When to start booking flights for school?

Student Lounge College Life
1

When should students start booking flights for my transportation?

As of right now, I’ve booked for the beginning of school and round trip for winter break (Skipped Thanksgiving by mistake lol)

But what’s an appropriate timeline for when to start booking flights for each time we need to come home? Should students wait until they know their exam schedule to book or just go based on what the calendar states?

2

Bump

3

I’m not a huge traveler, aside from every-few-years-apart family vacations to Disney. And I commuted to college, so I can’t answer exactly what you asked.

But here’s what I suggest:

  1. Do your homework. Find the carriers that have the routes you need to get you from home to and from school.
    Some of the airlines that tend to be lower in price include JetBlue and Southwest.
  1. We tend to go to WDW in late July, early August. I find that I have great luck booking flights during the week between Christmas and New Years.
  2. If you're going to use the same airline for the next 4 years, join their frequent flier program NOW. Let those miles work for you.
  3. Look into their policy in the event that fares go down. Will they credit your account? (That's huge for you, since you're sure to use the points for a trip down the road.) How long will those miles stay on your account-- do they expire?
  4. What's the fee for a single bag? For more than one bag? Make sure you consider that when you're comparing fares.
  5. Kayak.com is a great resource for comparing fares and for fare histories.
  6. See if you can be somewhat flexible in terms of what day you travel. It's frequently cheaper to travel midweek than over a weekend, though that may not coincide with the times you can check into your dorm.
4

Southwest offers free date changes, I’d use them if you book early. Very low prices as well with good service. Also, a free checked bag.

As far as when, usually a couple months before is fine. I won’t book my winter break flight until I get to school in the fall. The prices won’t change significantly, and the flexibility can often be worth it. Usually I wait until I have exam / move in / move out dates.

5

MAKE SURE YOU CHECK YOUR ACADEMIC CALENDAR before booking anything…don’t assume it is okay to skip wed before Thanksgiving…you may very well have a test that day.

6

I agree with all the above advice given. I would like to add if you are considering Southwest airlines, see if you or your parents can get their Southwest Chase Visa card. Points add up quickly if used regularly and I have been able to get several free roundtrip tickets for my son to come home during the holidays and breaks.

7

Echo what others have said - profs are notoriously stubborn about the date of the final exam and the days before and after a break, especially Thanksgiving. I also like Southwest, but sometimes it’s not the best price, particularly if you don’t book early. But they do allow free checked baggage!