Dummy flight bookings (also called flight reservations for visas) are a smart and practical way to save money during the visa process, especially for visas such as the Schengen, UK, US, or Canada, where proof of travel plans is required but ticket purchase is not mandatory.
Here is why they make financial and strategic sense:
1. You Only Pay a Small Fee Instead of Full Fare
A real flight ticket, especially an international one, can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. When you buy a full ticket before your visa is approved, you risk losing that money entirely if the visa is denied or delayed. With a dummy flight booking, you pay a small fee for a verifiable itinerary, not the full price of a ticket. This saves a significant amount of money upfront when you are still waiting for visa approval.
2. Still Meets Embassy Requirements
Most embassies do not require you to have a paid ticket; they only need proof of flight details and travel plans. Dummy bookings include real flight information and a valid PNR (booking code) that can be verified by visa officers online or during the interview. This shows your travel intent without financial risk.
3. Flexibility If Plans Change
Visa processing times and travel plans often change. With an actual ticket, changing your travel date can result in high rebooking fees or loss of the fare. Dummy flights or reservations are usually easy to change or reissue at low cost, offering flexibility without extra charges.
4. Reduces Financial Risk
If a visa is refused, you will not lose hundreds or thousands of dollars on a non-refundable airline ticket. The most you lose with a dummy booking is the small service fee. This represents significant cost savings, especially for students, budget travellers, or frequent applicants.
How to Get a Confirmed Flight Reservation or Flight Itinerary
You can obtain a confirmed flight itinerary for a visa application through your travel agency or through online visa agencies such as Schengen Visa Itinerary. It is always recommended to obtain a flight itinerary or flight reservation through these services, as they have extensive information and associations with airline companies, allowing you to explore more affordable flight options that may not be available elsewhere. Most importantly, you can make the flight reservation without payment.
These services typically provide:
- Temporary (dummy) flight bookings
- Verifiable reservation codes (PNR)
- Reservations without full ticket payment
These itineraries are specifically tailored for visa applications and are widely accepted by most Schengen embassies and consulates. In addition to flight reservations, these services also offer hotel bookings and affordable travel insurance, helping applicants fulfill all necessary visa requirements efficiently.
Final Tip:
Always obtain your dummy flight booking from a trusted, visa-compliant source such as Schengen Visa Itinerary, and ensure that the details match your application and travel insurance dates.
Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa 