06.Feb.2025
Travelling around the world as a college student is exciting, but the truth is that money is always a limiting factor. However, you don't need to be discouraged from your travel dreams just because you have a low student budget. By mastering the right way of booking flights and wise decision-making, you can make your way to a new, more affordable place. Check out our tips for booking cheap flights and travelling on a tight budget as a college student!
If you want to save money on flights, then be flexible with your travel dates. Ticket prices vary depending on the day of the week, the time of day, and even the season. Flights will be more costly on weekends and public holidays. Choose your flight between Tuesdays and Wednesdays, as these are the days most likely to offer you the best options at a lower price.
One of the major benefits of most flight search engines is the comparison of prices on different dates. It's possible to view the whole month and find a day when the prices are lower so that you can choose the best dates for your budget.
Getting a flight ticket booked in advance enhances the chances of getting a cheap flight, but booking too early may actually be more expensive. Usually, the best time to book a flight is around 3 to 4 weeks before your trip. Booking too soon or too late makes you spend more on flights. Booking at the appropriate period, you will discover a wider selection of affordable offers and still hit your preferred departure time.
Constantly checking the flight prices is not an option; to get the best flight deals, set price alerts on flight booking websites. These alerts will inform you immediately when the cost of the flight is lowered. Hence, you won't have to waste time searching for the flight. With alerts, you will not miss out on good bargains and get the best deal you can find immediately.
Students usually have the privilege of using the various lower-priced offers available. Companies may have special discounted aeroplane fares for those enrolled in school. One of the things you should prioritise when making arrangements is first to find out if there are any student discounts on offer before you even consider booking your ticket.
Besides, one of the most important aspects of your student ID is that you can use it as an identification card when you book flights. This key will let you take advantage of exclusive deals and save you some money.
The ISIC card is an identification card for international students. It is quite a popular campus discount card. It discounts students worldwide on transportation, museums, hotels, and food. Accepted in over 130 nations, the ISIC card can guarantee up to 50% off some services and products. If you possess an ISIC card, you will get tickets for aeroplanes, trains, buses, hostels, hotels, and tours at a lower price. It not only offers you the chance to prepare beforehand and avoid the hectic admission process, but it also comes with many choices for museum tickets, theatre tickets, and so on. Besides, it also allows you to get discounts on goods such as food, fashion, and electronics. The ISIC card will greatly help those students who travel a lot and need to save money to make their trips more affordable.
The good side of direct flights is that they are quick & efficient, but at the same time, they can be costly too. On the other hand, through the layover route, you can save yourself a lot of money, although you may have to wait.
For example, you might find a flight that is not very fast but still offers a good deal without costing a fortune. Furthermore, some layovers are so long that you will have time to visit a new city. Just be sure your layover is long enough to reach your next flight on time.
Major airports sometimes charge more because of their high fees. But you will likely pay less when you fly into a smaller, nearby airport. You may need to take public transport or a shuttle to reach your final destination after landing.
For instance, if you plan to go to New York, you can save some travelling expenses by flying into Newark instead of JFK or LaGuardia. Although it is inconvenient sometimes, the amount of money you can save can be considerable.
1. How can I find cheap flights as a college student?
Look for flights with flexible dates, book a few weeks in advance, set price alerts, and use student discounts to get the best deals.
2. Is it cheaper to fly on weekdays or weekends?
Flying on weekdays, especially Tuesday or Wednesday, is usually cheaper than weekends, as flights are in higher demand on weekends.
3. How far in advance should I book my flight?
Booking about 3 to 4 weeks before your trip is typically the best time to find affordable flights.
4. Are there any discounts for students on flights?
Yes, many airlines offer student discounts. Be sure to check if student rates are available when booking your flight.
5. What is the ISIC card, and how can it help me?
The ISIC (International Student Identity Card) offers flights, accommodation, food, and more discounts. It's accepted in over 130 countries and is a great way to save money while travelling.
6. Can I save money by choosing flights with layovers?
Yes, flights with layovers are often cheaper than direct flights. Plus, some layovers are long enough to explore a new city!
7. Are budget airlines worth it?
Budget airlines can save you money, but they often charge extra for things like baggage and seat selection. Just be sure to factor those fees into the price comparison.
8. Can I use my student ID to get discounts on flights?
Yes! Your student ID can help you access exclusive deals or discounts, so always check for student offers when booking.
9. Is flying into smaller airports cheaper?
Yes, flying into smaller airports can often save you money since they typically have lower fees than major airports. You may need to use public transport to reach your final destination.
10. How can I track flight price drops?
Set up price alerts on flight booking websites or apps. You’ll receive notifications when there’s a drop in flight prices for your preferred route.
