LIFT adds Apple Pay, Google Pay and crypto payments for flights

LIFT announced that travelers can now pay for flights with Apple Pay, Google Pay and cryptocurrency through Ozow, joining debit‑card and wallet options and aiming to meet rising demand for fast, secure digital payments in South Africa【1】.

At a glance

Expanding the payment ecosystem

LIFT became the first South African carrier to embed Apple Pay and Google Pay directly on its website for both mobile and desktop users, while also integrating cryptocurrency payments via the Ozow platform【1】. The airline’s Chief Commercial Officer, Cilliers Jordaan, said research shows South Africans are rapidly adopting varied payment methods, prioritising speed and security【1】. The rollout adds to LIFT’s existing suite, which already includes debit/credit cards, payment plans through RCS and PayU, Mobicred financing and the LIFT Wallet.

Market context and adoption trends

The move aligns with broader digital‑payment growth: a Visa and Discovery Bank survey found 45 % of respondents use virtual cards, indicating strong interest in non‑card solutions【1】. Crypto adoption in the country continues to climb, with the Financial Stability Report recording nearly 7.8 million crypto users by July 2025【1】. By offering crypto payments, LIFT taps a growing segment that values flexibility and control, echoing the airline’s earlier focus on convenience through the LIFT Wallet.

Competitive landscape

LIFT’s expansion mirrors global trends where airlines and fintechs broaden payment rails to capture digitally‑savvy customers. While other carriers have introduced digital wallets, LIFT is the first in South Africa to combine major mobile wallets with crypto, positioning itself ahead of domestic rivals still limited to traditional card processing.

What to watch

• Crypto payment volume – Track the proportion of flight bookings settled in crypto versus fiat in the coming weeks.
• Customer adoption rates – Monitor changes in LIFT Wallet usage and repeat bookings after the new options launch.
• Regulatory updates – Watch for any South African fintech regulations that could affect crypto transaction processing for airlines.

LIFT’s payment diversification reflects a shift toward a more flexible travel purchasing experience, testing whether South African travelers will embrace crypto alongside established digital wallets. The outcome could signal broader acceptance of crypto in mainstream retail sectors.