Is it ok to use a virtual credit card to buy an airplane ticket?
Lately I've been reading a lot about people who are asked for the VISA card with which they bought the flight when doing the check in. In these situations they are not allowed to board. Many of these people complain because they didn't have it. This can happen in several situations: you got the trip as a gift, the company bought the trip, etc.
Currently several banks/financial companies started offering virtual credit cards over the Internet. That means there is no actual physical card, only a number. If you want to use it, how would one proceed if asked for the card? Would they ask for it even if the card is in your name?
A first person testimony who was not allowed to fly because he didn't have the company card (it's in portuguese): http://www.fmgomes.com/impedido-de-embarcar-num-voo-emirates/ - Google translation to english
Best Answer
You would be best to check the airline's booking rules and term of carriage before you start making your reservation. Quite a few airlines require that the card be shown to verify its validity for online bookings. If they do, then you can't use a virtual card.
Virtual cards are designed to offer security in transactions where you are unsure of the safety of your information. Airline reservation systems which gather a huge amount of personal data are probably safe enough bets to simply use your real card number.
The Naysayers will likely chime in about never being checked, but they do check. I have had to show my card on several occasions to different airlines. And on one occasion, left it sitting on my desk at home and couldn't produce it at check-in. I had to buy a new ticket at check in, but the airline did allow me the same fare basis and refunded the previous payment fairly promptly.
Pictures about "Is it ok to use a virtual credit card to buy an airplane ticket?"
Can you use virtual credit cards?
A virtual debit card can be used just like you would use a physical bank card. In addition to online purchases, you can use a virtual card for contactless payments in stores by adding it to Apple Pay or Google Pay. Some even allow you to withdraw money from ATMs.Can you buy flights with Visa gift card?
If you've been given a visa gift card, you can use it to buy a plane ticket in the same way that you use a visa debit card.Is a virtual card like a credit card?
A virtual card is not a physical, plastic card. Instead, it is a set of sixteen digits similar to a credit card number together with a CVV code that is randomly generated using software. Virtual cards can be either credit or debit cards.Do airlines ask for credit card on check in?
When buying plane tickets online using a credit card, keep in mind that some airlines will ask to see said credit card before checking-in at the airport. If you fail to show the card, boarding will be denied without a refund.What is a VIRTUAL CREDIT CARD? (how to create \u0026 use them safely)
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Andrea Piacquadio, Ivan Samkov, Anete Lusina, Anete Lusina