On 7/23/2021 at 8:43 AM, brewsterbudgen said:

There is some truth in that, but the urgency is far greater for UK visa applicants as they may have flights already booked.

But my understanding has always been that UK visa applicants are not supposed to book any flights before the outcome of their applications is known. This is in complete contrast to applications for Schengen visas where confirmed flight bookings are a prerequisite.

On 7/23/2021 at 9:35 AM, brewsterbudgen said:

People need to plan well in advance.

..only then to run the risk of having their best-laid plans in the case of passport renewals from Thailand thwarted by VFS deciding to close their offices at zero notice on some fanciful whim (as has happened twice over the past year, for instance) and HMPO steadfastly refusing to put any alternative procedures in place.

 

On 7/25/2021 at 9:40 PM, OJAS said:

But my understanding has always been that UK visa applicants are not supposed to book any flights before the outcome of their applications is known. This is in complete contrast to applications for Schengen visas where confirmed flight bookings are a prerequisite.

It’s actually a recommendation from the UKVI advising that non refundable or fully flexible flights shouldn’t be purchased before the visa is issued.

 

The requirements for Schengen are similar though some Consulates impose their own tougher interpretation.