In a move set to revolutionise travel bookings in South Africa, Travelstart unveiled an innovative Book Now, Pay Later (BNPL) feature in partnership with Payflex.

According to the online travel agency, BNPL aims to empower customers with increased financial flexibility when purchasing flights, allowing them to manage their expenses with ease.

“This innovative solution lets travellers manage their payments across easy, interest-free instalments. As the demand for BNPL options rises in South Africa, this new feature not only facilitates better spending habits but also encourages higher spending, offering a compelling alternative to traditional credit systems,” stated the agency.

With the introduction of the BNPL feature, customers can select from two convenient payment plans. They can either make four equal, interest-free payments over six weeks or choose three instalments that align with their payday.

For instance, a flight from Johannesburg to Durban could now be split into manageable payments of as little as R195 per instalment, without any added interest to burden the traveller.

Mikha’il Ernest, Chief Commercial Officer of Travelstart, expressed enthusiasm about the launch, highlighting the positive impact of BNPL options across various sectors.

“We’re excited to offer our travellers this financial flexibility, allowing them to book their trips without the burden of upfront costs. This added flexibility addresses a significant need for customers who may find immediate payment requirements to be a barrier,” said Ernest.

According to the agency, the demographic dynamics indicate a growing trend, especially among younger consumers, like Gen Z and Millennials, who are increasingly gravitating towards BNPL alternatives as a substitute for traditional credit.

“This shift is vital in promoting financial inclusivity in South Africa, a country where access to credit can often be limited.

“Despite persistent inflation and mounting economic pressures, consumer spending has shown resilience, with BNPL serving as a valuable tool for individuals seeking to navigate their finances during challenging times,” said the agency.

The partnership with Payflex further solidifies Travelstart’s commitment to making travel accessible and convenient for South African travellers.

The BNPL feature is effective immediately and can be applied to all flights booked on the Travelstart platform.

“At Travelstart, we continually look to enhance our customer journey. A key part of that journey is payment flexibility, and as payments evolve, we want to stay agile and adaptable to provide customers with the best possible options and alternatives,” concluded Ernest.