Mobile PayPal Support

My Digital Experience team integrated PayPal as a payment option across all mobile platforms, giving customers the flexibility to pay with their preferred digital wallet.

The Problem

Mobile customers faced payment friction that led to abandoned bookings:

• Credit card entry on mobile - Tedious typing on small screens
• Security concerns - Hesitation to enter card details on mobile devices
• Limited payment options - No digital wallet alternatives available
• Lost conversions - Customers abandoning at payment step

Customers who preferred PayPal had no option but to switch to desktop or abandon their booking.

The Solution

We implemented PayPal support across all mobile platforms:

Platform Coverage

• Mobile Web - PayPal checkout for Safari, Chrome, and other mobile browsers
• iOS App - Native PayPal integration in the Southwest app
• Android App - Consistent PayPal experience on Android devices

User Experience

1. Customer selects PayPal at checkout
2. Redirects to PayPal for secure authentication
3. Returns to Southwest with payment authorized
4. Completes booking without entering card details

Technical Integration

• Secure OAuth flow for PayPal authentication
• Seamless redirect and return experience
• Support for PayPal balance and linked payment methods
• Consistent implementation across all platforms

Customer Benefits

PayPal integration addressed key customer needs:

• Faster checkout - No manual card entry required
• Enhanced security - Card details stay with PayPal
• Payment flexibility - Use PayPal balance or linked accounts
• Familiar experience - Millions already trust and use PayPal

Results

The PayPal integration delivered measurable improvements:

• Reduced checkout abandonment at the payment step
• Improved mobile conversion for PayPal-preferring customers
• Increased customer satisfaction with payment options
• Captured revenue previously lost to payment friction

Strategic Value

Payment flexibility is essential for mobile commerce. By offering PayPal alongside traditional credit cards, we meet customers where they are and remove barriers to booking. The integration reflects our commitment to making travel booking as frictionless as possible.