Airfordable is shaking up the travel game by letting travelers pay for flights in bite-sized pieces. We all know airfare can be outrageously expensive, and for those without spare cash or a credit card, it can feel like a far-off dream. Enter Airfordable, a clever startup from Chicago that’s determined to lighten the load of those hefty ticket prices.
How It Works
Travelers simply snap a screenshot of their flight itinerary and provide a few travel details. Then, Airfordable crafts a personalized payment plan that starts with a small deposit, followed by a series of payments leading up to the departure date. Voilà! No need to cough up the full price upfront.
This scheme is particularly beneficial for those who might be short on funds or struggling with credit issues, but it also caters to savvy travelers who want to snag a great fare without breaking the bank all at once. There’s a one-time booking fee that’s about 10-20% of the ticket price, but the best part? No interest or credit checks!
The Vision Behind Airfordable
The brainchild behind this innovative idea is Ghanaian entrepreneur Mia Johnson, who conceived the idea while studying at Drexel University, desperately trying to afford a $2,000 ticket home for the holidays. “I wanted to visit my family in Ghana during breaks, but the fares were just insane,” she recalls. “I often found myself stuck in the dorms with other international students who couldn’t go home either. This frustration drove me to find a way to make travel more accessible.”
Mia teamed up with COO Jake Lewis and cofounder Sarah Otoo to launch Airfordable. Since its inception, the platform has helped over 27,000 users book more than a million miles of flights! “We cater to all sorts of travelers,” says Mia. “From students heading home for holidays to families planning unforgettable vacations. If you’re traveling, we’ve got you covered.”
The Importance of Accessibility in Travel
For those of us fortunate enough to have family nearby, it’s hard to imagine the struggle of needing to pay for flights, especially when multiple tickets can add up. As my parents contemplate a move to a far-off state after retirement, I can’t help but think about how costly it would be for us to visit them—upwards of $2,500 for round-trip tickets for four! A service like Airfordable would be a lifesaver in that scenario.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, Airfordable plans to expand its offerings to include hotel stays and vacation packages on a similar payment plan, which is a brilliant move. “Many people live paycheck to paycheck and can’t afford to pay for plane tickets all at once,” Mia says. “Travel shouldn’t be limited to those who have cash on hand. Everyone deserves a getaway without the stress of upfront costs.”
Kudos to Mia and her team for recognizing and addressing a genuine need, helping countless individuals along the way.
Related Resources
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Summary
Airfordable is a Chicago-based startup that allows travelers to pay for flights in installments, making vacations more accessible for those who may struggle with upfront costs. Founded by Mia Johnson, who experienced the challenges of affording airfare as a student, Airfordable has helped over 27,000 users book more than a million miles of flights. With plans to expand into hotel and vacation packages, Airfordable aims to break down financial barriers to travel.