Still possible to hold a reservation?
Feb 27, 23, 1:54 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: PNW
Programs: DL Silver; IHG Diamond/ Ambassador
Posts: 583
Still possible to hold a reservation?
Is it still possible to hold a reservation for 24 hours without booking?
I need a confirmed reservation for visa paperwork.
Most convenient would be the above. I believe the only other option might be to just book a confirmed refundable ticket.
I need a confirmed reservation for visa paperwork.
Most convenient would be the above. I believe the only other option might be to just book a confirmed refundable ticket.
Feb 27, 23, 1:58 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Antonio
Programs: DL DM, Former AA EXP now AY Plat, AC 75K, NW Plat, Former CO Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 26,051
All tickets are refundable till midnight, day after purchase.
Feb 27, 23, 9:03 pm
#3
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: ANC
Programs: DL PM
Posts: 1,583
I don’t know for sure if you can hold without purchasing, but whenever agents send me copies of an updated itinerary after a phone conversation it has a generic warning “if you are holding this reservation, be sure and purchase before the deadline.” That said, I don’t know if “holding” is still an option. Safest bet would be either 24 hr cancellation or book a refundable ticket.
Feb 27, 23, 11:15 pm
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: PNW
Programs: DL Silver; IHG Diamond/ Ambassador
Posts: 583
I don’t know for sure if you can hold without purchasing, but whenever agents send me copies of an updated itinerary after a phone conversation it has a generic warning “if you are holding this reservation, be sure and purchase before the deadline.” That said, I don’t know if “holding” is still an option. Safest bet would be either 24 hr cancellation or book a refundable ticket.
Feb 28, 23, 12:34 am
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Antonio
Programs: DL DM, Former AA EXP now AY Plat, AC 75K, NW Plat, Former CO Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 26,051
Is there a reason can't use the HOLD option on AA? I've done this when need to print out a copy of a reservation for visa purposes. (Even if I know will fly DL)
Feb 28, 23, 10:45 am
#10
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 4,346
I once met someone who was paying for his flight in cash. He made a reservation on the phone then drove to the airport to pay for it. The reservation was held for 24 hours.
Feb 28, 23, 11:05 am
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: NYC
Posts: 26,705
Travel agents can still hold reservations without ticketing (subject to ticketing rules of the fare held). But you'd likely need to talk to a person, and I'm not sure if OTAs like Expedia would do this (they'd probably charge a nonrefundable phone booking fee anyway).
The other option is a mileage award ticket which (as long as you're originating in the US) is fully refundable and you won't have the charge on your credit card for a cash paid refundable ticket.
The other option is a mileage award ticket which (as long as you're originating in the US) is fully refundable and you won't have the charge on your credit card for a cash paid refundable ticket.
Feb 28, 23, 6:10 pm
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: PNW
Programs: DL Silver; IHG Diamond/ Ambassador
Posts: 583
Just to be on the safe side of things, I would like that reservation to be "active" while my application is in process. The consulate I am applying to only takes application by mail, and takes 5 business days to process. Total time would be well-beyond 48 hours.
Feb 28, 23, 9:00 pm
#13
Join Date: Aug 2018
Programs: SkyPesos
Posts: 564
Corporate travel agent/Amex GBT is still able to hold tickets for me, have done it a couple of times over the last 2 months. Usually 24 hours max before it automatically cancels.
Last edited by secretalcoholic; Feb 28, 23 at 9:09 pm
Feb 28, 23, 9:16 pm
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Antonio
Programs: DL DM, Former AA EXP now AY Plat, AC 75K, NW Plat, Former CO Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 26,051
Well in that case, I'm not sure why you're asking about HOLD option. HOLDs are only for 24 hours.
Feb 28, 23, 10:59 pm
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: PNW
Programs: DL Silver; IHG Diamond/ Ambassador
Posts: 583
Back in early 2020, I booked my ticket on my phone, printed it, then walked into the consulate. Documents got checked and by the end of the day I got an email receipt of my application and I canceled my booking the next day when the mail tracking went active (I did an AA itinerary and used the HOLD option). Was hoping to do the same.
How things have changed with covid.
