Introduction
The terminology around flight documentation for visa applications can be confusing. Embassies might ask for "flight reservations," "flight itineraries," "booking confirmations," or "proof of onward travel." Understanding these terms and requirements ensures you submit appropriate documentation without unnecessary expense or risk.
Defining the Terms
- Flight Itinerary: A document showing your planned flights with routes, dates, times, airlines. Doesn't require actual payment or booking.
- Flight Reservation: Typically a hold placed with an airline showing intent to book specific flights.
- PNR (Passenger Name Record): A unique code generated when you make an airline reservation. True PNRs exist in airline systems and can be verified.
For most visa applications, a flight itinerary is sufficient and preferred. Embassies generally discourage purchasing actual tickets before visa approval.
Why Embassies Ask for Flight Information
Visa officers need to see concrete evidence of your travel plans: duration of stay, return intent, specific dates for verifying other documentation, financial planning, and that flight routes match your stated reason for traveling.
The Risk of Buying Actual Tickets
Purchasing flights before visa approval exposes you to financial loss (non-refundable tickets if denied), change fees even on refundable tickets, and processing delays. For a family of four with international flights costing $1,000+ per person, the exposure can reach $4,000 or more.
What Flighter.app Provides
Our flight reservation service creates documentation with complete flight details (airline, flight numbers, airports, dates, times, booking references), passenger information, professional formatting, and verifiable information based on actual airline routes and schedules. This satisfies embassy requirements without requiring actual ticket purchase.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Dates in the past or impossible connections
- Flight dates that don't match hotel bookings
- Return date after visa expiration
- Unprofessional appearance or missing information
Get Started
Ready to create your flight reservation for visa application? Flighter.app makes the process simple, fast, and reliable. Generate professional documentation that meets embassy standards without the risk and expense of purchasing actual tickets.
