‘If you want to buy a plane ticket with cash, whether at the airport or off site, be sure to know what you need…as it can be more difficult than it used to be.’
Believe it or not, there quite a few people out there who would rather use cash for their purchases than a credit card. For some it’s for controlling their spending…while for others it’s actually to avoid having purchases tracked (for whatever reason).
Many low-income consumers face additional challenges as they lack access to a bank account, making it difficult to use traditional payment methods like debit or credit cards. Similarly, the same desire still applies when buying airline tickets:
Some would rather buy a plane ticket and use cash for the transaction. And some don’t even want to use a debit card. Let’s go over the ins and outs of making this type of airline purchase, as it does have some hurdles.
You of course, want to be prepared…
Can You Buy a Plane Ticket with Cash at the Airport Ticket Counter?
Let’s start with the most common cash transaction for air tickets: Buying them at the airport ticket counter.
I’ve had people ask me if you can still buy plane tickets at the airport using cash? Generally speaking, a plane ticket can still be bought in cash at most airports, but you’ll have to show a government-issued photo ID and it must have been issued within six months prior to your travel date.
Keep in mind, you lose the ease and convenience of making your purchase online and/or over the phone. You’ll have to physically go to the airport counter or your travel agent at one of their offices. Services like ReadyStation kiosks allow passengers to convert cash to prepaid debit cards, though they come with fees that can disadvantage low-income individuals.
Also, most airlines recommend that you arrive earlier than normal to make a cash transaction. Also, money orders are generally accepted as well, but all the pertinent information must be filled out correctly. I would avoid personal checks. Some carriers do still take them, but not many. I would avoid that hassle.
Also, if you intend to buy a ticket for someone else, make sure you know the general requirements, international requirements and variables such as using a travel site or travel rewards.
Some Airlines Limit Cash Ticket Transactions to Only Certain Airports
While many airlines will still allow buying tickets for cash, they will only allow them at certain airports.
For example, airlines such as American Airlines and United Airlines allow cash purchases only at certain airports.
Unfortunately, they aren’t exactly all that clear on their website(s) which ones.
Your best bet is to call the carrier. Verbally confirm the airport with them and which counter(s) they use. They don’t always process cash at every counter so you don’t want to be running around trying to find the right one.
Additionally, online purchases are becoming increasingly important, with various payment methods such as credit cards, PayPal, and eCredits available for online transactions, reflecting the growing trend of digital transactions in the airline industry.
Airlines That Accept Cash Purchases
While many airlines have transitioned to digital payment methods, some still accept cash purchases for plane tickets, albeit with certain limitations. Here are a few airlines that allow cash transactions:
American Airlines: You can pay cash at some airport ticket counters and travel centers. However, it’s always best to call ahead and confirm which locations accept cash.
Alaska Air: This airline accepts U.S. and Canadian dollars at ticket counters in the U.S. and Canada, and Mexican pesos at ticket counters in Mexico.
Southwest Airlines: Cash is accepted at international locations, but not at domestic ticketing locations.
JetBlue Airways: JetBlue accepts Dominican pesos at its Dominican Republic airports and city ticket offices.
Even if an airline accepts cash purchases, there may be specific requirements, such as presenting a government-issued photo ID. Always check with the airline or visit their website to confirm their cash purchase policies.
Airlines That Don’t Accept Cash
Many airlines have moved away from accepting cash purchases, favoring credit cards, debit cards, and other digital payment methods. Here are a few airlines that do not accept cash:
Allegiant Air: Allegiant Air does not accept cash, checks, or money orders for fares, inflight purchases, or at airport locations.
Delta Air Lines: Delta has designated over 80 airports as cashless, meaning they do not accept paper money as a form of payment.
Frontier Airlines: Frontier does not accept cash, checks, or money orders for fares or inflight purchases.
Spirit Airlines: Spirit does not accept cash, traveler’s checks, certified/cashier’s checks, or money orders at most airports.
United Airlines: United does not accept cash at many airports but allows cash payments at ticket offices outside of airports and select ticket counters.
It’s crucial to check with the airline before attempting to make a cash purchase, as policies can change, and not all airports or ticket counters may accept cash.
Where Can I Buy a Plane Ticket with Cash (other than the Airport)?
Some airlines still have travel centers where you can make air ticket buys. American Airlines still has some offices (you can view them here). However, with the advent of the internet, many carriers no longer have separate ticket offices (away from the airport). Delta (for example) closed all their physical ticket offices years ago. Again, call your airline and ask to get the latest information.
Additionally, consider using travel credit as an alternative payment option available to passengers, alongside credit cards, gift cards, and PayPal.
Buying Tickets Through a Travel Agent with Cash
You should visit your travel agent and discuss your plans to find the cheapest flight. A good place to start is by researching different airlines, their prices, and then comparing them side-by-side for the best deal. Now, this is assuming your travel agent even has an office anymore. Many do not. But if they do…they usually take cash.
Online Travel Agencies and Cash Purchases
Online travel agencies (OTAs) often have different policies regarding cash purchases. Here are a few popular OTAs and their cash purchase policies:
Expedia: Expedia does not accept cash purchases directly, but you can use a debit card or credit card to book a flight.
Orbitz: Orbitz does not accept cash purchases, but you can use a debit card or credit card to book a flight.
Travelocity: Travelocity does not accept cash purchases, but you can use a debit card or credit card to book a flight.
Kayak: Kayak does not accept cash purchases, but you can use a debit card or credit card to book a flight.
Even if an OTA does not accept cash purchases, you may be able to use a debit card or credit card to book a flight. Always check the OTA’s website or contact their customer service to confirm their payment policies.
In summary, while some airlines and OTAs still accept cash purchases, many have moved away from this payment method. It’s crucial to check with the airline or OTA before attempting to make a cash purchase to avoid any issues or restrictions.
Booking Using a Debit Card
You can (usually) book air tickets with your debit card, but there are disadvantages compared to a credit card. One thing you must make sure of is that your debit card is affiliated with a major credit card. Otherwise, you may have trouble making the purchase. Also, debit cards don’t typically have buyer protection like credit cards do. So if there’s a problem with your transaction, you could lose your money.
Buying Items on Board the Aircraft (Drinks, Food, Etc…) With Cash
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. Something also to keep in mind regarding cash purchases on a flight: Airlines are not likely to go back to handling money due to Coronavirus…for obvious reasons.
If You're Going to Use Cash…Your Best Option? Go to the Airport
The airport is going to give you the least amount of friction overall in making a cash airline ticket purchase. And if you run in to issues, that’s where all their customer agents are.