How fast can I get funds for an emergency flight?

The online application process is very fast, and you can get a decision in minutes. If you are approved and accept a loan offer, funds are often deposited into your bank account as soon as the next business day. This speed is crucial for booking last-minute travel before prices increase further.

Can I use the loan to cover more than just the plane ticket?

Absolutely. An emergency travel loan is a type of personal loan, which means the funds are deposited as cash into your account. You have the flexibility to use the money for any expenses related to your trip, including a rental car, hotel stays, meals, or other ground transportation.

Will checking my rate for a travel loan affect my credit score?

No, checking your rate through our platform uses a 'soft' credit inquiry, which does not impact your credit score. You can see your potential loan options without any commitment or negative effect on your credit. A 'hard' credit inquiry is only performed by the lender if you choose to proceed with a specific loan offer.

What's the difference between this and 'bereavement fares' from airlines?

Bereavement fares are special, sometimes slightly discounted, flexible fares offered by a few airlines for those traveling due to a death in the immediate family. However, they are not always the cheapest option and require documentation. An emergency travel loan is a financing tool; it provides the money you need to purchase any available ticket on any airline, giving you more options to find the best price and route.

Can I get an emergency travel loan with bad credit?

It may be possible. While a higher credit score will result in better loan terms and lower interest rates, some lenders in our network specialize in working with borrowers who have less-than-perfect credit. They will look at your entire financial picture, including your income and debt-to-income ratio, not just your credit score.

Can I get a loan for emergency international travel?

Yes, the funds from a personal loan can be used for international travel just as they can for domestic travel. Since the money is deposited into your U.S. bank account, you can use it to purchase tickets and pay for expenses anywhere in the world. Just be sure to budget for potentially higher international flight costs.

Emergency Travel Loans

Get fast access to funds for last-minute flights and urgent travel when you need to be there for family.

Check your rate

When family calls, you have to go. But what if you can't?

A last-minute flight costs a fortune, and your credit card is already maxed out.
An emergency personal loan provides a clear, fixed-payment option to cover the full cost of your trip upfront.
You don't have time to wait for a slow bank approval while flight prices climb.
Our online process is fast, so you can get a decision in minutes and funding quickly, often by the next business day.
Asking relatives for money during a family emergency adds even more stress to the situation.
A personal loan is a private, structured way to handle the expense without straining important relationships.
You're not sure if you need money for just the flight or for a hotel and car, too.
Funds are deposited into your bank account, giving you the flexibility to pay for any travel-related expenses that arise.

Get Home Fast with an Emergency Travel Loan

A family emergency won't wait. Whether you're dealing with a sudden illness, an accident, or a funeral, the need to travel can be immediate and non-negotiable. The biggest obstacle is often the staggering cost of last-minute airfare. An emergency travel loan is an unsecured personal loan designed to bridge that gap, providing you with the cash you need to book your flight and handle other urgent travel expenses without delay. Unlike using a credit card, which can come with high variable interest rates, a personal loan offers a fixed interest rate and a set repayment schedule. You'll know exactly how much you need to pay each month, allowing you to focus on your family instead of financial uncertainty.

This type of financing for travel is incredibly flexible. Once approved, the funds are typically deposited directly into your bank account. This means you can book your flight on any airline, use any travel website, or even pay for a rental car, a hotel room, or gas for a long drive. There are no restrictions on how you use the money for your trip, giving you the freedom to make the best decisions for your situation. The goal is to remove the financial barrier quickly so you can be where you need to be, when you need to be there.

Your 3-Step Process to Get Funded

1
Check Your Rate
Fill out our simple online form in about two minutes. This won't impact your credit score.
2
Review Your Options
If you pre-qualify, you'll see loan options from our network of lending partners. Compare APRs and terms to find the best fit.
3
Get Your Funds
After selecting an offer and completing the final application, funds can be deposited directly into your account, often as soon as the next business day.

Ready to book your flight?

See what you could qualify for in minutes.

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Understanding the Costs of Urgent Travel

The cost of emergency travel can vary dramatically based on distance, time of year, and how soon you need to depart. A last-minute cross-country flight can easily cost two or three times more than one booked weeks in advance. Bereavement fares exist on some airlines, but they are not always the cheapest option available. It's crucial to have a realistic budget in mind when you apply for a loan. Remember to account for more than just the plane ticket financing; consider ground transportation, potential lodging, meals, and any lost wages from taking time off work unexpectedly.

Sample Emergency Trip Budget

Last-minute domestic round-trip flight Varies widely	$750
2-day car rental 2 x $80/day	$160
1 night in a budget hotel Near airport	$140
Food and incidentals Contingency	$150

Estimated monthly

~$58/mo

Based on a $1,200 loan with a 2-year term at 15% APR. Your actual rate will vary.

Loan amount: $500 – $4,000
APR: 7.99% – 35.99%
Term: 12 mo – 36 mo

Your actual APR will depend on factors like credit score, requested loan amount, loan term, and credit history. Not all borrowers will qualify for the lowest rates.

Don't let cost keep you from family.

Check your rate for an emergency travel loan and see your options.

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Emergency Loans vs. Other Financing Options

When you need cash fast for a flight, you might consider several options. While convenient, credit cards often carry high, variable interest rates that can cause debt to spiral if you can't pay the balance off quickly. 'Fly now, pay later' services offered by airlines can be helpful, but they may have rigid terms and only cover the airfare itself, leaving you to figure out other expenses. An emergency personal loan offers a comprehensive solution with the predictability of a fixed payment plan, making it a more stable choice during an already unstable time.

Comparing Financing for Urgent Travel

	Emergency Loan	Credit Card	Borrowing from Family
Funding Speed	Fast (1-2 business days)	Instant (if you have credit)	Varies (can be instant or slow)
Interest Rate	Fixed (e.g., 8-35.99%)	Variable (e.g., 20-30%)	Usually 0%, but can be costly
Repayment	Structured monthly payments	Revolving debt, minimum due	Unstructured, can strain relationships
Flexibility	High (cash for any expense)	High (accepted widely)	Depends on the lender

Who Qualifies for an Emergency Travel Loan?

What Lenders Typically Look For

Minimum Credit Score: Most lending partners look for a score of 580 or higher, though a score above 640 will unlock more favorable rates.
Steady Source of Income: You'll need to show you have a regular income from a job, self-employment, or other verifiable source to handle repayments.
Bank Account: A checking account is required to deposit the loan funds and for lenders to verify your financial information.
Age and Residency: You must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Even if your credit is not perfect, you may still have options. Lenders consider your entire financial profile, including your debt-to-income ratio. Ensuring all your information is accurate on the application can help streamline the process.

Find out if you qualify.

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Example scenario

My dad got sick suddenly and I had to fly across the country. I didn't have the cash for a same-day ticket. Getting a small loan was fast and meant I could be there when it mattered. So grateful.

Maria R.·Flew home for a family emergency

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions About Emergency Travel Loans

How fast can I get funds for an emergency flight?
The online application process is very fast, and you can get a decision in minutes. If you are approved and accept a loan offer, funds are often deposited into your bank account as soon as the next business day. This speed is crucial for booking last-minute travel before prices increase further.
Can I use the loan to cover more than just the plane ticket?
Absolutely. An emergency travel loan is a type of personal loan, which means the funds are deposited as cash into your account. You have the flexibility to use the money for any expenses related to your trip, including a rental car, hotel stays, meals, or other ground transportation.
Will checking my rate for a travel loan affect my credit score?
No, checking your rate through our platform uses a 'soft' credit inquiry, which does not impact your credit score. You can see your potential loan options without any commitment or negative effect on your credit. A 'hard' credit inquiry is only performed by the lender if you choose to proceed with a specific loan offer.
What's the difference between this and 'bereavement fares' from airlines?
Bereavement fares are special, sometimes slightly discounted, flexible fares offered by a few airlines for those traveling due to a death in the immediate family. However, they are not always the cheapest option and require documentation. An emergency travel loan is a financing tool; it provides the money you need to purchase any available ticket on any airline, giving you more options to find the best price and route.
Can I get an emergency travel loan with bad credit?
It may be possible. While a higher credit score will result in better loan terms and lower interest rates, some lenders in our network specialize in working with borrowers who have less-than-perfect credit. They will look at your entire financial picture, including your income and debt-to-income ratio, not just your credit score.
Can I get a loan for emergency international travel?
Yes, the funds from a personal loan can be used for international travel just as they can for domestic travel. Since the money is deposited into your U.S. bank account, you can use it to purchase tickets and pay for expenses anywhere in the world. Just be sure to budget for potentially higher international flight costs.

Personal loan disclosure

Money Savvy is not a lender. We are a marketing service that connects consumers with participating lenders. Rates, amounts, and terms vary by lender, your credit history, and other factors.

Loan amounts: $1,000 – $100,000
Repayment terms: 3 – 84 months
Min APR: 5.99%
Max APR: 35.99%
Origination fees: 0% – 10% of the loan amount
Late fees: May apply; vary by lender

Representative example: A $10,000 loan with a 36-month term at an 18.99% APR would have an approximate monthly payment of $366.39 and a total cost of $13,190.04, including interest and a $500 origination fee.

Your actual APR depends on your credit score, income, and other factors. Only borrow what you can afford to repay.

California residents: California Financing Law disclosures available upon request.