Ever find yourself rummaging through your wallet for that credit card every time you’re trying to book a flight or hotel room?
Enter Apple Pay. With it, you can swiftly and securely handle your travel bookings using your Apple device. But you might be wondering, which travel platforms and hotels actually accept Apple Pay?
Don’t sweat it; we’ve got you covered with a curated list of top picks.
For starters, big names in the travel booking game like Airbnb and Expedia are on board with Apple Pay. At checkout, just pick Apple Pay and sail through the booking process.
And for those of you with a penchant for luxury stays, rejoice! Leading hotel chains such as Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt have embraced this handy payment method.
Opting for Apple Pay when booking your travels isn’t just about convenience. It ups the ante with robust security and user-friendliness.
And let’s not forget about the sweet rewards points and exclusive discounts you can snag—making it a no-brainer for avid travelers.
Dive deeper with us as we delve into the ins and outs of using Apple Pay on travel platforms and spotlight hotels that welcome this payment mode.
Travel Booking Sites that Accept Apple Pay
Ready to plot your next adventure?
Dreaming of a hassle-free booking experience using Apple Pay?
Well, dream no more! A bunch of travel booking sites have given the green light to Apple Pay, ensuring your travel plans are just a tap away. Let’s spotlight one of the big players:
Expedia.com
Not just a favorite for snagging awesome deals on hotels, flights, and vacation getaways, Expedia’s been in the Apple Pay game for a while.
Fun fact: They weren’t late to the party. In fact, they’ve been accepting Apple Pay since the cool days of 2016.
So, when you’re prepping your next escape on Expedia, just hit up Apple Pay at checkout and glide through the steps.
Booking.com
So, you’re a fan of Booking.com too?
No surprise there! With their vast array of hotels, swanky apartments, and dreamy vacation rentals, it’s a traveler’s best friend.
And guess what?
They’re also buddies with Apple Pay. Booking that perfect stay is just a tap away: pick Apple Pay at checkout and you’re set.
But, let’s swap stories for a second. Here’s a little something I learned the not-so-easy way: just because you can book with Apple Pay on Booking.com doesn’t mean the hotel reception will be as tech-savvy.
Picture this: I’m miles from home, having left my credit cards on the kitchen counter (classic move, right?), and decided on a whim to add a couple more nights to my stay. Imagine the facepalm moment when the hotel’s reception gave me the “Sorry, we don’t accept Apple Pay” spiel.
So, a word to the wise?
Always pack a credit card.
Priceline.com
This travel giant hooks you up with everything – from flights and hotels to rental cars, cruises, and those all-in-one vacation packages we all secretly love. And here’s a tidbit for you: they’ve been accepting Apple Pay since 2014. That’s right! Way before many hopped on the Apple Pay train.
So, when you’re itching for a spontaneous trip and want a quick checkout, Priceline’s got your back. Just tap on Apple Pay at checkout and breeze through the booking.
Airbnb.com
Got a thing for charming cottages in the English countryside or maybe sleek penthouses in Tokyo?
With Airbnb, those one-of-a-kind escapes are just a few taps away. And hey, for all the Apple enthusiasts out there: you’re in for a treat!
Airbnb embraces Apple Pay, making your booking smoother than ever. Just choose Apple Pay at checkout, follow the simple steps, and voilà—your dream stay awaits.
And if Apple Pay isn’t quite your style, don’t sweat it! Airbnb offers a buffet of payment options. Whether you’re team Google Pay, PayPal, or rockin’ the classic Visa, MasterCard, and Amex – they’ve got it sorted.
Oh, and for those debit cards with a bit of a credit card identity crisis?
Airbnb’s cool with those too.
Hostelworld.com
Ever heard of Hostelworld? Well, if the name didn’t give it away, it’s the go-to spot for booking hostels and budget-friendly stays in over 180 countries.
The cherry on top?
They’re all about making payments a breeze. Whether you’re an Apple Pay fan or use other methods, Hostelworld’s got you covered. So, gear up for your next adventure without breaking the bank!
Kayak.com
Think of it as your personal travel deal detective. Kayak dives deep, scouring multiple sites, and then serves up the best deals, all in one place.
While it’s a superstar at finding hotel and flight deals, it’s got a little something extra up its sleeve.
Want to hone in on a specific area?
Kayak’s map feature lets you zone in on offers in designated spots.
Why You Might Want to Reconsider Using Apple Pay on Booking Websites
If there’s ever a possibility you might need to cancel your reservation, you should be cautious about using Apple Pay on booking platforms.
Here’s why: Booking websites typically function as intermediaries. So, when you cancel a reservation made through them, it can often take over 48 hours for your refund to be processed, and that’s under the best circumstances.
Apple Pay introduces another layer to this transaction. Instead of dealing directly with the hotel or airline, you’re now working through both the booking site and Apple Pay.
This can further complicate and lengthen the refund process, especially with larger chains that might have more bureaucratic hurdles.
Murphy’s Law seems to apply here: if something can go wrong, it often does.
You might end up being informed that your refund will take as long as 15 business days.
This can be problematic, especially for those who need the funds returned quickly to make another reservation.
Hotels That Accept Apple Pay
If you frequently use Apple Pay, you’re in luck!
Many hotel chains now embrace this convenient payment method, making your travel experiences even smoother.
Related: What does Hearing Accessible mean for a Hotel room?
Here’s a quick overview of major hotel chains that have jumped on the Apple Pay bandwagon:
Marriott International
One of the global giants in the hospitality industry, Marriott boasts over 7,000 locations spread across 130 countries.
If you’ve got your sights set on a Marriott stay, rest easy knowing you can swiftly use Apple Pay at checkout. Just link your credit or debit card to your iPhone’s Wallet app, and you’re all set.
Hilton Hotels
Yet another heavyweight in the hotel realm, Hilton operates more than 6,100 properties in 119 countries.
When you’re jet-setting around the globe, there’s a good chance you’ll come across a Hilton.
And guess what?
You can use Apple Pay for your bookings. Just like with Marriott, link your card to the Wallet app, and tap to pay when you check out.
Hyatt Hotels
Hyatt Hotels is a luxury hotel chain with more than 900 properties in over 60 countries. If you’re staying at a Hyatt hotel, you can use Apple Pay to pay for your stay.
Simply add your credit or debit card to the Wallet app on your iPhone, and then use your device to pay at checkout.
InterContinental Hotels Group
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is another major hotel chain that accepts Apple Pay. With over 5,500 properties in almost 100 countries, you’re sure to find an IHG hotel wherever you’re traveling.
To use Apple Pay at an IHG hotel, simply add your credit or debit card to the Wallet app on your iPhone, and then use your device to pay at checkout.
Overall, using Apple Pay at hotels is a convenient and secure way to pay for your stay.
With more and more hotels accepting this payment method, it’s easier than ever to travel without worrying about carrying cash or credit cards.
Hotels Claiming to Accept Apple Pay: Can You Trust the Claim?
Ever experienced this curveball?
You’re on a hotel’s website, and there it is, the promise of Apple Pay. But when you waltz up to the front desk, ready to tap your phone – bam! They don’t accept it.
It’s a bit maddening, right?
Typically, this mix-up happens more with independent hotels than the big-chain names.
Let me spill some tea: I encountered this very situation. When I asked the hotel why they claimed to accept Apple Pay online yet didn’t in reality, they mentioned they had tried it out, ran into issues, and dropped it. “We’ll be updating our site soon,” they assured.
Fast forward two months and their site still sang the Apple Pay tune. Suspicious, huh?
But here’s a pro tip to sidestep this hiccup: give the hotel a quick ring beforehand and ask upfront if they truly accept Apple Pay. Better safe than sorry!
Benefits of Using Apple Pay for Travel Bookings
If you’re planning a trip, you may want to consider using Apple Pay to make your travel bookings. Here are some benefits of using Apple Pay for your travel bookings:
Security
When you use Apple Pay, your credit card information is encrypted and securely stored on your device.
This means that when you make a booking, you don’t have to enter your credit card details every time, reducing the risk of your information being stolen.
Additionally, when you make a payment with Apple Pay, your card details are not shared with the merchant, adding an extra layer of security.
Convenience
Using Apple Pay for your travel bookings is incredibly convenient. You can use it to book flights, hotels, rental cars, and more.
You don’t have to enter your credit card details every time you make a booking, making the process faster and more efficient. Plus, you can use Apple Pay on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, so you can make bookings from anywhere.
Rewards
Many travel booking sites and hotels offer rewards programs that allow you to earn points or cashback on your bookings.
When you use Apple Pay to make your bookings, you may be eligible for additional rewards. For example, some travel booking sites offer triple rewards points when you use Apple Pay to make a booking.
This means you can earn rewards faster and save money on future bookings.
Overall, using Apple Pay for your travel bookings is a convenient and secure way to make your bookings.
With the added benefit of rewards, it’s definitely worth considering if you’re planning a trip.
How to Use Apple Pay on Travel Booking Sites
If you’re an Apple Pay user, you’ll be happy to know that many travel booking sites and hotels now accept Apple Pay as a payment method. Here’s how to use Apple Pay on these sites:
- Choose your hotel or travel package and proceed to checkout.
- Look for the payment options section and select Apple Pay.
- If you’re using a desktop computer, you’ll need to have the Safari browser installed. If you’re using a mobile device, make sure you have Apple Pay set up on your device.
- Follow the prompts to confirm your payment using Touch ID or Face ID.
- Once your payment is confirmed, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your booking details.
It’s important to note that not all travel booking sites and hotels accept Apple Pay. Make sure to check the payment options before you start the booking process.
Some popular travel booking sites that accept Apple Pay include Expedia and Orbitz. Many hotels also accept Apple Pay, including Marriott and Hilton.
Using Apple Pay on travel booking sites is a convenient and secure way to make your travel purchases. With just a few clicks, you can easily book your hotel or travel package and be on your way to your next adventure.
Conclusion
Navigating the world of travel can be both exhilarating and, at times, a tad overwhelming.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler with a passport full of stamps or someone dreaming of their first big adventure, the booking process shouldn’t be a hurdle.
That’s where Apple Pay strides in, transforming the experience into a seamless affair.
It’s evident that many giants in the travel industry, from online booking platforms to world-renowned hotel chains, are recognizing the growing demand for Apple Pay.
They’re not just adopting it for the sake of keeping up with the trends; they’re embracing its unparalleled combination of convenience and security.
Remember, the future is digital, and digital payments like Apple Pay are not just a fleeting phase. They are becoming integral to our everyday experiences, especially in industries that thrive on swift and reliable transactions like travel.
So, as you gear up for your next escapade, consider the ease of Apple Pay.
It’s more than just a payment method; it’s a tool designed for the modern traveler, ensuring your focus remains on the journey and not on the transaction.
Travel smart, pack light, and never forget: a quick call to confirm payment methods can save a lot of headaches.