Under-26 and ISIC-holder fares with extra baggage, free date changes and open-jaw itineraries for year-abroad programmes. Studying overseas, visiting family, semester exchange, Erasmus+, interrailing — student fares beat public prices by 10–25% on many long-haul routes.
What you get over a standard public fare
Airlines and student-travel specialists (StudentUniverse, STA before it folded, Student Flights) hold private fare inventories at reduced prices. Savings are biggest on long-haul (£100–400 off LHR→JFK, LHR→Australia) where full-service carriers have student allocations.
Year-abroad fares commonly include an extra 10–15kg checked allowance or a second free bag — essential when you're moving your life for a semester. Virgin, BA and Air France have specific "student" or "long-stay" baggage upgrades.
Student fares typically allow one free date change and open-jaw bookings (fly into one city, out of another) at no extra cost. Perfect for semester dates shifting or summer travel plans that take shape gradually.
Typical student fares from UK airports — proof of student status required at check-in
Eligibility, documentation and how to actually get the discount