United Airlines is to launch a new contactless inflight payment option powered by PayPal.
Passengers will be able to scan a QR code within the PayPal app to pay for items including snacks and drinks.
The service will work even in periods of flight where there is no wifi, with customers being emailed confirmation receipts when they land.
Passengers will need to download the PayPal app and set their preferred payment method to QR code payment before departure.
United will be the first carrier to offer payment by PayPal QR code when it launches on selected flights departing Chicago O’Hare next month.
There are plans to extend the service to all flights across the airline’s network where contactless payment is available by the end of the year.
The new PayPal payment option sits alongside United’s recently launched pre-order food and drinks service for economy customers, allowing passengers to order items up to five days before their scheduled departure, either via the carrier’s website or mobile app.
United launches pre-order food and drinks service for economy customers
Commenting on the news Toby Enqvist, chief customer officer for United, said:
“Our contactless payment offering is built on simplicity and choice and it’s another way we’re improving the overall experience of flying United.
“PayPal is a terrific partner and this technology gives our customers another easy way to make purchases, even when they’re not online.
“We expect to introduce even more new and innovative options for our customers in the future through our collaboration with PayPal.”
