Paying for flights - Credit or Debit card ?

kopper

Apologies if this has been asked many times before.
I am due to make a payment for flight tickets tomorrow to a travel agent but they have stated a 2% fee of the total price for credit card payments (£1480).

I have money available to pay by debit card but I read somewhere that by paying by credit card offer better protection. Can I make a part payment to get that same protection or do I need to pay in full?

Thanks

shaun_from_Africa

If the travel agent is willing to accept split payments, all you need to do is to make a small payment on your credit card and the balance on your debit card.
For £1480 I would certainly suggest that you see if you could do this to ensure that should you need it, you will have some protection from your credit card company.

This link will explain how you will be protected.
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/shopping/section75-protect-your-purchases

travellerboy

Paying for flights via a TA will be regarded as paying a Third Party, and the credit card protection will NOT apply. I would pay by Debit Card and rely on their Chargeback guarantee scheme, also ensure you take out travel insurance for all the other risks.

Doshwaster

If you book flights direct with airlines they tend to charge a flat price per bookings rather than a percentage. For flights over £100 I always use a credit card for the added protection.

Moto2

travellerboy wrote: »

Paying for flights via a TA will be regarded as paying a Third Party, and the credit card protection will NOT apply. I would pay by Debit Card and rely on their Chargeback guarantee scheme, also ensure you take out travel insurance for all the other risks.

I'd still split it
The credit card chargeback scheme is far more universal anyway should it come to that.

InsideInsurance

travellerboy wrote: »

Paying for flights via a TA will be regarded as paying a Third Party, and the credit card protection will NOT apply. I would pay by Debit Card and rely on their Chargeback guarantee scheme, also ensure you take out travel insurance for all the other risks.

Credit card protection will apply but it is not as complete as if you were paying the airline/ hotel directly.

To get Section 75 protection you only have to pay "something" on the credit card, it doesnt have to be the full bill. Pay a token amount on credit card and the balance on debit card and you get the best of both worlds with a minimal fee

Alternatively, negotiate over the fee

travellerboy

InsideInsurance wrote: »

Credit card protection will apply but it is not as complete as if you were paying the airline/ hotel directly.

Many people have different opinions, many are plain wrong. Credit card protection will NOT apply via a third Party. Suggest OP contacts their CC company for a definitive answer.

InsideInsurance

travellerboy wrote: »

Many people have different opinions, many are plain wrong. Credit card protection will NOT apply via a third Party. Suggest OP contacts their CC company for a definitive answer.

It WILL apply for certain issues, eg the third party themselves going bust or making a mistake etc. Hence my comment that it does provide protection but not as complete as booking directly