From September 2, United Airlines will accept only credit and debit cards for most onboard purchases on transatlantic flights and on flights to and from Brazil and Argentina.
The airline says it is making to move in order to speed cabin service, provide receipts and increase efficiency. Cash will only be accepted onboard these flights for duty-free purchases.
United Airlines introduced its EasyPurchase initiative worldwide in March and stopped accepting cash in April on flights within the United States (including Hawaii) and on flights to and from Canada, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.
According to the airline, feedback provided by thousands of customers in online surveys demonstrated wide acceptance for a cash-free environment. “Customers appreciate the simplicity and the speed with which cashless transactions can be done onboard,” says Lynda Coffman, United’s managing director-onboard design and strategy.
A United Airlines Boeing 767-300ER
Customers on all United flights can use major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and Diners Club, and debit cards bearing the Visa or MasterCard logos.
United will continue to accept cash in addition to credit and debit cards on flights to and from Asia. Also, cash will continue to be the accepted form of payment on United Express flights.
Users of United Mileage Plus Visa cards from Chase will earn 10 miles for every dollar spent on in-flight purchases.
Travelers who apply and are approved for a Chase Mileage Plus Visa card onboard a United flight will earn 30,000 Mileage Plus bonus miles and receive a $100 United discount travel certificate after their first purchase.
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