Student Fare Discounts – Which Airlines Offer and What’s Included?

“Heading abroad for your studies? Booked your flight under a student fare category yet?“

Well, traveling abroad as a student can be both exciting and overwhelming. With expenses like application fees, tuition, accommodation deposits, and visa costs piling up, your budget probably feels stretched already.

And just when you think the major spending is over, here comes the FLIGHT TICKET !!

Many airlines understand the unique financial challenges students face, and they offer special student fare discounts. These fares are designed to make the journey to your study destination a little easier, so the cost of the ticket doesn’t feel like a final burden.

Whether it’s discounted ticket prices or extra baggage allowance (hello, winter clothes, and textbooks!), or more flexible date changes, student fares can make a big difference.

So, which airlines are student-friendly? What kinds of benefits do they offer? And how can you grab these deals?

Let’s dive in and explore the best airline options for international student travelers.

This guide is for you, and here’s what we’ll cover:

• What is a student fare?
• What discounts do you get on a student fare?
• Which airlines give student fare discounts?
• Criteria to get a student fare discount

What is a Student Fare?

A student fare is a special type of discounted airline ticket offered to students traveling internationally for academic purposes. These fares are often priced lower than regular economy tickets and come with added benefits, such as extra baggage allowance and flexible rebooking options.

Whether you’re flying from Kathmandu (KTM) to Sydney (SYD) for your hospitality management course or heading to Chicago for your bachelor’s in IT, student fares can help reduce the cost of your journey if the airline you’re flying with offers them.

Airlines usually offer these fares on tickets originating from your home country. Still, some also extend the benefits to round-trip fares, even from your study destination, depending on their policies.

So, if you’re a student gearing up for an international move, it’s worth checking whether the airline you plan to fly with has a student fare program. You could save more than you think!

What Discounts Do You Get with a Student Fare?

Airlines that offer student fares usually go beyond just lowering the price of the ticket. They also provide some super helpful extras that make a big difference, especially if you’re packing up for a long-term stay abroad. 

While the exact benefits vary by airline, here’s what most student fares typically include:

• Fare Discounts: Save 5% to 30% off the base fare, depending on the airline and route.
• Extra Baggage Allowance: 5-10 kgs or 1 Piece extra of checked luggage in addition to the standard checked luggage. Additional baggage included at a significantly reduced fee, just for being on a student fare.
• Flexible Booking Options: Free or discounted rebooking in case your travel plans change
• Visa-Related Flexibility: If your visa application gets rejected after you’ve already booked your flight, a few airlines will offer a full refund upon submission of your visa rejection documents, which helps you avoid losing money on top of dealing with a visa denial.

This kind of support can really take some pressure off, especially when you’re already going through the highs and lows of preparing to study abroad.

Which Airlines Give Student Fare Discounts?

Now this is the part every student wants to know! 

Many international airlines have student fare programs with benefits like discounted prices, extra baggage, and flexible changes. 

Here are some of the best airlines that offer student discounts and what you can usually expect from them:

1. Qatar Airways (Student Club)

Rated as one of the world’s top airlines, Qatar Airways offers a specialized program called the “Student Club“, designed just for students traveling internationally for their studies.

To access these benefits, students need to sign up for the Student Club through Qatar Airways’ website. Once you’re in after a quick sign up entering some basic details about your university and destination, you’ll unlock extra privileges not available to regular members.

Qatar Airways is a great option for student travel, especially if you’re heading to Europe or the Americas. With a strong global network, excellent service, and solid student benefits, it’s a go-to airline for many international students.

2. Singapore Airlines (Kris Flyer)

Known worldwide for its exceptional service, Singapore Airlines stands out for its top-notch hospitality, making it a favorite among travelers, especially students looking for a comfortable and reliable journey.

• Special Student Fare: Singapore Airlines offers a 10% student discount mainly through their website, with some deals also available via IATA-accredited agents, valid for stays up to 12 months. Occasionally, these discounted fares are also available via IATA-accredited travel agents, so it’s worth checking both options when planning your trip
• Extra baggage Allowance: Students get an additional 10 kg of checked baggage or one extra piece of baggage, depending on the route, which is even valid on codeshare flights, booked on Singapore Airlines tickets, either from the website directly or from a travel agent. 
• Flexibility in Changes and Refunds: Students booking with Singapore Airlines can enjoy one free change to their travel dates without any rebooking fees, and get a full refund if their visa is rejected upon providing the required documentation. This makes Singapore Airlines a solid choice for students who want both savings and peace of mind while waiting for visa approvals.
• Kris Flyer Membership Perks: By signing up for Singapore Airlines’ frequent flyer program, “KrisFlyer“, students can enjoy an extra 5 kg of free baggage allowance (on top of the student allowance), complimentary onboard Wi- Fi and a chance to earn and redeem miles for discounted flights, lounge access, and other benefits.

With its impressive network, Singapore Airlines connects students to many key study destinations, including Australia, Japan, Korea, Europe, the USA, and various Asian countries, making it a great choice for international student travel.

3. Cathay Pacific

Living up to its motto, “Go Beyond,” Cathay Pacific offers solid student discounts and extra baggage allowances to make your journey smoother and more comfortable as you prepare for your studies abroad.

• Fare Discount: Cathay For Student offers student discounts from 10% to 25% on one-way and round-trip tickets, helping students save on travel costs. These fares are available through Cathay Pacific’s website or select IATA-accredited travel agents, giving students flexible booking choices from either end of their journey.
• Additional Baggage: Depending on your fare type, you can get 1 to 2 checked bags, and with student fare, you’re entitled to an additional piece of luggage, making it up to 3 bags, on selected routes, perfect for packing everything you need for your long-term stay.
• Flexibility on Rebooking: Cathay Pacific allows free date changes for student travelers, as long as the booking is made through their official website or app. While fare differences may still apply, this flexibility is a big plus for students with uncertain or shifting travel plans.
• Membership Benefits: By joining Cathay Pacific’s membership program, you can redeem miles earned from flights for exclusive perks beyond just air travel, including discounts on hotels, dining, shopping, and transportation worldwide.

Cathay Pacific is a fantastic choice if you’re heading to or from destinations like Australia, Japan, Korea, the USA, and Canada. Plus, their European connections are rapidly expanding, making it an excellent option for many international students.

4. Turkish Airlines

Flying to one of the largest numbers of destinations worldwide, Turkish Airlines is another great choice for students looking for student fares with extra perks.

• Fare Discount: Turkish Airlines offers student discounts ranging from 10% to 15% off regular ticket prices, helping students save money while enjoying reliable, on-time connections and relatively short layovers.
• Extra Baggage Allowance: You get an extra 10 kg of checked baggage on a student fare. While this doesn’t include an additional bag on piece-based routes, the extra weight allowance still gives you more room to pack your study essentials.
• Flexibility in Rebooking: Turkish Airlines offers students one free date change when tickets are booked via their official website or mobile app, although fare differences may still apply. This flexibility is a great benefit for students who may face delays with visa processing or changes in academic schedules.
• Miles and Smiles Membership: By joining Turkish Airlines’ “Miles&Smiles program“, you can earn miles on your flights and redeem them for perks like shopping discounts, additional baggage allowance, and cabin upgrades, making future travel even more enjoyable.

Turkish Airlines is especially ideal if you’re traveling to Europe, the Americas, or Africa, thanks to its extensive global network.

5. Emirates

Students can enjoy special fares and extra perks mostly by booking through the official Emirates website. Also, you get certain discounts and perks by booking from agencies as well.

• Fare Discount: Students can enjoy a 10% discount when booking directly through the Emirates website or app by using a student promo code at checkout and signing up for Emirates Skywards, the airline’s loyalty program. This discount is available for both online and offline bookings. Additionally, students can receive a discount of approximately 7% to 10% when purchasing tickets through authorized travel agents offering special student fares.
• Extra Luggage: If you hold a student visa, you can receive either an extra 10 kg of checked baggage or one additional checked bag when booking your ticket directly with Emirates or through an authorized travel agent.
• Emirates Skywards: To be eligible for student fares when booking through the Emirates website or app, you need to enroll in the “Emirates Skywards program“. As a student member, you can enjoy exclusive benefits and earn Skywards Miles that can be redeemed for future flights, upgrades, excursions, duty-free shopping, and more.

Emirates is an excellent choice for students traveling to the Middle East, Europe, America, Africa, South Asia, and Australia. Thanks to its wide-reaching network and frequent flights that connect these regions through its central hub in Dubai.

6. Malaysia Airlines

Similarly, Malaysia Airlines also makes student travel easier and more reasonable by offering attractive discounts as student fares and convenient baggage options, through its MHexplorer programme.

• Discount on Fares: Students can save up to 30% on regular fares by booking directly through Malaysia Airlines’ official website, helping you stretch your budget further for essentials while abroad. By joining the MHExplorer membership program, you can access these exclusive student discounts and travel perks.
• Extra Baggage Allowance: Along with discounted fares, students get an additional 10 kg of checked baggage, allowing you to upgrade from light to heavier luggage, perfect for carrying all your study materials and personal items hassle-free.
• Flexibility in Rebooking: Malaysia Airlines offers a one-time complimentary date change option, while booking from their website or app, giving you added flexibility to reschedule your flight in case of unforeseen circumstances. However, any fare difference will still apply.

Malaysia Airlines is a great choice for students traveling to Southeast Asia, Australia, and parts of East Asia, thanks to its strong network and convenient connections through its Kuala Lumpur hub to destinations such as Singapore, Indonesia, South Korea, Japan, and more.

7. Air India 

India’s flag carrier, Air India, also offers discounted student fares and extra baggage allowances for students traveling abroad on a student visa.

• Fare Discounts: Students can enjoy a 10% discount on base fares across international routes when booking directly through Air India’s website or app, without any extra convenience fees. Note that this discount typically does not apply when booking through travel agents.
• Extra baggage allowance: Air India provides an additional 10 kg of checked baggage for student travelers, though this benefit applies only on selected routes and when booking via the airline’s direct channels. Some travel agents may also offer this extra baggage on certain routes.

Air India is best suited for students traveling to key destinations in Asia, Europe, and North America, with strong connections to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, New York, London, and Singapore.

8. Srilankan Airlines

Sri Lankan Airlines offers exclusive benefits just for your student visa, whether you’re heading off to college or pursuing higher education, enjoy special perks designed to make your journey smoother and more affordable.

• Fare Discount: When you book your flights as a student directly through the SriLankan Airlines app or website, you get 10% cashback on your first ticket and up to 15% cashback on your second through fifth tickets, helping you save more as you travel.

• Extra Luggage: Student visa holders also enjoy an extra 10 kg of checked baggage on selected routes, giving you more space to pack everything you need for your studies abroad.

Sri Lankan Airlines is a great option for students traveling to and from South Asia, especially Sri Lanka, India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Its hub in Colombo offers good connections to major cities in these regions.

Criteria to Get Student Fare Discount

To qualify for student fare discounts, airlines usually require you to meet certain conditions. While these can vary slightly between airlines, here are the most common eligibility criteria:

• Age: Typically between 16 and 31 years old (age limits may vary by airline)
• Proof of Study: A valid student visa or official university admission letter
• Student Identification: A valid student ID card or enrollment document
• Membership Number: For some airlines, you might need to provide your student membership or frequent flyer number
  

Make sure to check the specific requirements of the airline you plan to fly with, so you can prepare the necessary documents in advance and enjoy the best student discounts!

Note: Student fare discount usually applies to the base fare only, meaning all taxes and fees are still charged as usual.

Additionally, many other full-service carriers offer student discounts from time to time, so it’s always wise to check their websites regularly for the latest offers. Don’t get confused between full-service carriers and budget airlines. Student discounts are usually offered by full-service airlines, not low-cost carriers, even if their base fares seem budget-friendly.

Staying alert means you can catch great deals as soon as they pop up. Every bit of savings counts!

Summary

Airline	Student Fare Discount	Extra Baggage	Flexible Changes	Frequent Flyer / Membership Perks	Ideal Routes / Region
Qatar Airways	10–20% off via Student Club	+10 kg or 1 bag (Qatar flights only)	Free rebooking (fare difference may apply)	Miles redeemable for hotels, transport, and shopping	Europe, Americas, Asia, Middle East
Singapore Airlines	10% off (website/agents)	+10 kg or 1 extra piece (even on codeshare)	1 free change; full refund if visa is rejected	KrisFlyer points, +5 kg baggage, free Wi-Fi	Australia, USA, Europe, Japan, Asia
Cathay Pacific	10–25% off (website/agents)	Up to 3 bags (depending on class)	Free date change (fare difference may apply)	+10 kg (not an extra piece)	USA, Canada, Europe, Asia, Australia
Turkish Airlines	10–15% off	India to Asia, Europe, North America, the Americas	1 free date change (fare difference may apply)	Miles & Smiles – perks, shopping, upgrades	Europe, the Americas, and Africa
Emirates	~7–10% (promo code or agents)	+10 kg or 1 extra bag (with student visa)	1 free date change (fare difference may apply)	Skywards: earn miles, redeem for flights/upgrades	Middle East, Africa, South Asia, Australia, Americas
Malaysia Airlines	Up to 30% off (via MHExplorer)	+10 kg	1 free date change (fare difference applies)	MHExplorer: student-only offers & perks	Southeast Asia, Australia, East Asia
Air India	10% off (direct booking)	+10 kg (select routes via direct channels)	Policies vary (check at booking)	–	Sri Lanka, India, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Australia
SriLankan Airlines	10–15% cashback on 1st–5th tickets	+10 kg	–	Offers tied to direct student bookings	Sri Lanka, India, Southeast Asia, Middle East, Australia

Exceptions to Student Fare

While many airlines offer international student fare discounts, there are some important exceptions and conditions where these discounts might not apply. Here’s what you should keep in mind:

Online-Only Discounts & Perks:

In most cases, student fare perks like base fare discounts, extra baggage, and flexible rebooking are only available when booking directly through the airline’s website or app. Unless specifically allowed, booking through offline travel agencies may not provide the same benefits, even if you’re eligible as a student.

So, if you’re expecting the full range of student privileges, like fare flexibility or waived change fees, it’s safer to book online with the airline directly, unless the agency is authorized to offer.

Codeshare Flights:

Some routes are operated as code-share flights with partner airlines. On these flights, the airline offering the student discount may not provide extra baggage or fare discounts, so check carefully before booking.

For example, if you’re flying from Kathmandu (KTM) to New York (JFK) via Doha on Qatar Airways-operated flights, you’ll enjoy student baggage benefits.

However, for routes like KTM to Philadelphia (PHL), where the final leg is flown by a partner airline (not Qatar itself), those extra baggage perks won’t apply, since Qatar doesn’t directly operate to PHL.

Age Restrictions:

Most student fares are available only to travelers aged 16 to 31 years (this varies by airline). If you’re a student pursuing a master’s or doctorate and are older than the age limit, you might not qualify, even if you have valid student documents.

Route Limitations:

Student discounts are often limited to specific routes or regions as per each airline’s policy, which can change over time. You may find that certain flights don’t offer discounted fares.

Fare Class Availability and Sales Restrictions:

Student fares are typically linked to specific fare classes or booking codes. If those fare classes are sold out or unavailable, you’ll only see the standard ticket prices, even if you’re eligible for a student discount.

Additionally, on certain travel dates, especially during peak seasons, airlines may impose sales restrictions due to high demand, which can limit or exclude student discounts.

For example, if you’re travelling from Kathmandu (KTM) to Melbourne (MEL) on a Cathay Pacific (CX) flight and there’s already the lowest fare class available, then the student discounts don’t apply, as the fare is already available to be the lowest.

Proper Documentation Required:

If you don’t provide valid proof like a student ID, admission letter, or student visa during booking or check-in, your student discount may be denied. Additionally, to qualify for the discount, you must be enrolled in a full-time course as defined by the airline’s requirements.

Not Applicable on Sale or Promo Fares:

Sometimes, airlines offer promo fares that are already heavily discounted, making student fares less beneficial or unavailable. You may have to choose between a promo fare and a student fare, whichever offers the better deal.

Conclusion

The information shared here is based on my experience and research, aimed at helping upcoming international student travelers save money and enjoy a smoother journey.

Discounts for domestic students within the country may vary. If you know of any other tips or airlines offering student fare discounts that I missed, please feel free to share them in the comments!

Booking a student-fare flight isn’t just about saving money; it’s about convenience, flexibility, and traveling with peace of mind when you’re heading abroad for education.

With benefits like extra baggage, discounted fares, and flexible booking options, airlines are making it easier for students to travel with less stress.

So next time you head to a travel agent to book your flight ticket, don’t forget to ask:

“Is there a student discount available?”

Because every bit saved helps, especially when you’re carrying your entire semester in a suitcase!