To reserve a flight without paying, you’ll need to use a service known as “Book on Hold.” This allows you to book a flight without paying upfront by temporarily holding a flight itinerary without completing the final purchase.

It’s a great option for travelers who need a flight reservation for visa applications or simply want to plan ahead. At Wakanow, you can easily reserve a flight without payment or secure a free flight reservation without paying a dime.

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to book a flight on Wakanow without paying:

What is a Flight Reservation Ticket?

A flight reservation ticket is a document issued by airlines or travel agencies that temporarily reserves a flight without payment. It includes crucial travel details such as the passenger’s name, flight number, departure and arrival times, and a booking reference number. Unlike a fully purchased ticket, this type of reservation is not confirmed for travel until payment is made.

Many travelers use flight reservation tickets for visa applications, trip planning, or to simply book a flight without paying upfront. It serves as proof of travel intent, especially useful when applying for visas or making flexible plans.

Can You Reserve a Plane Ticket and Pay Later?

Yes, it’s absolutely possible to reserve a flight without paying immediately. Airlines and travel agencies offer services like “fare locking”, “book on hold,” or “reserve flight tickets without pay”, allowing travelers to hold a seat temporarily while deciding or arranging funds. You might see this as free flight reservation without payment, especially during visa processing or itinerary planning.

Typically, the hold period can last from a few hours to several days, during which you can confirm the booking by making full payment. At Wakanow, this option is available through our “Pay Small Small” service, which lets you book a flight without paying the full fare upfront and complete the payment in flexible installments.

Understanding Wakanow’s Pay Small Small Option

Pay Small Small (PSS) is Wakanow’s flexible payment plan that allows you to:

  • Lock down your flight with just 25% down payment
  • Pay the remaining balance in convenient installments over 2 weeks to 6 months
  • Take advantage of early bird fares while spreading payments

Important Details:

  • Minimum transaction: ₦100,000 for flights, ₦50,000 for hotels
  • Service charges apply to all PSS bookings
  • Your ticket is issued immediately upon down payment but only released after final payment
  • All payments must be completed before your travel date
  • Available for both flights and hotels

flight reservation without payment

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Can I Reserve Airline Tickets?

Yes, you can reserve airline tickets. Many airlines and travel agencies offer the option to hold a seat for a certain period before making the final payment.

This service is particularly useful when you need time to finalize your travel plans or wait for visa approval. During the reservation period, the price and availability of the ticket are generally secured, preventing any potential fare increase.

Can I Reserve a Ticket Without Paying?

In some cases, it is possible to reserve a ticket without paying instantly. This option is usually available for a short duration and may require a small fee or deposit.

Wakanow offers this service through Pay Small Small! We give customers the flexibility to reserve a flight by paying just 25% upfront, giving them time to arrange other travel details or secure funds. However, it is important to read the terms and conditions, as failure to pay within the stipulated time can result in the cancellation of the reservation.

Important Considerations Before Reserving:

For Visa Applications:

  • Confirm with your embassy whether they accept tickets that haven’t been fully paid for
  • Some embassies require fully paid tickets as proof of travel intent
  • Your ticket will only be released after final payment is completed

Payment Terms:

  • The 25% down payment is non-refundable (subject to cancellation charges)
  • Subsequent payments are automatically debited from the same card used for down payment
  • Late payments attract a 5% penalty charge
  • Ticket will be canceled 3 days before travel or after a 30-day grace period if payments aren’t completed

Price Protection:

  • Your fare is locked at the time of booking
  • If you need to change dates, you’ll pay the fare difference and applicable charges
  • Changes can only be made after completing all PSS payments

how to reserve a flight without paying

How to Reserve a Flight Without Paying in Nigeria

Reserving a flight with any travel booking website whether from a travel agency or Airline in Nigeria and placing it on hold typically follows a similar process to the steps I mentioned earlier. Here’s a guide for how to reserve a flight without paying, specifically in Nigeria:

  1. Choose a Travel Booking Website Select a reputable travel booking website that operates in Nigeria. Popular options include Expedia, Wakanow, Onburd, or the official websites of airlines.
  2. Search for Flights Use the search feature on the chosen travel booking website to find available flights based on your travel preferences.
  3. Select Your Flights Choose the specific flights that best fit your schedule and preferences. E.g – booking a flight from Lagos to London or Lagos to Abuja etc.
  4. Enter Passenger Information Enter your required information, such as your legal names, contact details, and any other necessary details they request.
  5. Review the Itinerary Carefully review the selected itinerary to ensure that all the details you provided are accurate, including dates, times, and passenger information.
  6. Hold or Reserve Option Look for an option on the website that allows you to book the selected flights “on hold” or reserve them. This option is usually available during the booking process before you enter payment details.
  7. Provide your Contact Information If required, provide your contact information so that the travel booking website can reach you during the hold period.
  8. Note the Hold Period and Terms Take note of the hold period and any terms and conditions associated with the hold. Be aware of the duration during which you must confirm and pay for the booking. Be aware of any fees or specific conditions associated with placing a flight on hold through the travel booking website. Some websites may charge a fee for this service.
  9. Confirmation and Payment If you decide to proceed with the booking, confirm and complete the payment within the specified hold period. This is typically done online through the travel booking website. Alternatively if you choose not to proceed with the booking, make sure to release the hold within the specified time frame. This ensures that the held seats become available to other passengers.

Step by Step Guide to Reserve a Flight Without Paying on Wakanow

  1. Visit the Wakanow Website or Mobile App: Go to the official Wakanow website. Alternatively, you can walk into our Travel Centers or download the mobile app.
  2. Search for Flights Use our flight booking search engine on our website to find the flight options that suit your travel preferences.
  3. Select Your Flights Choose the specific flights that you want, including the departure and return dates, times, and any other preferences.
  4. Enter Passenger Information Enter your information which is standard for all passengers, including names, contact details, and any other necessary details.
  5. Review the Itinerary Carefully review the selected itinerary to ensure that all the details are correct, including dates, times, and your passenger information.
  6. Select Pay Small Small Option: Look for the Pay Small Small checkout option during the booking process. You’ll be able to select your preferred payment plan (2 weeks to 6 months).
  7. Make Your Down Payment: Pay the required 25% down payment plus applicable service charges. You can use your debit or credit card for this payment.
  8. Receive Confirmation: You will receive an email confirmation of your booking. Your ticket is issued immediately but will only be released after final payment.
  9. Complete Remaining Payments: You’ll receive email notifications 48 hours before each payment due date. Payments are automatically debited from the card you used for the down payment.

flight reservation without payment

How Long Does a Flight Reservation Last?

The duration of a flight reservation varies depending on the airline and the specific booking terms. Generally, reservations without payment last between 24 to 72 hours.

With Wakanow’s Pay Small Small, your reservation is secured from the moment you make your 25% down payment, and you have between 2 weeks to 6 months to complete payment (depending on your selected tenor). However, all payments must be completed before your travel date.

What Happens If You Miss a Payment?

  • A 5% penalty charge is applied to the missed payment
  • You have a 30-day grace period to catch up on payments
  • Your ticket will be canceled either 3 days before travel or after the 30-day grace period (whichever comes first)
  • If you paid more than the 25% minimum, you can request a refund of the excess amount

Flight Reservation Without Credit Card

I understand, it’s not every time you want to book a flight and put your credit card on file. Reserving a flight without using your Credit card will mean you’d have to checkout with other payment methods.

While it’s common for airlines and travel booking websites to require a credit card for flight reservations, there are alternative methods you can explore if you don’t have access to a credit card. Here are some alternatives:

  1. Debit Cards Many airlines and travel booking websites, especially in countries that are not big on Credit cards, accept debit cards with major card network logos (such as Visa or Mastercard). You can use your debit card just like a credit card for online bookings. Wakanow’s Pay Small Small accepts both debit and credit cards.
  2. Bank Transfers Some airlines or travel agencies allow customers to make reservations and pay through bank transfers. With this method, the airline or agency will usually put their bank details on the checkout page.
  3. Mobile Payment Apps Depending on the region and the airline, some may accept payments through mobile payment apps. Services like PayPal, Google Pay, or Apple Pay are examples of mobile payment options that are usually accepted as a means to reserve a flight without entering your credit card details.
  4. Cash Payments In some cases, airlines or travel agencies may allow for cash payments at their physical offices or authorized Travel centers. You can visit any Wakanow Travel Center to make payments.
  5. Gift Cards or Vouchers Some Airlines offer gift cards or vouchers that you can purchase with cash and use for flight reservations. Check with your preferred airline to see if they provide this option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my travel dates after booking with Pay Small Small? 

Yes, date changes are permitted. However, you must complete all PSS payments first, then pay any fare difference and applicable change fees.

Can I cancel my ticket and get a refund?

  • For refundable tickets: Your down payment covers cancellation fees. If fees are less than your down payment, you’ll receive the difference.
  • For non-refundable tickets: No refund is available.
  • If you’ve paid more than 25%, you can get a refund of the excess amount (minus any applicable charges).

When will I receive my actual ticket? 

Your ticket is issued upon down payment but will only be released to you after your final payment is completed.

Can I extend my payment plan? 

Yes, your repayment plan can be restructured. New rates applicable to the new tenor will apply.

Do I qualify for Pay Small Small? 

Pay Small Small is open to all Wakanow customers. Minimum transaction amounts are ₦100,000 for flights and ₦50,000 for hotels.