In certain situations, travelers may wish to secure a flight without paying immediately. Whether waiting for final travel confirmations, visa approvals, or better fare options, the ability to hold a booking temporarily can offer valuable flexibility and peace of mind. However, this service depends on the airline, fare class, and point of booking.
Holding a flight booking refers to the option to reserve a ticket at a quoted fare without completing the payment right away. This temporarily locks the seat and price for a limited time, allowing you to finalize travel plans or coordinate with others before confirming the purchase.
Unlike confirmed bookings that are paid for immediately and ticketed, held bookings remain unconfirmed until payment is made within the allowed time frame. If payment is not completed by the expiry, the reservation is automatically cancelled without penalty.
During Online Booking: Some airline websites and travel platforms offer a “Hold” or “Pay Later” option before the final payment screen. The time limit to complete payment may vary from a few hours to several days;
Through Travel Agents: Many travel agencies, especially those accredited with airline booking systems, can hold a booking manually for you. This is useful when booking multi-leg journeys or when you need additional assistance;
At the Airline Office: Visiting or calling the airline’s customer service center may allow you to hold a seat temporarily, particularly for international routes.
The duration for which a booking can be held varies significantly:
Short-haul or domestic flights: Usually between 6 to 24 hours;
International or long-haul flights: Sometimes up to 72 hours;
Promotional or discounted fares: Often not eligible for hold options.
Always check the expiration time at the point of booking to avoid automatic cancellation.
Free Holding: Some airlines offer complimentary hold services, especially if booking well in advance;
Paid Hold Option: Others may charge a small fee to hold a booking, which may or may not be deducted from the final fare;
Non-Refundable Hold Fee: In some cases, the hold fee is forfeited if the booking is not completed within the validity period.
Allows time to confirm travel dates or approvals;
Protects you from fare increases for a short period;
Enables coordination with group travelers or other bookings;
Offers peace of mind when dealing with visa timelines or accommodation dependencies.
Take a Screenshot: Save a copy of your booking reference and itinerary during the hold process in case you need to retrieve it;
Set a Reminder: Mark the expiration deadline clearly so that you do not lose the reservation accidentally;
Check Hold Conditions Carefully: Not all fare types are eligible for holding, especially the lowest promotional fares.
Holding a flight booking can be a useful planning tool, especially in complex or evolving travel situations. However, travelers should remain attentive to the hold duration and associated conditions to ensure timely confirmation.