Continuation ticket: the trick to get one for free with Air France
Do you know what a “continuation ticket” or “onward ticket” is? Most travelers who buy round-trip flights have never heard of it.
However, long-term travelers who only book one-way tickets have definitely run into this issue at some point.
The explanation: some countries require visitors to prove they already have a trip booked to leave the country after their stay.
This proof of onward travel can be requested at the departure airport (airlines are supposed to check) or by the immigration officer upon arrival.
We almost got left behind in Hong Kong when flying to the Philippines. The only way to leave was to buy an onward flight ticket on the spot.
But having to buy a plane ticket when you don’t know when you’re leaving or where you’re going is not ideal!
Traditionally, travelers share two tricks to get a continuation ticket without having to pay full price for a flight:
- There are “rental” services for flight tickets like Bestonwardticket. Downside: it’ll cost you $12 per ticket.
- Buying a real ticket that can be canceled and refunded within 48 hours on Orbitz. Downside: it ties up your funds for about ten days until the refund comes through.
After 7 years of non-stop travel, I just found a better solution! You really learn something new every day!
Cock-a-doodle-doo, the solution is French, it’s thanks to Air France that you’ll be able to get a 100% free continuation ticket without having to pull out your credit card.
To do this, just go through the booking process on Air France like you would for any flight purchase.
Treat yourself by picking business class, 5 checked bags, … it’s on me!
At the payment step, click on the “wire transfer” payment option.
Your ticket will then be issued, and then automatically canceled if you don’t pay within 48 hours.
If you do this the day before your departure, you’ll have a perfectly valid onward ticket to show, and it won’t have cost you a thing.
Thanks Air France!
EDIT : some people doubt this trick.
First, I’m not forcing anyone to use this method. If you’d rather pay to “rent” a ticket than get one for free, more power to you.
Second, it takes just 30 seconds on the Air France site to verify the validity of the “PNR” booking number and confirm you have a perfectly valid ticket.
EDIT #2 : in December 2023, I used this trick again for our entry into Peru. It still works.
