Smart Strategies for Students to Save on Air Ticket Booking

Travelon Air
Jan 20
3 min read

Traveling as a student can be exciting but also challenging when it comes to budgeting for flights. Airfare often takes a big chunk out of a student’s budget, making it harder to explore new places or visit family. I’ve learned some practical tips that help save money and book smarter flights without sacrificing convenience. If you want to stretch your travel budget further, these strategies will help you find the best deals and avoid common pitfalls.

Eye-level view of a student comparing flight options on a laptop — Student comparing flight prices on laptop

Plan and Book Early but Stay Flexible

One of the best ways to save money on air tickets is to book early. Airlines usually offer their lowest prices several weeks or even months before the departure date. For students, this means planning trips well in advance whenever possible. However, flexibility is just as important. If your schedule allows, try to:

Avoid peak travel days like weekends, holidays, and school breaks when prices spike.
Check flights on different days around your preferred travel dates to find cheaper options.
Be open to flying at less popular times, such as early mornings or late nights, which often have lower fares.

For example, I once saved over $100 by shifting my flight by just two days and flying on a Tuesday instead of a Saturday.

Use Student Discounts and Special Offers

Many airlines and travel agencies offer discounts specifically for students. These deals can include lower ticket prices, waived fees, or extra baggage allowance. To take advantage:

Sign up for student travel programs like StudentUniverse or STA Travel.
Check if your university has partnerships with airlines or travel agencies.
Always carry a valid student ID or an international student identity card (ISIC) when booking or checking in.

These discounts might not always be advertised prominently, so it pays to ask or search specifically for student fares.

Compare Multiple Booking Platforms

Don’t rely on just one website or app to find the best price. Flight prices can vary significantly depending on the platform. I recommend:

Using flight comparison sites like Skyscanner, Kayak, or Google Flights to get an overview.
Checking the airline’s official website after finding a good deal, as sometimes direct booking is cheaper or offers better conditions.
Setting up price alerts to track fare changes over time.

For instance, I found a flight to Europe that was $50 cheaper on the airline’s site compared to a popular booking platform.

Close-up of a smartphone showing flight comparison results — Smartphone displaying flight comparison results

Consider Alternative Airports and Routes

Flying from or to smaller or nearby airports can save money. Larger airports often have higher fees that airlines pass on to passengers. When searching for flights:

Look for airports within a reasonable distance from your origin or destination.
Check if flying into one airport and out of another (open-jaw tickets) is cheaper.
Consider flights with layovers instead of direct flights, as these can be less expensive.

For example, flying into a smaller airport 30 miles away from a major city saved me $70 on a round-trip ticket. Just make sure to factor in transportation costs to and from the airport.

Book Round-Trip or Multi-City Flights Wisely

Round-trip tickets are usually cheaper than two one-way tickets, but not always. Sometimes booking two one-way flights with different airlines can save money. Also, if you plan to visit multiple cities, multi-city tickets can offer good value. Tips include:

Compare prices for round-trip versus one-way tickets.
Use multi-city search options to combine flights efficiently.
Check if booking separate legs with budget airlines reduces costs.

I once booked a multi-city trip across Asia by combining budget airlines and saved nearly 30% compared to a traditional round-trip ticket.

High angle view of a travel itinerary with flight tickets and a map — Travel itinerary with flight tickets and a map on a table

Use Credit Card Rewards and Cashback Offers

If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards or cashback, use it to pay for your flights. Many cards provide points that can be redeemed for free or discounted tickets. Some tips: