Apple expands its digital wallet into travel
The company aims to make apple pay an essential part of every step in the travel journey
Apple is embedding its digital wallet into multiple stages of the travel experience — from unlocking cars and passing security to paying for hotels, rides, and in-flight purchases — as it seeks to capture a larger share of global travel spending traditionally dominated by credit card issuers.
Key takeaways
- Expanding role in travel: Apple aims to make Apple Wallet a seamless payment method across the entire travel journey, from commuting to flights and hotel stays.
- Embedded at multiple touchpoints: Travelers can use Apple Pay at airports, hotels, cafés, and ride-share services, and even store digital keys and IDs for cars and TSA checks.
- Widespread availability: Apple Pay is now accepted in public transit systems across 800 cities worldwide, as well as major chains like Starbucks, Uber, and Lyft.
- Growing airline integrations: Airlines including American and Alaska have integrated Apple Wallet for boarding passes and in-flight payments.
- Strong competition: Apple faces stiff competition from established players like American Express, Visa, and JPMorgan Chase, which dominate travel-related spending.
- Undisclosed performance: Apple has not shared figures on travel spending via Apple Pay, leaving its impact on the travel payment market unclear.
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