Travellers can now choose Klarna’s ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ (BNPL) service during the booking process on TAP’s official website. The new feature is designed to ease the upfront financial burden of travel and attract a broader range of customers, especially as demand for flexible payment options continues to rise globally.
The move places TAP among the first full-service European airlines to offer this functionality directly on its platform. The feature is initially available to residents in Portugal, with further markets expected to follow.
Meeting evolving passenger expectations
TAP stated that the introduction of Klarna’s BNPL service reflects the airline’s commitment to improving the customer experience through practical and inclusive services. By enabling customers to spread payments across manageable instalments, TAP hopes to encourage more forward planning and reduce the cost barrier associated with travel.
Alexandre Fernandes, head of eCommerce at TAP Air Portugal, emphasised the relevance of the initiative: “This partnership with Klarna enhances our payment flexibility, empowering customers to choose the option that best fits their needs. By offering alternative payment solutions, we aim to make travel more accessible and convenient for our passengers.”
The new feature is integrated seamlessly into TAP’s checkout process, providing a user-friendly experience without the need to leave the booking platform. Depending on the fare and customer eligibility, Klarna offers a variety of payment plans, ensuring a tailored solution for each traveller.
A strategic collaboration with Klarna
The integration with Klarna is part of TAP’s broader digital transformation and customer service strategy. Klarna, known for its smooth and secure payment services, supports the new system with clear terms and competitive rates.
Renato Inácio, Head of Travel at Klarna, expressed optimism about the partnership: “We are excited to partner with TAP Air Portugal to bring flexible payment options to travellers. Klarna’s mission is to make payments smooth and stress-free, and this partnership allows us to extend that experience to TAP’s customers, offering them greater control over their travel budgets.”
This initiative comes amid a broader industry trend where flexibility and personalisation are driving travel service innovations. The rise of BNPL services across various sectors, from retail to tourism, reflects changing consumer behaviour — particularly among younger travellers who value budgeting options.
Forward-facing travel amid potential ownership changes
As global travel rebounds post-pandemic, TAP’s new instalment service could prove pivotal in attracting cost-conscious travellers and increasing early bookings. More than a financing tool, the offering represents a shift toward a more customer-centric model in airline services.
The introduction of Klarna’s BNPL option also comes at a time when TAP Air Portugal is the subject of acquisition interest from major European airline groups. International Airlines Group (IAG), the parent company of British Airways and Iberia, has expressed interest in acquiring a stake in TAP, aiming to strengthen its presence in the transatlantic market, particularly in Brazil. Similarly, Air France-KLM and Lufthansa have shown interest in TAP’s privatisation, which the Portuguese government plans to carry out this year .
