Top 5 Airlines That Allow You to "Hold" a Flight for Free (24-48 Hours)

Planning a trip is exhilarating, but committing to a flight ticket before your plans are finalized? That’s stressful. Prices fluctuate by the minute, and sometimes you just need a day or two to confirm your hotel, coordinate with travel buddies, or wait for that paycheck to clear.

But the biggest headache usually comes for travelers applying for visas. Embassies demand proof of a return flight, but buying a non-refundable ticket before your visa is approved is a financial gamble most of us don’t want to take.

This brings up the golden question: Are there airlines that let you hold a reservation for free without paying?

The answer is yes—but with conditions. While most airlines want your money immediately, a select few offer generous "Hold" or "Price Lock" policies that give you 24 to 48 hours to decide. In this guide, we will break down the top 5 airlines that offer this life-saving feature, exactly how to use them, and the hidden risks you need to know if you are using these for visa applications.

The "Hold" vs. "Book" Confusion

Before we dive into the list, it is crucial to understand the terminology because getting it wrong can cost you money.

• Booking (Confirmed Ticket): You have paid the full price. The airline has issued an e-ticket number (usually 13 digits). You have a seat on the plane.
• Hold (Reservation/PNR): You have a reserved seat, and the price is locked, but you have not paid yet. The airline gives you a PNR (Passenger Name Record) code, but no ticket number. If you don't pay by the deadline, the reservation vanishes.

For personal travel planning, a "Hold" is perfect. For visa applications, however, it’s a gray area (which we will discuss later). Now, let’s look at the airlines that make this process easy.

1. American Airlines (The 24-Hour Champion)

American Airlines stands out as one of the most user-friendly carriers when it comes to holding flights. Unlike many competitors who charge a fee for this privilege, American Airlines offers a genuine "Hold" option on their payment page for eligible flights.

How it Works

When you reach the final payment screen on AA.com, look for the "Hold" button instead of entering your credit card details immediately. This option usually appears for flights booked at least seven days before departure.

The Benefits

• Completely Free: There is no service charge to place the hold.
• 24-Hour Window: You get a full day to think it over.
• Email Confirmation: You receive an official email with a PNR code that looks very professional.

Note: This is a feature specific to the US market and flights departing from/to the USA, adhering to Department of Transportation regulations, but implemented more generously than others.

2. United Airlines (FareLock)

United Airlines takes a slightly different approach. They offer a standard 24-hour flexible booking policy (where you pay and can refund within 24 hours), but they also offer a specialized service called FareLock.

How it Works

FareLock allows you to hold a reserved fare and save it for 3, 7, or even 14 days. However, unlike American Airlines, this is usually a paid service. The fee ranges from $5 to $20 depending on the route, but the held amount for the ticket itself is not charged.

Why It Makes the List

We included United because occasionally, for short 24-hour periods or specific frequent flyer tiers, the hold option can appear with minimal cost. Furthermore, their strict "24-hour refund" policy is so reliable that many travelers treat it as a hold: buy the ticket, print the confirmation, and if plans change, cancel within 23 hours for a 100% refund.

3. Copa Airlines (Price Lock)

Copa Airlines, the flag carrier of Panama, is a hidden gem for travelers needing flight reservations. They are famous in the "digital nomad" and "visa application" communities for their incredibly straightforward reservation system.

The "Reserve and Pay Later" Feature

On the Copa Airlines website, you can often go through the entire booking process and select "Reserve for 48 hours" or "Pay Later." This generates a valid PNR code without requiring immediate payment. It is arguably the most reliable method for generating a free flight itinerary that lasts longer than the standard 24 hours.

4. Lufthansa (Secure Your Fare)

Lufthansa, the German giant, offers a feature called "Secure Your Fare." While not always 100% free (there is often a small surcharge effectively acting as a deposit), it allows you to reserve a flight for 48 hours.

This is particularly useful for Schengen visa applicants who want a legitimate reservation from a reputable European airline. The small fee (often around 30 EUR) is non-refundable, but it guarantees the price won't jump by hundreds of euros while you wait for your travel partner to confirm their vacation dates.

5. Qatar Airways (Hold My Booking)

Qatar Airways, consistently voted one of the world's best airlines, offers a "Hold My Booking" option. This is available for bookings made roughly 4+ days in advance of the flight.

The Terms

• Duration: You can hold a booking for up to 72 hours (in some regions), though 24-48 hours is standard.
• Cost: There is usually a fee involved, starting from roughly $10-$20 USD.
• Validity: The PNR is active and verifiable on their website during the hold period.

While not strictly "free" in all cases, the low cost compared to the risk of losing a fare makes it a top contender for savvy travelers.

How to Safely "Hold" a Flight (Step-by-Step)

If you are using this for personal planning (not visas), here is the universal method to finding these options:

1. Go Direct: Always visit the airline's official website. Third-party sites like Expedia or Skyscanner rarely offer the "Hold" feature without payment.
2. Select "Cash" or "Pay Later": During the payment step, look for alternative payment methods. Sometimes selecting "Pay at Office" (common with Turkish Airlines or Emirates) generates a hold PNR.
3. Check the Confirmation: Ensure you receive a 6-character alphanumeric code (e.g., H6J9K2). This is your PNR.
4. Verify: Go to "Manage My Booking" immediately to see if the status says "Confirmed" or "On Hold."

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a flight hold the same as a dummy ticket?

Technically, yes. A "dummy ticket" is simply a slang term for a flight reservation that hasn't been fully paid for yet. However, professional dummy ticket services (like agencies) can hold a reservation for 7 to 14 days, whereas airline website holds usually expire in 24 hours.

Can I present a "Held" ticket at immigration?

No. Immigration officers at the airport usually require a confirmed, paid return ticket. A hold that expires in 24 hours is not sufficient proof of onward travel for boarding a plane. For this, you should use a service that provides a verifiable ticket with a longer validity.

What happens if I don't pay for the hold?

Nothing bad happens! The reservation simply cancels automatically. You are not charged, and you don't need to call the airline to cancel it. It just disappears from the system.

Final Verdict

If you are a traveler looking to lock in a great price while you finalize your vacation dates, using the free hold features of American Airlines, Copa Airlines, or United is a brilliant strategy. It costs nothing and saves you from price surges.

However, if you need a document for a visa application, relying on a 24-hour free hold is a recipe for disaster. The hold will expire long before the officer reviews your file. In that case, it is smarter to use a specialized itinerary service that keeps your PNR valid for weeks, ensuring your visa gets approved smoothly.