So you want to take a first-class trip to any destination you desire. When it’s time to pay, will you use cash, credit, or cryptocurrency?
You read that right: It’s now an option to pay for travel expenses with crypto like Bitcoin – but only in some cases. Not all airlines accept Bitcoin as payment, but trends suggest that more service providers in certain industries are moving in this direction.
For now, there are a handful of airlines that will gladly treat your Bitcoin like travel points so that crypto enthusiasts can fly freely without fiat. Let’s check out the top airlines on the cutting edge of payments and discuss some crypto-friendly travel agencies as well.
Why Pay for Travel With Bitcoin?
Before we get to our lists, why would you want to use Bitcoin to pay for travel in the first place? Here are three reasons why Bitcoin might be a better option than standard currency or credit card.
No Exchange Fees
Here’s the big one – Bitcoin isn’t subject to exchange fees for foreign currencies. If you know how international travel works, these fees are a serious hit to the wallet when using cash.
With Bitcoin, the price may fluctuate, but at least you won’t be squeezed for exchange fees like all the other travelers on your flight.
Take Advantage of Price Swings
The price of Bitcoin may be sky-high one day, only to come back down to earth within 24 hours.
If you’re a skilled crypto trader, you may be able to time your purchase wisely during a bull run and maximize the value you get for your Bitcoin, then scoop up more on sale later.
For the Future of Crypto
Some people live and breathe crypto, and owning or using Bitcoin is a dream come true.
Buying a candy bar with Bitcoin is one thing, but a flight to the other side of the world is way cooler and a good sign for the future of crypto.
Top Airlines That Accept Bitcoin
It’s time to check out some airlines currently accepting Bitcoin. While the list may not be too long at the moment, it’s good to see that some companies are confidently ahead of the curve.
1. LOT Polish Airlines
Investment and development are surging in central and eastern Europe, so it’s fitting that one of the few airlines accepting Bitcoin is based in Poland.
An interesting fact about LOT Polish Airlines: it was founded in 1928, making it one of the oldest airlines still operating today. Even more astounding is their place on the front lines of crypto adoption.
2. Peach Aviation
Peach is a Japanese budget airline with a small fleet and limited destinations in Japan and Southeast Asia.
The company has only operated for 10 years, making a big name as one of the few Asian airlines taking Bitcoin as direct payment for flights. If you ever find yourself on that side of the world, be sure to fly Peach if Bitcoin is your payment of choice.
3. airBaltic
Based in Riga, Latvia, airBaltic offers affordable flights throughout Europe and proudly accepts Bitcoin as payment.
If you’re an intrepid crypto nomad exploring the East and need a quick, comfortable flight between the Baltics, the Balkans, and the Scandinavian nations (not to mention the western European favorites), look no further than airBaltic.
4. Surf Air
California dreaming is what Surf Air is all about. It’s an innovative aviation marketplace that offers unlimited private charter flights to members for a monthly fee.
Surf Air makes private jet travel a bit more accessible for Americans traveling around the western half of the country, and yes, they accept Bitcoin.
5. Virgin Galactic
If you’ve grown bored of terrestrial travel and you’re ready to leave the stratosphere, you can easily send Bitcoin to Sir Richard Branson’s very own Virgin Galactic space flight service.
While you may need to wait years to get the opportunity to fly with VG – and spend a lot of Bitcoin in the process – traveling to space is the chance of a lifetime, so grab it if you can!
Travel Agencies That Accept Bitcoin
Individual airlines may be less likely to jump on the Bitcoin bandwagon, but other service providers in the travel industry are more eager.
For those who like a third party to handle travel details and streamline the process, here are several travel agencies on the cutting edge of crypto.
Alternative Airlines
Alternative Airlines offers something different for travelers with digital wallets full of crypto.
In addition to Bitcoin, Alternative Airlines accepts more than 40 payment methods in total, including altcoins like Ethereum, Tether, and Litecoin.
CheapAir
Don’t let the name fool you. CheapAir is 100% U.S.-based and beloved by customers worldwide for its affordable flights, hotels, and rental cars.
They even offer services that help customers book flights at the best time for optimal savings.
When it’s time to lock in a reservation, you can pay with everything from bitcoin and Litecoin to USDC, BUSD (the US Binance coin), and even Dogecoin.
Destinia
Celebrating its 20th birthday this year, Destenia has carved out a solid reputation in the travel field for an international audience.
Flights and hotels are only a fraction of Destenia’s offerings, as they’ve incorporated everything from apartments and activities to hostels and even ski getaways into their lineup. Get your crypto ready because their offers are tempting.
UATP
The partnership between Bitpay and the Universal Air Travel Plan is one of the more exciting recent developments in the crypto travel arena.
UATP is bringing cryptocurrency payment options to more than 300 airlines and travel merchants, including heavy hitters like Delta, JetBlue Qantas, and United.
Those airlines are just a few steps away from accepting crypto altogether, and UATP is a great signal for the future of travel and the broader crypto revolution.
What Is Next for Bitcoin Travel?
Crypto enthusiasts are always eager to predict how things will unfold moving forward, so let’s list a few potential ways that crypto can improve and expand the travel industry.
Widespread Acceptance of Crypto Payment for Travel
With UATP setting the standard for global payments, things are looking good for travel by crypto. However, there is always room for more acceptance and a broader understanding of crypto, especially in developing countries.
We hope that crypto evens the playing field for international travel and helps bring about a more accessible, globally-connected world for everyone.
New Cryptos in Play
Bitcoin is still the main event in the world of crypto, but as we’ve mentioned, altcoins are becoming more accepted and widely used.
This trend indicates that everyone from crypto mining operations to institutional investors will look for gains in other areas of the crypto market – not just BTC and ETH, as usual.
Travel the World With Crypto
It’s a dream come true for any Bitcoin or altcoin holder. At last, those digital assets convert directly into real-world, high-value services like travel.
Keep this list of airlines and providers bookmarked so you can plan your next crypto-powered adventure with confidence.
Sources:
6 Bitcoin Travel Sites | One Day Itinerary
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