I am resident in my wife's country many years. I decided to take her home for a family reunion in US, but her appointment for a Visa was delayed to just days before we were to fly.

I don't really want to buy a non-refundable economy ticket for her at $600 until her visa is granted, but would like to assure she could get the same flight as I for obvious reasons.

The girl at the Airline's desk suggested I buy Y fare at nearly $1800, and if she get the visa, cancel for refund, and re-book at the lower fare. Is that unethical, or common practice? Isn't it prohibited in many airline's rules, as double booking?? Do I risk having the procedure rejected?