Alaska Airlines to Accept Credit Cards In Flight

Alaska Airlines announced that it will begin accepting credit card payment aboard select flights as it copes with societal changes regarding cash.

Most people don’t carry the exact change that flight attendants commonly ask for, let alone carry cash at all these days.

Alaska Airlines said the new service will be instituted on its transcontinental flights first, followed by a nationwide launch in the future.

Travelers flying aboard Alaska Airlines will be able to use credit cards to purchase alcoholic beverages, food, and to rent the airline’s “DigEplayers” entertainment systems.

The move signals the demand to use credit cards in a variety of different environments, including in flight were the potential for airlines to make money is becoming huge.

After all, many common frills airlines used to offer such as snacks, pillows, blankets and more seemingly mundane items are now offered as a premium, and account for much of the profits airlines bring in these days.

American Airlines also offers credit card based transactions for its in-game entertainment player, although it is unknown if they accept credit card payment for snacks and alcohol.

Many other airlines are likely to follow suit as new and more expensive services are offered in flight, and as travelers cling on to plastic above cash.

It should be interesting to see if airlines incorporate the sale of credit cards on-board as well, as a cross-promotional means to issue more credit cards.

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