As a student, travel is not only an opportunity to explore new places and cultures but also a great way to unwind from the academic rigor. However, flights can be a significant expense, especially if you're travelling internationally or during peak season. In this blog post, we'll share some tips and tricks to help you find cheap flights and make the most of your student budget.
Be flexible with your travel dates and times.
The cost of flights can vary depending on the day of the week, time of day, and time of year. If you're flexible with your travel dates and times, you'll have a better chance of finding a cheaper flight. For example, consider flying on a weekday instead of a weekend or taking an early morning or late-night flight.
Use flight search engines and aggregator websites.
Flight search engines and aggregator websites like Skyscanner, Kayak, and Expedia can help you compare prices across different airlines and find the best deal. These websites often have features that allow you to set price alerts or search for flights within a specific budget.
Book in advance.
Booking in advance can help you save money on flights. Airlines often release their flight schedules 6 to 12 months in advance, so if you know your travel dates, start looking for flights early. Additionally, booking during the off-season or during sales can also help you find cheaper flights.
Look for student discounts.
Many airlines and travel companies offer student discounts or special deals for students. Make sure to check if the airline you're considering offers a student discount and whether you're eligible for it. Additionally, some airlines also offer special student fares that can be cheaper than regular fares.
Consider alternative airports.
Flying into alternative airports can sometimes be cheaper than flying into the main airport of a city. For example, if you're travelling to London, consider flying into Gatwick or Stansted instead of Heathrow. Additionally, flying into nearby cities or countries and taking a bus or train to your final destination can also be a cheaper option.
Join airline loyalty programs.
Joining airline loyalty programs can help you earn points or miles that can be redeemed for free or discounted flights. Additionally, some airlines offer exclusive deals or promotions for members of their loyalty program.
Check for hidden fees.
When booking a flight, make sure to check for any hidden fees such as baggage fees or seat selection fees. These fees can add up quickly and make a seemingly cheap flight more expensive. Additionally, make sure to read the fine print and understand the airline's refund and cancellation policies.
Here are some popular flight search engines and their features that can help students find good bargains:
Skyscanner:
Skyscanner is a popular flight search engine that allows users to search for flights based on their budget, preferred travel dates, and destination. It also offers a price alert feature that notifies users when the price of their desired flight drops.
Kayak:
Kayak is a comprehensive travel search engine that allows users to compare prices for flights, hotels, rental cars, and vacation packages. It also has a feature called "Explore" that allows users to search for flights based on their budget and travel dates without a specific destination in mind.
Google Flights:
Google Flights is a powerful search engine that allows users to search for flights based on their preferred dates, destinations, and price range. It also has a feature that shows users the cheapest travel dates for their desired destination.
Momondo:
Momondo is a flight search engine that allows users to compare prices from multiple airlines and travel agencies. It also has a feature called "Flight Insight" that provides users with information on the best time to book their flight and the cheapest days to fly.
Expedia:
Expedia is a popular travel booking website that allows users to search for flights, hotels, rental cars, and vacation packages. It also offers a loyalty program called "Expedia Rewards" that allows users to earn points on their bookings that can be used towards future travel.
CheapOair:
CheapOair is a travel booking website that specializes in finding cheap flights, hotels, and rental cars. It also has a feature called "Price Drop Payback" that refunds users the difference if the price of their flight drops after they have booked.
Hopper:
Hopper is a mobile app that uses predictive algorithms to forecast the price of flights and alerts users when the price drops. It also offers a feature called "Flex Watch" that allows users to search for flights with flexible travel dates.
Airfarewatchdog:
Airfarewatchdog is a flight search engine that specializes in finding the best deals on flights. It also has a feature called "Fare Alerts" that notifies users when the price of their desired flight drops.
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