7 Easy Tips for International Students to Book Cheap International Flights

Welcome to International Student Tips! As an international student in Australia, you're probably dreaming of travelling back home or exploring new countries during uni breaks. But with international flight prices so high, those plans can feel out of reach. Don't worry—we've got you covered with 7 easy tips and tricks to help you save money and travel smarter.

1. Book Early, But Not Too Soon

Timing is everything when it comes to finding affordable international flights. Airlines release tickets 6-12 months in advance, but the best prices usually appear closer to departure.

Why It Works: Airlines adjust prices based on demand, so booking 2-3 months ahead often lands the best deals before seats fill up.

How to Do It:

• Book 8–12 weeks ahead for long-haul international flights (e.g., Australia to Asia, Europe, or the Americas).

• Use tools like Skyscanner to track fare trends and compare deals across airlines.

• Set up price alerts on Google Flights to get notified when fares drop for your chosen route.

2. Be Flexible with Dates and Times

Did you know flight prices vary by day, week, or season? Flexible travel dates can unlock huge savings.

How to Do It:

• Use “flexible dates” filters on sites like Kayak or Momondo to compare prices across a month.
• Midweek flights (Tuesday, Wednesday) are often cheaper than weekends.

Best Times: Avoid peak seasons like December-January or Australian school holidays. Instead, opt for shoulder seasons (e.g., February-March, September-October) for lower fares.

Pro Tip: Look out for red-eye flights or early morning departures for cheaper options.

Quick Win: Shifting your flight by a day or two could save you $50-$200.

3. Use Flight Comparison Websites

Comparison sites help you find the cheapest airlines and routes in seconds, saving you from checking each airline individually.

• Top Sites: Try Skyscanner, Google Flights, or Cheapflights. These aggregate deals from airlines and travel agencies.
• How to Use: Enter your departure city (e.g., Melbourne) and destination, then sort by “cheapest” or “best deal.” Check multiple sites, as they may show different offers.
• Student Hack: Book directly on the airline’s website after finding a deal to avoid third-party booking fees.

Caution: Always read fare conditions (e.g., baggage fees) before confirming.

4. Look for Student Discounts and Youth Fares

As an international student, you’re eligible for exclusive flight discounts offered by airlines and travel agencies.

• Where to Find Them: Check StudentUniverse or STA Travel for student-only fares. Airlines like Qantas and Emirates also offer youth discounts for under-30s.
• How to Access: Verify your student status with your uni ID or email on these platforms. Some deals require booking round-trip or flexible tickets.
• Savings: Discounts can be 10-20% off regular fares, especially on routes like Australia to Asia or Europe.

5. Consider Budget Airlines and Layovers

Budget airlines and flights with layovers often cost less than direct, full-service carriers.

• Budget Airlines: Airlines like Scoot, AirAsia, or Jetstar offer cheap flights from Australia to Asia, New Zealand, or even Europe (with connections). Check their websites for flash sales.
• Layover Trick: Flights with 1-2 stops (e.g., via Singapore or Dubai) can save hundreds compared to direct routes. Use Skyscanner’s “add nearby airports” feature to find cheaper hubs.
• Trade-Off: Budget airlines may charge for extras like baggage or meals, so factor these into your budget.

6. Clear Cookies or Use Incognito Mode

Airlines and booking sites sometimes track your searches and raise prices if you visit repeatedly.

• How to Do It: Clear your browser cookies or search in incognito/private mode on Chrome, Firefox, or Safari. This prevents dynamic pricing based on your search history.
• Why It Works: It ensures you see the lowest available fares without artificial hikes.
• Alternative: Use a different device or Wi-Fi network for searches to reset tracking.

Quick Hack: Compare prices on your phone and laptop to spot discrepancies.

7. Join Airline Newsletters and Loyalty Programs

Airlines often share exclusive deals and flash sales through newsletters or loyalty programs, which are free to join.

• How to Do It: Sign up for newsletters from Qantas, Virgin Australia, or budget carriers like Jetstar on their websites. Join frequent flyer programs like Qantas Frequent Flyer or Velocity for deal alerts.
• Benefits: You’ll get first access to sales (e.g., 20% off Asia flights) or earn points to redeem later.
• Student Tip: Check your uni’s student portal for partnerships with airlines offering special promo codes.

Final Thoughts

Booking cheap international flights as a student is all about planning smart and staying flexible. By booking early, using comparison sites, grabbing student discounts, and staying open to layovers, you can jet off without draining your savings. So, start searching, set those price alerts, and get ready for your next adventure—whether it’s a trip home or a new destination!