Lois Larson
While it is possible to buy airline tickets with cash at the airport, it is not as simple as it once was. In the past, consumers could purchase airline tickets with cash at most airline counters in the United States. Now, many airlines have moved away from accepting cash, favouring credit cards, debit cards, and other digital payment methods. Some airlines, such as JetBlue, offer ReadyStation kiosks in airport lobbies, allowing passengers to convert cash to prepaid debit cards, albeit with a fee. Several large retailers also sell gift cards for various businesses, which can be purchased with cash and then used to buy plane tickets.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Convenience | Buying tickets with cash at the airport is less convenient than buying them online or over the phone. |
| Price | Buying tickets at the airport with cash is likely to be more expensive than buying them online. |
| Safety | Paying with cash may result in extra security scrutiny, as cash payments are associated with drug trafficking and terrorism. |
| Payment methods | Most airlines prefer card payments, such as credit and debit cards, including prepaid cards. Some airlines also accept PayPal, Apple Pay, Alipay, MasterPass, travel credits, gift cards, vouchers, and Western Union. |
| Airlines accepting cash | American Airlines, United Airlines, Alaska Air, Southwest Airlines, and JetBlue Airways accept cash at certain airports. |
| ID requirements | Some airlines require a government-issued photo ID for cash purchases. |
| Booking fees | Some airlines charge a booking fee for cash purchases. |
| Money orders | Money orders are generally accepted, but all pertinent information must be filled out correctly. |
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What You'll Learn
Airlines that accept cash at the airport
While many airlines have transitioned to digital payment methods, some still accept cash purchases for plane tickets, albeit with certain limitations. It is always best to call ahead and confirm which locations accept cash. Here are some airlines that allow cash transactions:
American Airlines
American Airlines is one of the few large airlines that still takes cash at some airport ticket counters and travel centres. However, their website only mentions "some" airport ticket counters, so it varies by location. It is always best to call ahead and confirm which locations accept cash.
Alaska Air
Alaska Air accepts U.S. and Canadian dollars at ticket counters in the U.S. and Canada. It also accepts Mexican pesos at the ticketing counter in Mexico. Alaska Air also has a solution for customers who want to pay cash at a cashless airport. They have ReadySTATION kiosks in those airports, where for a fee of $5, consumers can convert cash to a prepaid debit card that they can use to purchase flights.
JetBlue Airways
JetBlue accepts Dominican pesos at its Dominican Republic airports and city ticket offices. However, it does not accept cash for reservations at most airports.
Southwest
While Southwest stopped accepting cash at its U.S. ticketing counters, the airline still accepts cash at its international locations.
United Airlines
United Airlines does not accept cash at many airports but allows cash payments at ticket offices outside of airports and select ticket counters.
It is important to note that policies can change, and not all airports or ticket counters may accept cash. Additionally, even if an airline accepts cash purchases, there may be specific requirements, such as presenting a government-issued photo ID.
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Airports that are cashless
While some airlines do accept cash, most airlines have stopped accepting cash as a form of payment for fares, checked bags, and in-flight purchases. Theft was a major issue, and when co-brand credit cards started offering to waive their fees for in-flight purchases, airlines jumped onto the trend. This means that credit cards are now often the only way to do flight-related business.
Some airlines that have gone cashless include Allegiant, which does not allow cash, checks, or money orders for fares, in-flight purchases, or at any airport location. JetBlue has also been cashless since 2015, and Delta has designated over 80 airports as cashless, including Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP), St. Louis (STL), and Washington D.C. - Dulles (IAD) and Reagan National (DCA). Southwest also no longer accepts cash at its ticketing locations. Spirit Airlines has also gone cashless at over 50 airports it serves, and United does not accept cash at many of the airports it serves.
Some airlines offer alternatives to help passengers who do not have credit or debit cards. For example, JetBlue offers ReadyStation kiosks in airport lobbies, allowing passengers to convert cash to prepaid debit cards for purchases, although there is a $5 fee for the service. Similarly, Delta accepts prepaid debit cards via airport lobby kiosks.
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Buying tickets with cash may be more expensive
While it is possible to buy airline tickets with cash at the airport, it is not recommended, as it may be more expensive. Many airlines have moved away from accepting cash as a form of payment, even for in-person purchases such as upgrades, baggage fees, and in-flight purchases. Instead, they prefer credit and debit cards, including prepaid debit cards.
Some airlines, such as JetBlue, offer ReadyStation kiosks in airport lobbies that allow passengers to convert cash to prepaid debit cards for purchases. However, there is often a fee associated with this service, adding to the overall cost of the ticket. Additionally, buying tickets at the airport may result in higher prices than purchasing in advance, as airlines assume that last-minute bookings are emergencies and are willing to pay higher prices.
Furthermore, some airlines may charge booking fees for cash purchases. These fees can vary depending on the airline and the specific circumstances of the purchase. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to use alternative payment methods, such as credit or debit cards, which may offer rewards or protection for travel-related purchases.
Additionally, when deciding between using miles or cash to purchase tickets, it is important to consider the value of the miles. The number of miles required for a flight is often based on the cash price, with more expensive flights requiring fewer miles. In some cases, using miles for short or inexpensive flights may not provide the best value, and it may be more advantageous to save miles for longer or more expensive trips.
Overall, while it is possible to buy airline tickets with cash at the airport, it may result in higher costs due to booking fees, last-minute pricing, and the need to convert cash to prepaid debit cards. It is recommended to compare prices and consider alternative payment methods to find the most cost-effective option.
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Identification requirements for cash purchases
- REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses
- State photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETC)
Children under 18 travelling within the United States are not required to provide identification, although unaccompanied minors eligible for TSA PreCheck must show acceptable ID. Passengers are encouraged to check the list of acceptable IDs before travelling to ensure they have the correct documentation.
When buying an airline ticket for someone else, it is important to communicate all necessary information, including identification requirements. The ticket recipient should double-check the itinerary before departure and ensure they have identification that matches the name given when the ticket was purchased. Without proper identification, including a passport for international travel, they may not be able to receive their tickets.
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Alternatives to cash purchases
While some airlines and airports still accept cash, many have moved to a cashless system, instead opting for alternative payment methods.
Credit and Debit Cards
The most widely accepted form of payment, other than cash, is credit and debit cards. Many airlines will accept these as a form of payment, and some, such as JetBlue, offer ReadyStation kiosks in airport lobbies, allowing passengers to convert cash to prepaid debit cards for purchases. However, there is often a fee for this service.
PayPal
Digital wallet services such as PayPal are also widely accepted. PayPal can be linked to a bank account, and used for online purchases, without the need for a physical card.
Gift Cards
In the US, many grocery stores and large retailers sell gift cards for various businesses, including airlines. These can be purchased with cash and then used to buy plane tickets.
Paysafecash
Available in 48 countries, Paysafecash allows you to select and confirm flights online and then pay for them in cash at a payment point.
Other Options
Other options for purchasing plane tickets without cash include travel credits, vouchers, credits, and services like Alipay, UnionPay, and Uplift.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, but only at certain airports and specific counters. Most airlines have moved away from cash purchases, but some still accept them with certain limitations. It is always best to call ahead and confirm which locations accept cash.
Airlines such as American Airlines, United Airlines, and Alaska Air accept cash payments at select airport ticket counters and travel centres. Southwest Airlines accepts cash at international locations but not at domestic ticketing locations. JetBlue Airways accepts Dominican pesos at its Dominican Republic airports and city offices.
Buying an airline ticket with cash at the airport may result in extra scrutiny and security checks. It may also be more expensive than purchasing online. Additionally, you may need to arrive at the airport earlier than normal to make a cash transaction.
If you do not have access to a bank account, credit card, or debit card, you can use a prepaid card or gift card to purchase your airline ticket. You can also use digital wallet services such as PayPal, Apple Pay, or travel credits.
Yes, it is possible to buy an airline ticket without a credit card. You can use a debit card, link your bank account to PayPal, or use cash at certain airports and counters. However, it is important to note that most airlines prefer plastic payments, and cash purchases may be limited to specific locations and counters.
