Getting a Temp Flight Booking for China Visa

[chadimus]

I live in Chiang Mai and plan to apply for a Chinese visa at the local consulate.  They require a flight booking as part of the application process.

 

Typically I would just purchase the ticket in advance without worry, but because I overstayed a previous China visa five years ago (10 day overstay) and the visa was voided, I'm hesitant to purchase the flight before obtaining a new visa.

 

So... what is the recommendation to get a temporary flight booking?  

 

I've attempted to find first class fully refundable flights but from many carriers but found nothing.  

 

There's also services that will create a temporary 24 or 48 hour flight booking, but I'm not sure that's enough time as the application process can take 5 biz days.

 

Are there any agencies in CM that will create the booking for a longer time frame for a fee?

 

Thanks!

[taxout]

Check Airasia, HK Express and Spring Airlines. They sometimes have very cheap flights out of Mainland China to HK and other places.