Experience in choosing airlines to fly to Australia, America, Canada, and Europe for international students

🔄 Cập nhật lần cuối: 08/10/26

On the same journey from Ho Chi Minh City - Toronto or Hanoi - London, you can see dozens of options with prices varying by a few hundred dollars. But choosing a study abroad airline is not just about choosing the cheapest ticket: checked baggage, connection points, transit visa requirements and ticket exchange conditions determine whether the trip will be smooth and truly economical or not. The article shares comparison criteria and experiences in each region: Australia, America, Canada, and Europe.

5 criteria for choosing a study abroad airline

1. Checked baggage

International students often carry 40–46kg of luggage, so luggage standards are the number one factor. Each airline, each route and each ticket class has different regulations. For example, according to Vietnam Airlines, economy class on flights to/from the Americas usually gets 2 bags, each 23kg, while on many other routes (Australia, Europe) it is 1 bag of 23kg; The total three dimensions of each piece must not exceed 158cm (depending on specific price class). A ticket is $100 cheaper, but missing a piece of luggage could cost you much more. See more International checked baggage for international students.

2. Total flight time and number of stops

An 18-hour one-stop journey is very different from a 30-hour two-stop journey, especially for first-time flyers.

3. Connection point and transit visa

Some countries require transit visas for Vietnamese citizens, even when not leaving the airport; In some cases, you have to enter the country to pick up your luggage or change stations. Please check carefully before issuing tickets - see Transit when flying to study abroad.

4. Ticket conditions

Fees for changing dates, refunding tickets, whether to change the name of the return trip or not. When a visa is not yet available or the class schedule can be changed, flexible conditions are more important than a few dozen dollars difference.

5. Service and support

Language support and services for unaccompanied children (see Book tickets for international students under 18 years old), meals, entertainment on long flights, and policies when flights are late or canceled.

Experience in each area

Australia

For Australia, direct flights are often the first choice if the price is reasonable. When comparing with low-cost airlines, add in baggage fees, meals, and seat selection. Admissions in February and July are peak seasons, so book early.

the USA

The longest journey, you should carefully consider the total time and stops. If the school is on the East Coast or in a small city, you often need to add an additional route within the US – book one ticket together to get luggage connection and protection in case of delays. US immigration procedures are carried out at the first airport entering the US, so the connecting time needs to be long enough. Read more Immigration to Australia, USA, Canada.

Canada

According to The Star newspaper (Malaysia), Vietnam and Canada have expanded their aviation agreement, opening the way for direct flights; Air Canada said it intends to operate to Ho Chi Minh City from 2027. Until there is a stable direct flight, international students often connect via Asia. If connecting to the US, you may need a US visa even if you are just transiting - this is a mistake many people make.

Europe

You can fly directly to some major cities and then connect within the region, or connect via the Middle East/Asia. If your destination is a small city, consider taking the train from a major airport – sometimes it's faster and cheaper than an extra flight.

Fly direct or connect flights

• Direct flight: less risk of missed flights, lost luggage, no worries about transit visas; Suitable for first-time flyers and young students. Prices are usually higher.
• Connecting flight: many price options, flight times, sometimes more luggage. Need reasonable connection time (not too short), traveling on the same ticket. When connecting for the first time, please read first transit flight.

Additionally, consider adding a one-way or round-trip ticket: see article One-way or round-trip tickets when studying abroad. If you are a student, some airlines have baggage allowances or rates – see Discount air tickets for students.

Common mistakes

1. Combining two separate tickets to make it cheaper, then missing a leg after the first leg is late.
2. No transit visa check, denied boarding.
3. Choose a fare class without checked baggage.
4. Connection time is too short at large airports, you have to change terminals.
5. Ticket bookings are non-refundable until visa results are available.

These are the things that VeDuHoc's team of more than 30 Bookers check before issuing tickets: comparing multiple airlines, optimizing 40–46kg luggage and oversized luggage, checking transit visas, and continuing to hunt even when prices are high; If a better price is found after you have paid, HVSC will refund the excess amount. You can start at the page Book tickets or read more Experience in booking airline tickets to study abroad.

Frequently asked questions

Which airline gives international students the most luggage?

There is no fixed answer; depending on route, ticket class and promotional program at the time of booking. Flights to the Americas often have a standard of 2 bags for economy class on many airlines.

Do I need a US visa to fly through the US to Canada?

Normally, passengers transiting in the US must have an appropriate US visa. Please check before choosing your itinerary.

Are low-cost airlines suitable for studying abroad?

Maybe, if you buy enough luggage and accept basic service. Compare the total cost instead of the original ticket price.

Should I choose a company with a membership card?

If you will be flying with the same airline/alliance multiple times during your studies abroad, earning points can help you upgrade classes and add extra baggage later on.

Choosing the right airline is the first step to a smooth study abroad journey. Contact VeDuHoc via hotline/Zalo 090.1800.918 to compare flight plans that suit your budget and luggage.

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