HONG Kong-based travel company Gagfare has launched a ‘book now, pay later’ smartphone app for air travel, allowing users to reserve seats and airfares in advance for a nominal fee, a first for the industry.
The eponymous app gives travellers the option to pay US$10 to secure up to nine seats on a flight of their choosing well in advance. Travellers don’t have to pay the rest of the fare until closer to their travel date.
At current, Gagfare carries inventory from 500 airlines globally.
“We created Gagfare because we know what customers want. Gagfare taps into multiple global distribution systems specifically for flight reservations, enables customers to search and book their flights directly through the airlines’ own systems,” said David Leung, founder of Gagfare.
He explained: “This gives travellers access to promotional deals they may never encounter anywhere else online. This ensures that Gagfare offers you the best airfare, on any given travel day, on any given flight, on any of the world’s leading 500 airlines.”
Users can choose to browse via favourite airlines; search alternative routes; book multiple-stop itineraries; and check their bookings through official airline websites by using their Gagfare booking references number.
A reminder email will be automatically sent by the system when it is time to pay the remaining fare and issue the ticket. The ‘book now, pay later’ solution may not be available for some time-sensitive promotional fares, which the app also pushes.
One of the great things about Gagfare is that you’re protected; you’re able to secure your favourite flights and fare for just US$10. This means travellers can make their travel plans well in advance, and if something comes up and they need to cancel the itinerary, all it costs is the price of a cup of coffee,” Leung commented.
