Airline and cruise merchant category codes
Airlines and air charter operators without a named brand code use merchant category code 4511, cruise lines use 4411, and the block from 3000 to 3350 is reserved for named airlines. These are some of the highest value codes in payments, because tickets are paid for long before departure and often in another currency.
Merchant category codes for airlines and cruise
The codes businesses in this sector come across most. Your provider sets the code when your account is opened, based on what you tell them about how you trade.
| Code | Industry | More |
|---|---|---|
| 4511 | Airlines and air charter | Travel payment solutions |
| 3000-3350 | Named airlines | Travel payment solutions |
| 4411 | Cruise lines | Travel payment solutions |
| 4582 | Airports and airport services | Travel payment solutions |
| 4457 | Boat hire | Hospitality payments |
Why airline and cruise payments are different
No other industry takes so much money so far ahead of delivery. A cruise booked in January for a sailing in September has been paid for in full by the summer. That forward book is the defining feature of the sector, and it is why card processors look closely at how customer money is protected.
Licensing and protection schemes such as ATOL, ABTA and IATA matter here because they are how a customer gets their money back if something goes wrong. A well run operator treats them as part of the sales pitch, not just a compliance box.
Multi currency and international buyers
Passengers book from everywhere. Letting them pay in the currency they hold improves conversion and cuts the number of payments declined by overseas card issuers. Processing in 150+ currencies with settlement in 25+ means an operator can price in euros or dollars without opening bank accounts in each.
Ancillaries and onboard spend
Bags, seats, upgrades, excursions and onboard spending turn one booking into many small payments. Storing the card as a token at booking lets those extras be charged cleanly without asking for card details again.
Card payments for airlines and cruise, opinions from our specialists
Short views from our specialists, published to start a conversation. Agree or disagree, tell them on LinkedIn.
The forward book is not the risk people think it is. An operator with proper protection and clear terms can be a steadier account than plenty of retailers with high return rates. Judge the business, not the booking window.
The bit travel firms forget is the customer on the other end. A clear refund page does more for a dispute record than any clause buried in the booking terms.
What to check in a card payments setup for airlines and cruise
Three questions worth asking any provider, and the eCom Pay answer.
Settlement that matches your cash cycle
Next working day settlement with no rolling reserve, so money taken today is working for you tomorrow.
Currency choice at checkout
Customers pay in their own currency and you settle in the one you need.
Tokenised cards for extras
Ancillaries and onboard spend charged to a stored token, never a stored card number.
Questions about merchant category codes for airlines and cruise
What is the MCC for an airline?
Named airlines have their own codes between 3000 and 3350. Other airlines and air charter operators use 4511. Airports and airport services use 4582.
What is the MCC for a cruise line?
Cruise lines use 4411. Boat hire and charter uses 4457.
Can a small charter operator take card payments?
Yes. Charter and private aviation operators are set up on the same basis as larger carriers, with the account shaped around their booking window and average ticket value.
More industry guides
Card payments for airlines and cruise, set up properly
Approved in 24 hours once your documents are in, settled the next working day with no rolling reserve, and a UK team on the phone 24/7.