Owais Crawford
With the rise of digital transactions, many airlines have stopped accepting cash as a form of payment, opting for credit cards, debit cards, and other digital payment methods. This shift has also extended to purchases made at airports, with some airlines designating specific airports as cashless. This means that travellers who rely on cash may encounter challenges when purchasing drinks or other items at these locations. While some airlines provide alternatives, such as converting cash to prepaid debit cards, these options often come with additional fees. As a result, it is essential for passengers to be aware of the accepted payment methods at their departure airport to ensure a smooth travel experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cash accepted at airports | Some airlines still allow cash purchases at certain airports. For example, American Airlines and United Airlines accept cash purchases at certain airports. JetBlue Airways accepts Dominican pesos at its Dominican Republic airports and city ticket offices. |
| Cash not accepted at airports | An increasing number of airlines do not accept cash at airports or for in-flight purchases. This includes Allegiant Air, Delta Air Lines (at over 80 airports), Frontier Airlines, and Spirit Airlines (at over 50 airports). United Airlines also does not accept cash at many of the airports it serves. |
| Alternative payment methods | Credit cards, debit cards, prepaid debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, and other digital payment methods are commonly accepted alternatives to cash. |
| ID requirements for cash purchases | Some airlines may require a government-issued photo ID for cash purchases. |
| Limitations of cash purchases | Cash purchases may be limited to specific counters at the airport, and some airlines recommend arriving earlier than normal for these transactions. |
Explore related products
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. Here are some airlines that accept cash at the airport:
American Airlines
American Airlines is one of the few large airlines that still accepts cash at some airport ticket counters and travel centres. However, it only applies to some airport ticket counters, so it varies by location. It is always best to call ahead and confirm which locations accept cash. The airline also accepts PayPal for all travel except award tickets if you reside in the US or the UK.
Alaska Air
Alaska Air accepts US and Canadian dollars at ticket counters in the US and Canada. It also accepts Mexican pesos at the ticketing counter in Mexico. For customers who want to pay cash at a cashless airport, Alaska Air offers ReadySTATION kiosks where, for a fee, consumers can convert cash to a prepaid debit card to purchase flights.
JetBlue Airways
JetBlue Airways accepts Dominican pesos at its Dominican Republic airports and city ticket offices.
Southwest
Although Southwest no longer accepts cash at its US 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 the majority of airlines have gone cashless, and even those that accept cash at some locations may have specific requirements, such as presenting a government-issued photo ID. It is always best to check with the airline or visit their website to confirm their cash purchase policies.
Spartanburg Airport: Sleep-Friendly or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Airlines that don't accept cash at the airport
While some airlines still accept cash at airport ticket counters and travel centres, several airlines no longer accept cash as a form of payment, opting for cashless systems instead. This includes Allegiant, Delta, Spirit, United, and JetBlue.
Allegiant does not allow customers to pay with cash, checks, or money orders for fares, inflight purchases, or at any airport location. However, they do accept credit cards, points, vouchers, and Uplift for select flights.
Delta Air Lines has designated all its US airport locations as cashless, and most of its international airport locations are also cashless. They do, however, provide a solution for customers who want to pay cash at a cashless airport. Delta's website advises customers to "purchase a Visa gift prepaid credit payment card from a kiosk provided by a third-party vendor for a nominal fee."
Spirit Airlines will not accept cash, traveller's checks, certified/cashier's checks, or money orders at most of its airports, and it won't accept any of these forms of payment at any gate area.
United Airlines will not accept cash as a form of payment at many of the airports it serves. However, it does take cash at ticket offices outside of airports and other select ticket counters.
JetBlue does not allow cash to be used at any of the US airports from which it flies, but it does offer ReadyStation kiosks in airport lobbies that allow passengers to convert cash to prepaid debit cards for purchases, although this often comes with a fee.
It is worth noting that American Airlines and Alaska Air are among the few large airlines that still take cash at some airport ticket counters and travel centres.
Airgun Airport Travel: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Using prepaid debit cards at the airport
Prepaid cards are a great option for travellers who want to avoid carrying large amounts of cash or using their regular debit or credit cards while abroad. They are also a good alternative for those who do not have access to a credit or debit card. Prepaid cards are widely accepted at airports and can be used for various purchases, including flights, food, beverages, and entertainment.
When it comes to booking flights, most airlines accept prepaid cards as a valid form of payment. This includes major airlines like Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, United, and American. Prepaid cards can be used to book flights directly with the airline or through a travel agent, offering flexibility and convenience. Additionally, prepaid cards can be topped up with various currencies, making them ideal for international travel. For example, the Travelex money card allows users to deposit cash in currencies such as Japanese yen, Canadian dollars, Australian dollars, British pounds, or Euros.
At the airport, prepaid cards can be extremely useful for making in-flight purchases. Most airlines now refuse to accept cash for in-flight purchases, and prepaid cards provide a convenient and secure alternative. They can be used to buy food, beverages, and entertainment options during the flight. However, it is important to note that some airlines may not accept prepaid cards for onboard purchases due to the requirement for real-time authorisation. It is always a good idea to check with the airline beforehand to confirm their payment policies.
Prepaid cards can also be purchased at the airport, providing a convenient option for travellers who prefer not to carry cash. Airports such as Memphis International, Denver, and San Diego offer ReadyCard kiosks where travellers can purchase a prepaid card for a small issuance fee. The card can then be topped up with the desired amount, providing a secure and hassle-free way to pay for goods and services during travel.
Overall, prepaid debit cards offer travellers a safe and convenient way to manage their finances while at the airport and during their trip. They provide the benefits of a regular debit or credit card without the need for a credit check or bank account. Prepaid cards can be used for various purchases, including flights and in-flight services, making them a versatile option for travellers. However, it is always advisable to check with specific airlines and airports regarding their policies on accepting prepaid cards.
Be Wary of Airport USB Chargers: Hackers Lurk
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Using cash to buy plane tickets
While many airlines have transitioned to digital payment methods, some still accept cash purchases for plane tickets, albeit with certain limitations. Generally speaking, a plane ticket can be bought with cash at most airports, but you will need to show a government-issued photo ID, and it must have been issued within six months of your travel date.
It is recommended that you arrive at the airport earlier than normal to make a cash transaction. You will also need to physically go to the airport counter or your travel agent at one of their offices. Airlines such as American Airlines and United Airlines allow cash purchases, but only at certain airports and counters. It is best to call the carrier and confirm the airport and counter.
Some airlines, such as JetBlue, offer ReadyStation kiosks in airport lobbies, allowing passengers to convert cash to prepaid debit cards for purchases, but there is usually a fee for this service. Other airlines, such as Allegiant, do not allow cash purchases at all.
If you are looking to avoid cash, you can use a debit or credit card to book a flight in most cases. Many airlines also accept PayPal, Apple Pay, and other digital payment methods.
Uber at EWR Airport: Pickups and Drop-offs Explained
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Using cash for in-flight purchases
While some airlines still accept cash purchases, many have moved away from this in favour of credit cards, debit cards, and other digital payment methods. An increasing number of airlines will not accept any form of currency on board for in-flight purchases, such as food, drinks, movies, and other items.
Some airlines, such as American Airlines, allow cash purchases only at certain airports, but it is not clear which ones. It is best to call the carrier to confirm their cash purchase policies. Allegiant Air, for example, does not accept cash, checks, or money orders for fares, inflight purchases, or at any airport location. Similarly, Delta has designated over 80 airports as cashless, meaning they do not accept paper money as a form of payment. Frontier Airlines also does not accept cash, checks, or money orders for fares or inflight purchases.
Spirit Airlines will not accept cash, traveller's checks, certified/cashier's checks, or money orders at most of the airports it serves, and it will not accept any of these forms of payment at any gate area. However, it does accept credit and debit cards, gift cards, vouchers, credits, and PayPal (for certain purchases). At more than 50 airports it serves, Spirit will only accept credit and debit cards, including prepaid ones that can be purchased at airport kiosks. JetBlue offers a similar service, allowing passengers to convert cash to prepaid debit cards for purchases, but there is a $5 fee to use the service.
United Airlines will not accept cash as a form of payment at many of the airports it serves, but it does take cash at ticket offices outside of airports and other select ticket counters.
Travel Snacks: What Can You Bring Onboard?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
It depends on the airport and the airline. Many airlines have moved away from accepting cash, and some have designated airports as cashless, meaning they will not accept cash as a form of payment. Airlines that do not accept cash include Allegiant Air, Delta Air Lines, and Frontier Airlines.
Common forms of payment at airports include credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, and eCredits.
Yes, you can usually buy a plane ticket with cash at the airport, but you will need to show a government-issued photo ID, and it may need to have been issued within six months of your travel date. You may also need to arrive at the airport earlier than normal.
Using cash to buy a plane ticket can be a good option if you do not have a debit or credit card, or if you prefer to make purchases with cash. However, it is important to note that buying a plane ticket with cash may be less convenient than buying online or over the phone, as you will need to go to the airport or a travel agent office in person.
