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- Credit cards increasingly accepted for in-flight purchases
- United Airlines switches from Pepsi to Coke
Credit cards increasingly accepted for in-flight purchases
Purchasing in-flight amenities such as movies or alcoholic beverages used to require that a traveler have cash on hand – preferably exact change. Fortunately, an increasing number of airlines are beginning to accept electronic payment for in-flight purchases. American Airlines began accepting credit cards a year ago, and the practice is spreading throughout the airline industry.
While some airlines are accepting credit cards in addition to cash, others are accepting credit cards as the only form of payment for in-flight amenities. The chart below outlines the options offered by airlines currently.
Forms of payment for in-flight amenities on North American airlines:
AirTran Airways
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Does not accept cash for onboard purchases. Credit or debit cards accepted.
Aloha Airlines
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Does not accept cash for onboard purchases. Credit or debit cards accepted.
American Airlines
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Cash, credit cards, and debit cards are accepted for onboard purchases.
ATA Airlines
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Does not accept cash for onboard purchases. Credit cards accepted.
Continental
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Customers have the option to purchase Continental Currency at all airport kiosks with a credit card before departure. Continental Currency can be exchanged on board for alcoholic beverages and headsets at the rate of one coupon each ($5 value).
Delta Air Lines
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Delta is currently testing a cashless system that potentially may be rolled out companywide in the next year.
Frontier Airlines
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Does not accept cash for onboard purchases. Credit cards accepted.
Hawaiian Airlines
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Hawaiian Airlines stopped accepting cash on trans-Pacific flights two years ago, and extended this policy to inter-island shuttles at the beginning of 2007.
US Airways
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US Airways is considering a new seatback in-flight Internet and entertainment system, which travelers could pay for via a built-in electronic payment system. The airline may consider a related system that would allow passengers to pay for other items with credit cards.
Sources: The Arizona Republic, American City Business Journals
United Airlines switches from Pepsi to Coke
After five years of serving Pepsi products exclusively, United Airlines recently announced a new five-year beverage agreement with Coca-Cola. United Airlines passengers now have the option of selecting Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Sprite Zero, and other beverages while in flight. United will also switch to Coca-Cola products in its airport lounges and offices later this year.
Sources: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, United Airlines
