While booking tickets through the internet, why do airline companies accept payments only by credit cards?

Question

Whenever I try to book flight tickets through the internet, many travel and airline portals do not accept debit cards. They only allow credit cards. Doesnt it lead to loss of potential customers? Are there any technological/financial aspects that I am overlooking??

For example, try Spicejet (India), or makmytrip.com, they dont even accept Visa Debit cards. Its ONLY Credit Cards.

Answer 1

You can use a Visa Debit Card. But that's about it for the Debits. Its because of fraudulent purchases. Most banks will not cover purchases if your debit card is stolen. Credit cards will. And when you get a Visa Debit card then the Visa company offers the banks like a insurance coverage. So if your card gets stolen then the bank will reimbursed you for the money that you lost. Its a way that you, the bank and the card company wont lose money. but with a regular Debit card, there isn't any insurance with it. Most banks are now moving to Visa Debits. You will notice that most places on the Internet will only accept Visa Debits or Major credit cards only. the airline doesn't want to lose business, but at least this way they are not losing any money by someone who had stolen a card.

Answer 2

And, the airlines aren't really losing business. Most flights these days are full (in the US).

Answer 3

Because it safe