Students Discount on Flights: Eligibility, Rules, and How to Get the Best Deal
Airlines provide a variety of discounts to students, making travel more affordable. This article will explore the conditions, rules, and how to obtain students' discounts for your upcoming college admission. Whether you're flying with Air India or any other major carrier, understanding the eligibility criteria and the steps involved is crucial.
Eligibility for Students' Discounts
Getting a student discount on flights is not as straightforward as simply stating you are applying for college admission. Here are the criteria you need to meet:
Current Student Status: You must be currently enrolled in any recognized school, college, or university. This means you are currently in a full-time academic program that lasts at least one academic year. Age Limit: You must be between 12 and 26 years old at the time of commencement of your journey. ID Card: You need to present a valid ID card issued by your educational institute. This ID should clearly state your enrollment status and recognized status as a student. Travel Routes: The flight sector must be from your hometown to the college town or vice versa. For students traveling within India, this includes points in the North East to Kolkata when the sector forms part of the journey.It's important to note that if you are unable to provide the required documents at the time of check-in or boarding, you may face additional charges, and your ticket may become non-refundable.
Air India Specifics
For Air India flights, the concessionary fares apply to select booking classes in the Economy cabin. The discount amounts to 25% of the basic fare. However, discounts are not available for Economy Premium or Business class flights. Let's break down the additional rules for Air India:
ID Card Required: A valid ID card issued by your educational institute is mandatory. Concession Scope: The discount applies only between your hometown and the place of study in India. Ticket Booking Period: You can purchase the tickets up to 3 days or more before the departure date. Refund Policy: If you fail to present the ID or documents at check-in, you will forfeit the discounted fare, and only taxes and levies will be refunded.While Air India provides these specific details, other major carriers like Indigo, Vistara, Go First, and SpiceJet also offer student discounts. Their policies may vary slightly, but they generally follow similar guidelines. Here are some general tips to ensure you get the best deal:
General Tips for Getting Students' Discounts
1. Research Multiple Carriers: Different airlines offer different discount rates. Researching multiple carriers can help you find the best deal for your travel needs.
2. Timing is Crucial: Book your tickets a few days in advance to ensure you secure the best possible price, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Prepare All Required Documents: Ensure you have all the necessary documents ready including your student ID card. This will streamline the booking process and minimize any potential issues at check-in.
4. Validate Your Student Status: Make sure your educational institution supports student travel discounts. Some institutions have specific IDs or letters that need to be shown to the airline.
Conclusion
Getting a student discount on flights is a great way to save money while pursuing your higher education. By understanding the eligibility criteria and following the steps required by your chosen airline, you can make the most of these discounts and enjoy a smooth and affordable travel experience.