Are there discounts on air tickets for students and how to get them? Discounts on air tickets for students Discounts for students on planes.
Most students love to travel, and nowadays there is an opportunity to see a lot of interesting things not only in their homeland, but also abroad. An airplane is a vehicle that will allow you to travel as much as possible, and students are primarily interested in how to get a discount on air tickets. After all, students are far from wealthy people and not many can afford expensive flights. But there really are discounts and you need to know how to get them.
Back in 1949, to promote the development of student tourism, the International Confederation of Student Tourism was established, which included five associations. ISIC is the International Student Identity Association, which currently operates in 109 countries. With an ISIC International Student Identity Card, you can have cheap access to many goods and services, as well as student airfare discounts.
You can now get an ISIC in many universities in Russia and you don’t have to study at this particular institution. The cost is also inexpensive, around 400 rubles, but many companies provide air tickets for students with discounts to ISIC holders.
Student discounts for domestic flights
Russia is a country with a huge territory and many students study far from home. They are all interested in whether there are discounts for students on air tickets within Russia. The state periodically provides discounts and benefits to socially vulnerable segments of the population, which include students. Many airlines also provide air tickets at reduced prices. The only trouble is that, as a rule, these are state-owned companies or private ones with which the state has entered into an agreement.
But every year, the government intends to include as many private airlines as possible in dated programs so that they can sell discounted plane tickets to students across Russia.
When purchasing air tickets, be sure to ask a company representative if there are discounts for students.
How to find cheap air tickets for students?
Students can find affordable tickets not only during the holidays. Many airlines provide such tickets on a regular basis, especially for ISIC international student card holders.
You need to look for tickets:
- on airline websites;
- on specialized travel portals;
- on free services for searching air tickets.
If you are a student, never rush to book tickets, even if they seem reasonable in price. There may be even better offers. To do this, ask a representative of the travel agency or air carrier if there are additional discounts for students.
There are general rules that you should follow if you want to buy cheap tickets:
- You need to buy tickets in advance. As a rule, if you purchase them 2-3 weeks before departure, you overpay significantly. When planning to travel in summer, it is better to book tickets in winter.
- It is better to fly in the middle of the week; ticket prices increase towards the weekend.
- Cheaper tickets for night and morning flights.
Many travel companies, as well as air carriers, offer package tours. You can immediately purchase air tickets, book a hotel, or order a transfer. All this in one package will cost you much less than buying separately.
In order to somehow make life easier for the population in the social environment, the Russian authorities are constantly coming up with various benefits. Discounts can apply in many directions. Typically, these benefits relate to one product or another. They can also be private, or the authorities pay for the product entirely.
Students can be called one of the most vulnerable categories in the country. So they also have every right to receive benefits. One of them could be a discount on plane tickets at the time of purchase. Only this discount applies exclusively to Russia. But as for other countries, no one is going to give discounts to students here.
Problems 2017
In 2017, the state promised to improve the system of providing benefits for students to purchase tickets. There are serious problems with airlines nowadays that provide ticketing services to students. Sometimes there were such embarrassments when a student came to the airline and gave his student card and a document confirming the benefits. Then he wanted to buy a discounted air ticket. Only later did the student receive a refusal. This was due to the fact that many airlines are not state-owned, but private. So these companies have the right not to give discounts.
What is the government doing
The government has an agreement with private companies to provide student discounts on air tickets. There are only a few such companies. In this situation, you need to understand that the company that gives the discount on the ticket may be located in another region, so the discount will not apply here. So in such situations, students have to use railway transport or something else that is cheaper than an air ticket. There have been cases when students had to buy a full-price ticket, although not every student can afford this. Even if your family helps. But some people study far from home, and after the holidays they have to take some kind of transport to the institute.
If such disadvantages are discarded, then for students in the Moscow region, preferential discounts on air travel can be a great salvation. In such a region, you can find more airlines that provide preferential discounts. In 2017, the authorities promised to conclude an agreement on discounts with as many private airlines as possible, not only in the capital area, but also in more remote regions. For students, a preferential discount is an air ticket in a middle class aircraft with a cost of 50 percent. Students can only take luggage of a certain weight, which is set by the carrier company.
How to find cheap flights to other countries
Everything is very simple here. Once you try it for the first time and get to the bottom of the survey, it will be easier for you to find cheap discounted tickets in the future.
Many companies offer discounts for students. During your search, you should also check with the airline about the size of the discount itself.
Want to get the maximum discount? Then you better have an international student ID ISIC, which can also be a card of benefits and discounts on a large number of goods and services.
You can search for cheap air tickets on the company’s websites, as well as on special travel portals.
Never settle for the price you see first. There are a million more options on the Internet.
It's best to book in advance. Then you will find the cheapest flight tickets. If you buy a ticket two weeks before departure, it will cost from 50 to 500 dollars. But when purchased 3-4 months in advance, tickets are several times cheaper.
Remember to be flexible. A small change in the time or date of departure can provide a chance to save a little on the cost of the flight. Airfare tends to be cheaper during the middle of the week.
Support programs and benefits have been developed for various vulnerable categories of citizens in the Russian Federation. Students, as one of the needy categories, receive discounts on some types of services. Including air tickets.
general information
Discounts for students on air tickets are provided only within the country; flights abroad are not subsidized by the state. In addition, it is necessary to find out directly from the operators about the availability of discounts for students in higher education institutions, since not all companies operate under government programs.
Discounts for students are provided in the amount of 30-50% of the ticket amount.
Most airlines in the Russian Federation are private, so they have every right to refuse students benefits for flights. This is their legal right, which cannot be challenged in any way.
How to get
In order to receive student discounts on air tickets, you must meet two requirements: be a student at a higher educational institution and have a student ID.
Where to contact
In order to purchase a discounted air ticket, you must contact the airline to familiarize yourself with the existing conditions for students. The right of a private company to independently determine the amount of discounts and the rules for providing them. For example, providing benefits in a less popular season or in less popular destinations.
There are a negligible number of state-owned companies operating under the assistance program.
The most popular air carrier, Aeroflot, is not a state-owned company, and therefore reserves the right not to provide any benefits to students. However, it is Aeroflot that most often organizes promotions on air tickets.
Required documents
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Who can count on discounts
The student card is issued not only in higher educational institutions, but also in many secondary vocational institutions. You can count on benefits for them only if this is provided for by the rules of the air carrier.
Many popular companies do not take into account exactly where the certificate was issued, providing discounts to all students without exception. Age does not matter. Even if a student is 30 years old, he has the right to receive benefits.
If a company refuses to sell discounted air tickets for students, then this remains its right only if the company is not state-owned. A citizen cannot challenge the right of a private air carrier to refuse to provide a discount on a ticket.
State actions
The Government of the Russian Federation has decided to enter into agreements with private air carriers to implement discounts for students. At the same time, the number of companies in 2019 that agreed to participate in the project is insignificant. Many airlines independently set rules that are convenient for them. Students in large cities, where there are several competing companies providing air travel services, can receive the most benefits.
The Government of the Russian Federation does not have the right to oblige carriers to provide benefits to any categories of citizens, but is actively trying to expand the list of those cooperating within the framework of the state program. In this case, the discount percentage is paid from the federal budget and the company does not lose anything through cooperation.
How to save money
In order for a student to save on a flight, there are several tricks. For example, purchasing tickets several months before departure allows you to purchase them 30-50% cheaper than two weeks before departure. In addition, it would be useful to buy everything during the week, when prices are lower - considered an unpopular time.
In addition, in the off-season, tickets are cheaper than in the “hot” seasons. For example, in spring or autumn. At the same time, this option is not very convenient for students, since the academic year is underway, but some can still afford to rest during this period.
If the city is small and there are few air carriers, then you can save money by purchasing tickets from a large neighboring city, which can be reached by intercity transport. The difference in this case will be small, but on a two-way flight (round trip) it will be noticeable.
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Last changes
In 2017, two popular companies entered into a cooperation agreement: Aeroflot and Ural Airlines. Students are provided with discounts when purchasing tickets, but you must first familiarize yourself with the full terms and conditions of the discounts.
Thus, Aeroflot promises discounts only to those who purchase air tickets in advance, and Ural Airlines, regardless of the time of purchase. For those planning a flight outside the country, it would be a good idea to get an international student ID - ISIC. If it is available, very substantial discounts on international flights are provided - up to 50% of the cost. The certificate itself costs about 500 rubles, must be replaced annually, and can be used up to 6 times during the year. Airlines do not have the right to refuse benefits if they are specified in their rules or in a cooperation agreement with government authorities.
This cooperation is planned to continue in 2019.
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Video about what benefits and discounts students can get with an ISIC card
March 17, 2017, 05:22 March 3, 2019 13:49 
Student years are a time of low income and associated problems. Young people, in particular, have to travel a lot throughout the metropolis and beyond. And this leads to additional expenses. Therefore, in the regions, discounts have been established for students on travel.
Let's look at what benefits young people will be able to take advantage of in 2019.
Public transport
This type of government preferences is financed from regional budgets. This is stated in the Federal Law “On Education” No. 273-FZ dated December 22, 2012. To provide young people with a discount on the use of public transport, local authorities must enter into appropriate agreements with carriers. Educational institutions are informed about this and explain everything to students.
A young person can take advantage of this preference by issuing a student travel card. The government of the Russian Federation decided to take advantage of international experience in solving this problem. Therefore, travel passes for public transport are now issued in the form of a smart card. It operates on all routes for which the authorities have concluded agreements, which is convenient for students. After all, young people have to move from their place of residence to educational buildings, libraries, enterprises, and so on.
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The pass gives you the opportunity to use the following types of transport operating on city lines:
- by bus;
- trams;
- metro;
- trolleybuses;
- boats (in some cities).
As a rule, benefits do not apply to travel in taxis and minibuses. However, there may be exceptions. You should find out about them from the faculty dean's office or the rector's office.
Preferences are provided only to young people studying full-time at state educational institutions:
- higher;
- medium special.
Procedure for obtaining a travel pass
In order to get a smart card, you need to go to the leadership of the trade union committee of the educational institution. This organization issues a document confirming the student’s rights to benefits. You should have the following documents with you:
- passport;
- student ID;
- black and white photograph (3x4).
The trade union committee specialist will ask you to fill out an application. There is no need to do this in advance, since the application for a smart card is written on a special form. In this case, the following requirements must be observed:
- Personal data is entered into the cells. They are filled in block letters.
- When filling out the form, only blue ink is used. Writing in other colors is strictly prohibited.
- All data must be entered accurately and without errors. In addition, they must correspond to those indicated in the passport.
Do you need information on this issue? and our lawyers will contact you shortly.
Algorithm for obtaining a smart card
- An application received from a student is processed in approximately two days. This time is necessary to verify the information entered in the form. If everything is filled out correctly, then the young man is given a decision.
- With this paper you need to go to a special cash desk that sells public transport coupons. As a rule, next to it hangs an advertisement for accepting applications.
- The cashier is obliged to check the accuracy of the application. To do this he:
- compares the photo with the applicant’s face;
- requires you to provide identification.
- The cashier gives the young man the counterfoil of the form.
- You should return to the checkout with it two weeks later.
- You receive a travel ticket by the stub.
This document entitles you to a 50% discount on public transport. It cannot be used in a taxi.
Smart card validity period
The travel card can be used for five years. That is, the student has the right to apply for it in the first year and not worry about renewal. You will only need to top up your balance. But remember that the smart card is protected from fraud. Universities submit lists of expelled students to organizations that issue travel cards.
As soon as a student completes his studies at the educational institution, his travel card is cancelled.
Discounts on commuter trains
- The region is adopting a law on preferences for students in paying for tickets on commuter trains.
- Based on this, an agreement is drawn up with the service provider.
- The carrier receives a subsidy from the budget to cover the costs of services provided.
How to buy a discount ticket for a student
According to the established procedure, young people are given a discount based on documents confirming the preferential category. They must be presented to the cashier. That is, when purchasing a travel pass, you need to have the following documents with you:
- passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation;
- student ID;
- a certificate from an educational institution stating that the person is studying there (upon request).
All of the above documents must be:
- valid;
- issued to the same person.
There are a number of restrictions on the provision of this type of preference in 2019. Namely:
- The discount on train travel is valid during the educational process: from September 1 to June 15 of the following year.
- It applies only to students and pupils of public educational institutions studying full-time.
- The discount is valid only on suburban routes.
Discounts on electric trains are not available to students studying:
- in absentia;
- in branches of foreign universities.
In 2019, students and pupils have the right to purchase train tickets. The discount on them is also 50%. To do this, you should contact the Russian Railways ticket office, having the documents with you (indicated above).
For reference: these benefits do not apply to intercity trains. However, Russian Railways provides discounts on some seats, for example, upper shelves. This allows students to save money on travel.
International travel card: ISIC card
There is another type of preference, which applies to 130 countries around the world. This is an ISIC card. It entitles you to discounts:
- for travel on public transport in the European Union countries;
- on discount tickets on international flights (from 10 to 30%).
Who can get an ISIC card and how?
This card is designed for young people aged 12 to 26 years. The main condition for its provision is studying at an educational institution during the daytime. That is, like the travel card, it is not issued to absentee students.
As a rule, the issuance of an ISIC card is handled by university trade unions. In addition, students and schoolchildren can independently contact the relevant centers. You need to have the following documents with you:
- passport or birth certificate (for children under 14 years of age);
- student or school ID card;
- 3x4 photo.
The ISIC card replaces an identity card when traveling abroad. In addition, it provides an opportunity to receive a discount on housing rent.
This card is issued for one year only. You'll have to pay for it. In 2019 it costs 600 rubles.
March 18, 2017, 07:31 March 3, 2019 13:49
Many people, including students, enjoy traveling around cities and countries. Nowadays, traveling to any city or country is not difficult. The most convenient and comfortable means of transportation is considered to be an airplane, and the price of a ticket is not always affordable for students. Often, university students are concerned with the question: is it possible to purchase an air ticket at a reduced price? After all, many students of technical schools, institutes and universities cannot become owners of expensive air tickets.
For students of domestic technical schools and universities, there are discounts when purchasing plane tickets. Since 1949, 5 associations have been united into the International Confederation of Student Tourism. The Confederation was created to develop student tourism. Currently, the International Student ID is valid for students from 109 countries, including Russia. Thanks to the ISIC certificate, you can take advantage of discounts on the purchase of many goods or services, including when purchasing air tickets for university students.
The international student certificate is issued by many Russian universities. You can apply to one of them, even if you do not study there. This document is inexpensive, about 400 rubles. ISIC holders have the opportunity to obtain one from many major airlines.
for domestic flights for students
Russia is a huge country. Often students study far from home, and they have to spend a lot of time getting to their place of residence. But with the help of an airplane, arriving home occurs in a short time. Therefore, information about discounts on domestic air tickets is relevant for students.
For students who belong to socially vulnerable segments of the population, the state provides the opportunity to purchase air tickets at discounted prices. Many air carriers offer university students to buy tickets at a reduced cost. But usually, discounts on air tickets under a preferential program are offered only by state-owned air carriers or private organizations that have drawn up a state agreement.
Every year, the government tries to expand the program for discounted flights for students, trying to conclude agreements with many private airlines. This will allow Russian students to purchase tickets for domestic flights at a discount.
If you are a student and want to purchase a domestic flight ticket at a low price, ask the air carriers for this information.
Many air carriers provide discounts on travel documents to students not only during the holidays, but also during the academic year. It is quite easy for ISIC international student card holders to purchase a discounted air ticket.
Places where air tickets are sold with discounts for students:
- On the official websites of air carriers.
- On portals for tourists.
- On search services for air tickets.
If you are a student and want to save money on your airline ticket, don't rush to book with the first airline. You need to get acquainted with all offers from air carriers. In this case, you can find the most favorable conditions for purchasing an air ticket. Ask your airline or travel agent about additional discounts for students.
You need to adhere to certain rules with which you can profitably purchase an air ticket:
- It is necessary to purchase air tickets in advance. If you buy a ticket two weeks before your expected departure date, you will not experience any savings. For example, if you plan to travel in the summer, you need to buy a plane ticket home.
- Remember that airfare increases by Friday. Therefore, it is better to buy a ticket for Tuesday or Wednesday.
- Prices for morning and night flights are always cheaper than for daytime flights.
For those students who want to go on vacation to a hotel in another city or country, there is an advantageous offer. Many airlines, as well as travel organizations, sell travel packages. In addition to air tickets, you book a hotel and order a transfer. If you purchase a travel package, everything will be much cheaper than purchasing these services separately.
If you were unable to purchase cheap air tickets using the above methods, you can buy a travel document at a last minute price.
A few days before departure, unsold air tickets drop in price significantly, and airlines put them up for sale. Therefore, if you are not afraid to take risks, you can buy last-minute tickets. But remember that there are not always reserve tickets available for the desired date.
Where and how to buy the cheapest air tickets?
