When it comes to booking flights online, travelers are more cautious than ever. I get it , with the surge of third-party travel platforms promising rock-bottom fares, the line between “cheap” and “risky” can get blurry fast.
That brings us to Alternative Airlines , a UK-based flight booking platform that’s been gaining momentum among budget-conscious travelers, especially those looking for buy now, pay later options. I’ve used the platform several times, booked with various airlines through it, tested its customer support, and tracked its performance metrics closely over the years.
In this comprehensive review, I’ll walk you through everything , from legitimacy and booking process to refund policies, user experiences, and whether it’s really worth trusting with your next ticket.
What Is Alternative Airlines and How Does It Work?
Alternative Airlines is a global flight search and booking platform headquartered in the UK. It was launched in 2006 and is operated by Alternative Airlines Ltd., registered under company number 04909791. It functions similarly to sites like Expedia or Skyscanner, but with key differentiators: it emphasizes alternative payment options and caters to underbanked regions globally.
Booking Process:
- Search Flights: Users enter departure, destination, date, and passenger details.
- Compare Options: The site pulls inventory from over 600 airlines including both full-service and low-cost carriers.
- Choose Payment: This is where it stands out , you can pay with traditional cards, e-wallets, or buy now, pay later (BNPL) services.
- Get Confirmation: A ticket is emailed once the booking is processed and confirmed with the airline.
Unlike metasearch engines like Google Flights, Alternative Airlines handles both the search and payment processing directly. That means you’re not redirected to another site , everything happens within their platform.
Is Alternative Airlines Legitimate or a Scam?
Yes, Alternative Airlines is a legitimate company. I’ve verified multiple trust signals over the years.
Business Legitimacy Indicators:
- Registered in the UK with official Companies House filings.
- Accredited by IATA (International Air Transport Association), which sets global commercial airline standards.
- HTTPS-secured platform with PCI-DSS Level 1 compliance for payment processing.
- Payment gateway support includes globally recognized brands: PayPal, Stripe, Klarna, Affirm.
Customer Trust Ratings (as of June 2025):
| Source | Rating | Review Count |
| Trustpilot | 4.2 / 5 | 19,000+ |
| SiteJabber | 3.9 / 5 | 500+ |
| Google Reviews | 4.1 / 5 | 1,200+ |
There are isolated complaints, especially around refund delays and miscommunication during cancellations, but I did not find credible evidence of fraudulent behavior or scamming.
Red Flags?
Yes, but manageable. They’re an intermediary, meaning they don’t control the airline’s schedule, delays, or refund processing. Problems typically occur when travelers don’t realize they’re not dealing directly with the airline.
How Do Customers Rate Their Experience with Alternative Airlines?
Having read thousands of reviews and personally interacted with customer service, I’d summarize user sentiment as “generally positive but with occasional friction.”
Positive Feedback Patterns:
- Diverse Payment Options: BNPL choices are the most praised feature.
- User Interface: Booking process is intuitive and localized in over 70 currencies.
- Flight Inventory: Strong coverage of low-cost carriers and regional airlines that aren’t always on mainstream aggregators.
Negative Feedback Patterns:
- Refund Processing Delays: Can take 6–10 weeks, especially if the airline is slow.
- Fees & Charges: Some users complain about unexpected service fees, which aren’t always clear until checkout.
- Support Limitations: No 24/7 customer service. Live chat hours are UK business time, which creates friction for users in Asia or North America.
Review Sentiment Over Time (2018–2025):
| Year | Avg. Rating | Notable Trends |
| 2018 | 3.5 | Growth stage, limited payment options |
| 2020 | 4 | Pandemic issues, refund spikes |
| 2023 | 4.3 | Klarna & Affirm boost popularity |
| 2025 | 4.2 | More transparency on BNPL terms |
What Are the Pros and Cons of Booking with Alternative Airlines?
Pros:
- Over 600 Airlines including niche and low-cost carriers
- BNPL Financing with Klarna, Affirm, Zip, Afterpay, PayPal Credit
- Cryptocurrency Support for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and 10+ coins
- Localized Checkout with 70+ currencies
- Multi-language support (English, Spanish, German, French, more)
Cons:
- Service Fees on most bookings (often $10–$30 range)
- Refund Delays especially on non-refundable fares
- Limited After-Sales Support compared to OTA giants like Expedia
- No mobile app (web-only as of 2025)
From my experience, BNPL users and travelers in regions with limited payment access benefit the most. If you need real-time itinerary changes or high-touch customer service, you may feel underserved.
Which Payment Options Does Alternative Airlines Offer?
The payment flexibility is arguably the platform’s strongest feature. They currently support 40+ payment methods globally.
Major Options:
- Cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover
- E-Wallets: PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Skrill
- BNPL Providers:
- Klarna (EU, UK, US)
- Affirm (US)
- Clearpay / Afterpay (UK, Australia, US)
- Zip (Global)
- Cryptocurrency: Supported via Utrust, includes BTC, ETH, USDT, XRP
Each method is location-specific , Klarna isn’t available in Canada, for instance, and crypto payments aren’t supported for all airlines.
How Does Alternative Airlines Compare to Competitors?
I ran several test bookings for the same flights across 5 platforms in June 2025. Here’s how Alternative Airlines performed:
| Feature | Alternative Airlines | Expedia | Google Flights | Skyscanner | Hopper |
| Payment Flexibility | 10/10 | 6/10 | 2/10 | 3/10 | 7/10 |
| Hidden Fees | Medium | Low | Low | Low | Medium |
| Support Quality | 6/10 | 9/10 | N/A | N/A | 5/10 |
| Coverage of Airlines | 9/10 | 9/10 | 10/10 | 10/10 | 8/10 |
| Refund Management | 5/10 | 9/10 | Airline-based | N/A | 4/10 |
Bottom Line:
- Use Alternative Airlines if you prioritize payment options.
- Use Expedia if after-sales support and refund control matter more.
- Avoid using it for ultra time-sensitive or refundable trips.
What Should You Know About Refunds and Cancellations?
Refunds depend heavily on airline policy, not just the platform.
Refund Workflow:
- You cancel the flight → Platform contacts airline
- Airline approves refund (if allowed)
- Platform processes refund to your payment method
Timelines:
- Refundable fares: 3–10 weeks
- Non-refundable fares: No refund unless airline makes an exception
- BNPL refunds: Credited back to payment provider, but timing varies
Common Complaints:
- Platform is slow to respond
- BNPL refund confusion (people continue getting charged until refund is finalized)
- Support often cites “airline delays” , which, in most cases, is accurate
If flexibility is critical, I recommend paying with PayPal or a credit card that includes travel protection.
Who Is Alternative Airlines Best Suited For?
Ideal Users:
- Frequent flyers in emerging markets with limited payment tools
- Budget travelers using BNPL to break up payments
- Crypto users looking to spend directly
- Travelers booking obscure routes (e.g., intra-Africa or remote Asia)
Not Ideal For:
- Corporate travelers needing instant changes
- Trips requiring refundable fares or real-time customer service
- Travelers who are unfamiliar with third-party booking limitations
If you’re clear about what you’re buying, it’s a great tool. But if you expect the same hand-holding as you’d get with Delta.com or British Airways, you may be disappointed.
Is Alternative Airlines Worth Using?
After dozens of test bookings and 5+ years tracking their growth, I can confidently say:
Alternative Airlines is a legit and useful flight booking platform , particularly for people who want diverse payment options and access to niche airlines. It’s not a scam, but it does come with limitations that travelers should understand before booking.
Use it if:
- You want to pay in installments.
- You’re flying with lesser-known or regional carriers.
- You value convenience over personalized service.
Think twice if:
- You expect fast refunds.
- You need premium support.
- You’re booking refundable business or corporate tickets.
FAQs About Alternative Airlines
Can I cancel my flight after booking?
Yes, but cancellation rules depend on the fare and airline. Always check the fare class.
Are there hidden service fees?
Yes. Expect $10–$30 added at checkout for platform and processing costs.
Is my payment secure on the site?
Yes. The platform uses PCI-compliant processors and HTTPS encryption.
Do they have a mobile app?
No, only a mobile-friendly website as of June 2025.