The Complete Guide to Student Flight Deals

Going off to college or university can be an exciting time of life, with many new experiences to be had and new places to explore.

For those who plan to travel during school — be it for a study abroad program, an alternative spring break, a fun trip with friends or just to head home during school breaks — the cost of flying can be prohibitive. However, a number of airlines offer special deals on student flights to make travel more accessible.

Here is a list of airlines that offer student flight discounts for young people traveling around North America and beyond.

Instead of offering discounts on individual tickets, Air Canada offers a Student Flight Pass for students traveling frequently within the Americas. It also offers an International Student Flight Pass for those planning to travel frequently with more distant destinations.

You can either buy a pass outright or pay it off over nine months (with interest). The pass, coupled with your Aeroplan frequent flyer account number, scores you four to six flight credits (depending on the destination) to use over a specified amount of time, usually 12-15 months. You will have to choose a specific zone in which to fly (like the Western U.S., Alberta or Brazil).

One credit is valid for one one-way flight.

» Learn more: The points collector’s guide to Air Canada Aeroplan

You have to be a student in one of the airline’s participating regions (which includes the U.S. and Canada) and traveling out of specific airports to take advantage of Cathay Pacific’s student flight discounts.

Eligible student travelers will:

• Get access to exclusive fares to some destinations and select fare categories.

• An extra baggage allowance.

• Free flight changes for Flex fare classes.

• Exclusive rates for Light and Essential classes.

The discount is good for one-way and round-trip flights to specific destinations, plus it can be used to book a seat in economy, economy plus or business class.

Just remember to include your Cathay number on your booking, use the relevant discount code listed online and bring a valid form of student ID when you check in at the airport or you won’t get the discount.

There are limited booking windows for flight discounts for students on Cathay Pacific (for example, in 2024, you must book by April 4 for travel through April 2025 if flying out of the U.S. or Canada).

Before you book, check the website for more details and keep an eye out for future dates.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now

Air France works a little differently when it comes to cheap flights for students. You’ll still have to prove that you’re a student with a valid student card, proof of enrollment or an admission letter at check-in, but you’ll mostly search for flights on the website as usual — except under “passengers,” make sure to select “student.”

When flight results appear, the student rate, if it’s available, will be in the first column. Prices will vary, but on the upside, the student rate always gets two free checked bags, and you’ll be able to change your flight for no additional fee.

Many eligible trips have to be at least 21 days long; however, there are a few flight options from France to specific destinations that have to be only seven days long.

» Learn more: What to expect from Air France seats and fare classes

Unlike with most airlines, the discount offered by Iberia is open to anyone under 30, even if you’re not a student (with additional benefits for those studying abroad).

If that’s you, check to see if Iberia Joven, the discount program for students, offers flights to where you’re headed. If it does, you may be able to score a 10% discount on certain flights and an extra free checked bag if you’re studying abroad.

Just make sure you book on the Iberia Joven site specifically, and know that not all routes are included and the discount is only for the lowest economy fares.

» Learn more: How to make the most of Iberia economy class

Lufthansa also offers flight discounts for students who book on the airline website. The discounts are valid only for certain flights from select countries, but in addition to fare savings on travel that qualifies, students get more checked baggage allowances and flexible booking.

To take advantage of these fares, you have to be at least 16 and enrolled in some sort of higher education. You'll have to verify your status as a student on the airline website. Then, when you search for fares, just remember to select “Student” to see any applicable discounts.

» Learn more: Best uses of Lufthansa miles

If you’re a student flying on Turkish Airlines, whether or not you’re a Turkish citizen, you can get up to a 20% discount on domestic flights within Turkey and 15% on international flights.

Students also enjoy a 40-kilogram baggage allowance (about 88 pounds) on flights that charge by weight and two 23-kilogram (about 50-pound) bags on flights that charge by piece. Students get free one-time flight changes for international flights, plus 25% more miles credited to your Miles&Smiles account when you fly before the end of 2024.

To get the discount, verify that you’re a student in the “Discount Types” section on the “My Personal Information” page in your Miles&Smiles loyalty account. Then just select the “Student” passenger option when searching for and booking flights.

Students flying to Emirates’ 250 destinations can score up to a 10% discount on economy and business class fares, plus an extra 10 kilograms (about 22 pounds) or an extra piece of luggage (except when flying to the U.S. or Canada).

This special is available only to students ages 16 to 31, and as of this writing, you have to book by March 31, 2024. Act fast and keep an eye on the airline for future deals if you’re a student planning travel to one of Emirates’ destinations.

» Learn more: How much are Emirates Skywards miles worth?

Students flying on Singapore Airlines can enjoy a 10% discount on Lite, Value or Standard fares in economy class or premium economy class. They also get an extra luggage allowance, which is based on destination, and waived change fees the first time they need to alter their flight.

To enjoy these perks, first join the airline’s KrisFlyer loyalty program. Then you’ll be asked to verify that you’re a student, which you’ll need to do once a year. Then, when it’s time to search for flights, log in and do so on the airline’s dedicated student page. If you are younger than 16, you will not be able to verify your student status online.

SAS offers discounts not just for students, but youth in general, which includes individuals ages 12 to 25. The availability of these discounted fares on any particular flight is limited, and it’s reserved for SAS Go (standard economy) bookings for specific fare classes.

While no student ID is required, travelers will need to prove their age, so make sure to bring along a valid ID. Keep in mind that unaccompanied minors cannot book an SAS Youth Ticket.

There aren’t a lot of extra perks that accompany a Youth Ticket, and SAS doesn’t state how much you can save, but it’s worth searching to find out.

If you’re a student enrolled in higher education ages 18 to 30 and planning travel to any of Qatar Airways’ many destinations, it’s likely worth it to join the airline’s Student Club.

You’ll have to enroll online and share passport and university details, but once you do, you’ll be provided with a unique code to use during booking that will net you a discount.

That code will score you a 10% discount on your first flight, after which you’ll receive a new code for a 15% discount on your second booking and 25% off your third.

Students also get an additional baggage allowance, one complimentary date change for a booked flight and free Super Wi-Fi when you book on the airline website.

You can even fast-track your elite status once you graduate if you fly with Qatar at least once a year. The codes are valid only for Qatar-operated flights.

» Learn more: Qatar Airways — what travelers need to know

If you’re a college student, about to be a college student or — in the case of a few airlines — just qualify as a “youth,” you may be able to score some rich discounts and other benefits from a number of airlines.

Just make sure to take note of any special requirements from your preferred airline, sign up for loyalty programs in advance if necessary and enjoy the savings (plus a bit of extra baggage in many cases).