The problem with check cards is just that--they debit from your checking account. For me, that is the money I depend upon to pay bills. If he would have used a debit card, through paypal or other service, his bank account would have still be debited, and he would still have no plane. Now, grantid, it would be easier to get his money back, but his money would still be tied up until he could get a refund, which can take up to and over a month. During this time, your money is tied up for no good reason. I never use my debit card over the internet, or for hotels. I don't use it over the internet because I don't know who I'm dealing with, and if they are trustworthy or not. I don't use it for hotels because they have a tendency to charge you for nickel and dime stuff when you leave. I don't want any surprises in my bank statement. It's easier to use a credit card, and then pay it off at the end of the month. Same result--no interest, and you've still only spent money you already had. That way if something goes south, the money you pay bills with is not tied up. Also, someone you don't even know doesn't have your debit card number. Just my .02!
I had some friends who charged a hotel room to their debit card, and the hotel charged them for a bunch of damage they didn't do. They didn't realize this had happened until checks started bouncing. Come to find out, the hotel had put over a 1000 dollars worth of damages on the debit card without them knowing it. They got it all cleared up, but that doesn't really help your reputation at the establishments where you bounced checks! If they'd used a credit card, no bounced checks!