In the travel industry of 2026, a dummy booking refers to a temporary flight or hotel reservation that is used as "proof of travel" for visa applications without the traveler actually paying the full fare upfront. Embassies often require a flight itinerary with a valid PNR (Passenger Name Record) to prove you have a return plan, but travelers are hesitant to buy non-refundable tickets before their visa is approved. A dummy booking provides a verified itinerary that looks like a real reservation and can often be checked on the airline's "Manage Booking" page for a limited time (usually 24–72 hours). It is a high-value peer tip to use a reputable service that provides "verified PNR" dummy tickets rather than using "fake" generators, which can lead to immediate visa rejection for fraud. Once your visa is granted, you simply let the dummy reservation expire and then book your actual flights. This strategy is an essential tool for navigating the complex visa requirements for regions like the Schengen Area or various Southeast Asian countries.