In a bid to boost bookings, US Airways now lets customers reserve flights and pay for them later.
The airline said Monday its new reservations twist allows passengers to book a flight but pay for it -- in full or in installments -- beginning 90 days later.
With interest, of course.
The airfare wrinkle has been used since fall 2004 by Continental Airlines and America West Airlines, US Airways' merger partner. The payment technology is from I4 Commerce, of suburban Baltimore.
The firm's Bill Me Later payment system is aimed at airline or other retail customers who are wary about online purchases or providing credit-card information, said I4 marketing manager Heather Fields.
Customers don't have to pay anything for an interest-free 90 days, but can pay if they wish, she said. Then, they receive statements every 30 days that apply a 17.99 percent annual percentage rate of interest on the unpaid balance.
"It works just like a typical credit card," Fields said.
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