Travel Payments 101: CheckOut and payment capture

The use of alternative payment methods (APMs) continues to expand, from digital wallets to mobile payments and cryptocurrencies. Offering multiple payment options and providers means customers can select their preferred method and enjoy the convenience they've come to expect – but integrating them remains a complex and time-consuming process. Payment Orchestration removes the burden of adding new payment types.

The importance of this cannot be underestimated. Unless multiple payment options and providers are immediately available, cart abandonment becomes a real risk from consumers who do not want to wait around. Current research shows that 28% of shoppers abandon their carts if their preferred payment method is unavailable.

The ability to improve those poor abandonment odds is part of the reason the global Payment Orchestration market is growing so fast. The market was valued at approximately $1.56 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $11.35 billion by 2033, representing a compound annual growth rate of 26.06%.

This growth has been driven by businesses recognizing the critical importance of payment flexibility. Recent studies indicate that emerging payment methods adoption ranges between 19% and 78% across different sectors in 2024, with conversion rates reaching as high as 86%.

The travel industry particularly benefits from this expansion. Airlines and travel companies that have implemented comprehensive payment strategies report notable improvements in customer completion rates and revenue generation.

Industry analysis shows that businesses offering diverse payment options see conversion rate improvements that directly impact their bottom line.

Beyond making a range of APMs available to the end user, Payment Orchestration also optimizes the checkout process by allowing customers to store and prioritize their preferred payment methods. This information can then be presented in a format designed for the relevant client device while maintaining security standards.

With the right Payment Orchestration platform, the end user experiences a Hosted Payment Page, which provides redirection when they're ready to pay and automatic return to the merchant's site when the transaction completes. This page connects with merchants' existing websites to enable them to accept, control and improve payment transactions across all digital channels, offering customers a responsive, safe, and convenient way to make online payments.

The improved user experience that Payment Orchestration provides leads to valuable long-term benefits. Better user experience means more than just making life easier for consumers – it means they are more likely to develop an emotional connection with your brand, creating loyal customers and additional opportunities if merchants can create tailored special offers based on the data collected during checkout.

Customer access and loyalty prove crucial to success, especially when major players like Amazon continue to expand their market presence and close off their ecosystems. Your checkout process needs to be much more than just a line of payment logos. It must serve as a touchpoint that reinforces your brand value and customer relationships.

Research demonstrates that businesses with optimized checkout processes see measurable improvements in customer retention rates. When customers encounter their preferred payment methods and experience smooth transaction flows, they're more likely to return for future purchases. This creates a compounding effect where initial payment optimization investments yield ongoing returns through increased customer lifetime value.

The data collection tools inherent in modern Payment Orchestration also provide valuable insights into customer preferences and habits. This information enables merchants to refine their offerings and create more targeted marketing approaches that resonate with their customer base.