In an era of rising travel costs, savvy students are always looking for ways to stretch their budgets and explore the world. Student discount flights have become a game-changer for young adventurers, offering significant savings and exclusive perks.
From extra baggage allowances to flexible booking options, airlines recognize the importance of catering to the student market. Whether you’re planning a semester abroad or a summer getaway, these student flight discounts can make your travel dreams more attainable.
Curious about what airlines give student discounts? Let’s explore some of the top airlines rolling out the red carpet for student travelers.
Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways takes the crown with its exceptional Student Club program. Members receive escalating discounts, starting at 10% and increasing to 20% after multiple trips, making it a standout option for student flights.
The airline also offers increased baggage allowance, complimentary Wi-Fi, and the ability to extend privileges to friends and family. Most impressively, Qatar Airways rewards loyalty by offering a one-time elite status tier upgrade upon graduation for students who fly at least once a year.
Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines offers some of the industry’s most generous student air travel discounts. Students can enjoy up to 20% off domestic flights within Turkey and up to 15% off international flights.
To redeem the discount, just create a Miles&Smiles account, confirm your student status, and book your ticket. The airline sweetens the deal with an increased baggage allowance, a free ticket change, and 25% bonus miles on flights through the end of 2024.
United Airlines
As the only U.S.-based carrier on our list, United Airlines offers student discount flight tickets to MileagePlus members aged 18 to 23. While the 5% discount on economy and basic economy seats might seem modest compared to some international carriers, it’s a valuable option for domestic travel within the United States.
The promotion is valid for bookings made through September 30, 2024, providing ample opportunity for students to take advantage of these savings. To take advantage of the promotion, you simply need to log in to the United app, select the young traveler discount under “book flight,” and the promotion will be applied automatically.
Emirates
Emirates caters to a broad range of students, offering a student plane ticket discount of up to 10% off economy and business class fares for those aged 16 to 31. This discount is available for bookings made until March 31, 2025, giving students plenty of time to plan their travels.
To qualify for the discount, present a valid student ID or school acceptance letter at check-in and use the promo code STUDENT when booking. In addition to the fare discount, Emirates provides an extra baggage allowance of 10 kilograms on most routes (except those to/from Canada and the U.S.), making it an attractive option for students studying abroad.
Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines stands out by offering a 10% student offer flight discount on Lite, Value, and Standard fares to enrolled college or university students. What sets them apart is the inclusion of premium economy and business class in their student discounts, which most rival airlines don’t offer.
Students also benefit from an increased baggage allowance and a fee waiver on their first booking change, providing savings and flexibility. To redeem, simply verify your student status and begin exploring deals.
Lufthansa
Lufthansa’s student flying discount program benefits individuals aged 16 and above who are enrolled in higher education or have received an acceptance letter from a qualifying institution. To access these special fares, students must complete a verification process, which varies by departure country.
Lufthansa offers discounted flights to destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and India for U.S. students, enhancing travel options for academic and personal purposes. The student fares also include flexible rebooking options and the possibility of refunds.
Iberia
Iberia offers discount flights for students and young travelers, including those under 30 years old. Individual bookings through the airline’s Joven program receive a 10% fare reduction, while groups of four or more enjoy an increased discount of 15%.
For those embarking on study abroad adventures, Iberia provides an additional perk: an extra checked bag allowance. Moreover, students traveling for academic purposes can make one free change to their return flight, a benefit that’s available regardless of the traveler’s age.
SAS
SAS rounds out our list with its “youth tickets”, available for travelers aged 12 to 25. To qualify for these discounted plane tickets for students, travelers must be between 12 and 25 years old and present a valid ID.
It’s important to note that youth ticket availability is restricted and only offered in select booking classes (specifically V class and O class). Interested travelers can easily access these discounted fares by searching for a youth ticket when booking their flights.
Takeaway
For students looking to maximize their travel experiences while minimizing costs, these airlines offer compelling reasons to choose them for your next adventure. Remember to verify your student status and check the specific terms and conditions for each airline’s program.
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