What is known as a tentative reservation on a non-preferred carrier subject to confirmation?

The term "Protective Booking" is used to describe a type of reservation made on a non-preferred carrier that is contingent upon confirmation. This practice allows travelers to secure a seat or booking with a carrier that may not be their first choice, while awaiting the availability of a preferred option. The key aspect of a protective booking is that it is a temporary hold designed to guarantee some level of travel option until more suitable arrangements can be finalized.

This concept is particularly important in scenarios where flight options are limited, and travelers wish to ensure they have a guaranteed route while maintaining the flexibility to switch to their preferred carrier if circumstances allow. It helps in managing travel plans effectively, especially in high-demand travel environments.

In contrast, a standby ticket refers to a ticket that allows a passenger to travel on a flight without a guaranteed seat, dependent on availability. A preferred reservation typically implies a confirmed booking with a chosen carrier, and an interline agreement refers to the arrangements between two airlines to handle passenger transfers and baggage, without the tentative aspect noted in protective booking.