✈️ Flight Itinerary for Schengen Visa
You need to show flight bookings for your visa application, but what if your visa gets rejected? Here's how to get flight reservations without risking your money.
What Embassies Want to See
- Round-trip reservation - departure and return flights
- PNR/Booking reference - a valid reservation number
- Passenger name - matching passport exactly
- Flight dates - covering your entire trip
- Airline details - flight numbers, times
Important: Embassies do NOT require confirmed/paid tickets. A reservation or itinerary is enough!
Options for Flight Reservation
1. Refundable Airline Tickets
Book directly with airlines that offer free cancellation:
- Many airlines offer 24-hour free cancellation
- Look for "flexible" or "refundable" fare options
- Cancel after visa decision if needed
2. Hold/Reserve Without Payment
Some airlines let you hold tickets for 24-72 hours:
- Emirates, Lufthansa, KLM offer hold options
- Small fee (₹500-2000) to hold for a few days
- Get valid PNR without full payment
3. Travel Agency Reservations
Travel agents can create reservations for visa purposes:
- Get valid booking with PNR
- Pay small service fee (₹500-1500)
- Reservation valid for 1-2 weeks typically
What Your Flight Itinerary Should Show
- ✅ Passenger full name (as on passport)
- ✅ PNR/Booking confirmation number
- ✅ Departure city and destination
- ✅ Flight dates and times
- ✅ Return flight details
- ✅ Airline name and flight numbers
Important Tips
- Never buy non-refundable tickets before visa approval
- Match dates with your travel insurance and hotel bookings
- Apply to correct country - first entry or main destination
- Keep reservation valid until visa interview/submission
- Print clearly - legible copy for submission
Common Questions
Can I use a dummy ticket?
Use reservations with real PNR numbers. Completely fake tickets (no valid PNR) can be detected and may cause rejection.
Do I need confirmed tickets?
No! A reservation/itinerary is sufficient. Embassies understand you don't want to risk money before visa approval.
What if my reservation expires before interview?
Get a new reservation closer to your appointment date. Keep it valid on submission day.