United and PayPal (NASDAQ: PYPL) revealed that they’ve introduced a new way to carry out touch-free inflight purchases, even in areas that don’t have Wi-Fi.
Starting next month, United clients on select flights may simply show a flight attendant the PayPal QR Code in the PayPal app and then use it to purchase snacks, drinks and various other inflight purchases while onboard.
As mentioned in a release, United is reportedly the first airline to offer PayPal QR Codes, and this partnership is part of United’s “easy-to-use” suite of contactless payment tools. United was the first airline to give clients in their economy cabins the option “to pre-order snacks and beverages from the airline’s app and website, and also offers customers the ability to easily store payment information in a digital wallet.”
As noted in the announcement, PayPal QR Codes may be used on select flights “departing from Chicago O’ Hare International Airport in November and before the end of the year, will extend to all flights across the entire network where contactless payment is available.”
“Our contactless payment offering is built on simplicity and choice and it’s another way we’re improving the overall experience of flying United,” stated Toby Enqvist, Chief Customer Officer for United.
Toby added:
“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.”
“We’re excited to be partnering with United to introduce our new offline QR code functionality, adding more ways for customers to check out with PayPal in more places, especially in offline or low connectivity areas,” stated Frank Keller, SVP of Enterprise Segment Solutions and Digital Commerce at PayPal.
Frank also mentioned:
“Bringing PayPal QR Codes inflight reinforces our commitment to offering customers choice and provides a new level of touch-free convenience for consumers when making in-flight purchases, within the PayPal app they know and trust.”
For more details on this announcement, check here.
