As a student, nothing can compare to getting out of the routine and spending a weekend away. However, with the cost of books and rent, finding inexpensive flights seems like an impossible scenario. Luckily, cheap flights can be found with just a little bit of thought and some tricks. Below, we’ll share with you some cheap flight hacks for that spontaneous weekend getaway.
1. Adjust Dates As You Go
You can get the cheapest flight by not being set on specific dates. Prices are always very volatile depending on the day of the week, the time of year, or even the time of day. Most travel sites allow you to search for flights with “flexible dates” to find cheaper prices on different days. Generally, midweek flights (Tuesday and Wednesday) are less expensive than weekend flights. The only thing you have to do is be flexible and let the cheap pricing determine your choice.

2. Consult Student Discount Sites and Apps
As a student, you may get special deals. Look for student-only travel deals on StudentUniverse and ISIC. These are student-friendly apps and websites offering discounted flights, hotels, and more. Sign up, authenticate as a student, and take advantage of travel savings offers to make your trips cheaper.
If you’re looking for student-friendly prices, you may want to check out UKWritings. It’s an affordable yet qualitative essay writing service that recognizes student budget limitations. It offers writing help that fits any wallet.
3. Set Price Alerts
If you don’t need to book immediately, use price alerts. Most flight search engines, such as Google Flights or Skyscanner, will help you track flight costs. Once you have created an alert, you will receive a push notification when the price falls or spikes. This is useful if you are booking a trip for a few weeks in advance and want to be sure of the best offer.
How to make the most of price alerts:
- Register for multiple alerts: Subscribe to different platforms to track price movements.
- Take your time: Flight prices can change, so waiting until the right time can make all the difference.
- Be on the lookout for flash sales: Alerts will let you lock in temporary deals.
- Watch trends: Look to the signals you receive via alerts to note a price action pattern.
4. Compare Flights on Various Platforms
Flights should be checked on several booking sites. One website could have one price, but another website could have the same flight cheaper if they’re associated or contracted with a certain airline.
A few of the best platforms to check are:
- Google Flights: Great for a large picture of choices.
- Skyscanner: Flexible for multiple dates and destination searches.
- Kayak: Provides advanced search filters and price alerts.
- Momondo: May help you save on low-budget airlines.
5. Reserve At The Right Moment
Wait for the right moment to book cheap flights. The optimal period to book flights for a weekend trip is usually three to eight weeks ahead of time. Early/late bookings are usually more expensive. Additionally, airline companies usually announce deals during certain days of the week. Most specialists agree that you need to book for Tuesdays or Wednesdays for the best prices. Don’t book on weekends, because people are more likely to search and it will have a high demand and prices.
6. Fly Budget Airlines
Cheap airlines save the day for students. Companies such as Spirit Airlines, Ryanair, and EasyJet are all really cheap. Budget airlines will often incur fees to select your seats and check your luggage, but these can still be a good choice if you’re flying light and don’t mind a low-tech approach. That said, always read the fine print. Some budget airlines are more strict on luggage allowance and surcharges. If you’re clever, however, flying budget can further expand your spending budget.
7. Carry Little to Save On Costs
Look out for carry-on baggage costs. Try to pack light. Budget airlines generally only allow you to carry one free personal bag, as long as it’s not too large. Bring only what you need, and you won’t pay luggage fees or wait in line at the baggage counter. Also, traveling light will make it easier to catch public transportation upon landing, which will save you even more money.
8. Use Frequent Flyer Miles/Credit Card Points
Whether you’re a student or not, you can earn frequent flyer miles or credit card points to pay for those weekend adventures. Most credit cards give you points or miles for joining, and some student cards give you rewards for everyday purchases. When you have points, see if you can spend them on flights or upgrades. It’s an excellent saver when traveling if you plan frequent journeys.
9. Consider Local Airports
For flights, don’t just look at the major airport at your destination. Local airports often offer much cheaper flights, especially with discount airlines that fly out of small and unpopular airports. For instance, landing at an airport 30 minutes away from your destination can actually save you some pretty significant airfare dollars. Consider the overall travel time and expenses to determine whether this option suits you. Sometimes, a little extra walking makes all the difference!
10. Use a VPN To Secure Offers
A trick not many are aware of is that you can get discounted airfare if you are using a VPN (Virtual Private Network). Airlines also tend to change their prices depending on your location. Therefore, you can move your virtual address using a VPN for an exclusive price. This is especially helpful if you keep seeing prices increase with a series of searches. You might save yourself those fees by masking your location, which could help you score a cheaper fare. You should also check the price at multiple sites before booking.
Cheap Flights are Within Reach
The search for flights that will allow you to take a more affordable vacation can take some time, but with the right techniques, it is doable. Staying flexible, using student discounts, checking multiple platforms, and using low-cost airlines can help you save a lot of money. Also, don’t forget to bring minimal luggage and use your miles or credit card points. Hopefully, with these travel tips, you can have an excellent weekend getaway at a minimal cost!