Crypto Payments Now Accepted for Flights and Hotels: A New Era in Global Travel Begins

The use of cryptocurrency for travel-related expenses such as flight tickets and hotel bookings is becoming increasingly widespread. Several major digital platforms and airlines have adopted this technology, marking a new chapter in a more modern and inclusive global travel industry.

Integration Across Travel Platforms and Hotels

Travel platform Travala.com has reported a significant trend in crypto usage. According to its September 2024 report, 77% of bookings were made using digital assets. Travala, in partnership with Crypto.com Pay, now enables payments for over 2 million hotel options across 230 countries, serving more than 1 million Crypto.com app users.

In addition to Travala, Alternative Airlines supports purchasing tickets from over 600 airlines, accepting 100+ types of cryptocurrencies, including BTC, ETH, XRP, BNB, DOGE, USDT, and several other popular altcoins.

Global Airlines Embrace Crypto Payments

Adoption momentum is further strengthened by global airlines entering the space. Emirates recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Crypto.com to integrate ticket payments using digital assets. Technical trials are scheduled for 2025, with a full-scale rollout targeted for Q4 this year.

Under this system, crypto payments will be instantly converted into UAE Dirhams to mitigate volatility risks, while offering flexibility for tech-savvy Millennial and Gen Z consumers.

Benefits for Users and the Industry

According to Triple-A data, airlines accepting crypto payments experienced over 40% growth in bookings, while the travel and hospitality sector accounted for 14% of total digital transactions in 2024.

Key benefits of crypto-based payments include:

• Lower transaction costs, reducing conversion fees and credit card charges.

• No chargeback risks, thanks to irreversible blockchain mechanisms.

• Fast, secure, and borderless transactions, eliminating fiat currency barriers.

Web3 Ecosystem Expansion and Special Offers

Beyond mainstream platforms, the Web3 ecosystem is also entering the travel sector. Umy Web3 launched Umy Flights and Umy Beds, supporting USDT payments for flights and hotels, offering instant transactions with zero conversion fees. Meanwhile, KuCoin Pay partnered with Cryptorefills to provide a 5% discount promotion on hotel bookings paid through KuCoin Pay, valid until July 1, 2025, covering 300+ airlines and 1 million hotels.

Cryptocurrency is no longer just a speculative asset—it has evolved into a practical payment instrument offering efficiency, security, and global accessibility. From everyday travelers to professionals, crypto adoption in the travel sector is opening a new era of fast, transparent, and cross-border transactions.