How to Find Cheap Flights: 12 Proven Tricks for Students

Whether you’re chasing academic dreams abroad or seeking thrilling adventures across the globe, one question often pops up: How to find cheap flights?

Let’s face it—flight tickets can burn a hole in your pocket, especially if you’re a student on a tight budget. But don’t worry! We’ve put together 12 smart hacks to help you grab the best flight deals without compromising on your travel goals. Let’s dive in!

 How to Find Cheap Flights for Students?

Finding cheap flights might take some time and research, but the savings—often 20-30% or more—make it totally worth the effort. Here are the top tricks every student should know:

1. Book Early (But Not Too Early)

Planning ahead is one of the best strategies to save on airfare. Booking your ticket 2–3 months in advance usually yields the best rates.

Pro Tip: Use flight trackers like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Hopper to monitor prices and set alerts for drops. But avoid booking too early, as prices are often higher during the initial release window.

2. Choose Budget Airlines

Low-cost carriers like AirAsia, Ryanair, and IndiGo offer cheaper fares than full-service airlines. While they may charge for extras like baggage or seat selection, they’re a great option if you’re traveling light and on a budget.

 Ideal for: Short trips and flexible travelers who don’t mind skipping premium comforts.

3. Use Flight Comparison Websites

Flight aggregators are your best friends when it comes to comparing fares across different airlines.

Popular options:

• Omio

• eSky

• Akbar Travels

• Yatra

• Ixigo

These sites often offer exclusive student discounts and promo codes that help you snag the lowest fares.

4. Take Advantage of Student Discounts

Still wondering how to find cheap international flights? Look for student-specific deals! Many airlines offer special pricing for students that can significantly reduce ticket costs.

Tip: Call the airline or check their official website, as these discounts aren’t always advertised publicly.

5. Consider Connecting Flights

Direct flights are convenient but expensive. Save more by booking connecting flights, especially for long-haul international routes.

Example: Instead of flying directly to London, consider connecting through a nearby city like Amsterdam or Dublin for a better deal.

6. Be Flexible with Dates and Times

Flight prices vary drastically depending on the day and time of travel. Avoid weekends and aim for mid-week departures.

Cheapest days to fly: Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday
Cheaper times: Midday or late-night (aka red-eye) flights

Flexibility gives you the upper hand when booking cheaper flights.

7. Avoid Peak Travel Seasons

Try not to fly during holidays, long weekends, or school breaks. These are high-demand periods where fares skyrocket.

Tip: Travel before or after major holidays and book well in advance if you must fly during peak times.

8. Take the Red-Eye Flight

Red-eye flights depart late at night and land early morning. These are often less in demand and hence cheaper.

Tradeoff: Less sleep and comfort
Reward: Big savings

Use this strategy when budget matters more than rest!

9. Subscribe to Airline Newsletters

Sign up for newsletters from airlines and travel websites to get access to:

• Flash sales

• Promo codes

• Last-minute deals

• Frequent flyer offers

Staying in the loop helps you book cheap flights as soon as discounts go live.

10. Use Reward Points or Travel Miles

If you or a family member has accumulated credit card points or airline miles, now’s the time to redeem them!

Combine reward points with student discounts or last-minute deals for maximum savings.

11. Browse in Incognito Mode

Websites use cookies to track your searches—and may increase prices when they notice repeated visits.

Solution: Use Incognito/Private Mode in your browser to avoid price hikes and get unbiased rates.

12. Join Frequent Flyer Programs

Loyalty has perks! Enroll in frequent flyer programs with your preferred airlines to collect miles every time you travel.

Benefits include:

• Exclusive member discounts

• Free upgrades

• Priority boarding

• Free checked baggage

Redeem your points to cut down on future ticket costs.

Final Thoughts: Booking Cheap Flights is a Skill

Finding affordable airfares doesn’t require magic—it takes a little planning, flexibility, and the right tools. From student discounts to incognito mode, these hacks can help you travel smarter and save big.

Quick Recap:

• Plan early and stay flexible

• Use flight trackers and comparison sites

• Apply student discounts and reward points

• Book red-eye or connecting flights

• Avoid peak travel times

Now that you’ve got the inside scoop on how to find cheap flights, it’s time to start planning your trip!