When you’re a student, budgets are often tight — but that doesn’t mean you have to give up on traveling. Many airlines and booking platforms offer special fares designed for young people and students, with attractive discounts, extra baggage allowances, and increased flexibility. Whether it’s for a semester abroad, an internship, or a well-deserved vacation, there are ways to fly without breaking the bank.
Airlines Offering Student-Friendly Fares
Among the most student-friendly airlines is Air France, which provides dedicated fares for full-time students aged 18 to 29. These tickets usually include two checked bags of 23 kg each, so you don’t have to pack too light. There’s also a degree of flexibility, with ticket changes possible (fees may apply depending on the route). KLM offers a similar deal for travelers aged 18 to 29, with a minimum 21-day stay requirement. This offer includes an extra checked bag, and tickets can be changed with a fee.
Among Gulf carriers, Emirates offers up to 10% off with the promo code STUDENT for travelers aged 16 to 31. This includes an additional baggage allowance and flexible ticket options. Singapore Airlines also stands out with a 10% discount, a 40 kg checked baggage allowance, and one free ticket change. You just need to be a KrisFlyer member and show valid student ID.
Lufthansa offers a fixed €50 discount on certain routes, with two 23 kg checked bags included and varying conditions for changes. Air Austral has an appealing student deal for those traveling from or to Réunion Island, with one-way flights starting at €398 and three 23 kg checked bags included. The offer is available for travelers aged 12 to 29, with proof of admission to a school or university.
Norwegian offers “Youth tickets” for travelers aged 12 to 25 (up to the day before their 26th birthday), with reduced fares on many European routes. Just use the promo code UNDER26 when booking on Norwegian’s website, or select the « Youth » option on platforms like Flyla.com. These tickets are valid on various routes across Europe — especially from cities like Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, or Munich to destinations like Oslo, Copenhagen, or Stockholm. Starting February 26, 2025, they can be changed free of charge (excluding fare differences).
A valid ID is enough to prove your age at check-in. Note: these tickets are not available for unaccompanied minors, and children must be accompanied by someone aged 16 to 25. The offer is subject to availability.
Booking Platforms That Support Students
Booking platforms also get in on the action. Trip.com offers an instant €20 discount on flights over €300, or €10 offcheaper tickets — plus free checked baggage depending on the airline. Lastminute.com frequently lists discounted flights and vacation packages for students, based on travel dates and destinations.
French bee offers a special Youth Fare for travelers aged 18 to 24, with one-way tickets from €399 (tax included) on the Paris–Réunion route. This includes two 23 kg checked bags, a free onboard meal, and great flexibility: the ticket is valid for one year, and modifiable and refundable without fees. Just select the “Youth” option when booking on their website — a great deal for students or young travelers looking for a budget-friendly, long-haul flight with comfort.
Tips to Pay Even Less
To make the most of these deals, a few good habits go a long way:
Book directly on the airline’s official website, and choose the « Student » or « Youth » option to unlock the dedicated fares.
Have the required documents ready (student ID, admission letter, or enrollment certificate), which may be requested at check-in.
Compare offers using platforms like Trip.com or Bourse des vols to spot the best options.
Don’t forget: most student fares include extra luggage, which means real savings.
Be flexible with your travel dates — off-season and non-holiday periods are usually cheaper.
Compare prices with Skyscanner or Google Flights to find the cheapest fares across multiple dates and airlines.
Travel midweek — Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often cheaper than weekends.
Book early — 2 to 3 months ahead for long-haul flights, 4 to 6 weeks for European routes.
Fly at off-peak hours, like early morning or late evening.
Use private browsing when searching, to avoid price increases caused by cookies.
Set price alerts on comparison tools so you get notified when fares drop.
Consider alternate airports — flying to or from a nearby city can make a big difference in cost.
Other Airlines to Keep an Eye On
In addition to the ones mentioned above, other carriers like Ryanair, Turkish Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Thai Airways, Air Mauritius, Virgin Atlantic, Etihad, British Airways, and Qatar Airways occasionally offer special student fares for specific destinations or periods. It’s worth checking their websites regularly or subscribing to their newsletters.
Traveling on a budget as a student is absolutely doable — you just need the right info and a smart booking strategy. And the savings go beyond airfare: free checked bags, flexible changes, and promo codes are just some of the perks tied to these special offers. So, ready for takeoff?
