Thousands of visa applicants lose money on flight tickets every year when their visas are denied. The best way to avoid this loss is simple — don’t buy a real ticket until your visa is approved.
Step-by-Step Process
1. Understand the risk
If you buy a non-refundable ticket and your visa is denied, you lose the full amount — often hundreds of dollars.
2. Use a reservation instead
A flight itinerary is just $15 and meets the same embassy requirement as a purchased ticket.
3. Apply for your visa
Submit the $15 reservation with your application. It includes a real PNR code that embassies check.
4. Buy your ticket after approval
Once approved, purchase your actual ticket. If denied, you’ve only lost $15 instead of hundreds.
Pro Tips
- The average visa denial costs travelers $400-1,200 in lost ticket costs
- A $15 reservation reduces your maximum loss to just $15
- Even frequent travelers use reservations to manage financial risk
- Refundable tickets are an option but tie up capital unnecessarily
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I save by avoiding ticket loss?
If your visa is denied, you save the full ticket price — typically $400-1,200 or more on international flights.
Is this method commonly used?
Yes. Most experienced visa applicants and consultants recommend using reservations to avoid financial loss.
What if I’m confident my visa will be approved?
Even confident applicants benefit from the reservation approach. There’s no downside to spending free instead of risking hundreds.
Related
Get Your Flight Itinerary — $15
Professional flight itinerary delivered by email in minutes.