Many travelers wonder whether they should buy a fully refundable ticket or use a dummy itinerary when applying for a visa. The answer depends on the embassy, your budget, and how certain your travel dates are. In this guide we compare both options so you can choose the one that fits your situation.
What is a refundable ticket?
A refundable ticket is a ticket issued by an airline with the option to request a refund. Not all airlines have offer fully refundable tickets. Delta airlines for instance, offers fully refundable fares in most classes with cancellations and refunds for any ticket within 24 hours of purchase.
What is a dummy itinerary?
A dummy itinerary on the other hand is a temporary flight reservation used to show planned travel details without buying a confirmed airline ticket.
Which do embassies accept?
Dummy itinerary is accepted by the embassy of the application requires proof of travel and not confirmed air ticket.
Which costs less?
A dummy itinerary costs less than a refundable ticket.
Where can I get a fully refundable ticket?
You can get a refundable ticket with most of the airlines. Check the specific airline refund policy.
Is there an alternative to a fully refundable ticket?
If you need fully refundable ticket for visa application and the checklist requires proof of travel, then you can use a dummy flight ticket instead.
Frequently asked questions
What is fully refundable ticket?
A fully refundable ticket is a ticket issued by an airline with the option to request a refund.
Do all airlines have fully refundable tickets?
Most airlines have option for fully refunds. Its important to check with the airlines refund policy.
Should You Buy a Refundable Flight Ticket for a Visa Application?
When you are applying for visa and the requirement is proof of travel, a dummy flight ticket can be used instead of refundable ticket.