Southwest Hawaii tickets are more accessible thanks to a deal struck between them and payment plan provider Uplift. We’re curious to hear if this is of any “interest” to our visitors, so please let us know. Read on for the fine print as the devil is in the details and we have questions.
Zero interest for flights purchased through January 24.
When you buy Southwest Hawaii flights through January 24 for travel dates through August, the airline is offering a new interest-free payment option through Uplift. This is valid on all flights to the Hawaiian islands only. You can travel from anywhere in Southwest’s route system. The Uplift payment option is not new at Southwest, but this interest-free offer is.
No interest for either three or six months, with no late fees or prepayment penalties.
Southwest’s financial partner in the deal, Uplift, said, “customers can book today and fly as soon as tomorrow – even before they are finished making their payments. Travelers can also book now, and begin easy monthly installments and daydream about their spring break getaway or upcoming summer vacation trip.”
The new buy now/pay later plan gives travelers “the freedom to book trips when they are ready and divide the cost over a series of affordable monthly payments,” according to Uplift, which says it is offering a “frictionless customer experience. Customers will see the total cost of their trip at the time of booking along with the monthly payment amount, letting them take control of their budget and create lasting travel memories.”
Then there’s the small print and our questions.
“Down payment may be required. Terms are based on the Customer’s credit score and other factors and may vary. Not everyone is eligible, and some states are not served including Iowa and West Virginia. APR may range from 0% to 36%. The offer is available between Jan. 10 through Jan. 24 on 3 to 6-month loans. A minimum $49 purchase is required. Most loans offered through Uplift are issued by CBW Bank, Member of FDIC. Loans made in Colorado may be issued by Uplift, Inc.”
If you can pay off the loan in their interest-free period, it sounds like something to consider. But that APR up 36% for those who don’t, or based on credit, is something to consider too.
Do you want a “hard credit pull” for the cost of an airline ticket?
When you apply for new credit, such as this, it typically means that the creditor will look at your credit file to determine the risk you pose. Hard inquiries like this show up on your credit report and can impact your credit score.
On the other hand, Southwest is a highly reputable company and the last thing they want is for users to have bad experiences using this offer.
Your thoughts?
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I would definitely NOT take advantage of this offer.
I know I am in the minority of respondents here … I like the idea of purchasing a Southwest ticket and paying for it in equal installments at zero percent interest. If I had not already purchased $99.00-each-way Southwest tickets for my February and May trips to Oahu to visit family, I would definitely use the service. Heck, I bought a new car in 2018 and I have been paying zero percent interest on a five-year loan on that car ever since. It can be done with a little planning and discipline.
What a ripoff!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think this is one more way SWA is trying to flood Hawaii with as many people as they can with so called deals that really aren’t that great.
SWA clearly would love to turn Hawaii into another Orlando or Las Vegas type destination with total disregard for the State. I don’t appreciate being a dumping ground for their frequent fliers. They are trying to suck as much money out of Hawaii as they can.
Amen!! I have had some readers accuse me of being elitist for making similar comments in the past. SWA is changing the landscape of Hawaii tourism in a horrible way. If you’re financing air travel you’re definitely not contributing much when you get here. Unneeded tourists for sure
I know that SW offers lots of great fare deals, but they aren’t always when one can travel. I can see someone availing themselves of this option in an effort to better afford a, thanks to these troubled times, long over-due trip. Although the hard credit hit wouldn’t be worth it to me, I can see where someone would give it a shot. Folks do it all the time with furniture 🙂
Personally, I think that this is a bad idea. If you can’t afford the cost of transportation to get to a vacation, you probably shouldn’t travel there.
Southwest will only add to the additional expense of a Hawaiian vacation that most travelers pay with via credit cards. That possible 36% will only hurt the people who can’t afford it in the first place… Bad idea!
Robert
Agreed – if you have to finance a $200 ticket you are not the tourist Hawaii needs. The blue planes have brought too many of those as is is.
No thank you. I’ll just pay as I go same as I always have.
Can you please up date the state policy on required vacancies. Thought I heard today they now require the booster, correct. Thanks you for all your help. Coming to see your islands mid March and staying to mid april.
Hi Charlie.
Here’s where it is still at.
Aloha.
Guess I’m old school…if you can’t afford it, you don’t go…even if it’s interest free. I wouldn’t want that hanging over my head. Thanks
Aloha! While this may sound enticing, there is no need to go into debt for an airline ticket. If one can not afford it, save up until able. No money worries!
Thanks for all your interesting information!
Just pay for the ticket already. If you cannot afford the full payment at time of purchase, just pay your monthly credit card bill. No crazy interest fees, no hard pull credit report and you can book your Hawaiian vacation Jen you want.
If you can’t afford to pay for the ticket…you can’t afford to go to Hawaii in MHO.