UK based flight search site Alternative Airlines, has put the cat amongst the pigeons with an announcement of a new deal with Affirm to roll out what the American company describes as its “fair and honest alternatives” to traditional payment options.

The new partnership will see customers pay for their flights in instalments, instead of one single tranche. Giving them the opportunity to plan ahead and even open up a travellers horizons by giving them a chance to experience more wide-ranging trips, with the US customers able to divide fees over three, six and 12 months instalments.

“Spread the cost of a flight over monthly instalments”

As the new tool also provides complete transparency into the total cost of a flight and details any hidden or extra costs, such as interest or admins charges, the company assures users that they “never pay a dollar more than what they agree to at checkout” – which is at it should be, but not always necessarily how it is.

Alternative Airlines’ managing director, Sam Argyle, said: “We’ve seen a change in flight purchasing behaviour in the US market, where financing flights is growing in demand. Having the ability to spread the cost of a flight over monthly instalments provides travellers with flexibility and convenience.”

“It should be as easy to afford your trip”

“Technology has made it easier than ever for people to explore the world,” said Max Levchin, founder and CEO at Affirm. “It should be as easy to afford your trip as it is to search and compare costs and select your seat. We are excited to give even more consumers the opportunity to select Affirm’s transparent, responsible payment option and help them explore new places.”

Alternative Airlines has more than 20 different ways to pay including PayPal, Alipay from China, mobile phone-based money transfer services from East Africa (M-Pesa, Airtel and Tigo), Apple Pay, Google Pay and Visa Checkout.