Travel insights from Latin America
Author Simon Willis | Posted on June 6, 2023 (updated September 2026)
There are lots of challenges teachers face when booking student flights.
Some teachers don’t know where to start. Others want to find the best deal. Many of you might just want some tips on future bookings or how to lower your carbon emissions when flying.
To help, our expert team has put together an ultimate guide for any teacher looking to book a flight for a student trip, domestic or international.
Here, you’ll find a step-by-step process for booking student airline tickets, expert tips on finding cheap flights, recommended companies to work with, and FAQs to ensure a smooth takeoff.
And, as a lovely extra, we are offering a free consultation for anyone looking to make a group reservation for their student study trip. Contact one Kagumu’s team today.
Safety belts on? Let’s begin.
5 ways to book student flights
1. Get your on-ground student travel agent to do it
If you have a study trip in mind you might already be talking with a third-party provider to organize on-ground logistics. This travel agent may include student airline tickets or if they haven’t you can enquire.
Even if they don’t include flights you can ask for recommendations. They are likely to know the best routes and airlines as they should have in-depth knowledge about the trip you are running.
PROS:
- The biggest advantage is that you book everything in one. This is likely to be much simpler and it’ll save you the headache of organizing a separate flight yourself.
- If for some reason you have to cancel or postpone your trip you won’t have to deal with two companies at the same time. Much easier.
CONS:
- If you don’t take control of your own flight bookings you might miss out on student discounts or good deals.
- Your school might be working with a range of third-party providers, some of which might provide flights, others may not. This could get messy if you are organizing multiple trips with different providers. For the best, long-term plan you should consider finding a dedicated agent to provide all your flights over a long period of time.
2. Book it through the airline’s website
This might be the most obvious plan and can be a great tool if you have a clear understanding of the route.
PROS:
- The biggest advantage is that you’ll be dealing directly with the airline so if something goes wrong you won’t have to call a separate agent. The airline should automatically reschedule any missed or canceled flights too.
CONS:
- This can be the most expensive. Airlines often sell their tickets for cheaper through third-party agents. This really depends on the airline.
3. Book it through a flight comparison website
These are hugely popular. Flight comparison websites will give you instant access to a range of deals and allow you to alter different filters quickly and easily to view price differences.
PROS:
- Flight comparison tools give you instant visibility into general routing options, baseline prices, and schedule frequencies across dozens of carriers.
CONS:
- Standard consumer search engines, like SkyScanner, are designed for individual or family travel, not school groups. Most tools cap single searches at 8 or 9 passengers (for example, Google Flights limits standard searches to 9 travelers). If you are moving a group of 10 or more, searching standard comparison sites won’t reflect group block-pricing, flexible deposit terms, or group fare rules. Additionally, some low-cost regional carriers don’t list their inventories on major comparison engines. StudentUniverse (nowBYOjet) offers up to 9 people on their web search but you can contact them here for big group bookings.
4. Use a specialist flight travel agent
Probably the most popular for schools, colleges, and universities as it offers a personal service when booking flights. This is usually a person representing an agency. This person will have access to multiple airlines, and discounts and can make big group bookings.
PROS:
- Potential for long-term collaboration. Don’t let a good agent go! They will be able to help you with all your flights in the future.
- You should be able to easily communicate with your agency through Whatsapp or on the phone. You should be able to talk to a real person!
- You will usually gain extensive coverage with an agency including changes and cancellations and even if your trip doesn’t go ahead for some reason.
CONS:
- It can be slow. We are often surprised at how long it takes agencies to offer a group booking to a school. If you get a price but then want to make a slight change it can take the agent days to get back to you. Hence why we say – don’t let go of a competent agent.
10 tips when booking student airline tickets
From getting discounts to group seating arrangements, here are some expert tips you can use when booking a flight.
Tip #1 Seek student group discounts
Many airlines offer attractive group discounts for schools and educational institutions. These discounts can significantly reduce travel expenses. Note, your students need to have valid student IDs for this to work. For more details on student discounts on flights, read further on in this blog.
Tip #2 Flexibility and booking in advance
To maximize your chances of securing the best fares and seat availability, it’s good to be flexible with your travel dates and book well in advance. Flying during off-peak seasons or midweek can often yield more affordable options. Remember, the early bird catches the best flight deals!
Tip #3 Prioritize direct flights
Direct flights are often the most convenient option for group travel. They eliminate the hassle of layovers and minimize the chances of delays or missed connections. While direct flights may have slightly higher price tags, the added convenience and time-saving benefits are well worth considering. They are also better for the environment!
Tip #4 Look to lower your emissions
Speaking of protecting the environment, we urge you to bear this in mind when traveling. Always choose direct flights when possible, choose economy as it takes up less space, check on your airline’s carbon footprint policy beforehand.
Check out this blog for the most sustainable airlines. You can also offset when you travel. You can read Kagumu’s carbon emissions reduction plan here.
Tip #5 Group seating arrangements
Ensuring your students and chaperones are seated together during the flight adds an extra layer of convenience and enhances the group travel experience. When making your group flight booking, ensure this is the case. Airlines are sneaky and might charge extra for this!
Tip #6 Watch out for (very) sneaky airlines
Oh, while we are on this; remember to check all charges airlines add throughout the booking process. Some charge extra for seating, insurance, and even calendars! Ensure the final price is the price you were given initially.
Tip #7 Special assistance and accommodations
If any members of your group require special assistance or have specific accommodation needs, it’s essential to communicate these requirements to the airline in advance. Airlines offer various services for passengers with disabilities or special needs, ensuring a comfortable and inclusive journey for all.
Tip #8 Baggage considerations
Check the baggage policies of the airlines you’re considering for your group travel. Note the allowed weight limits, dimensions, and any additional fees for excess baggage. Educate your students about these guidelines to avoid any surprises or inconveniences at the airport.
Tip #9 Travel documentation and visas
Depending on your destination, certain travel documentation and visas may be required for your group. Make sure to communicate these requirements to all participants well in advance. For example, you will need a passport with at least 6 months validity.
Tip #10 Confirm and reconfirm
Once your group flight bookings are confirmed, it’s essential to double-check all details, including flight numbers, departure times, and any connecting flights. Even better – get a colleague to check before you click on pay!
The best companies to book student flights
When booking individual student tickets or smaller groups, dedicated youth travel platforms can unlock lower fares and more flexible terms than standard consumer booking sites. Here are a few notable platforms:
BookBetter
The new kids on the block, and our favorites as they offer the most sustainable options (as you can choose airlines using Sustainable Air Fuel) without adding extra costs (unless you wish to contribute more). With BookBetter, after booking, you can also receive a short report on the emissions/SAF impact of the group’s flights, which is useful for the school’s own sustainability communications or accreditation, not just a nice-to-have.
StudentUniverse
StudentUniverse (now BYOJet) is one of the most established platforms for youth and student airfare. Part of Flight Centre Travel Group, StudentUniverse negotiates specialized fares with major international carriers. While single-ticket searches are easy on their site, they also offer dedicated group booking request support for student groups traveling together.
Scholar Trip
Based in the US, Scholar Trip specializes in discounted academic travel for students, faculty, and youth under 26. They offer flexible payment arrangements, including deposit-only options on eligible group reservations, allowing you time to collect funds from families before final ticketing.
Flyla
Flyla is popular across Europe, Flyla partners directly with international airlines (such as Lufthansa Group carriers) to provide verified student discounts, while placing a heavy emphasis on transparent booking and eco-conscious travel options.
StudentBeans
Student Beans & UNiDAYS: While not flight-booking engines themselves, these student verification portals regularly list exclusive promo codes and temporary travel discounts from major airlines and travel providers. It is worth checking them before confirming individual bookings.
How to lower the price of student flights
Travelling can be expensive. Getting student discounts for flights can go a long way to making the most of your travel budget. Here are some tips for attaining discounts and generally keeping the cost down when booking flights:
Tip 1: Plan and book in advance
The first rule of snagging flight discounts is to plan and book well (and we mean WELL) in advance. Airlines often offer lower fares for those who reserve their seats early, such as 8 months in advance. By planning ahead, you can take advantage of promotional offers and secure the best deals for your student group.
Tip 2: Carbon & Sustainability Update
Look for lower-emission routing & transparent sustainability policies. Flight choices impact your trip’s total carbon footprint. When evaluating routes:
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Prioritize non-stop flights: Direct routes eliminate the additional fuel burn during extra takeoff and landing cycles.
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Choose modern fleet aircraft: Newer long-haul jets (like Boeing 787s or Airbus A350/A320neo families) are significantly more fuel-efficient per seat-kilometer than older models.
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Evaluate airline climate commitments: Look for airlines actively investing in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) procurement and verifiable fleet modernization rather than relying solely on legacy offset schemes. You can review Kagumu’s full sustainability guidelines and carbon reduction strategy here.
Tip 2: Check for student and youth fares
Several airlines offer discounted fares specifically for students or young travelers. These fares cater to those under a certain age or enrolled in an educational institution. Ensure you inquire about student and youth fares when seeking quotes from airlines or discussing options with your travel agent. Remember to have proof of eligibility, such as student IDs or enrollment certificates, when making these bookings.
Tip 3: Explore promotional deals and flash sales:
Stay vigilant for promotional deals and flash sales offered by airlines. Sign up for newsletters, follow airlines on social media, and monitor travel websites to stay updated on the latest offers.
These time-limited discounts can save you a significant amount on your flight bookings. Act swiftly when you spot a promising deal, as they tend to disappear quickly.
Tip 4: Be flexible with travel dates
Flexibility with your travel dates can open up a world of discounted flight options. Consider flying during weekdays or off-peak seasons when demand is lower. Airlines often reduce fares during these times to attract more travelers.
Adjusting your travel dates even by a few days can make a noticeable difference in the price you pay. Avoid bank holidays, Easter and Christmas too.
Tip 5: Utilize frequent flyer programs
If your school has a frequent flyer program or if any students or chaperones are members of airline loyalty programs, leverage these memberships to your advantage. Accumulated miles or points can be used to redeem flight discounts or upgrades. Encourage participants to sign up for these programs and pool resources for maximum benefits.
Tip 6: Consider alternative airports
Sometimes, flying out of alternative airports can yield substantial savings. Check nearby airports or those in neighboring cities that may offer lower fares. Take into account the cost and convenience of transportation to and from these airports when weighing your options. A bit of extra travel at the beginning or end of your trip might be well worth the savings.
Tip 7: Compare prices and negotiate
Before finalizing your flight bookings, take the time to compare prices across different airlines and online travel agencies. Use flight comparison websites to get an overview of available options. Armed with this knowledge, negotiate with your travel agent or directly with the airline to secure the best possible rates for your student group.
Almost set to book your flights? Before you do, check out some Frequently Asked Questions.
Frequently asked questions
Do airlines have student discounts?
Yes, airlines often offer very good student discounts. These discounts can vary depending on the airline and the destination. Check ahead of time or simply ask your travel agent.
Do airlines give deals for groups?
Some airlines offer deals for groups, even if they are not students. Group discounts may vary depending on the airline, the size of the group, and the specific travel arrangements.
For example, some airlines may even increase the price with a group booking. Crazy, but they do!
What happens if our trip or flight is canceled?
Flight disruption rights have tightened significantly in recent years. Under updated airline passenger protection regulations (such as US Department of Transportation rules and EU/UK 261 guidelines), passengers are entitled to prompt cash refunds if an airline cancels a flight or makes a significant schedule modification (regardless of ticket type) if you choose not to accept the alternative offered.
For school trips, however, most cancellations stem from school-side decisions rather than airline disruptions. This is why securing group-specific fare rules (which allow deposit retention and late penalty-free cancellations) or comprehensive cancel-for-any-reason trip insurance is crucial before placing down payments.
What is the best airline for a student trip to Latin America?
Reliability, route density, and responsiveness during schedule changes are the key factors for group travel.
For our student groups heading to Central and South America, major legacy carriers like Copa Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and LATAM consistently perform well due to their robust hub networks, established group desks, and clear communication when handling group logistics.
To read more about this, read our blog on the most reliable airlines for student trips.
What is the best agency for student airline tickets?
Having worked with schools from all over the world we have heard of many good to average to poor travel agents that sell student group airline tickets. We recommend using Everest Travel – a Germany-based agency that specialises in group travel. We also love the sustainability focused flight agent, BookBetter!
We hope the above information was helpful and sets you on your way to finding the right airline tickets for your students. If you need more information, you can send us an email at [email protected].
