What is a Dummy Flight Ticket? Everything You Need to Know

The first time I heard the term dummy ticket, I thought it was a scam. But once I started traveling full-time as a digital nomad, I realized it’s a legit workaround many travelers use when they need proof of onward travel, without booking a flight they’re not sure they’ll take.

In this guide, I’ll explain what dummy tickets are, how they work, whether they’re safe (and legal), and where to get one that won’t get you in trouble.

What Is a Dummy Flight Ticket?

If you’ve ever applied for a visa or landed somewhere that asks for proof of onward travel, chances are you’ve heard of a dummy flight ticket.

It’s basically a real flight reservation with your name, flight number, airline, booking code, and departure/arrival times. But it hasn’t been fully paid for, so you can’t actually fly with it.

It’s more of a temporary placeholder, usually valid for 24–48 hours (sometimes up to a week or two, depending on where you get it).

I’ve used dummy flight tickets myself when I was backpacking between Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. My plans were still up in the air, and I didn’t want to drop hundreds on a flight I wasn’t sure I’d take.

The whole point is to have an official-looking document you can show immigration officers or attach to a visa application without locking yourself into a flight you might need to cancel.

Are Dummy Flight Tickets Legal?

Absolutely, I’ve used dummy flight tickets multiple times, especially for visa applications, and I’ve never had an issue. The key is making sure it comes with a legit booking reference, known as a PNR (Passenger Name Record). That’s the code airlines use to pull up your reservation, and it’s what immigration or airline staff will check to confirm your booking is real.

Where people get into trouble is when they try to pass off completely fake or edited documents. That’s not a workaround. And if you get caught, you could get denied boarding, rejected for a visa, or worse, banned from a country.

So it's better to stick to services that give you a verifiable reservation. It might cost a few bucks, but it’s way cheaper than dealing with the fallout of a bad decision.

What Is a Dummy Flight Ticket Used For?

There are a bunch of reasons you might need a dummy flight ticket. Most of the time, it’s about having the right paperwork without locking yourself into a flight you’re not even sure you’ll take.

Here’s when they come in handy:

Visas

Many embassies, especially in places like the Schengen Area, ask for proof of onward travel when you apply. But buying a real ticket weeks in advance can be risky if your plans aren’t set. A dummy flight reservation lets you meet that requirement without committing to a ticket you might never fly.

Immigration / Border Control

When you land, some countries want to see “proof of exit” so that you’re not planning to overstay. That could mean a flight out or onward travel to another country. A dummy flight ticket gives you something to show if they ask.

Flexibility & Savings

If your plans are still up in the air, dummy flight tickets let you keep your options open. Instead of paying for a pricey (and possibly non-refundable) ticket just to tick a box, you get what you need for way less, without committing to a date or destination you’re unsure about.

How to Get a Dummy Flight Ticket (Step by Step)

Getting a dummy flight ticket is pretty straightforward. Here’s how it usually works:

1. Choose a provider

There are tons out there. In the next paragraph, I’ll break down a few of the best providers based on what you’re looking for, including speed, longer validity, or just the cheapest option that works.

2. Fill in your details

You’ll be asked for basic info: name, departure and arrival cities, travel date, and your email. Some providers might ask for a passport number, but most don’t.

3. Pay the small fee

Most services charge somewhere between $8–$20, depending on how fast you want the ticket or how long it stays active. Some even offer instant delivery.

4. Wait for the email

Once you’ve paid, just hang tight. In my experience, I usually get the PDF within 30 minutes to a few hours. It’ll have your name, flight info, and a real booking reference (PNR).

5. Double-check the booking

Take that PNR and plug it into the airline’s website under “Manage My Booking” or “My Trips.” If it shows up, you’re good and it means your reservation is real and verifiable.

Best Places to Buy Dummy Flight Tickets

I’ve tested a bunch of dummy flight ticket providers over the years: some were great, others not so much. Here are the ones I actually recommend, depending on what you need.

Onward Ticket

Onward Ticket has been around for a while and has become very popular among digital nomads and frequent travelers. It’s fast, simple, and does exactly what it promises. You get a verifiable PNR, a clean-looking reservation, and everything arrives in your inbox within minutes.

The booking stays valid for 48 hours, which is perfect for quick border crossings or short-notice visa needs. Prices start at $16, and while you can’t pick your airline or extend the booking, you can pay now and activate it later, which is helpful if you want to prep in advance.

Best Onward Ticket

If you want more flexibility, Best Onward Ticket is a great choice. You can choose how long the ticket stays valid: 48 hours, or upgrade to 7 days for $7 or 14 days for $10. They also let you delay activation for $1, which is useful if your appointment isn’t right away.

Prices start at just $12, and the ticket includes a legit, verifiable PNR and the option to choose different airlines or routes. The interface is clean, and the whole process is quick and stress-free.

Onwardify

This one’s newer but has quickly become one of my favorites, especially when I need fast help. What really sets Onwardify apart is their 24/7 human support. I’ve had questions answered in under 30 minutes, which is rare.

Tickets start at $14, and you can download them right after paying. Every ticket comes with a verifiable PNR and is valid for 48 hours. They also offer a money-back guarantee if something doesn’t work.

Pros and Cons of Using Dummy Flight Tickets

Alternatives to Dummy Flight Tickets

Before I started using dummy flight tickets, I tried a few different ways to show proof of onward travel. Some worked fine, others were more hassle than they were worth...

1. Refundable flights: This one sounds safe, but it’s pricey and not always as straightforward as you'd think. I’ve booked refundable tickets before, only to find out the refund takes weeks or they keep a chunk as a “fee.” If you go this route, definitely read the fine print first.
2. Cheap flights out of the country: I’ve also booked budget flights just to have something to show, like a $30 ticket out of Vietnam. It works, but the downside is that you’re stuck with that booking unless you cancel and eat the cost. Not ideal if your plans are still up in the air.
3. Bus or train ticket: In some places, a bus or train out of the country is enough. I’ve used this in Europe with no issues. But in other countries, border agents didn’t care, and they only wanted to see a flight. So it really depends on where you are.
4. Book with miles and cancel: This can be a smart workaround if you know how your airline’s points system works. I’ve done it once, but some programs charge a cancellation fee or don’t refund the miles. Wouldn’t recommend unless you know exactly what you’re doing.

At the end of the day, a dummy flight ticket with a real PNR has been the most reliable option for me. It’s quick, cheap, and gets the job done.

Dummy Flight Ticket FAQs

Can I get a dummy flight ticket for free?

Not really. The ones that actually work with a real PNR come at a small cost. If it’s free, it’s probably fake.

Are dummy flight tickets safe for visa applications?

Yes, as long as the ticket includes a real, verifiable PNR. I’ve used them for multiple visa applications without issues.

Can I use the same dummy flight ticket for multiple trips?

Nope. Dummy tickets are one-time use only. Once the reservation expires (usually in 24–48 hours), that’s it.

What details should show on the dummy flight ticket?

Your full name, airline name, flight number, route, travel dates, and a valid PNR. If any of that’s missing, immigration or consulates might not accept it.

Are dummy flight tickets refundable?

Generally, no. It’s a one-time service, so once they’ve sent you the ticket, you can’t get a refund unless something goes wrong and the provider offers a guarantee.

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Written by Angelina Bertoni

After trying the conventional life, I packed everything into a backpack and started walking the world. I feel the energy of the spaces I explore — and that’s what I write about.

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