PAL teams up with BillEase, launches Fly Now Pay Later Program

Philippine Airlines Inc. (PAL) and First Digital Finance Corporation (FDFC) which operates the buy now, pay later (BNPL) app BillEase today announced the roll-out of their joint “Fly Now, Pay Later” program allowing customers to book airline tickets now and pay over time.

BillEase, a flexible alternative to credit cards and e-wallets, enables customers to apply for a point of sale loan and pay over 3, 6, 9, or 12 monthly installments. The BNPL service is card-free and does not require customers to sign up for a credit or a debit card. Customers will know how much they will pay with an affordable interest rate and no hidden fees.

PAL customers only need 1 valid ID when signing up and get approved in less than 5 minutes to complete their booking. Customers are shown the actual amounts including the exact date of installments and a disclosure statement before completing the purchase. The first installment is not due until 15 days or 30 days after the trip is booked.

“We are proud of our partnership with BillEase. This latest service innovation using a card-free installment solution adds more flexibility to our flight booking process," said PAL SVP for Sales and Marketing Oscar 'Ren Ren' Reyes.

"This latest offering is part of our goal to provide customers a transparent and flexible way to pay. Travelers can now enjoy an installment plan when they're booking their tickets, removing some of the hassle and added costs of planning a trip during the new normal," he stressed.

“BillEase is all about providing a smart alternative to financing large purchases including airline tickets,” said Georg Steiger, CEO, and Co-Founder of FDFC. “We're excited to enable customers to book their flights with a hassle-free payment option. Our partnership with PAL is focused on providing what customers need and delivering a differentiated customer experience for travelers.”

The partnership is part of PAL’s evolution to offer more personalization when it comes to booking and to make every trip seamless and affordable for many Filipinos as many travelers feel more comfortable traveling again.

Booking tickets directly and paying via BillEase provides customers more control over their travel experience, adding more savings and benefits. For example, customers who use it can be eligible for exclusive deals such as 0% interest installment plans.

Today flexible payments go a long way in reducing financial burdens and helping consumers financially afloat. Until recently, installments have been limited to the one offered by credit cards and with BillEase it's now easier for uncarded and unbanked Filipinos to avail installment at the checkout.

Launched in 2017, BillEase provides consumers with credit accounts they can use to pay at participating merchants. It provides a transparent, easy-to-understand installment payment plan directly at the checkout and does not charge hidden fees or excessive interest rates. The fintech startup is partnered with over 200+ merchants including PAL and has partnered with major payment processors such as 2C2P, Xendit, Paynamics, Dragonpay, and UBX Philippines’ Bux.