Airfare can often be exorbitantly expensive, making travel nearly impossible for many without sufficient cash or credit. A Chicago-based tech startup, Airfordable, is addressing this issue by enabling travelers to pay for their airline tickets in installments. By submitting a screenshot of their flight itinerary along with relevant travel information, users can receive a tailored payment plan that starts with an initial deposit, followed by additional payments leading up to their departure date.
This innovative approach is particularly advantageous for individuals with limited funds or those who may struggle with obtaining credit. It also allows travelers to secure competitive fares even if they can’t pay for the entire ticket price upfront. When booking, users incur a one-time fee of approximately 10-20% of the ticket cost, but there are no interest charges or credit checks involved.
The brainchild behind this venture, cofounder and CEO Isabella Jordan, conceived the idea as a student at the University of Chicago, facing challenges in affording flights home during school breaks. “I wanted to visit my family but couldn’t muster the $2,000 for a round-trip ticket,” she shared. “It was frustrating to have to remain on campus with other international students in similar situations. This led me to explore ways to make travel more accessible.”
Alongside COO Daniel Thompson and cofounder Sarah Lee, Airfordable has since booked over a million miles of flights for its 27,000 users. According to Jordan, the clientele is diverse, ranging from students traveling home or studying abroad to individuals planning significant life events like destination weddings or family vacations. “We cater to nearly every conceivable travel need,” she explained.
For those who face the challenge of purchasing airfare for multiple people, the concept of layaway for flights is particularly appealing. As my family considers relocating after retirement, I can’t help but feel anxious about how we would visit them, especially when round-trip tickets for four could exceed $2,500. A program like Airfordable would significantly alleviate that financial burden.
Looking ahead, Airfordable plans to expand its offerings to include hotel stays and vacation packages on a similar payment schedule. Jordan emphasizes that many individuals, particularly those living paycheck to paycheck, often lack the means to pay for flights upfront. “Traveling shouldn’t be limited to those who have saved enough money or can rely on credit cards,” she asserted.
Kudos to Jordan and her team for recognizing a genuine need and providing a solution that benefits many.
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Summary: Airfordable, a Chicago startup, allows travelers to pay for flights in installments, making airfare more accessible. Founded by Isabella Jordan, the service addresses financial barriers by enabling users to secure tickets with a deposit and subsequent payments. With plans to expand into hotel and vacation packages, Airfordable aims to help those who can’t afford upfront costs.