Cheap Plane Tickets: A Guide to Student Discounts

The college years are often characterized by a mix of academic pursuits, social experiences, and financial constraints. While many students are aware of discounts on museum admissions and clothing stores, fewer realize that significant savings can also be found on airfare. This article provides a comprehensive overview of student flight discounts, examining which airlines offer them, how they function, and whether they are truly beneficial.

Navigating Student Flight Discounts: A Comprehensive Guide

The quest for affordable travel is a common pursuit for students. Fortunately, several airlines and travel platforms offer student discounts, which can significantly reduce the cost of airfare. However, these discounts often come with specific conditions and restrictions, making it essential to understand the details before booking.

Quick Reference Guide

Here's a quick rundown of some airlines and platforms offering student discounts:

North American Airlines: United Airlines, Air Canada
European Airlines: Air France, Iberia, KLM, Lufthansa, SAS, Turkish Airlines
Other Airlines: Air India, ANA, Emirates, Etihad
Awards: Student Universe/Student Beans

Are Student Flight Discounts Worth It?

The value of student flight discounts varies greatly depending on the airline, route, and individual circumstances. Some discounts offer substantial savings and added benefits like extra baggage allowance, while others may be negligible or come with too many restrictions. Careful comparison and consideration are crucial to determine if a student discount is truly worthwhile.

Tips and Tricks for Maximizing Savings

Compare prices: Always compare the discounted fare with regular fares from other airlines to ensure you're getting the best deal.
Read the fine print: Pay close attention to restrictions, such as blackout dates, limited availability, and baggage allowances.
Be flexible with travel dates: Adjusting your travel dates by a few days can sometimes result in significant savings.
Book in advance: Student discounts may have limited availability, so booking early can increase your chances of securing a discounted fare.
Check for hidden fees: Be aware of potential extra charges for things like seat selection, baggage, and changes to your itinerary.

Major North American Airlines

United Airlines

United Airlines offers a discount for travelers aged 18-23, accessible through their mobile app. By creating or logging in with a MileagePlus account and selecting the "Young adult travel (ages 18-23)" option, users can receive 5% off all fares, excluding premium economy, Business, or First Class tickets. This discount applies to all routes United flies, but only to travelers within the specified age range.

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Is it worth it? The value of this discount depends on the route and whether United is already competitively priced. Since United's cheapest fares don't include a carry-on bag, the discount is most beneficial when United is the only airline serving the route or is significantly cheaper than competitors.

Air Canada

Air Canada provides student discounts through flight passes. These passes offer six one-way flight credits valid for a year at a set price, varying based on departure and destination airports. Prices range from around $1,000 CAD for travel within Halifax to $4,000 CAD for connections between Europe and Western Canada. A valid student ID is required, and the flight credits can only be used for the student's travel. The tickets are for Air Canada's Economy Standard, which includes a flight credit upon cancellation and allows changes for a fee.

Is it worth it? This deal is advantageous for active students within Canada or frequent travelers to the country. However, it lacks perks like extra baggage and has limited airport options. If you prefer Air Canada and plan to fly to or from Canada at least six times in a year, this package deal could be worthwhile.

Other North American Airlines

Some North American carriers, such as Spirit, Frontier, and Hawaiian, have previously offered student flight discounts but no longer do so as of January 2023. Airlines like American, Delta, Southwest, JetBlue, Alaska, and WestJet have never offered student flight discounts to the best of our knowledge. While these airlines may still offer the best deals on specific routes, students won't receive any additional discounts due to their student status.

European Airlines

Many European airlines offer student discounts, often with specific conditions and identity checks. However, these discounts can provide significant savings if you meet the requirements.

Air France

Air France advertises discounted student rates with proof of enrollment, including two checked bags. To access this, select "Student (18-29 years)" on the airline's booking page. However, tests have struggled to find cheaper prices or free bags with this option.

Is it worth it? If Air France offered these student fares, it would be a great deal. However, the inability to find any routes with this discount makes it unreliable.

Iberia

Iberia's student discount is through their Iberia Joven program, offering 10% off bookings and 15% off group bookings for those aged 16-30. To participate, sign up for Iberia Joven by creating an Iberia Plus account and providing passport information. After approval, you can search for your itinerary on the home page.

Is it worth it? This discount is one of the better options, with a less stringent identity check and actual functionality. If Iberia generally offers the cheapest flights on your route, the extra 10% off is beneficial. Note that airlines like LEVEL and Vueling are separate from Iberia and do not offer these discounts.

KLM

KLM, similar to partner airline Air France, offers student discounts, but finding them can be challenging. EU residents can select "Youth (18-24)" in the passenger field to access a 'youth fare' that is refundable but often the same as the standard fare.

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Is it worth it? This discount is generally not worth the effort, as the only tangible perk found was a refundable ticket.

Lufthansa

Lufthansa's student discount applies to flights originating within the US and offers savings on flights to Europe. It includes booking flexibility and an extra checked bag, even on fares that wouldn't otherwise include one. To access the discount, visit their student offer page and search for flights.

Is it worth it? While Lufthansa is rarely the cheapest option for transatlantic flights, the added flexibility and extra checked bag make it competitive with lower-cost European airlines. If Lufthansa is among the cheapest airlines on your route or you're willing to pay slightly more for a non-stop flight, this discount is recommended.

SAS

SAS' Youth tickets are among the best student discount deals, requiring no special sign-up. Simply select "Youth (12-25)" as your ticket type when searching, and discounted fares will be applied automatically. Savings can range from a few dollars to hundreds.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! This discount offers significant savings, and SAS is often one of the cheapest airlines for flights to Europe.

Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines offers up to 10% off international and 20% off domestic flights within Turkey, along with extra baggage and free changes. To access this, visit Turkish Airlines' student discount page, create an account, and verify your status.

Is it worth it? Turkish Airlines generally offers good deals, and these perks are valuable, especially for students moving. While not always the cheapest, the extra benefits make it worthwhile, particularly for flights within Turkey with heavy baggage.

To benefit from student flight ticket advantages, students must be Miles&Smiles members. The Miles&Smiles membership number must be entered when completing the “Student Discount Application Form”. Turkish citizen students creating/logging-into a Miles&Smiles account and studying in Türkiye are required to select the "Student" option in the "Personal Information" field in their accounts. After this field is selected, controls will be provided through the system to confirm the student status. Persons whose student status has been approved may begin to enjoy student flight ticket advantages. After registration is completed through the online application form, the necessary checks will be provided by Turkish Airlines within an average of seven business days. Once the student status is approved, members can begin student flight ticket advantages.

Terms and conditions for international flights

These advantages are valid on one-way or round-trip Economy Class flights. To benefit from the campaign, students must be Miles&Smiles members. The Miles&Smiles membership number must be entered when completing the “Student Discount Application Form”. Turkish citizen students creating/logging-into a Miles&Smiles account and studying in Türkiye are required to select the "Student" option in the "Personal Information" field in their accounts. After this field is selected, controls will be provided through the system to confirm the student status. Persons whose student status has been approved may begin to enjoy student flight ticket advantages. After registration is completed through the online application form, the necessary checks will be provided by Turkish Airlines within an average of seven business days. Once the student status is approved, members can begin student flight ticket advantages. The online application form must include the Miles&Smiles membership number, name, surname and date of birth. In addition, applicants must upload a student ID or other official document that confirms their status. Student ID cards (university, college, high school, language school, etc.), ISIC cards, student certificates or transcripts may be uploaded to the online application form. The application will accommodate documents in any language, but languages other than Turkish or English may take longer to process. Students aged 12 to 34 may benefit from student fare advantages. You must be in this age range at the time of application. The information on the online application form, the Miles&Smiles membership account and uploaded student ID/document must be the same.

Advantages are available to individuals who have an ID card or student certificate signed or approved by a competent authority. The student's institution information and/or emblem, name, surname, and date of birth must be included on any official student identity card or document. The name, surname and date of birth must be clear on the uploaded student ID/document. The ID/document must have a valid wet signature, label or seal issued by the relevant authorities. For tickets purchased through online channels, students must log into their Miles&Smiles account and select “student” as the passenger type at the time of ticket selection. The definition of studentship loses its validity at the end of one year. To continue to benefit from the advantages, a new application must be made at the end of one year. For transactions made through Turkish Airlines online channels, the discount and the discounted fare can be seen at the bottom of the page, after the flight selection. The discount is 15% for round-trip and one-way flights on international transit flights and 10% for round-trip and one-way flights departing from or departing from TR/ECN or arriving at TR/ECN. The discount does not apply to taxes and the discount rate may vary depending on the route, class, date, etc. There is 40 kg baggage allowance for tickets purchased within the student passenger type. The baggage allowance is 2x23 kg for flights with the per piece concept. The longest length of stay between outbound and return flights is 12 months. The first change is free of charge for tickets purchased with the student flight ticket discount. However, fare differences arising from fare class differences may be charged. This advantage is valid only for scheduled flights operated by Turkish Airlines. It is not valid for AJet flights, Turkish Airlines codeshare flights and Star Alliance partner airline flights. If there is more than one passenger in the PNR, the benefits are only valid if all passengers on the ticket have student status. Promotional fares are not valid for group reservations. Rights under the campaign may not be transferred. The original of the ID or document uploaded to the Student Discount Application Form must be presented during the check-in process if requested. A photo or photocopy of the card/document will not be accepted. If it is determined that the passenger is not eligible for the discount, they will not be permitted to travel. Student advantages can not be combined with any award ticket usage. Student flight ticket discount fares may not be combined with other Turkish Airlines campaigns and discounts. Turkish Airlines reserves the right to take legal action against those concerned in the event of any rule violations. Turkish Airlines reserves the right to change the campaign terms and conditions, definitions, and other information, and to cancel the campaign.

Terms and conditions for domestic flights

On domestic flights and flights to/from Ercan Airport, the advantages are valid on one-way or round-trip Economy and Business Class flights. The discount rate within the student advantages for flights from Istanbul (IST) and Antalya to Ercan Airports is 20% on designated fare classes (C, D, K, J, B, M, A, H, S, O, E, Q, T and L). To benefit from the student flight ticket advantages, students must be Miles&Smiles members. The Miles&Smiles membership number must be entered when completing the “Student Discount Application Form”. Turkish citizen students creating/logging-into a Miles&Smiles account and studying in Türkiye are required to select the "Student" option in the "Personal Information" field in their accounts. After this field is selected, controls will be provided through the system to confirm the student status. Persons whose student status has been approved may begin to enjoy advantages. After registration is completed through the online application form, the necessary checks will be provided by Turkish Airlines within an average of seven business days. Once the student status is approved, members can begin enjoying privileges. The online application form must include the Miles&Smiles membership number, name, surname and date of birth. In addition, applicants must upload a student ID or other official document that confirms their status. Student ID cards (university, college, high school, language school, etc.), ISIC cards, student certificates or transcripts may be uploaded to the online application form. The application will accommodate documents in any language, but languages other than Turkish or English may take longer to process. For domestic flights and flights to Ercan Airport, students aged 12 to 25 can benefit from student advantages. The information on the online application form, the Miles & Smiles membership account and uploaded student ID / document must be the same. Advantages are available to individuals who have an ID card or student certificate signed or approved by a competent authority. The student's institution information and/or emblem, name, surname, and date of birth must be included on any official student identity card or document. The name, surname and date of birth must be clear on the uploaded student ID/document. The ID/ document must have a valid wet signature, label or seal issued by the relevant authorities. For tickets purchased through online channels, students must log into their Miles&Smiles account and select “student” as the passenger type at the time of ticket selection. The definition of studentship loses its validity at the end of one year. To continue to benefit from the student flight ticket advantages, a new application must be made at the end of one year. For transactions made through Turkish Airlines online channels, the discount and the discounted fare can be seen at the bottom of the page, after the flight selection. On domestic flights only discounts are available, other advantages are not applied. Discount is 20% on domestic flights and 15% on flights to/from Ercan Airport at base rate. The taxes are not included and the discount is not applied in promotion (V/P/W/U/F/G) classes. On domestic flights and flights to/from Ercan Airport, the baggage allowance is the same for student and adult passenger type. There is no exemption for student passenger type in the change rules for domestic flights and flights to/from Ercan Airport. This advantage is valid only for scheduled flights operated by Turkish Airlines. It is not valid for AJet flights, Turkish Airlines codeshare flights and Star Alliance partner airline flights. There may be more than one passenger in the PNR, and discounts / fees will be calculated separately for passengers with student status and other type of passengers. Promotional fares are not valid for group reservations. Rights under the campaign may not be transferred. The original of the ID or document uploaded to the Student Discount Application Form must be presented during the check-in process if requested. A photo or photocopy of the card/document will not be accepted. If it is determined that the passenger is not eligible for the discount, they will not be permitted to travel. Student flight ticket advantages can not be combined with any award ticket usage. Student discount fares may not be combined with other Turkish Airlines campaigns and discounts. Turkish Airlines reserves the right to take legal action against those concerned in the event of any rule violations. Turkish Airlines reserves the right to change the campaign terms and conditions, definitions, and other information, and to cancel the campaign.

The Rest of the World

Air India

Air India's student discount is exclusively for students actively studying within India. However, tests have found that the "discounted" fares can be higher than regular fares for the same itinerary.

Is it worth it? Like Air France, Air India's student discount would be valuable if it worked as advertised. However, with limited routes, strict eligibility requirements, and potentially higher fares, it's not recommended.

ANA

All Nippon Airways's student discount, which expired at the end of 2022, offered 10% off flights to the US and Canada from Indonesia, along with an extra checked bag. To qualify, you had to create an ANA Mileage Club account, use their promo code, and stay a minimum of 3 months within the US or Canada.

Was it worth it? Despite its specific use case, this discount was worthwhile if you met the criteria. ANA typically offers competitive rates for flights from Jakarta to the US, and the extra baggage allowance and service enhanced the value.

Emirates

Emirates offers 10% off all fares and extra baggage allowance. Students aged 16-31 are eligible, with verification required at check-in.

Is it worth it? Emirates is often pricier than competitors but compensates with service and amenities. These discounts are real and can make the premium experience more accessible.

Etihad

Etihad offers 10% off economy fares and 5% off business fares, but travel dates may be limited. To redeem, search for flights on Etihad's discount page and enter the promo code STU10.

Is it worth it? Like Emirates, Etihad provides top-tier service at higher prices. If you want a premium flight experience at a reduced cost, this discount can be beneficial.

Third-Party Platforms: Student Universe and Student Beans

Student Universe and Student Beans are online platforms that specialize in offering student discounts on flights, hotels, and other travel-related expenses. These platforms partner with various airlines and travel providers to negotiate exclusive deals for students. To access these discounts, students typically need to verify their student status through the platform.

Benefits of Using Student Universe and Student Beans

Exclusive Discounts: Access to deals not available to the general public.
Wide Range of Options: A variety of airlines and destinations to choose from.
Convenient Booking: Easy-to-use platforms for searching and booking flights.
Additional Perks: Some deals may include extra baggage allowance or flexible booking policies.

Considerations When Using Third-Party Platforms

Verification Process: You'll need to verify your student status, which may require providing documentation.
Limited Availability: Student discounts may have limited availability, especially during peak travel times.
Restrictions: Be aware of any restrictions, such as blackout dates or specific fare classes.
Customer Service: Check the platform's customer service reputation before booking.

Trip.com Student Flight Discount

Trip.com offers student perks such as discounts on select routes and extra checked baggage on specific student fares. They partner with over 40 major airlines, providing numerous options to match your schedule and budget.

Extra Savings

Save up to 15% on airport transfers via the Trip.com app.
Free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
Drivers will wait at no extra cost for delayed flights.

Cathay Pacific Student Discounts

Cathay Pacific offers benefits to students under 31, including discounted fares, increased baggage allowances, and flexible ticket change policies. Passengers must present valid proof of student identity, such as an International Student Identity Card (ISIC), student visa, or admission letter, at check-in.

China Southern Student Discounts

China Southern Airlines provides fare discounts of up to 30% for students aged 12-29, along with additional checked baggage allowances. These benefits are available for both domestic and international routes, and valid student identification must be presented at the airport.

Additional Information

How to Score Cheap Flights as a Student

Each Trip.com account can only verify one student, and once verified, it can’t be changed. Always check documentation requirements at checkout.

Are there restrictions on using the student discount?

Student flight promo codes must be used before expiration and within the specified terms. Be sure to check your ticket details and use the discount while it's valid-expired codes will not be reissued.

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