Delta Set to Go Cashless Onboard

Contributing Editor Carl Unger believes that every trip is worth taking. He loves an extended trip to Europe as much as he enjoys exploring the towns and landscape near home. Basically, you'll find him wherever there is good food, fresh air, and plenty of stories to bring home.

Carl has been writing for SmarterTravel since 2005. His travel writing has also appeared on USA Today and the About.com Boston travel guide.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "It's not revolutionary, but a small Moleskine notebook is my one travel must-have. It's great for noting things you want to remember and it takes up hardly any space in your bag."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Japan. I'd love to take a month off and visit the cities, temples, and countryside. I'm fascinated by the country's juxtaposition of ancient traditions and modern ambitions."

Travel Motto: “Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” –Terry Pratchett

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Window."

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On December 1, Delta will officially switch to cashless cabins, meaning passengers who wish to make a purchase onboard must use a credit card. The change applies to all Delta and Northwest mainline aircraft on flights within North America, including Mexico, Central America, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.

Delta says the change will expedite the onboard payment process, but is that really true? Is it quicker to swipe a credit card and wait for the reader to do its thing, or are we talking about the same 10 to 15 seconds it takes to count change? Seems like we’re splitting hairs. More likely, Delta (and the rest of the industry) is making the change out of pure convenience—no pocketfuls of change for the flight attendants, no haphazard accounting when the flight lands.

But is it convenient for passengers? Most people carry debit cards nowadays, so I doubt there are too many instances of someone wanting a sandwich but lacking a card. But you never know. Tell me what you think in the comment section below. Thanks!

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