How Temporary Flight Reservations Work
A temporary flight reservation is a live airline booking held for a limited period. It contains the passenger and flight details plus a PNR, but it is not a paid ticket for boarding the reserved flight.
What is created
The reservation records a passenger against a specific airline route and date. Once created, the itinerary brings the flight details and booking reference into one readable document.
The PNR identifies the booking record. It does not by itself mean the airfare has been paid or an e-ticket has been issued.
The active window
Airline holds are temporary and are released automatically. Avionward reservations are intended to remain active for 48 hours, which is separate from the future flight date shown on the itinerary.
Use Activate Later when you need the active window to begin closer to a visa appointment or departure.
Common uses
Travelers use temporary reservations when a visa checklist requests an itinerary, or when an airline asks a one-way passenger to show an onward or return plan.
If the traveler intends to take the reserved flight, a paid ticket must be purchased separately.
Frequently asked questions
Is a temporary flight reservation real?
Yes. It is a real reservation record with passenger and flight data, held for a limited period.
Can I board the reserved flight with it?
No. Boarding requires an issued ticket; a temporary reservation is documentation of a proposed itinerary.
Does it cancel automatically?
Yes. The airline hold is released after its active period, with no manual cancellation required from the customer.
Sources and further reading
Temporary flight reservation