Do they accept credit cards on American Airlines flights?

American Airlines accepts credit card and debit card payments of goods when on board their flights. American Airlines implemented the “cashless cabins” policy since the year 2009. All American Airlines domestic and international flights only accept credit cards for in-flight purchases. The exceptions are American Eagle and American Connection flights, which will continue to accept cash payments.

American Airlines started its “cashless cabins” initiative when feedback from its customers revealed that paying via credit card for items available on board their flights is a good way to conserve physical cash.

American Airlines accepts credit cards from American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, Discover, and JCB. Flight attendants utilize a handheld device for credit card and debit card purchases during flights. All transactions are in USD regardless of flight category. All sales during flights are made in USD and then converted to local currency by the credit card holder’s bank.

Passengers can purchase light meals, snacks, liquor, and headsets during flights. For international flights, duty free items can be purchased by the passengers. All payments are to be made via credit card.

American Airlines expects that majority of their customers will have credit cards or debit cards since their plane tickets are usually purchased using a credit card. For those who do not wish to make purchases during flights, American Airlines allows their customers to bring in food when going on board the plane.