As an international student, it’s important (and exciting!) to fly home to see your family or visit friends in other countries, but the cost of these flights can add up.
Whether you’re planning a trip back home for the holidays or hoping to explore a new part of the world during semester break, finding the cheapest international flights can make a big difference to your student budget.
Here are our top tips on how to save money and score the best deals on your next international trip.
Incognito mode
When you’re searching for flights online, always switch to Incognito mode (also known as private browsing). Flight prices can increase based on your search history, and by going incognito, booking sites won’t bump up their prices just because you’ve looked at a certain route a few too many times.
Book on a Tuesday, fly on a Wednesday
Flight prices increase and decrease all the time, and it’s often said that booking flights on a Monday or Tuesday can often lead to cheaper fares, as airlines often release sales on Monday nights or Tuesday mornings. Flying mid-week (especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays) also tends to be less expensive than taking off on the weekend.
If it works with your schedule, try to book and fly during the week rather than weekends.
Keep your dates flexible
Being flexible with your travel dates can unlock huge savings. Flight search platforms like Google Flights and Skyscanner allow you to view prices across an entire month, so you can spot the cheapest dates to fly instead of locking yourself into specific dates.
If you’re not in a rush to return home or don’t mind flying midweek or during off-peak times, this can save you hundreds of dollars.
Set alerts
If you’ve got a destination in mind but aren’t ready to book yet, why not set up price alerts? Google Flights allows you to track a route and will email you when prices drop or rise. Other apps and websites that offer this feature include Skyscanner, Hopper and Kayak. With email alerts, you won’t miss out on a good deal even if you’re not constantly checking.
Do your research
Always check multiple booking platforms like Google Flights, Momondo, Expedia, and the airline’s official site. Sometimes the ‘cheapest’ deal on a third-party site comes with hidden fees or restrictions, and changes or cancellations can be a lot harder! Where possible, book directly through the airline to avoid extra fees and make it easier to manage your booking if your plans change.
Get the timing right
The timing of when you make your booking matters, and opinions vary on when you should make your booking. For most international flights, the sweet spot is 6 to 9 months in advance. However, this can depend on your destination. For Asia and Europe, flights can be cheaper when booked 3-8 months ahead. For New Zealand or the Pacific Islands, you can still find good deals between 2-4 months before flying, and for peak travel periods like Christmas or Lunar New Year, it’s best to book as early as possible before the rush drives prices up.
Extra tips
- Consider alternative airports: Flying into a smaller airport or one that’s a bit further out can sometimes save money, but be careful you’re not flying so far away that you have to spend more money on a taxi!
- Use student discounts: Keep an eye on Student Beans and UniDays to see if they’re offering any special travel-related deals.
- Don’t check a bag: Travelling light with just a carry-on bag can save you money – just make sure your bag is the right size so you don’t get caught paying unexpected fees!
- Use airline points: If you’ve got a travel rewards card, check if you can redeem points for part of your ticket.
There you have it – our top tips for finding the best cheap international flights. Good luck scoring a deal on your next overseas adventure!
