Are you applying for a visa and need proof of onward travel, but don’t want to buy a ticket yet? A dummy ticket is the simple workaround you’re looking for.
Here’s what it is, how it works, and when to use it without getting into trouble.
What is a dummy ticket?
A dummy flight ticket is a temporary flight reservation. Despite what the name might suggest, it’s not a fake ticket, though you cannot use it to travel.
It comes in handy whenever you have to show proof of onward travel (POOT), such as applying for visas or showing Immigration that you plan to leave before your visa expires (also known as an “onward ticket”).
It’s not a fully paid airline ticket but rather a reservation that looks like a real ticket. It has a valid Passenger Number Record (PNR) and is typically held for 24 to 72 hours.
Is Using a Dummy Ticket Legal and Safe?
Using a flight reservation as proof of onward travel is legal and widely accepted for visa applications or immigration checks.
Embassies, consulates, and even airlines not only accept but often urge the use of temporary bookings.
Dummy tickets include a verifiable PNR, which confirms that the booking exists. You can usually check it on the airline’s website, which is what immigration or embassy agents normally do too.
However, dummy tickets are not valid for travel! They are not fully paid tickets, and you can’t board a flight using one.
Why Choose a Dummy Ticket?
Dummy tickets are incredibly handy for several reasons.
First and foremost, booking a dummy ticket is a cost-effective way to show travel intent without committing to a full-priced flight. They cost just a few dollars and leave your plans open to change. For example, you will lose way less money if your visa is denied.
What about fully refundable tickets? Be careful with these. Often times you will incur a hefty penalty to cancel, buried in the terms and conditions, or the whole refund process may be convoluted and lengthy, all the while your money is locked and unusable.
Dummy tickets, on the other hand, are easy to get online, inexpensive, and offer you the flexibility to sort out final details later, while providing peace of mind when dealing with immigration or embassies.
When to use a dummy ticket?
Several reasons exist for booking a dummy ticket, though they all boil down to having proof of onward travel.
- Visa Applications
Most visa applications require proof of intent to leave the country before the visa expires.
Embassies and consulates around the world want to make sure you’re a genuine traveler and to minimize the risk of overstayers entering the country. Visas for the Schengen Area, the UK, the USA, Australia, and many others require proof of onward travel.
One way is to book a real ticket. But say your visa gets denied? You’d be down a few hundred dollars on a ticket you now cannot use.
On the flipside, a dummy ticket fulfills the embassies’ requirements without the financial risk of booking a real, expensive ticket before your visa is approved.
- Immigration/Border Control
Imagine this: You arrive at the airport to check in for your flight, and the agent asks to see your ticket to leave the country you’re going to. You’re perplexed – you want to keep your trip flexible and haven’t booked anything yet.
You plead, but the agent is relentless. Either you show an onward ticket, or you’re not boarding the flight.
This is not a fringe case. It happens to many travelers all the time. Having proof of onward travel is one of the most common entry requirements. If the agent from above did not ask you, the Immigration agent on arrival might. Long story short, you must be prepared.
A dummy ticket solves this conundrum. It’s acceptable and cheap, while leaving your plans open. You can sort out your travel plans later and have the flexible trip you wanted.
- Visa extensions or long-term stays
Even after you’re inside a country, the requirement to have an onward ticket does not go away. You will learn that pretty quickly if you try to apply for a visa extension.
Flexible travelers and digital nomads use dummy tickets all the time to provide the necessary documentation for longer stays while keeping their travels pliable.
- Hold a price for a flight
Most full-service airlines also offer dummy tickets. They will let you temporarily hold a flight at the advertised price for a fee. Later, you will have the option to book the flight or forfeit it. But in the meantime, you have a tentative flight reservation.
This is less common for dummy ticket services, which focus on proof, and you rarely have the option to upgrade to a usable ticket.
Dummy ticket vs fake tickets – explained
You may be tempted to create a fake ticket on Photoshop or get it from one of the dodgy websites. Don’t!
This is illegal, and if caught, you will get into a lot of trouble.
Fake tickets do NOT have a verifiable PNR code and do NOT hold up to the slightest digital scrutiny, no matter how convincing they may look on the surface.
Dummy tickets, on the other hand, have real PNRs and function as real airline tickets until they expire.
The best dummy ticket website
Dozens of websites offer dummy tickets with varying degrees of transparency, customer support, price, and ease of use.
For something so important, you can’t leave it to chance, and comparing providers can be overwhelming.
Look no further! Dummyticket247.com is the best because:
- It issues a dummy ticket automatically. No need to wait around, no emailing, no endless questions, no delays, etc. You will get a secure flight reservation for any destination or country instantly. You can even do it while you’re at the embassy or airport and are asked to produce one on the spot!
- Verifiable PNR. This is the most important thing! A real PNR proves that the ticket is genuine.
- Speedy customer support. A representative will answer any question within 30 minutes, 24/7, and in multiple languages.
- Flexibility: You can change the date multiple times to fit your new travel plans.
- It’s valid for 48 hours. This is usually enough for most intended purposes.
- Money back if it doesn’t meet your needs. Just email the evidence, and you will get a refund.
How to Book a Dummy Ticket: A Simple Step-by-Step
Step 1: Choose your route
On the homepage of Dummyticket247.com, select either one-way or return, the number of passengers, and your desired departure and destination airports. Then, click on “Search Flights”.
Step 2: Select a flight
A list of available flights will appear. Select one.
Step 3: Enter your name and email
This is the only personal information needed to issue a dummy ticket.
Step 4: Pay to complete your booking
The dummy ticket will be sent to your designated email address right away.
Cons of dummy tickets
So far, we’ve painted dummy tickets as a godsend. It’s true – they are a useful tool when used purposefully, though they also have two significant shortfalls worth mentioning:
- Limited Validity. A dummy ticket is valid for only a few days and becomes void after that. It must be used for its purpose, e.g., a visa application, immigration check, etc., before it expires.
- Not for Actual Travel. You cannot use a dummy ticket to board the plane. It would be too cheap for that, don’t you think?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Dummy Tickets
Q1: Can I fly using a dummy ticket?
A resounding NO!
Dummy tickets are to show travel intent but cannot be used for actual travel. They are not confirmed, fully paid tickets! You will be denied boarding (at the least) if you try to fly using one.
How long is my dummy ticket valid?
Dummy tickets are usually valid between 24-72 hours. The dummy ticket issued by Dummyticket247.com is valid for 48 hours.
You can request a longer validity, up to 14 days, when purchasing, by paying a little extra.
Will the dummy ticket have my name and flight details on it?
Yes. The dummy ticket looks much like a real airline ticket and will have your name prominently displayed on top with the detailed flight information underneath.
Is the PNR code on the dummy ticket real and verifiable?
Yes. The PNR code is genuine and can be verified with the airline.
Which countries typically require proof of onward travel?
Most countries require some type of proof of onward travel when entering to ensure visitors don’t overstay.
These include the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the Schengen Area countries (e.g., France, Germany, Spain), Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Mexico, Brazil, Peru, and many others.
Can I choose the airline, flight time, or route?
You can select the departure and destination airports, then pick from one of the available airlines serving that route.
Since you will only use the dummy ticket for documentation purposes, the airline doesn’t matter all that much.
Is it better than buying a fully refundable ticket?
Dummy tickets are often a better alternative to fully refundable tickets.
They don’t cost nearly as much, so you don’t have to commit a lot of money.
Additionally, refund procedures can be lengthy and bureaucratic, and you may incur a fee anyway.
What happens if an airline or immigration officer questions my dummy ticket?
Simple – just ask them to verify it by checking the booking reference (PNR) on the airline’s website.
If it’s a real dummy ticket, this will pass without issue.
This is why it’s important to use a verifiable reservation and ensure it looks legitimate to avoid problems.
If the ticket can’t be verified or looks suspicious (e.g., poorly formatted or obviously fake), the airline may deny you boarding, or Immigration may refuse entry. That’s just the best-case scenario – using fake tickets to mislead can get you into legal hot water.
Use trustworthy and reputable dummy ticket providers like Dummyticket247.com.
How quickly will I receive my dummy ticket after ordering?
You will receive your dummy ticket immediately after you complete the checkout process!
What information do I need to provide to get a dummy ticket?
All we need to issue your dummy ticket is your name.
Are dummy tickets guaranteed to be accepted?
Nothing in life is certain, and neither are dummy tickets.
While many embassies, airlines, and immigration officers accept them, especially if they’re verifiable and look legitimate, there’s always a risk. Some authorities may insist on a fully paid ticket, particularly for stricter visa processes or high-risk entry points.
Conclusion
Dummy tickets are a practical tool for showing travel intent without the cost of a full ticket. They’re legal, widely accepted, and easy to get. Use them smartly, make sure they’re verifiable, but always be ready with a backup plan… just in case.