Studying abroad is exciting—but let’s face it: international travel isn’t cheap. With airfare steadily climbing, especially during peak seasons, students need to get creative when booking flights. The good news? There are smart strategies you can use to find cheap flights without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
Whether you’re traveling for studies, holidays, or just a break from lectures, these seven proven tips can help you save big on your next international flight. If you’re a Nigerian student preparing for school abroad, this guide is especially for you.
1. Get a Student Discount Card Like ISIC
As a student, you have access to special discounts that most travelers can’t get—if you know where to look. One of the best tools in your savings arsenal is the International Student Identity Card (ISIC). It gives you global recognition as a student and unlocks discounts on flights, accommodation, transport, food, and more.
Why it’s worth it:
- Accepted in over 130 countries
- Up to 40% off select international flights
- Recognized by major airlines, booking platforms, and student service providers
If you’re flying out of Nigeria for your studies, the ISIC card could slash your travel costs significantly. Apply early so you can use it during your flight bookings.
2. Use Student-Centric Flight Platforms Like StudentUniverse
Websites like StudentUniverse are built specifically to help students find affordable travel options. They partner directly with airlines to provide exclusive flight discounts for students and youth travelers.
What you can do:
- Book discounted student flights, hotels, and tours
- Use promo codes to reduce costs further
- Set up price alerts to track fare changes and get notified when prices drop
Even if you haven’t finalized your study plans yet, browsing platforms like StudentUniverse helps you get a feel for the market and plan ahead.
3. Always Search Flights in Incognito Mode
Here’s a lesser-known trick: websites track your search history using cookies, and over time, they may increase the prices for the same routes you keep checking.
Solution?
Use Incognito Mode (or Private Browsing) to search flights. It gives you a clean slate every time, showing more honest pricing unaffected by your browsing behavior.
You’ll avoid inflated fares and spot the actual lowest available prices for your chosen route.
4. Travel During Shoulder Seasons
Peak travel times—like December, summer holidays, or around resumption dates—are when tickets hit their highest. Instead, aim to travel during shoulder seasons (the periods just before or after the peak).
Examples:
- Flying to the UK? Try March or October instead of September or December.
- Heading to Canada or the U.S.? Book between February–April or September–November.
During these off-peak windows, airlines are desperate to fill seats, meaning cheaper tickets and fewer crowds.
5. Book Your Flight Early
Waiting until the last minute to book international flights is a rookie mistake—especially for students. Airfares tend to rise the closer you get to the departure date.
Pro tip:
Start tracking flight prices 3–6 months before your departure. Even if you don’t book immediately, you’ll understand the price trends and strike when a good deal appears.
Platforms like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and StudentUniverse allow you to monitor fares and book at the right moment.
6. Watch Out for Sales and Flash Deals
Some of the cheapest flights you’ll ever find come from limited-time sales. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, New Year, and student orientation seasons often come with deep discounts from airlines.
What to do:
- Follow your favorite airlines on social media
- Subscribe to their email newsletters
- Sign up for fare deal alerts on travel websites
Being the first to know about promo codes or sudden sales could save you tens or even hundreds of dollars.
7. Join Frequent Flyer Programs and Collect Miles
You don’t have to be a frequent jetsetter to benefit from loyalty programs. Many major airlines allow students to earn air miles each time they fly—and those miles can be used to get discounts, seat upgrades, or even free flights later on.
Quick facts:
- You can link your frequent flyer account to your student booking
- Some airlines offer bonus miles to student travelers
- Miles can also be used for extra baggage or airport lounge access
Even one long-haul flight from Lagos to Toronto or London can earn you a decent chunk of points. Think long-term—start collecting now.
As a Nigerian student heading abroad, your international flight will likely be one of your biggest upfront expenses. But with a little planning and the right tools, you can cut those costs significantly. From leveraging student discounts to booking smarter and earlier, these strategies can help you spend less on tickets—and more on making memories.
Need more guidance on studying abroad, booking flights, or finding accommodation? Kampus Group is here to support you every step of the way.
FAQs: Booking Cheap Flights for Nigerian Students
1. When is the best time to book an international flight from Nigeria?
Start looking at least 3–6 months before your intended travel date. Tuesdays and Wednesdays often offer lower fares than weekends.
2. Can Nigerian students really get flight discounts?
Yes. With a valid student ID or an ISIC card, many airlines and travel platforms offer special fares for students.
3. Which websites offer the cheapest student flights?
Check out StudentUniverse, Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Expedia. Some Nigerian travel agencies also have student-specific flight deals.
4. Do airlines offer discounts directly to students?
Yes. Airlines like Lufthansa, British Airways, Qatar Airways, and Emirates occasionally offer student fares or extra baggage allowances.
5. Can I change my flight after booking with a student discount?
That depends on the airline’s policy. Discounted student tickets often come with some flexibility, but always read the terms before confirming.
Let Kampus Group help you plan your entire study abroad journey—from admissions to flights, accommodation, and everything in between. Reach out to one of our advisors today.
