TAM’s New Payment Options

TAM, the Brazilian airline that recently partnered with United Airlines, is offering new payment options for travelers who purchase tickets through the company’s website or call center 4402-5700.

What are they offering? Payment by bank payment ticket, directly at lottery outlets, through checking account debit, and financing via direct consumer credit (DCC) are some of the new arrangements that the company is offering customers,
in addition to the standard cash and credit card payment options. After making a reservation, the customer will choose one of the payment arrangements, some of which sound pretty bizarre to me.

The new transaction methods are available now. Customers will be able to make payments via bank payment ticket, automatic debiting or direct consumer credit (DCC) – financing done directly by the bank. In the case of automatic debiting or direct consumer credit, the transaction can be performed by customers with checking accounts at the following banks: Unibanco, Bradesco, Itau, Real and Banco do Brasil. At the end of the purchase process, the site directs the customer to home banking at the bank selected, assuring total security for the transaction.

Bank payment tickets are issued by Itau, but payment can be made at any bank, either in person at a branch, or via internet banking. At the end of the purchase process, the system generates a bank ticket for payment in up to two business days. The ticket can be paid for in cash, or by check as long as it is issued by the ticket holder and from the same area where payment is being made.

TAM signed an unprecedented deal with Caixa Economica Federal (CEF), allowing for payment at lottery outlets — of which there are more than 9,000 throughout Brazil — for tickets costing up to R$1,000, including boarding taxes. Purchases can also be paid for at CEF branches, including fares more than R$1,000. That’s the part that is interesting to me. For payment at lottery outlets, the traveler will receive an identifying code that must be presented at the outlet, without any additional documentation necessary. After the payment is confirmed, the customer will receive a message via email or cell phone with the number of
his electronic ticket. Very cool.