior to sailing. For all other cruises — including holiday voyages, voyages longer than 30 days and segments of voyages longer than 30 days — full payment must be received at least 90 days before embarkation.

Find more specifics on Vacations To Go's website .

MSC cruise payment schedule

Deposits for MSC Cruises are $99 per adult for voyages of four nights or fewer, $199 for five to 14 nights, $300 for 15 nights or longer and an amount equal to 15% of the overall price for world cruises. Additional deposits are not required for children sailing as the third and fourth passengers in a cabin.

For cruises of four nights or fewer, bookings must be paid in full at least 75 days before the sailing date. Those of five to 14 nights must be paid off 90 days or more ahead of time, and bills for any voyages 15 days or longer must be settled at least 110 days prior to departure. For world cruises, it's 120 days.

You can read more on MSC's website .

Norwegian cruise payment schedule

Deposits for Norwegian Cruise Line bookings vary greatly, ranging from $100 to $5,000 per person, based on cabin or suite type booked and the length of the sailing.

Norwegian's deposits are fully refundable, but all voyages, regardless of length or cabin type, must be paid in full at least 120 days in advance. That's earlier than what other cruise lines require for basic cabin types and standard-length sailings.

To learn more, see the chart on NCL's website .

Princess cruise payment schedule

When you book a Princess cruise, you'll owe a deposit of $100 per person ($200 for suites) for sailings of five days or fewer, $200 ($500 for suites) for voyages of six to nine days or $400 ($800 for suites) for cruises of 10 days or longer. For world cruises, you'll have to pony up 30% of the overall cost of the sailing.

For voyages of five days or fewer, you'll have to pay in full at least 75 days before your vacation. Cruises of six to 24 days require full payment 90 days or more ahead of time, and for world cruises, your bill is due 120 days or more before you set sail.

Check out the breakdown on Princess' website .

Royal Caribbean cruise payment schedule

Deposit amounts vary by sailing and the number of people in each cabin for Royal Caribbean bookings. Generally, passengers can expect to front $200 per stateroom (rather than per person) for sailings of five nights or fewer, $500 per cabin for six- to nine-night voyages and $900 per room for cruises of 10 nights or longer.

Deposits for Royal Caribbean bookings are generally nonrefundable at any time unless cruisers specifically purchase fully refundable fares.

For sailings of four nights or fewer, the final payment is due 75 days or more prior to the embarkation date. For five-night voyages and longer, the cruise line must receive all money no fewer than 120 days from sailing. The deadline for world cruises is at least 180 days prior to departure.

Read more on Royal Caribbean's website in the line's FAQ section .

Bottom line

Travelers have many options when it comes to paying for a cruise. You can pay in full at the time of booking or choose cruise payment plans that allow you to make a deposit for each person in your party and then pay off the balance over time.

Additionally, payment methods may include credit cards, third-party payment systems, gift cards, cruise certificates and cash.

Ultimately, the best way to make cruise payments is whichever one works best for you and your specific circumstances. What matters most is that you pay the cruise line in full by its designated final payment date, so your reservation is confirmed and you can set sail on departure day.

Have more cruise questions? TPG has answers:

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Did You Know? Payment Plans Possible with Travel Agents

One reason we have heard that potential clients are unsure about using a travel agent is because they need to make a payment plan.  They feel the only way to do this is by dealing with the various travel company directly.

While some travel agencies may not be willing to do partial payments, we certainly can handle payment options.  There are a number of ways to handle this with you.

You can set up a regular payment by authorizing us to use your credit card on file to make a regular payment on a weekly, biweekly or monthly basis.

Another option would be to submit payment information to us when you want to make a partial payment.

The only exceptions to making partial payments are with the deposit as these are usually required to be paid within a short amount of time (usually 3-7 days after booking).

Under nearly all cases, payments are made directly to the travel company through your agent.  This means that any form of payment accepted by the cruise line/travel company, will be accepted through us.

Check with your agent if you are interested in making a payment plan.  Some travel companies may have minimum amounts that we can do in a partial payment, but those would be the same restrictions you would find going to them directly.

Many of our clients do this to make bite-sized payments on a regular basis so final payment isn’t quite as difficult to chew.

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Is a travel agent worth it the pros and cons.

Travel experts agree there are several advantages to hiring a vacation planner.

The Pros & Cons of Using a Travel Agent

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A travel agent can save you money and time.

Need to pivot your trip plans but don't want to deal with the extra time, money and hassle of rebooking flights and accommodations on your own? That's just one area where a knowledgeable travel agent (also commonly known as a travel advisor) can help. Read on to discover the other benefits – as well as the downsides – of using a travel agent, so you can confidently decide whether or not a travel agent is worth it for your next trip.

The Pros of Using a Travel Agent

Travel agents can save you money – and get you other perks.

"In some cases, you'll actually get a better  deal by working with a travel agent," says Jackie Steele, travel expert at MagicGuides . "This could be in the form of a cruise onboard credit (free spending money to use on the ship), access to special agency/group rates, or even just learning about a discount you qualify for but weren't aware of." The best agents will even keep an eye on new discounts as they're announced and apply them to your trip even after you've booked, he notes.

Travel agents handle all the details

Hotel room? Booked. Dinner reservations? Made. Tour tickets? Ready to go. A travel agent handles every detail of your vacation itinerary. "The traveler still gets to be involved in the fun part of dreaming up ideas and providing their travel wishes, while we take and perfect them," says Jessica Parker, founder of Trip Whisperer .

Molly McShea, owner and travel advisor at McShea Travel , points out that travel agents can also help with timing logistics. "Travel agents know how many days should be spent in each destination, which tours go together, and how many things you should do in a day," she says, adding that crafting an itinerary can be challenging if it's not something you regularly do. Additionally, travel agents can help you choose the best time to visit your preferred destination(s) based on seasonality and your budget, and sift through travel insurance policies to find the best option for your needs.

Travel agents can provide local expertise

"A travel advisor's industry connections and relationships provide added value to their clients," says Valerie Edman, a luxury travel advisor and agency owner at Cultured Travel LLC. She says when working with a travel agent, travelers gain access to a global network of connections including:

• In-destination specialists who work exclusively with travel advisors and can connect travelers with unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences they wouldn't otherwise know about
• Exclusive experiences not available to the general public

You'll avoid surprise fees

When deciding if a travel agent is worth it for you, remember this: A reputable agent can guarantee you won't encounter any surprise fees on accommodations and activities once your trip is booked.

You'll have someone to troubleshoot unexpected travel issues

A travel advisor is essentially your personal vacation concierge. "Because they've been around for so long, agents really know what to look for," says Christopher Elliott , a consumer advocate and journalist. "Travel agents are among the first to know about flight cancellations and delays , making it easy for them to rebook itineraries right away." 

The Cons of Using a Travel Agent

It might not be your cheapest option.

There are some instances when it makes more sense to plan your own trip. "If you're planning a quick flight from New York City to Los Angeles, it's easy enough to book it yourself online directly or through a third-party booking site," says Elliott. "If you're planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip or bucket list honeymoon , that's when you call the experts."

You'll have less flexibility in your itinerary

The upside of working with a travel agent is having someone plan an epic vacation for you based on industry knowledge and local expertise. But this can also be a downside in the event you discover an activity you'd like to do or a restaurant you'd like to try that isn't on your pre-planned itinerary. If you alter your plans, you risk losing money; plus, the time it takes for you and your travel agent to coordinate your change of plans may not be worth the hassle.

You still have to do some research

It's important to find an agent you can trust, which means you still have to do some of the vacation planning. For this part, Parker recommends picking up the phone. "Lots of people avoid or don't pick up the phone as much anymore," she says. "That's where you get the high-touch service, tone of voice, excitement or concerns to manage." She advises to look for the following red flags:

• No fees: " Travel advisors are charging planning fees more now or increasing them, so the client knows more confidently than ever, we work for them, not the suppliers with the best commissions," Parker explains. "There are a lot of things that are non-commissionable and the advisor's time and expertise shouldn't be given away for free, either. That's the best way to show an advisor takes their business seriously."
• Limited options: If you work with someone who is inexperienced or has an incentive to book you with a certain supplier, they may not be prioritizing your best interests. "It's important to check if they are with a larger consortia, accreditations and network, typically listed on their website and signatures," says Parker. "That level of mindshare doesn't come with a lone advisor unless they have many, many years of experience."
• Slow response times: If communication is delayed, that's a sign they may be too busy to plan your trip – but again, this is something you can avoid by having the right conversations early on.

Edman suggestes starting your search with the American Society of Travel Advisors . "ASTA-verified travel advisors are committed to the highest industry standards and have verifiable industry knowledge so consumers can feel confident in working with them," she says.

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Breaking Down the Pros and Cons of Using a Travel Agent

You're convinced that having a travel expert by your side will be useful. But how do you go about knowing when and how to book with them?

Heading out the door? Read this article on the Outside app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .

Confession: I’m a big fan of travel agents (whoops, sorry, travel advisers ), even though I could technically book all my trips through websites and apps. And despite the fact that many of us might consider this industry old-fashioned and out-of-date, research shows that travelers, and millennials in particular, are once again turning to these specialists to help plow through TripAdvisor detritus. If you’re wondering: how much does a travel agent cost, and why would I book with one anyway? Read on.

How to Know If You Need a Travel Agent

Once you’ve come around to the idea of hiring a travel agent, ask these three questions before booking:

• Is this a domestic trip or one that involves traveling to a part of the world you’ve never been? If it’s the former you don’t need a travel agent.
• Can I get a better deal by using a travel agent? (This question requires you pricing out your trip with and without one.)
• Is this a big-budget, special-event kind of trip? If the answer is yes, go with a travel agent.

The Pros of Using a Travel Agent

They can find crazy deals..

This is literally their job. If they have been in the travel business for many years, they likely have supplier relationships in place that can help leverage better deals for you. Many travel agents specialize in locations (i.e., cruise vacations in Europe). Some travel agents offer package deals, with more savings passed on to you then booking the trip on your own—that is good news to your wallet.

They will be your advocate.

One of the best ways to utilize a travel agent is as an advocate should something derail on your trip. They can help you with lost luggage, in the case of natural disasters, if you get stuck in a location before your trip, etc. They are there to help you get your trip back on track.

They’ll take care of the little things.

I love my travel agent, and I love all the extras she provides when we use her services for a trip. For instance, when we traveled to the Bahamas, she made sure there was a nice bottle of champagne and strawberries in our room on our arrival, and she also upgraded our room free of charge. While this certainly is not a guarantee when you use a travel agent, there are a lot of added-value extras you can expect when you use a travel agent. Why? Because travel agents know you don’t have to use them to book your trip, and they want to say thank you.

They’re true experts.

Most travel agents have been working in the industry for years now, and it’s their job to stay on top of travel trends and upcoming hot destinations. When I spoke with my travel agent about a trip to Europe recently, she offered a few alternate destinations. I was not thinking about the destinations she suggested, but the alternatives offered great activities, culture, food, interesting boutique hotels, and more options for less money than my original destination.

They don’t usually cost extra.

It’s a myth that working with a travel agent will automatically cost you more; most get paid via commissions from the hotel or outfitter. Sure, some travel agents do charge a fee for putting together an itinerary, but most will credit you that fee if you end up booking the trip through them. Make sure you know all the potential fees before you use a travel agent, and do not hesitate to negotiate away.

The Cons of Using a Travel Agent

They’re not going to help with cheaper airfare..

Back in the day, you would use a travel agent to book every aspect of your trip. However, with so many options to find low-cost airfare, like Google Flights , Scott’s Cheap Flights , and  Skyscanner , booking your own flights is easy and cost-effective. Most travel agents cannot score discounted flights, and many travel agents will not even bother. Follow these tips on how to find the cheapest flights possible , instead.

They’re not you.

This may seem obvious, although it’s still important to consider. A travel agent not only finds you the best deals, but they also offer suggestions for activities, restaurants, and more. This is great if you’re someone who doesn’t like to research these things, but you run the risk of working with someone who doesn’t get your personal preferences (maybe they lean toward road tours rather than technical singletrack). Do your own research first, and come up with a list of activities that you want to do. Once you have that list, pass it along to your travel agent to see if they can rustle up any deals as they book.

How to Find a Great One

One of the best ways to find a reputable travel agent is to get referrals from your friends and family. Anyone that has used that travel agent for a previous trip and enjoyed their service is someone worth checking out. As with anything, I always suggest talking to at least two different travel agents to see who you feel most comfortable with. Remember, they are there to work for you.

Know your travel budget before you reach out to a travel agent. Likely, this will be the first question they ask you and will help steer them toward the best destinations for that budget. If you are traveling somewhere that’s specialized, like going on that once-in-a-lifetime African safari , find a specialist that knows that region inside and out. They will usually have the best deals and relationships with hotels and activity companies in that area.

How Much Does a Travel Agent Cost?

Usually, the cost of hiring a travel agent to organize a trip for you is fairly minimal. Many agencies charge a flat fee of around $100, and others may charge a certain small percentage of your trip. Most of their take-home profits come from the hotels, wholesalers, resorts, and businesses they work with, but be sure to as your travel agent about fees upfront and before you start working with them to plan your next dream vacation. (No one likes hidden fees and surprises.)

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• Jul 27, 2020

Yes, Travel Agents Exist. Here's Why You Should Use One.

Updated: Nov 7, 2023

A large majority of people either don't know travel agents exist or don't know how they work or how they can be helpful to a regular travel consumer. I also was oblivious to their existence and benefits until a few months before becoming one, and I had done my fair share of traveling prior.

So What Does a Travel Agent Do?

Simply put, a travel agent's role is to simplify the trip planning process for their clients (individuals, groups, corporations), arrange travel on their behalf, and ensure they experience the best trip possible. We can book anything travel related, like flights, rail, cruises, rental cars, hotels, all-inclusive resorts, vacation homes, excursions, events (sports, concerts, theater), vacation packages, and travel insurance. Some choose to specialize in certain areas like leisure trips, business trips, occasion trips (destination weddings, honeymoons, family reunions) and location specific trips like Africa, cruises or Disney.

How Can You Benefit from Working with a Travel Agent?

No, we don't cost more.

"Won't using you cost me more?" This is almost always one of the first questions I'm asked by a potential client. They are always surprised when I inform them that my services come at absolutely no extra cost to them. Most people aren't aware that no matter what aspect of travel you book and where you book it, a booking agency fee is already built into the price you pay. So when you book that all-inclusive resort on Expedia, Expedia is paid the booking agency fee by the vendor (the resort you booked). If you booked your stay directly with the resort, they keep the agency fee for themselves. When a travel agent makes the reservation on your behalf, they are paid that agency booking fee by the vendor.

We Save You a Lot of Time and Stress

Now that you know it costs you nothing to work with an agent, why continue to throw away your precious time? Spending weeks or even months, researching and finally booking your vacation, only for someone else to make money off all your hard work. It's quite easy to get lost, overloaded or confused by the sheer amount of information online. The larger and more complicated your itinerary, the more time you find yourself spending and stressing over it. So why not come to us with your ideas? We are a one-stop shop, able to handle countless aspects of your vacation, saving you time, trouble and tears. We will research and arrange the perfect trip for you, allowing you to spend that valuable time on things that matter to you.

We Have Access to Rates That You Don't

Major travel vendors (cruise lines, airlines, resorts) have portals that are only accessible by travel agents. Within these dedicated portals, we can access better rates not available in the public domain. So not only does it not cost you more money to work with us, we can potentially save you money as well! These special vendor relationships also allows us to enhance your vacation experience. We can get you additional perks like free room upgrades, welcome gifts, VIP status, resort credits, cruise ship credits and so much more.

We Can Offer You Affordable Payment Plans

A majority of the public travel booking portals require payment in full when a reservation is confirmed. If the trip is costly, this could be a burden for some, leading to possible credit card fees and hefty interest. If you use an agent and plan enough in advance, you may only have to pay a small deposit and make payments towards the cost of the trip until it is paid off. Majority of the payment plans we can offer you have zero fees involved, no interest and no credit checks. If needed, we can also provide special travel financing, which will involve a soft credit card and will accrue interest (typically still lower than that of a traditional credit card) .

Having such flexible payment plans through a travel agent can make that dream family vacation more accessible, affording and rewarding for you. You can learn more details about these payment plans in: " Easily Afford That Much Needed Vacation With a Travel

Agent ".

We Keep an Eye on Your Reservations

Many people worry about the same thing before reserving their vacation. "Is this the best deal?", "Maybe I should wait a little longer to see if the price drops" . A travel agent can keep an eye on your reservation for lower prices. This applies most especially to vacation packages, like cruise vacations or Disney vacations. When there is a lower price or sale after you have reserved your vacation, we can reach out to the vendor on your behalf and request that it be applied to your reservation. If you're still making payments on your trip, your balance due is reduced. If you've completed payment, the difference will be refunded!

We Don't Focus on Sales, We Focus on You

Most travel agents really have nothing to sell you, we essentially work for you and not a travel vendor. As an independent travel agent, I am my own boss. I have no industry sales incentives, bonus gifts or quotas to hit. I take the time to know you, your likes and dislikes, what you value, and everything you hope to get out of your vacation. M y goal is to find the best possible solutions for your travel needs. Recommendations are unbiased and make the most sense for you and your budget. Every detail of your vacation is perfectly planned just for you. My focus is to have happy repeat clients who will utilize my services time and time again and recommend me to others.

We Think of Things That You Don't

Most people don't realize they're not covered by their insurance when they travel abroad. If you're admitted to the hospital in a foreign county, they could go as far as ceasing your passport until you've made payment in full for any treatment you received before being discharged. It is part of a travel agent's job to make sure you have peace of mind by providing you with the best travel insurance to protect you and your family.

Most people can easily overlook the rules, terms, and conditions. We pay attention to the fine print, ensuring that there are no mishaps and your vacation investment is fully protected.

There are several more examples I could give. So when working with a travel agent, rest assured, we have you covered.

We Can Provide Firsthand Advice

Most travel agents are well traveled themselves and can give priceless advice. That firsthand experience can help us make your vacation more memorable when you visit a location we have previously been to. We can give expert recommendations like the best areas to stay, must see places, and notable tours to experience.

We are Your Personal Advocates

No matter how well prepared you are, the unexpected can happen before or during your trip. When you run into unplanned issues, we are there for you. We usually know who to reach out to and have the situation addressed. If you need to make a travel insurance claim, we will work with the insurance company on your behalf.

And Finally, You'll Be Working Directly with an Actual Person

When you pick up the phone and call me, you'll hear my voice. You don't get an automated system. You don't have to press 1, 7, and then 3 to reach a customer service rep. You don't have to call back from 9am-6pm EST. I am always a quick call, text, or email away. You will be working with someone who will get to know you well over time and will keep giving you better experiences with each planned vacation. No online search engine can give you the same hands on personalized approach. Again, all of this at no cost to you!

So What do You Think?

If you haven't worked with a travel agent before, why not give one a try for your next vacation? Since I happen to be one, I'll appreciate the opportunity to work with you on your next trip and hopefully many more to come. Check out the services I offer, and reach out to me when you're ready to make that dream vacation a reality. Thanks for reading!

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3 Real-Life Ways Travel Agents Save You Money

Many an article has been written about why you'd use a travel agent. They usually cite saving you time, the expertise they bring to the table, and knowing you have an advocate if anything goes wrong as the most enticing reasons to use an agent.

Really? I agree whole-heartedly but let’s be honest here, that’s kinda hogwash if you aren’t sold on using a travel agent in the first place. You want tangible, monetary benefits—something that will make an immediate difference (especially in your bank account), and something you can’t get from Expedia, Booking.com, Travelocity, etc.

So, let’s chat about 3 little-known ways you can save money booking with a travel agent instead of other OTAS — online travel agencies.

Here's a sneak peek!

Can't believe your eyes? Read more below!

1. You Can Pay in Installments (Deposit and Final Payment)

When you book your vacation online, you can only book with a full payment. When you use a travel agent, you can book by putting down a deposit.   Yup, you can reserve your spot for as little as $100 per person 1 .

When you book your vacation online, you pay in full. When you use a travel agent, you can book by putting down a deposit.

Here’s how paying in installments helps you:

You can budget

Wouldn't it be nice to reserve your flight/room even if you don't have all the money up front? When you book with a travel agent you can do just that: Book your trip with as little as $100 per person and still while still having months to budget and save for your vacation . Best of both worlds.

Even if you're money bags or grandma/pa is footing the bill, and you could pay for your entire vacation up front, consider this . . .

EARN Interest

Maybe you’re still a skeptic or don't need to budget for your trip. After all, you’re good with money—you have ample savings to draw from for your vacation.

I’m a saver too, so I’ll speak straight to your thrifty lil' heart. Compound interest.

Keep that money in the bank with the rest of your savings and let it earn you some interest! Depending on the cost of your vacation and how far ahead you book, it can add up. So next time you're tempted to scour the web for weeks, thinking you might find something for $50 less, remember you could earn that in interest and spare yourself a lot of stress.

Credit Card Savings

If you plan to finance your trip on a credit card, booking with a travel agent can offer you huge savings.

The ability to pay in installments (deposit and final payment) is available to anyone, regardless of credit history. And even more exciting? It has comes with a 0% interest price tag! Paying in installments will save you months of credit card interest that would otherwise accrue on your trip purchase.

BUT, you say, thinking you've caught me, "Expedia.com has a Book Now, Pay Later program!" Here's the thing. Assuming you meet all of Expedia's application and booking requirements, you'd be paying 10% to 30% APR . . . with a repayment term of 3, 6 or 12 months.

early-bird perks

When you book with a travel agent, you can get early bird perks. What are some of these early booking perks? Here's just a few:

• Plenty of room availability
• Choicest flights to pick from (those charters fill up fast!)
• Early booking incentives

2) Lock-in the Price and Space on Your Vacation for 24 Hours

When you book online with OTAs, your space/price isn't confirmed until you've paid (in full).  Why is this a problem? You could lose your seat during the checkout process. Or prices could change while you're waiting for info or confirmation from you tragically type-B travel partner(s).

We've all suffered the heartbreak of doing hours of research and diligently filling in tedious traveler info only to learn the price isn't available when you go to process your payment. When you use a travel agent, they can put your reservation on hold, without you having to worry things will sell out or prices will change. This is especially handy when you're coordinating travel plans with others.

A travel agent can place holds, lock in prices and reserve your spot free of charge. Online agencies don't offer that option.

But how does a travel agent save you money because they place holds? Basic market principles: when supplies start to dwindle and demand goes up . . . so do prices. A travel agent can put things on hold free of charge, locking your price in and reserving your spot before the inventory sells out. Online agencies don't offer that option.

When a travel agent puts your vacation on hold, it’s typically for 24 hours, or in some situations it could be until the end of the day.

Either way, putting a hold on your purchase gives you time to think it over, and coordinate with the other travelers. The best part? All the while, you can sleep easy knowing the pricing isn’t going to fluctuate and you won’t lose your space. 

It’s also worth mentioning a hold is something agents do as part of their services, there is no charge.

Now, let’s talk air-only bookings because that’s a little different.

3) Airline Tickets Can Be Put On Hold

If your air is a part of your trip package (part of the tour/ cruise/ vacation package), see #2 above! You're good to go. But, if you're booking a flight only , not every agent will offer that kind of booking service.

Why not? Booking air-only travel is a whole different animal and not all agencies are equipped to (or want to) deal with it.

I mention this because if you call an agency and they say air really isn’t their thing, I don’t want you to be disheartened. Just like you'd check out different websites, check different agencies.

Agents can put you airline tickets on hold, which reserves your seat and guarantees the price until 11:59pm.

So, what can a travel agent offer you that you can’t get from online travel agencies? With online agencies, you can't guarantee your seat or price of your flight until payment has gone through.

This is where the travel agent magic happens: agents can put your airline ticket on hold, which reserves your seat and guarantees the price until 11:59 pm that day (or, more accurately, the end of the agent’s business day). There is no charge for the hold 2 .

If you’re booking full-fare tickets like Y Class, Business Class or First Class, an agent can typically reserve your seat with no money down for much longer than the end of the day—sometimes even up to the day before departure. 3 .

How is a hold different from the dot 24-hour rule?

Okay, here's a long (but important) side note: The hold perk we talked about above? That's different than the DOT 24-hour rule .

What is the DOT 24-hour rule?  The DOT requires that, as long as a ticket was booked seven days before departure, the consumer can cancel within 24-hours  without penalty . You might have seen something like this on an online travel agency website:

While it may look like a perk, it's actually a regulation. All travel agencies are required to follow the 24-hour rule, including online travel agencies like Booking.com and Travelocity.

This regulation is not the same as the holds agents can put on your flight. An agent holds your seat and fare without money down.

Using a travel agent hold allows you to skip the hassle of booking, paying for, and then cancelling the ticket the next day . . . and after all that, you still have to wait for the refund to process. One thing to be aware of is that it may take awhile to get your refund. It's not instant. And if you're really unlucky, like this traveler that Chris Elliot helped out , you may end up in a black hole of OTA support trying to get your refund.

You Need Proof? Okay. Here's Some Data

You want some hard numbers. I don't blame you.

Here's some info: In 2016, ASTA's report  Best of Both Worlds: Quantifying How Travel Agents Save Consumers Time and Money , stated, "Consumers report that travel agents save them an average $452 per trip 4 plus four hours in travel planning, and help them avoid costly mistakes."

Expedia's research indicates the average America spends 22.95 hours booking a trip in the 6 weeks before departure.

How much is 4 hours of time worth? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics 5 , the average hourly wage in the U.S. as of Sept. 2019 registered at $28.09/hr. Over four hours, it'll save the average American $112.36, which is nothing to shake a stick at.

But 4 hours is a very shy estimate of time savings: Expedia's own 2017 research 6 indicates the average American spends 22.95 hours booking a trip six weeks before departure, leading to a total of $644.66 in time savings if you book with a travel agent.

Why OTAs No Longer Offer the "Best Deal"

Travel agents had a huge setback in the 1990s when airlines cut commissions. You may have heard of it? To put it simply, with the commission cuts and emergence of OTAs, everyone thought travel agents were dead.

Excuse me for a second, we need to have a little mood music playing quietly in the background for this next section . . . 

No, but for real, you need to press play to get the feel I'm going for here! Don't be a fun-hater. Go ahead and press play, I'll just wait. 

Okay! We're ready!!!

Ahem . . . times have changed though, my friend.

CHANGE IN Competition

Similar to  the shift travel agents went through in the 1990s , the OTAs and aggregators landscape is currently changing, resulting in dramatic reductions in commissions and aggregate deals.

In a breakdown of the new OTAs landscape in a 2017 article in WIRED , it explains that aggregators (OTAs) used to get their their discounted prices from vendors trying to dump empty rooms, seats and off-season inventory. In return, they'd make a pretty penny on the deal. But this was when there weren't so many OTAs in the game.

DISTRIBUTION COSTS

The hospitality industry realized OTAs were a bit like playing with fire. They could move inventory, but in return they required 20-30% commission . . . and weren't great at customer service. That's a steep price considering hotels pay travel agents 10-16% commission on bookings .

With the cost of their distribution channel commissions nearly doubling, hotels are fighting to rein in costs. Major chains are doing this by guaranteeing the best pricing when travelers book direct (vs. an OTA).

Here's Hilton's promise:

So . . . how can travel agents save you money? Seems like it's just best to book direct, right?

Wrong. Check this out:

Accredited travel agents are listed as having access to the best pricing right in Hilton's Price Match Guarantee!

I already hear you asking, "So what? Traditional travel agents can access the lowest rates for Hilton. Not to point out the obvious, but online travel agencies are travel agencies, too!"

SURPRISE! OTAs may technically be travel agencies but not according to Hilton's definition of an Accredited Travel Agent:

What does all this mean? That travel agents are just as competitive as OTAs (or maybe even more so) when it comes to pricing.

There isn't a secret database of deals that only OTAs like Expedia, Booking.com, or Priceline have access to. In fact, we've seen that in some cases, like Hilton, they are specifically excluded from deals.

In the end, vendors realize that paying traditional agencies a 10-16% commission makes sense. You only play when they make a sale. When you consider the agent brings the client, sells the product and provides service and follow-up, it's quite a deal!

Customer service

And for the win . . . let's be honest, it's hard to deny that the customer service experience a travel agent provides leads to much happier travelers.

63% of consumers polled said using an agent makes their overall trip experience better.

In fact, in the ASTA article mentioned above, "63% of consumers polled said using an agent makes their overall trip experience better." If you've ever called into an OTA's customer service line, you know you won't have a 63% chance you'll end the conversation feeling like they made your trip better.

Too often people have the notion that online agencies are superior to travel agencies. Not so, I say! The perks above are little-known (but super snazzy) and offer a compelling reason to try using a travel agent if you aren't using one already!

Here's where you can find some great travel agents that can save you money:

• Ensemble.com
• TravelLeaders.com
• Virtuoso.com

If you still aren't convinced, check out another article, " Using a Travel Agent vs. Booking Online ."

Special thanks to the following agents for their insights: Bonnie Lee, Colleen Preston, Alyssa Schulke—you're awesome, thank you!

The Fine Print

Lots of fine print. It's not because I'm trying to mislead you (I would have a guilty conscience forever if that was my MO) but because travel is complex and far from one-size fits all—there are multiple variables to take into account for each situation. But, I promise you, the bottom line is travel agents can do some really nifty stuff for you that an online agency cannot. Try one out.

• Down payment perk: It can usually be found when you book this type of travel: cruises, vacation packages, tours. The amount of the down payment will vary based on your booking. If you’re purchasing close in (let’s use booking within 45 days of departure as a guideline here), you’re going to have to pay it all up front. No perk for you. ↩
• Air on hold perk: Travel agents may not be able to do this on every single airline, but can do it on the majority of airlines. Flights close to departure may not be able to be put on hold. There is typically no fee to put the flight on hold but most travel agents charge a service fee for booking air only reservations. ↩
• Full-fare ticket holding perk : This perk holds the space, but does not guarantee the fare. The rule of thumb is that the higher the ticket class, the longer the agent can hold your seat without payment. ↩
• Source: " New Study Finds Travel Agents Save Consumers an Average of $452 Per Trip ." Travel Market Report, June 2016. ↩
• Source: The Bureau of Labor and Statistics , 2019 ↩
• Source: " The American Traveler's Path to Purchase. " Expedia 2017 ↩

About the Author

Steph grew up in the travel industry, helping on and off with her mom's homebased travel agency. She has worked with thousands of agents in her role as a former host agency director before leaving in 2012 to start HAR. She's insatiably curious, loves her pups Fennec and Orion, and -- in case you haven't noticed -- is pretty quirky and free-spirited.

If you’re looking for Steph, she leaves a trace where ever she goes! You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn (her fav) and Pinterest as 'iamstephly'. 🙂 You can also catch her on her Substack, Bumblin' Around, where she writes on things outside the world of HAR.

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Biden-Harris Administration Announces Final Rule Requiring Automatic Refunds of Airline Tickets and Ancillary Service Fees

Rule makes it easy to get money back for cancelled or significantly changed flights, significantly delayed checked bags, and additional services not provided  

WASHINGTON – The Biden-Harris Administration today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a final rule that requires airlines to promptly provide passengers with automatic cash refunds when owed. The new rule makes it easy for passengers to obtain refunds when airlines cancel or significantly change their flights, significantly delay their checked bags, or fail to provide the extra services they purchased.

“Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them - without headaches or haggling,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg . “Our new rule sets a new standard to require airlines to promptly provide cash refunds to their passengers.”  

The final rule creates certainty for consumers by defining the specific circumstances in which airlines must provide refunds. Prior to this rule, airlines were permitted to set their own standards for what kind of flight changes warranted a refund. As a result, refund policies differed from airline to airline, which made it difficult for passengers to know or assert their refund rights. DOT also received complaints of some airlines revising and applying less consumer-friendly refund policies during spikes in flight cancellations and changes. 

Under the rule, passengers are entitled to a refund for:

• Canceled or significantly changed flights: Passengers will be entitled to a refund if their flight is canceled or significantly changed, and they do not accept alternative transportation or travel credits offered. For the first time, the rule defines “significant change.” Significant changes to a flight include departure or arrival times that are more than 3 hours domestically and 6 hours internationally; departures or arrivals from a different airport; increases in the number of connections; instances where passengers are downgraded to a lower class of service; or connections at different airports or flights on different planes that are less accessible or accommodating to a person with a disability.  
• Significantly delayed baggage return: Passengers who file a mishandled baggage report will be entitled to a refund of their checked bag fee if it is not delivered within 12 hours of their domestic flight arriving at the gate, or 15-30 hours of their international flight arriving at the gate, depending on the length of the flight.  
• Extra services not provided: Passengers will be entitled to a refund for the fee they paid for an extra service — such as Wi-Fi, seat selection, or inflight entertainment — if an airline fails to provide this service.

DOT’s final rule also makes it simple and straightforward for passengers to receive the money they are owed. Without this rule, consumers have to navigate a patchwork of cumbersome processes to request and receive a refund — searching through airline websites to figure out how make the request, filling out extra “digital paperwork,” or at times waiting for hours on the phone. In addition, passengers would receive a travel credit or voucher by default from some airlines instead of getting their money back, so they could not use their refund to rebook on another airline when their flight was changed or cancelled without navigating a cumbersome request process.  

The final rule improves the passenger experience by requiring refunds to be:

• Automatic: Airlines must automatically issue refunds without passengers having to explicitly request them or jump through hoops.   
• Prompt: Airlines and ticket agents must issue refunds within seven business days of refunds becoming due for credit card purchases and 20 calendar days for other payment methods.  
• Cash or original form of payment: Airlines and ticket agents must provide refunds in cash or whatever original payment method the individual used to make the purchase, such as credit card or airline miles. Airlines may not substitute vouchers, travel credits, or other forms of compensation unless the passenger affirmatively chooses to accept alternative compensation.    
• Full amount: Airlines and ticket agents must provide full refunds of the ticket purchase price, minus the value of any portion of transportation already used. The refunds must include all government-imposed taxes and fees and airline-imposed fees, regardless of whether the taxes or fees are refundable to airlines.

The final rule also requires airlines to provide prompt notifications to consumers affected by a cancelled or significantly changed flight of their right to a refund of the ticket and extra service fees, as well as any related policies.

In addition, in instances where consumers are restricted by a government or advised by a medical professional not to travel to, from, or within the United States due to a serious communicable disease, the final rule requires that airlines must provide travel credits or vouchers. Consumers may be required to provide documentary evidence to support their request. Travel vouchers or credits provided by airlines must be transferrable and valid for at least five years from the date of issuance.

The Department received a significant number of complaints against airlines and ticket agents for refusing to provide a refund or for delaying processing of refunds during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. At the height of the pandemic in 2020, refund complaints peaked at 87 percent of all air travel service complaints received by DOT. Refund problems continue to make up a substantial share of the complaints that DOT receives.

DOT’s Historic Record of Consumer Protection Under the Biden-Harris Administration

Under the Biden-Harris Administration and Secretary Buttigieg, DOT has advanced the largest expansion of airline passenger rights, issued the biggest fines against airlines for failing consumers, and returned more money to passengers in refunds and reimbursements than ever before in the Department’s history.

• Thanks to pressure from Secretary Buttigieg and DOT’s flightrights.gov dashboard, all 10 major U.S. airlines guarantee free rebooking and meals, and nine guarantee hotel accommodations when an airline issue causes a significant delay or cancellation. These are new commitments the airlines added to their customer service plans that DOT can legally ensure they adhere to and are displayed on flightrights.gov .  
• Since President Biden took office, DOT has helped return more than $3 billion in refunds and reimbursements owed to airline passengers – including over $600 million to passengers affected by the Southwest Airlines holiday meltdown in 2022.   
• Under Secretary Buttigieg, DOT has issued over $164 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations. Between 1996 and 2020, DOT collectively issued less than $71 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations.  
• DOT recently launched a new partnership with a bipartisan group of state attorneys general to fast-track the review of consumer complaints, hold airlines accountable, and protect the rights of the traveling public.  
• In 2023, the flight cancellation rate in the U.S. was a record low at under 1.2% — the lowest rate of flight cancellations in over 10 years despite a record amount of air travel.  
• DOT is undertaking its first ever industry-wide review of airline privacy practices and its first review of airline loyalty programs.

In addition to finalizing the rules to require automatic refunds and protect against surprise fees, DOT is also pursuing rulemakings that would:

• Propose to ban family seating junk fees and guarantee that parents can sit with their children for no extra charge when they fly. Before President Biden and Secretary Buttigieg pressed airlines last year, no airline committed to guaranteeing fee-free family seating. Now, four airlines guarantee fee-free family seating, and the Department is working on its family seating junk fee ban proposal.  
• Propose to make passenger compensation and amenities mandatory so that travelers are taken care of when airlines cause flight delays or cancellations.   
• Expand the rights for passengers who use wheelchairs and ensure that they can travel safely and with dignity . The comment period on this proposed rule closes on May 13, 2024.

The final rule on refunds can be found at https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/latest-news and at regulations.gov , docket number DOT-OST-2022-0089. There are different implementation periods in this final rule ranging from six months for airlines to provide automatic refunds when owed to 12 months for airlines to provide transferable travel vouchers or credits when consumers are unable to travel for reasons related to a serious communicable disease. 

Information about airline passenger rights, as well as DOT’s rules, guidance and orders, can be found at   https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer .