How to get cheap flights as a student

As students, we are often on a tight budget, juggling academic expenses, living costs, and other financial constraints.

However, despite our lack of funds, we still want to travel, explore new places, meet new people, and make lasting connections.

After all, what makes a good study experience isn’t just about the classroom activities but also the time spent outside the classroom doing other educative stuff like travelling.

If you are travelling on a budget, here is how to get cheap flights.

How to get cheap flights as a student

To get cheap flights next time you want to travel, be ready to:

• Make your travel date flexible and plan ahead

If you can twist your travel dates and be open to flying on weekdays or during off-peak hours, you can reduce the cost of your trip.

Weekdays and off-peak hours often have lower demand, which means; more budget-friendly ticket prices.

If you can dodge the weekend rush or opt for that mid-week adventure, your wallet will thank you.

In addition, you need to book your ticket early – it is very important. Flight prices tend to be lower when booked well in advance.

Aim to book at least a few weeks ahead to take advantage of early bird discounts – there is usually an early bird discount, and you cannot miss it if you want to reduce the cost of your trip.

• Make use of student discounts

Did you know that many airlines offer special discounts exclusively for students? It’s true! Will you be interested in them?

Whether you’re planning a domestic or international trip, make sure you explore the student fares available from various airlines.

This way, you can reduce the cost of your trip.

Additionally, it would help if you considered reaching out to student travel agencies and organizations like STA Travel.

These entities are dedicated to making travel more affordable for students and you need to take advantage of that.

By becoming a member of such programs, you can unlock access to discounted flight options, potentially saving you a substantial amount of money on your journey.

So, before you book your next flight, make it a habit to explore these student-friendly options.

It’s a simple way to make your travel dreams more budget-friendly – you can save a whole lot from one discount program.

• Always compare prices across platforms

In the world of air travel, a little comparison can go a long way. Some airlines charge higher than others even though the services are the same at the end of the day.

What you have to do is; take advantage of flight comparison websites and apps.

Platforms like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Kayak allow you to compare prices across various airlines and travel agencies.

Comparing prices across multiple airlines and travel agencies with these tools will help you know which airline charges lower and the one that charges higher.

With these tools at your service, you can find the most cost-effective options for your journey.

Use flight comparison websites and apps to your advantage.

Don’t forget to check the official airline websites as well, while third-party platforms are excellent for a comprehensive view, don’t overlook the official websites of airlines.

Sometimes, exclusive deals and promotions are available directly through the airline, which might not be listed on external platforms.

Checking both sources ensures you don’t miss out on any hidden gems and gives you the best chance of snagging the most affordable and convenient flight for your travel plans.

Therefore, before you book your next flight, make it a practice to compare prices across different platforms and directly on airline websites.

It’s a savvy way to ensure you’re getting the best possible deal for your flight.

• Check for International Student IDs

Before you book, check if your destination recognizes international student IDs.

Some countries and cities offer discounts to students on various attractions, transportation, and even restaurants.

It’s a fantastic way to save money once you land at your dream destination.

• Always set price alerts

Most flight booking websites have price alert features—don’t overlook them!

Setting up price alerts enables you to receive notifications when the ticket prices for your preferred route drop, ensuring you’re always in the loop when it comes to potential savings.

To make the most of this feature, set your alerts well in advance of your planned travel dates.

By doing so, you provide yourself with ample time to monitor the fluctuations in prices and seize the opportunity when the cost aligns with your budget.

This proactive approach allows you to stay ahead of the game – you will win all the time, increasing your chances of snagging the best deals for your journey.

• You should consider budget airlines

When planning your journey, don’t overlook the potential savings offered by budget airlines.

These carriers frequently have more affordable ticket prices compared to their traditional counterparts.

While enjoying the lower fares, keep in mind that budget airlines have stricter baggage policies, so you need to plan accordingly and pack efficiently.

As you consider this cost-effective option, you also need to factor in additional expenses that might arise.

Budget airlines often operate from alternative airports, so make sure that you account for transportation costs to and from these locations.

• Take flights with Layovers and connections

You should consider flights with layovers or connections. In most situations, these options can be more budget-friendly than direct flights.

The main thing is for you to be strategic in your selection, you need to aim for routes with longer layovers that come with significantly lower prices.

While this approach may require a bit more time in transit, the cost-effectiveness can make it worthwhile for budget-conscious travellers.

However, you need to strike a balance. Avoid sacrificing too much time or comfort, especially if you have a tight schedule or limited time at your destination.

• You can also join frequent flyer programs

Another way to get cheap flights as a student is to enrol in airline loyalty programs.

Through loyalty programs, you can accumulate miles and receive exclusive offers. Even as an occasional flyer, you can benefit from these programs over time.

Look for credit cards that offer travel rewards, as they often come with sign-up bonuses and other perks that can help you reduce the cost of flights.

• Travel during off-peak seasons

You can also reduce the cost of travelling by avoiding peak travel seasons when prices are typically higher.

If your academic schedule permits, consider travelling during shoulder seasons or off-peak months to take advantage of lower fares and fewer crowds.

Not only do these periods offer more budget-friendly fares, but you’ll also likely encounter fewer crowds, enhancing your overall travel experience.

So, before you decide on your travel dates, pick times when it’s not too crowded. This way, you can save money and have a more calm and enjoyable trip.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you want to get cheap flights and reduce the overall cost of travelling as a student, then be flexible with your trip dates.

In addition, use flight price comparison APPs to check for cheap flights, and set air price alert apps to know when prices change.

Go for student discounts, enrol in reward and loyalty programs and use budget-friendly airlines.