How to Split Payment for Airline Tickets: Options Listed by Airline

Most airlines do not allow split payments when it comes to purchasing an airline ticket or tickets. But split payment for airline tickets at some airlines is possible. The airlines that do allow split payments are JetBlue and Spirit. Accepted forms of payment include credit cards, debit cards, prepaid debit cards and gift cards — and, in JetBlue’s case, TrueBlue points. But you’ll have to call to make a reservation with two payments methods; neither airline can process this request online.

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Airlines That Allow Split Payments

There are many reasons you may want to book an airline reservation using two different payment methods. These include expensive fares, using up prepaid gift cards, and redeeming rewards points. We confirmed with customer service representatives from the following airlines that these airlines do allow split payments for flight purchases.

JetBlue

JetBlue allows split payments for airline reservations. However, you cannot process split payments when booking your reservation online. You must call JetBlue’s customer service department at (800) 538-2583 in order to pay with more than one payment method. It’s important to note that JetBlue accepts a maximum of two payment methods per reservation. You can pay using the following combinations:

Two credit cards
Two debit cards (including prepaid debit cards like gift cards)
One credit card and one debit card
TrueBlue points redemption in combination with one credit or debit card for TrueBlue Getaways Vacation Packages.

Spirit Airlines

Spirit allows split payments when booking airline reservations and vacation packages, but split payments cannot be processed online. You will need to call Spirit’s customer service at (801) 401-2222 and request to book a new reservation using a split payment. Spirit accepts a maximum of two payment methods per reservation. You may pay using the following combinations:

Two credit cards
Two debit cards (including prepaid debit cards like gift cards)
One credit card and one debit card

Airlines That Don’t Allow Split Payments

We’ve confirmed that the following airlines do not allow split payments by visiting the airline’s website and/or speaking with customer service representatives.

Alaska Airlines
Allegiant Air
American Airlines
Delta Air Lines
Frontier Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines
Southwest Airlines
Sun Country Airlines
United Airlines

Try a Workaround

Though most airlines do not allow split payments, you can consider the following workarounds when booking your flight reservation:

Book two one-way tickets instead of a roundtrip reservation. Rather than paying for your outgoing and return flights together, you can book each flight individually and pay for each flight using a separate credit or debit card.
Airlines sometimes make exceptions if you are traveling with a large group (usually for a business trip). Typically, a group reservation needs to be for eight or more passengers. If this is the case, you may wish to contact the airline learn what payment options are available.

In Summary

Split payment for airline tickets are possible. Most airlines do not allow split payments when booking flight reservations; the two that do are JetBlue and Spirit. JetBlue and Spirit allow up to two payment methods per reservation. Accepted payment methods include credit cards, debit cards, and prepaid debit cards including gift cards. JetBlue rewards members may also use TrueBlue points plus a credit or debit card for JetBlue Getaways Vacation Packages. Even though most airlines do not allow split payments, you may want to consider purchasing two one-way flights instead of a roundtrip reservation and using a different card to pay for each flight.