10 Flight Booking Hacks Every Student Should Know

Travelling as a student can be very beneficial as it shapes you as a person. Wandering to new places, experiencing cultural diversity, and seeing things from a new perspective is surely thrilling. However, for students, the financial aspect of travelling can be a huge barrier. However, students can unlock incredible savings on flight bookings with some well-planned strategies. This blog brings you some flight booking hacks that every student can benefit from while making their trip more affordable and enjoyable.

10 Flight Booking Hacks for Students 

From being flexible with your travel dates to packing light to avoid baggage fees, there are some flight booking hacks that you can try to save a significant amount on your next flight ticket. Here’s how you can indulge your wanderlust without breaking your bank: 

1. Flexible Dates and Times = Cheaper Tickets! 

Here’s one of the best plane ticket hacks for students: be flexible with your travel dates and times. Now, it is difficult to do if it is an urgent situation, but if you have enough time in hand, make sure to do your research and find the cheapest flights of the day. Usually, airlines may have different prices based on the demand during the week and even the time of day. Here’s how to take advantage of this:

• Midweek Travel: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays may offer cheaper flights. Avoid peak days like Fridays and Sundays to save some extra money on your tickets. 
• Time of Day: Taking an early morning or late-night flight might sound inconvenient, but it can be significantly less expensive. These flights are also way less crowded and thus can make for a comfortable journey.
• Off-Peak Seasons: Traveling during the not-so-peak seasons helps you avoid higher ticket prices and excessive holiday crowds at the airport. 

2. Student Discount Programs Can Save You Money!

Student discounts are one of the biggest plane ticket hacks for students, and they can be a great way to save money on your flight tickets. Airlines and booking platforms often offer a range of exclusive discounts for students, which can be beneficial to you if used properly. Here's where you can find student discounts: 

• Student Agencies: Flight booking platforms are a great place to look for student discounts while booking your flight. Their exclusive partnerships with major airlines enable them to offer lower prices that aren’t available to the general public.
• Airline Programs: Some specific airlines, like Lufthansa and Emirates, offer student discount programs. These programs might offer benefits like extra baggage allowance, flexible ticket options, and special fares.

3. Set Fare Alerts For Price Downs 

With this amazing flight booking hack, you won't have to spend hours manually checking flight prices. Instead, you can set up fare alerts on travel booking platforms. These alerts can notify you in real-time when there's a price drop for your chosen route, so you don’t miss out on a great deal:

• Hopper: The platform tracks flight prices and predicts future price trends. It can advise you on whether to book now or wait for a price drop. 
• Kayak: The platform lets you set up price alerts for specific routes and dates that you have chosen. Thus, it keeps you informed in case of any price changes.

4. Take Advantage of Layover Flights 

Want to explore more places in the budget of just one? Here’s another flight booking hack! Non-stop flights may be convenient since they directly take you to your destination, but these flights can be pretty expensive. Opting for flights with layovers can help you reduce your travel costs. On the flip side, long layovers can give you an opportunity to explore a new city at no extra cost!

5. Use Your Airline Miles and Credit Card Rewards 

Got a travel credit card? Here’s another of the flight booking hacks for students: don't hesitate to use your accumulated miles or points to save up on the cost of your flight. Some credit cards also offer sign-up bonuses that can be used for a free or heavily discounted flight:

• Student Credit Cards: Student credit cards, specifically designed for students, usually offer travel rewards such as cashbacks and reward points, which can be redeemed for travel expenses.
• Frequent Flyer Programs: It's never too early to join frequent flyer programs! Join the programs offered by airlines you frequently travel with. The accumulating miles over time can provide you with many benefits, like priority boarding and baggage extra allowances. 

6. Booking on The Right Day Can Make a Difference 

Did you know booking flights on certain days of the week might result in cheaper air ticket fares? It's not a solid rule, but a good plane ticket hack since some studies suggest that on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, you may get better deals on flight booking. This is because airlines usually release their weekly sales early in the week, and by Tuesday afternoon, competitor airlines have matched the prices, leading to lower fares and great deals. 

7. Packing Light Can Save You Money

Packing light is a great cheap flight hack, especially when you are travelling on a student budget. While budget airlines offer lower base fares for flight tickets, they tend to charge high fees for checked baggage. Travelling light with just cabin luggage can help you avoid these extra costs. So make sure to get a good-quality, compact suitcase that fits within the airline's carry-on size limits. You can also wear your bulkiest clothes and shoes on the flight to save space in your luggage. In case you are moving to a different country and have a lot of luggage to shift, shipping your luggage overseas through a reliable and good luggage delivery service can be cheaper than checking in a lot of luggage while flying.  

8. Beware of the Hidden Fees! 

I don't know who needs to hear this, but budget airlines have hidden charges! So, here’s another flight booking hack: when booking with budget airlines, make sure to look at the fine print. You may encounter additional fees for seat selection, boarding passes, and even carry-on bags! Calculate the total cost with these fees and see how they add up to make sure you're still getting a good deal.

9. Booking Websites Have Promo Codes and Coupons!

One of the biggest reasons booking websites are a popular choice when it comes to booking flight tickets is that these sites have promo codes, coupons, and other student travel deals. Make sure to skim through multiple booking websites to find any promo codes that you can use to get a great deal on your tickets. 

10. Utilising Alternative Airports for Extra Savings 

This is one of the best cheap flight hacks for students. Often, booking your departure from a big, busy airport can cost you the extra bucks. On the flip side, alternative airports that are smaller and not too busy can help you save on your ticket. So, make sure you check the alternative airports near your destination: 

• Nearby Cities: Opt for smaller airports in the nearby cities. So, if you're flying to San Francisco, consider Oakland or San Jose as potential alternatives. You can 
• Budget Airlines: Smaller airports often serve budget airlines. Thus, using these airports can offer significant savings compared to major airports. 

Air travelling as a student doesn’t have to empty your entire student bank account. By trying out these flight booking hacks, you can effectively reduce your travel costs, making it more financially convenient to explore new destinations and create unforgettable memories. From being flexible with your travel dates to utilizing student discount programs, every small step can lead to additional savings. So, the next time you plan a trip, keep these flight booking hacks in mind so you can enjoy your journey without worrying. Safe travels!