This reminds me of my bad experience while applying for my Schengen visa a couple of months ago 😆
It was a business trip and I'd applied it for more than a month before the departure itinerary, I made sure that the checklist was fulfilled and after that submit it to the official third party who handle the application. As that was my first time applying for the visa, I have to submit it in person and have to travel to Jakarta.
I was told that the application process generally takes 2 weeks, but unfortunately, up until the third day of my departure, I had not heard from the office handling the application. I tried contacting their office but only got a template reply saying that "we only receive the application, but all other processes are at the embassy and we can only wait for the results to come out from the embassy". Because of this, I also tried to contact the embassy but did not get any answer, so I finally decided to visit the embassy directly. Unfortunately at the entrance, the guard told me that I had to have an appointment and could not complain directly, and was directed again to contact the office where I applied for my visa.
After all my efforts, I got nowhere and ended up having to cancel my ticket less than 12 hours before the flight, which cost me 60% of the ticket. 2 days after the scheduled time, I then received notification that my visa was accepted, and luckily the office was still kind enough to accommodate another ticket for the trip. When I arrived at my destination country and met several other Indonesians there, they also told me the same thing, but they were luckier because their visas were issued on the last day before departure.
Thanks for the tip haha now I know that I should at least have a spare money just to buy the flight last minute. I can imagine the stress going through all of that because they can be strict but also quite inefficient at times. But I think it's way easier when you apply and having a business than maybe a freelancer or someone without a fixed office🤣 I'll have to see when I apply next time. Finger crossed.
I think, purchasing a flexible ticket (which is more expensive) could also be an option if you are planning to go to the destination at all costs.
I had even been ready to accept that I wouldn't be able to make the trip at that time 😆
At some point, having a fat account balance would be an advantage, to dispel their doubts regarding the "TKI" thing I guess 😅
Hope it goes well for you!
I usually travel with flexible ticket just cause I am pretty indecisive and can change my mind at any minute. Thanks for the tips tho :D