Student Flight Discounts: How to Get Them
Traveling as a student can be expensive, but many airlines and travel agencies offer student discounts on flights to help reduce costs. These discounts can range from 5% to 30% off regular fares, along with extra baggage allowances, flexible booking options, and other perks.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to find student flight discounts, which airlines offer them, and tips for saving even more on airfare.
1. What Are Student Flight Discounts?
Student flight discounts are special fare reductions offered to travelers aged 16-31 who are enrolled in an educational institution. These discounts apply to both domestic and international flights and can be found through:
✔ Airlines offering direct student fares
✔ Student travel agencies and discount programs
✔ University partnerships with airlines
🔹 Common Perks of Student Flights:
- Lower fares (5%-30% off)
- Flexible booking & change policies
- Extra baggage allowance
- Access to youth fares for travelers under 26
2. Best Airlines Offering Student Discounts (2025)
🔹 Tip: Some airlines require booking through student travel platforms (e.g., StudentUniverse, STA Travel) to access these discounts.
3. Best Websites & Platforms for Student Flight Discounts
Instead of booking directly through an airline, students can often find better deals on special travel platforms.
1. StudentUniverse (www.studentuniverse.com)
✔️ Offers exclusive student fares from major airlines.
✔️ Provides discounted hotels and tours for students.
✔️ Requires verification of student status.
2. STA Travel (Reopening in 2025)
✔️ Known for cheap student tickets and flexible travel options.
✔️ Often includes multi-city travel discounts.
3. ISIC (International Student Identity Card) (www.isic.org)
✔️ Accepted by many airlines for student discounts.
✔️ Provides access to over 150,000 student discounts worldwide.
✔️ Costs around $20 per year, but saves more in travel discounts.
4. Airfarewatchdog (www.airfarewatchdog.com)
✔️ Tracks the cheapest flights, including student discounts.
✔️ Sends alerts when fares drop.
4. How to Book Student Discount Flights
To access student flight discounts, follow these steps:
✔ Check airline student policies – Visit airline websites to see if they offer direct student discounts.
✔ Use a student travel agency – Book through StudentUniverse, STA Travel, or ISIC for exclusive student fares.
✔ Verify student status – Some platforms require a student ID or university email for eligibility.
✔ Compare fares – Use Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
✔ Consider booking in advance – The best student fares sell out quickly, so book early when possible.
🔹 Tip: Even if an airline doesn’t advertise student fares, calling customer service may help you find hidden discounts.
5. Extra Ways Students Can Save on Flights
Even with student discounts, you can lower your travel costs even more by following these tips:
✅ Use Flexible Dates & Airports
- Flying on Tuesdays and Wednesdays is usually cheaper.
- Check flights from alternative airports (e.g., flying into a nearby city).
✅ Take Advantage of Airline Student Programs
- Qatar Airways Student Club: Discounts, free Wi-Fi, extra baggage.
- Emirates Student Discount: Up to 10% off economy & business class.
- Turkish Airlines Student Program: 20% off domestic, 10% off international flights.
✅ Use a VPN for Cheaper Prices
- Searching for flights in different locations can sometimes show cheaper fares.
- Try searching from a country with lower flight prices.
✅ Use Airline Miles & Credit Card Points
- Sign up for airline loyalty programs (e.g., Delta SkyMiles, Emirates Skywards).
- Some student-friendly credit cards offer bonus points for travel purchases.
✅ Book One-Way & Multi-City Flights
- Sometimes, two one-way flights are cheaper than a round-trip.
- Use Kiwi.com or Google Flights to find multi-city flight deals.
6. Are Student Flight Discounts Worth It?
Yes! Student flight discounts can help reduce travel costs significantly. However, they’re not always the cheapest option, so it’s best to compare prices with regular deals before booking.
When Student Discounts Are Best:
✅ When booking long-haul international flights.
✅ When extra baggage is needed.
✅ When needing flexible booking or free date changes.
When to Skip Student Discounts:
❌ If a standard deal or mistake fare is cheaper.
❌ If you don’t meet the age or student verification requirements.
❌ If booking through a third-party website offers a lower price.
Final Verdict: Best Way for Students to Get Cheap Flights
1️⃣ Check airline websites for direct student fares.
2️⃣ Use StudentUniverse, STA Travel, or ISIC for exclusive student tickets.
3️⃣ Compare prices with Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak.
4️⃣ Use flexible dates & student credit cards to maximize savings.
By following these steps, students can save hundreds of dollars on airfare and travel more affordably.
