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8 Airlines That Give Students and Young Adults Discounts and Exclusive Benefits
Did you know airlines offer student and young adult discounts? Here's what you need to know to save money on your next flight.
Harrison Pierce is a freelance writer and digital nomad passionate about personal finance and travel. He is traveling full-time with the help of points and miles and enjoys connecting with people on the ground. His work has been published in Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, USA Today Blueprint, Matador Network, and other publications.
United Airlines
Singapore airlines, qatar airways, turkish airlines, bottom line.
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When flight prices are high, it’s essential to find any way to cut costs. This is especially true for students, who might be on a limited budget or be less flexible for times and dates they can fly. Luckily, some airlines offer student or youth discounts. Although these discounts generally aren’t substantial, every little bit helps to make travel more accessible. Requirements and eligibility will vary by airline, but you can expect the promotion to be valid on economy tickets and select routes.
“We know travel is a priority for many young adults, so this summer season, which we anticipate will be United’s busiest ever with 5 percent more customers flying the airline this June, July, and August, we’re thrilled to offer United MileagePlus members ages 18 to 23 an exclusive discount on United Economy and Basic Economy seats – making it even easier for them to take flight on their next adventure,” says a spokesperson for United.
Here are some domestic and international airlines that offer discounts for students or young adult travelers. Depending on the airline, these benefits range from 10 percent off your fare to an additional checked bag.
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MileagePlus members ages 18 to 23 can receive a 5 percent discount on economy and basic economy seats for bookings made through September 30, 2024. To redeem, log in to the United app, go to the “book flight” section, and select the young traveler discount. Flights will automatically have the promotion applied. Remember that basic economy seats might not include a checked bag, so you will need to travel light to make the promotion worth it. This is the only U.S.-based airline that offers student discounts at the time of writing.
Iberia Joven is a program for both students and young people. If you are under 30, you get a 10 percent discount on flights; if you book for a group of four or more, you get a 15 percent discount. If you are traveling to study abroad, you can take an extra bag and make a free change on your return flight, regardless of your age.
If you are enrolled at an eligible college or university, you can get 10 percent off when you book a Lite, Value, or Standard fare as part of Singapore Airlines student privileges . You will also receive an increased baggage allowance and a fee waiver on your first booking change. Singapore Airlines is unique in offering student discounts on economy, premium economy, and business class fares. All you need to do is verify your student status and start looking for deals.
Qatar Airways has one of the best student programs on this list. Once you enroll in the Student Club program, you will receive a coupon for 10 percent off your booking. After your first journey, you’ll get 15 percent off your next booking and 20 percent off after your second and third trips. Students also receive increased flexibility, extra baggage allowance, and complimentary onboard Wi-Fi. You can extend your privileges to friends and family by selecting them to be student companions. If you fly once a year while enrolled in the program, you will receive a one-time elite status tier upgrade when you graduate. Enrolling in the program is quick and free but can provide substantial savings if you’re a Qatar frequent flier.
Students ages 16 to 31 can receive up to 10 percent off economy and business class fares by using the promo code STUDENT to book a flight from now until March 31, 2025. You’ll also receive increased flexibility on your bookings. For all flights except those to/from Canada and the U.S., you will get 10 kilograms more or an extra piece of luggage. To qualify, you need a valid student ID or school acceptance letter at check-in.
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SAS is another airline that offers youth tickets , but the amount you save will depend on the route you take and is difficult to predict. You must be between 12 and 25 years old and have a valid ID to be eligible. Seat availability is limited and is only available in specific booking classes (V class/O class). To redeem, simply search for a youth ticket.
Lufthansa has a looser interpretation of “student.” To qualify for their student fare benefits , you must be 16 or older and either be enrolled in higher education or have proof that you’ve been accepted. You can search for and book student fares once you verify your student status based on your departure country. Destinations will depend on your origin, but if you attend school in the U.S., you can fly to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and India. Apart from savings, student fares also offer rebooking and refunds.
Turkish Airlines has a great student program . You can receive up to 20 percent off domestic flights within Turkey and up to 15 percent off international flights. You also get an increased baggage allowance, a free ticket change, and 25 percent bonus miles on flights through the end of 2024. You simply need to create a Miles&Smiles account, verify your student status, and book your ticket.
These programs are free to enroll in, so it only makes sense to take advantage of them if you are a student or eligible young adult who wants to see the world. Even if the savings aren’t substantial, every little bit helps when you’re on a budget.
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