Fly now, pay later: Lufthansa will let passengers Klarna their flights
November 28, 2025
Lufthansa Group has announced a new partnership with Klarna and Adyen that allows travellers booking its flights to choose flexible payment options at checkout.
In addition to the classic “pay in full” model, customers will be offered “Pay Later” to defer payment or “Financing” to spread the cost over a longer period.
Lufthansa meets market demand for flexible flight payments
Lufthansa’s move reflects rising demand for more flexible payment terms in travel, a sector historically built on upfront payment at the time of booking.
For airlines, such financing schemes can make pricier fares and last-minute travel more accessible to their customers. For travellers, they offer easier budgeting, especially when planning long-haul or last-minute trips.
Oliver Schmitt, Managing Director, Lufthansa Group Digital Hangar, said of the airline’s new payment options, “By leveraging our digital capabilities and partnering with Klarna and Adyen, we can now offer greater choice and flexibility in how customers pay for their journeys.”
Digital banking firm Klarna supports financing options, and Ayden provides the payment processing integration.
“Travel is one of the most meaningful investments people make,” says David Sykes, Chief Commercial Officer at Klarna. “Together with Lufthansa Group and Adyen, we’re making it easier for travellers to book with confidence, by giving them more flexible and
Alexa von Bismarck, President EMEA at Adyen, said, “By combining Adyen’s reliable infrastructure with Klarna’s innovative payment solutions, Lufthansa Group customers will benefit from a smooth and flexible checkout experience.”
The flexible payment rollout began in mid-November across Lufthansa Group’s home markets and a selection of other key markets. Lufthansa plans to expand flexible payments across all Lufthansa Group Network Airlines—Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, SWISS and Brussels Airlines—by the end of the second quarter of next year.
Other airlines already offer flexible payment or instalment plans
Several other airlines have already introduced flexible payment schemes via third-party financing or payment-plan partners.
| Airline | Payment option | Provider / partner | Key features / markets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Canada | Flex Pay | Flex Pay (formerly Uplift) | Book now, pay later with fixed monthly instalments on eligible flights and vacation products. |
| Air France | 3x 4x Oney instalments | Oney via Adyen | Pay for tickets in 3 or 4 instalments by Visa or Mastercard, subject to approval and fees. |
| American Airlines | Affirm pay-over-time | Affirm | Flights and seats can be paid over time in fixed payments, subject to credit approval. |
| Delta Air Lines / Delta Vacations | Monthly instalments for packages | Affirm | Holiday and flight-plus-hotel packages payable over 6–24 months with no late fees. |
| KLM | Pay in 3 or 4 instalments | Oney | Split eligible bookings into 3 or 4 card instalments on KLM.com, mainly in selected European markets. |
| Qatar Airways | Pay in 30 days, Pay in 3, Financing | Klarna via Worldpay | Flexible Klarna options at checkout across 17 European markets, including pay-later and instalment plans. |
| Southwest Airlines | Book Now. Pay Later. (Flex Pay) | Flex Pay / Uplift | Split trip cost into fixed monthly payments via an integrated plan at Southwest.com. |
What flexible payments mean for air travellers and the industry
With flexible payment plans, travellers can book flights (even expensive, long-haul ones) immediately without needing the full amount upfront. This can be helpful in uncertain economic times or for sporadic travellers.
It can also encourage travellers to upgrade their ticket to a higher class on longer flights, without having to pay the full cost up front. As airfares rise, paying in instalments lets travellers “lock in” a good fare when they find one.
Monthly or periodic instalments make it easier for travellers to budget, which can be attractive for families, infrequent travellers, or those paying with non-travel credit cards.
There are some drawbacks. Instalment plans may involve interest or fees, and multiple small payments add a debt burden to manage over time.
Passengers considering using a “fly now, pay later” option should consider:
- Is the payment plan interest-free? Are there fees? Is there a soft or hard credit check?
- Some options let you pay in 3–4 instalments; others may offer longer-term financing.
- In some schemes, you may pay a portion up front and the rest later.
- Would you benefit more from paying with a travel credit card that rewards you with loyalty points or miles, or from saving up for the trip?
As more carriers offer payment flexibility, it is likely to become a strong selling point — especially among price-sensitive travellers or those booking long-haul, high-fare flights.
Featured Image: Lufthansa Group
