New ‘Pay When You Fly’ option to boost traveller’s confidence this summer

Travel expert says that rule changes can be ‘daunting’

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Due to the travel restriction uncertainty, many Britons fear having their flights or hotels cancelled last minute. With many airlines only offering vouchers and not refund options, what is the best alternative for UK travellers when it comes to booking?

A recent study by Amadeus has shown that 81 percent of travellers wouldn’t book a holiday just for the heightened risk of cancellation.

With travel restrictions in different countries changing on a daily basis, many holidaymakers fear not being able to get a refund if their flights are cancelled last minute.

The top concerns for people when travelling are the refund uncertainty and the refund process.

However, airlines are considering offering a solution which is believed to be the most convenient to date, especially for those travellers who don’t want to risk losing their money.

“Pay when you fly” allows passengers to make a flight booking by paying a small deposit of 15 percent and then settling the balance a few weeks before the trip.

According to recent data, 62 percent of travellers are likely to opt for the new “Pay when you fly” option to reduce exposure to the refund process.

It has been reported a “major European airline” is set to introduce the new scheme soon.

The European carrier has taken the lead with a “Pay When You Fly” (PWYF) option, which will allow passengers to make a flight reservation, which also includes a hotel or car hire by paying a small amount.

Passengers will then be settling the balance just before travelling and when it is confirmed that the flight will depart as planned.

However, some airlines have already introduced new ways to make the process easier and safer for holidaymakers.

British Airways Holidays offers a book now pay later scheme.

EasyJet Holidays also enables travellers to pay for trips in instalments as part of its Protection Promise measures.

After conducting the research, Amadeus managing director Bart Tompkins commented on the findings.

“We’re entering a critical phase for travel’s recovery, and our industry needs to build confidence at every opportunity,” he said

“We believe pay when you fly will drive traveller confidence, encouraging travel planning and booking even in an uncertain environment with changing Government restrictions.

“The new approach may also result in higher value bookings because travellers only need to make the balance of the payment when it’s clear the flight will depart as planned.”

The scheme is the most appealing option compared to the traditional pay at the time you book or the “buy now pay later” schemes that require travellers to enter a credit agreement for the entire balance.

As well as building confidence by overcoming refund uncertainty, “Pay when you fly” will boost the travel industry revenues with passengers willing to spend 36 percent more per trip on average.

49 percent of travellers are more likely to add additional services like meals and bags, if “Pay when you fly” is offered by the airline.

Airlines like Jet2, easyJet, TUI or British Airways have recently updated their policies as the EU tightened entry rules for UK visitors.

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