Airfare can be incredibly expensive, and if you’re short on cash or credit, purchasing a ticket can feel impossible. That’s where a Chicago-based tech startup comes in, aiming to alleviate the financial strain of high travel costs. The company, named FlyNow, allows travelers to pay for their flights in installments rather than having to pay the full amount upfront.
How FlyNow Works
To use FlyNow, all you need to do is send a screenshot of your flight itinerary along with your travel details. The platform then creates a payment plan that starts with a small deposit, followed by additional payments leading up to your departure date.
This concept is particularly helpful for those who may not have immediate access to funds or are struggling with credit. It’s also a smart option for anyone looking to secure a good fare without the need to pay the entire amount at once. There’s a one-time fee during booking that ranges from 10-20% of the ticket price, but the best part is there are no interest charges or credit checks involved.
Inspiration Behind FlyNow
Co-founder and CEO of FlyNow, David Brooks, came up with this innovative idea while he was a student at the University of Illinois, facing challenges in affording flights home for holidays. “I wanted to visit family during breaks but couldn’t manage the high ticket prices,” he explains. “I often stayed back while others went home, which ignited my passion to make travel more affordable for everyone.”
Together with his partners, Lisa Tran and Sam Patel, FlyNow has successfully booked over a million miles of flights for its 27,000 users. The reasons for using this service vary widely, from students heading home for the holidays to families planning destination weddings and vacations. “We cater to pretty much every travel need out there,” says Brooks.
The Impact of FlyNow
As someone whose family lives a few hours away, it’s hard to imagine the challenge of visiting loved ones when airfare can be so costly. My parents are considering relocating after retirement, and the thought of a round-trip flight for four could easily exceed $2,500. A service like FlyNow would be a game-changer for families in similar situations.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, FlyNow plans to expand its offerings to include hotel and vacation packages with a similar payment structure. “Many people live paycheck to paycheck and can’t afford to pay for tickets upfront,” Brooks says. “That shouldn’t stop them from experiencing travel or force them to rely on credit cards.”
It’s so true. Everyone deserves a getaway, but the requirement of paying in full at the time of booking can inhibit many from taking that much-needed break. Hats off to Brooks and his team for addressing a real need and making travel accessible to many.
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Summary
FlyNow is a Chicago startup that allows travelers to pay for flights in installments, easing the financial burden of airfare. Co-founder David Brooks was inspired by his own struggles to afford flights home during college. With over a million miles booked, the service caters to various travel needs and plans to expand to include hotel packages. It’s a fantastic option for those who may not have cash on hand to pay for tickets upfront.