Apple Pay At Airports: Where And How To Use It

can i use apple pay at airport

Apple Pay is a digital wallet service provided by Apple Payments Services LLC, a subsidiary of Apple Inc. It allows users to make purchases using a virtual card, which can be accessed via the Wallet app on any iPhone, or a physical card, which can be used worldwide at any store that accepts contactless payments. Apple Pay can be used to purchase flights from certain airlines, such as Jet2, Delta, United, and American Airlines. Additionally, some airports in the US have implemented Apple's Digital ID, allowing travellers to use their iPhone or Apple Watch to pass through TSA security checkpoints without showing a physical copy of their ID.

Characteristics Values
Airlines that accept Apple Pay Jet2, Delta, United, Alternative Airlines (600+ airlines including American Airlines), Orbitz, Cheaptickets, Expedia USA, Agoda
Apple Pay verification Face ID, fingerprint, or Touch ID
Apple Pay availability Available in select countries/regions, including North America, Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, China, and Japan
Apple Pay requirements Requires a supported card from a participating card issuer and a compatible device with the latest iOS or iPadOS
Apple Pay usage at airports Can be used for contactless payments at certain airport stores and for TSA security checks in select US states

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Airlines that accept Apple Pay

Apple Pay is a digital payment service (e-wallet) that can be used to pay for flights with several airlines. Alternative Airlines, for example, accepts Apple Pay for any airline ticket from over 650 airlines, including United Airlines and JetBlue. Similarly, Turkish Airlines also accepts Apple Pay as a payment method, although this depends on the country that your Apple ID is linked to and the currency you want to pay with.

Some other airlines that accept Apple Pay include Delta, Southwest, JetBlue, Alaska, and Jet2. Notably, American Airlines does not support Apple Pay. Additionally, you can use Apple Pay with online travel agencies like Orbitz, Cheaptickets, Expedia USA, and Agoda to book flights and hotels.

Using Apple Pay, you can quickly and conveniently pay for purchases without needing to enter card details, as your card is stored securely in your Apple Wallet. This allows you to make in-store, online, and in-app purchases by simply verifying your identity with biometric methods like Face ID or Touch ID.

It is important to note that Apple Pay is not available on all airlines, and some may require you to add a card to their app before making in-flight purchases.

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Using Apple Pay at the airport

Apple Pay is a secure and convenient way to make payments at the airport. Here are some ways you can use Apple Pay when travelling through an airport:

Booking Flights

You can use Apple Pay to book flights with certain airlines and travel agencies. For example, Alternative Airlines accepts Apple Pay for any of the 600+ airlines they ticket, including American Airlines. You can also use Apple Pay to book flights with Jet2 and Delta. Additionally, you can use Apple Pay with online travel agencies like Orbitz, Cheaptickets, Expedia USA, and Agoda.

In-App Purchases

Some airlines, like United, allow you to add your Apple Pay card to their app for in-flight purchases. This enables you to make convenient and secure purchases during your flight using Apple Pay.

Airport Security

Apple's Digital ID technology allows travellers to use their iPhone or Apple Watch to get through TSA security checkpoints at select airports. This feature was introduced on March 23, 2022, at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and has since expanded to states like Maryland, Colorado, Georgia, and Ohio. To use this feature, eligible travellers can scan their driver's license or state ID into the Apple Wallet app and follow the on-device instructions. Once approved, they can present their Apple Wallet identification at airport security checkpoints, streamlining the security process.

In-Store Purchases

You can use Apple Pay for in-store purchases at airports, depending on the country or region. Look out for the Apple Pay symbol, the Apple Pay button, or the EMV Contactless symbol at the point of sale terminals. Additionally, ensure that your card's payment network is accepted by the merchant.

It's important to note that Apple Pay may not be available in all markets and is subject to change. Always verify the availability of Apple Pay and the accepted payment methods before assuming its usage.

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Setting up Apple Pay

Apple Pay is a service provided by Apple Payments Services LLC, a subsidiary of Apple Inc. It is a quick and easy way to pay for flights, in stores, online, and in apps. It is safe, secure, and private. Apple Pay is accepted at over 85% of retailers in the US.

To set up Apple Pay, you need to add a debit or credit card to the Wallet app on your iPhone, Apple Watch, or other compatible device. Here are the steps to follow:

  • Ensure that you have a compatible device with the latest version of iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, macOS, or visionOS.
  • Get a supported card from a participating card issuer. To check if your card is compatible with Apple Pay, contact your card issuer.
  • Sign in to your Apple Account on your Apple device.
  • Set up Face ID, Touch ID, Optic ID, or a passcode on your device.
  • Open the Wallet app on your iPhone and tap the "+" or "Add" button.
  • Tap "Debit or Credit Card" and then “Continue."
  • Tap or hold your card close to your iPhone to add it. Alternatively, you can enter your card details manually or scan your card with your iPhone camera.
  • Agree to the terms and conditions.
  • Verify your card with your bank. Some banks may require additional authentication or information before approving your card for use with Apple Pay.
  • Once your bank has verified your card, you are ready to use Apple Pay.

With participating card issuers, you can also connect your account to the Wallet app. This allows you to view your account balance, transaction history, and more.

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Apple Pay security

Apple Pay is designed with security and privacy in mind. It is a safer way to pay than using a physical credit, debit, or prepaid card. Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode is required for purchases on your iPhone, Apple Watch, Mac, or iPad. Your card number and identity aren't shared with merchants, and your actual card numbers aren't stored on your device or on Apple servers. When you pay in stores, neither Apple nor your device will send your actual card number to merchants. When you pay online in Safari or in apps, the merchant will only receive the information necessary to fulfil your order, such as your name, email address, and billing and shipping addresses.

Apple Pay uses security features built into the hardware and software of your device to help protect your transactions. To use Apple Pay, you must have a passcode set on your device and, optionally, Face ID, Touch ID, or Optic ID. Apple Pay also protects your personal information. Apple doesn't store or have access to the original credit, debit, or prepaid card numbers that you use with Apple Pay.

When you use Apple Pay in stores that accept contactless payments, Apple Pay uses Near Field Communication (NFC) technology between your device and the payment terminal. NFC is an industry-standard, contactless technology that’s designed to work only across short distances. If your iPhone is on and detects an NFC field, it will present you with your default card. To send your payment information, you must authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode (except when you use Express Mode with a payment or transit card).

Additionally, you can take broader steps to keep your Apple device safe and follow best practices. Here are some recommendations:

  • Protect your Apple ID.
  • Use two-factor authentication.
  • Keep your contact information secure and up to date.
  • Use strong and unique passwords for different accounts.
  • Download only from trusted sources.
  • Use a VPN (virtual private network) to hide your IP address and prevent tracking by advertisers.
  • Get a good antivirus program.

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Apple Pay in other countries

Apple Pay is a global service, but it is not available in all countries or markets. In some countries, Apple Pay is only available on the web in the Safari browser on compatible iPhone and iPad models using iOS 11.2 or later, and not in third-party browsers.

Europe

The majority of European countries support Apple Pay. These include Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and many more.

Asia and the Pacific

Several countries in the Asia-Pacific region support Apple Pay. These include Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, mainland China, Macao, New Zealand, Singapore, and Taiwan.

North America

In North America, only Canada and the United States support Apple Pay. However, sending and receiving money with Apple Pay and the Apple Cash card are only available in the US.

Latin America and the Caribbean

A handful of Latin American countries support Apple Pay, including Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Peru. In the Caribbean, only a handful of countries will accept Apple Pay.

The Middle East

A few countries in the Middle East support Apple Pay, including Bahrain, Israel, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Africa

South Africa is the only country in Africa that currently supports Apple Pay.

Frequently asked questions

Apple Pay can be used at certain airports in the US, such as Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, and airports in Maryland, Colorado, Georgia, and Ohio. It can also be used to pay for flights with Alternative Airlines, American Airlines, Jet2, Delta, United, Orbitz, Cheaptickets, Expedia USA, and Agoda.

Apple Pay can be used to get through TSA security checkpoints at certain airports. To use this feature, eligible fliers must scan their driver's license or state ID into the Apple Wallet app and take a selfie. Once approved, users can present their Apple Wallet identification at airport security checkpoints by tapping their device at the Credential Authentication Technology reader.

To set up Apple Pay, go to Wallet > tap Add Credit or Debit Card > tap Next > scan your card or enter its code > agree to the terms and conditions > verify your card with your bank.

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