Key Takeaways
The travel industry is increasingly adopting cryptocurrency payments, with Bitcoin (BTC) leading the trend. Frequent travelers and crypto enthusiasts can now pay for flights using BTC through various platforms, including direct options with Emirates.
Below is a look at seven companies pioneering crypto-powered flight bookings.
On 9 July 2025, Emirates signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Crypto.com to integrate Crypto.com Pay into its payment systems by next year, ensuring top security and compliance standards.
The agreement, signed in Dubai in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, reflects Emirates’ strategy to cater to younger, tech-savvy customers and aligns with Dubai’s vision of becoming a global cryptocurrency hub.
Both companies plan to collaborate on promotional campaigns to drive awareness and adoption of this new payment solution.
Key highlights:
Platforms like Alternative Airlines now allow flight bookings with over 600 airlines using 100+ cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether, through partners like xMoney (formerly Utrust) and Crypto.com.
Even though airlines do not directly accept crypto, flights such as with Lufthansa and Delta, can be booked, alongside services like lounges, travel insurance and accommodation.
Alternative Airlines lets travelers book flights on over 600 global airlines using 100+ cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Tether, Cardano, Solana, Dogecoin, Litecoin, and Chainlink. Prices are displayed in crypto throughout checkout for a seamless payment experience.
Why it stands out:
Travala.com, launched in 2017 and is a leading crypto travel platform with access to 2.2 million properties, 400,000+ activities, and 600+ airlines worldwide. Accepting over 100 cryptocurrencies, Travala provides competitive pricing using blockchain-backed transparency and loyalty rewards through its AVA Smart Program.
Travala.com offers rewards through the AVA Smart Program by including up to 10% cashback in Bitcoin or AVA tokens (Travala’s native token), exclusive to diamond members, which can be used for future bookings or membership upgrades.
With Travala’s blockchain-based model, Travala aims to boost crypto adoption in travel by promoting accessibility, peer-to-peer transactions, and user-driven rewards.
Travala.com integrates its native AVA token into a broader Web3 loyalty framework developed by the AVA Foundation.
The AVA token not only offers payment discounts and travel rewards but also provides exclusive perks and gated access benefits for users.
Key features:
Bitcoin.Travel is the world’s first Bitcoin-only online travel agency (OTA), offering a full range of travel services, flights, hotels and experiences, exclusively payable in Bitcoin.
Built around Lightning Network technology, it ensures fast, secure, and low-cost transactions, making it a go-to platform for the global Bitcoin community.
Bitcoin.Travel aims to redefine international travel by eliminating traditional payment barriers and promoting borderless, decentralized transactions.
What makes it unique:
Spanish travel agency Destinia accepts Bitcoin and even displays prices in milli-bitcoins (mBTC) to make bookings more user-friendly. It caters to international travelers seeking a seamless crypto payment experience for flights, hotels and other travel services.
What Destinia offers:
XcelTrip is a blockchain-based travel platform that supports payments in Bitcoin and its native token, XcelPay (XLD).
The platform functions as a decentralized marketplace, reducing intermediary costs and integrating token-based features, such as a 15% cashback in XcelToken Plus at a fixed $0.01 rate for eligible bookings through its website or app.
With a network that includes over 400 airlines and 1.5 million+ hotels worldwide, XcelTrip is using blockchain technology to streamline payments and incorporate digital asset incentives into the booking process.
Why Choose XcelTrip:
Berkeley Travel, a UK-based luxury travel management company, accepts Bitcoin payments for bespoke flight bookings and concierge services.
As one of the early adopters of cryptocurrency in the premium travel sector, Berkeley Travel offers clients secure transactions via trusted crypto gateways while catering to evolving preferences for digital payment methods.
The company’s focus on high-end, tailored travel experiences is complemented by its readiness to integrate modern technologies like Bitcoin to meet the needs of its global clientele.
Key highlights:
The integration of Bitcoin into travel bookings offers several advantages for global travelers:
Despite its advantages, Bitcoin payments come with certain considerations:
With airlines such as Emirates and booking platforms like Travala making early moves and beginning to lead the way in the aviation and travel industry, cryptocurrency payments are steadily entering mainstream travel.
The benefits of speed, global reach, and loyalty rewards are making Bitcoin an appealing alternative to traditional payment methods. As adoption expands, travelers can expect greater payment flexibility, tokenized rewards and seamless booking experiences powered by blockchain technology.
While volatility and regulatory hurdles remain, the growing number of crypto-friendly airlines and agencies signals a future where digital currencies could become a standard in the travel industry.
Yes, Bitcoin payments are instant, making them suitable for last-minute flight reservations.
Many platforms, such as Alternative Airlines and Travala.com, accept stablecoins like USDt for payment.
The Lightning Network reduces fees and enables near-instant Bitcoin transactions, enhancing user experience.
Platforms like Travala.com integrate Bitcoin payments with loyalty programs, offering discounts and cashback in AVA tokens.