How to Check If a Flight Ticket Is Original or Fake
Table of Contents
Worried your flight ticket might not be real? You’re not alone. With more people booking online and scams becoming more sophisticated, it’s important to make sure your ticket is 100% legit before you head to the airport. In this guide, we’ll walk you through simple, friendly steps to check whether your flight ticket is original or fake.
Check the PNR (Passenger Name Record) Number
Every valid flight ticket has a PNR number—usually 6 characters long—that stores your booking details. So How to Check if a Flight Ticket Is Original or Fake?:
- Go to the airline’s official website
- Find the “Manage Booking” or “My Trips” section
- Enter your PNR and last name
- If it shows your trip details, your ticket is most likely valid
Confirm Directly With the Airline
If you received your ticket from a travel agent or third-party site, call the airline directly to confirm the reservation. Provide your booking reference and name—they’ll let you know if the ticket is in their system.
Inspect the Ticket Format
Real tickets follow a standard format and usually include:
- Airline logo and full name
- PNR/Booking Reference
- Flight numbers and dates
- Airport codes (e.g., JFK, LHR)
- Passenger name (exactly as on passport)
- E-ticket number starting with 13 digits (e.g., 074-XXXXXXXXXX)
If any of this is missing, looks suspicious, or the design feels off—it’s a red flag.
Verify the E-Ticket Number
How to Check if a Flight Ticket Is Original or Fake? Every airline issues electronic tickets with a unique number. You can use this number to cross-check with the airline. If the number doesn’t match their system, your ticket may be fake.
Look for Obvious Errors
Fake tickets often contain spelling mistakes, incorrect airline codes, or unrealistic travel times. If something doesn’t feel right—trust your gut and double-check with the airline.
Use Airline Mobile Apps
Many airlines let you view your booking by logging into their mobile app. If your reservation appears there, it’s a great sign that your ticket is valid.
Be Careful With Screenshots and PDFs
How to Check if a Flight Ticket Is Original or Fake? Scammers sometimes send forged PDFs or screenshots that look real. Always ask for the original email from the airline or booking platform. It should contain a clickable link to manage your trip.
| Feature | Dummy Ticket | Fake Ticket |
|---|---|---|
| Verifiable in airline system | Yes | No |
| Has valid PNR | Yes | No or fabricated |
| Purpose | Visa application / travel proof | Deception or fraud |
| Legality | Legal if not used for boarding | Illegal |
| Delivered by trusted source | Yes (e.g., MyDummyTicket.com) | No |
Buy Only From Trusted Sources
To avoid fake tickets altogether, book directly through:
- The official airline website
- Reputable travel agencies or booking platforms
- Verified ticket providers like Proof-of-travel.com (for visa reservations)
Steps to Check Your Ticket:
- Locate the PNR code on your ticket (usually 6 characters — letters and/or numbers).
- Go to the official website of the airline (e.g., www.delta.com, www.emirates.com, etc.).
- Navigate to the “Manage Booking” section.
- Enter your PNR and last name exactly as shown on the ticket.
- If the ticket is valid, your reservation will appear with flight details, dates, and passenger name.
Quick Checklist: Real vs Fake Ticket
| Feature | Original Ticket | Fake Ticket |
|---|---|---|
| PNR Status on Airline Website | Visible and confirmed | Not found or invalid |
| E-Ticket Number | 13-digit valid number | Missing or incorrect format |
| Airline Branding | Professional and accurate | Blurry, outdated, or wrong logo |
| Typos or Mistakes | None or minimal | Frequent errors |
Conclusion
Checking if a flight ticket is original or fake doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little research and a few quick checks, you can travel with confidence. When in doubt, go straight to the airline and confirm your booking. It’s the best way to avoid surprises at the airport!
FAQ: Questions
Can I use a dummy ticket to board a flight?
A dummy ticket is only a temporary flight reservation, not a paid or confirmed booking. It is created solely for purposes like visa applications, proof of onward travel, or travel insurance claims. Since it doesn’t involve payment to the airline, there is no actual seat reserved for you on the plane.
Is a dummy ticket legal for visa applications?
Yes, a dummy ticket is legal for visa applications — as long as it is a real flight reservation made through a legitimate source.
Many embassies and consulates accept temporary flight bookings or itineraries as proof of travel intent. These reservations are commonly used by applicants who don’t want to risk buying an expensive, non-refundable ticket before knowing if their visa will be approved.
How long is a dummy ticket valid?
A dummy ticket is generally valid for a short period, usually between 24 to 72 hours. This temporary reservation is held in the airline’s system without actual payment, and it will automatically expire if not confirmed by full purchase. The exact duration can vary depending on the airline and the service provider issuing the dummy ticket. Some providers offer extended validity—up to 7 or even 14 days—by using special reservation systems or working directly with booking platforms. For visa applications, it’s highly recommended to purchase the dummy ticket one or two days before your embassy appointment to ensure that the booking is still active and verifiable. Using an expired dummy ticket can lead to rejection or delays in your visa process, so always double-check the validity before submission.
What happens after my dummy ticket expires?
When a dummy ticket expires, the temporary flight reservation is automatically canceled in the airline’s system. As a result, the booking reference (PNR) becomes invalid and can no longer be verified online or used as proof of travel. This means the ticket is no longer acceptable for visa applications, immigration checks, or any official purposes. If you still need to present a flight reservation, you’ll have to obtain a new dummy ticket with updated travel details and a fresh PNR. Expired dummy tickets cannot be reused or extended, so it’s important to time your purchase carefully—ideally just before your visa appointment or any required submission.
Can I use a dummy ticket for immigration purposes?
Yes, you can use a dummy ticket for immigration purposes—specifically to show proof of onward travel when entering a country that requires it. Many countries, especially those offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry, want to ensure that travelers have plans to leave before their allowed stay ends. Immigration officers may ask to see a return or onward flight reservation.
A dummy ticket can fulfill this requirement by showing a valid, verifiable itinerary without the need to buy a full-priced ticket upfront. However, it’s important to make sure the dummy ticket is still active and verifiable at the time of entry. If the reservation has expired or seems suspicious, immigration may deny entry.
In short, dummy tickets are commonly accepted as proof of onward travel, but they must be legitimate, recent, and verifiable to avoid issues at the border.
Will the PNR on the onward ticket be verifiable?