Study abroad air tickets: when to book, where to book and how to save

🔄 Cập nhật lần cuối: 08/10/26

Study abroad tickets are different from regular travel tickets in three ways: you bring more luggage, flight schedules are tied to admission dates and visas, and you often need to change dates when plans change. Therefore, the cheapest ticket on the screen is not necessarily the most economical option. This article helps you answer three questions: when to order, where to order and how to save.

When should I book air tickets to study abroad?

Principle 1: after having a visa (or choosing a flexible ticket)

The US Department of State advises students not to finalize plans or buy tickets before they have a visa. This is also general advice for other countries. If you want to reserve the price early, choose a ticket class that allows changes or refunds with reasonable fees.

Principle 2: based on immigration regulations

• New F-1 students may not enter the United States earlier than 30 days before the course start date on the I-20.
• Students under 18 years of age who travel to Australia must not enter the country before the date their guardianship arrangement begins (see Study abroad documents for students under 18 years old).
• It also depends on the dormitory, homestay check-in date and the orientation week schedule.

Rule 3: book early before peak season

July–September (fall semester in the US, UK, Canada, Europe) and January–February (Australia's first semester, coinciding with Tet) are the peak periods for international students. At this time, prices often increase and cheap ticket classes sell out quickly. Once you have a visa, you should book it as soon as possible, ideally 1–3 months before your flight date. See details at Admission schedule and time to book study abroad tickets and How long before admission should I fly?.

Where to book tickets: compare channels

If ordering yourself, please read the instructions carefully Experience in booking airline tickets to study abroad and item book your own tickets on the Q&A page.

Select ticket class and itinerary

Flexible tickets or cheapest tickets?

The cheapest tickets often do not allow changes or have high change fees and little luggage. For international students, a slightly higher ticket class that allows for date changes and has 2 pieces or 30–40kg of luggage is often more economical in terms of total cost. Read more International checked baggage for international students.

Fly direct or transit?

• Flying direct: less tiring, less risk of lost luggage, but prices are often higher and not available on all routes.
• Transit: better price, but requires enough connecting time (usually 2–3 hours or more for international flights) and transit visa check. See Transit when flying to study abroad.
• Always book a single ticket for the entire journey to be protected by the airline when the previous leg is late.

One way or round trip?

Depending on the country plan and regulations of each airline. See detailed analysis at One-way or round-trip tickets when studying abroad.

8 ways to save money when booking study abroad tickets

1. Flexible flight dates ±3–5 days; Midweek is usually cheaper than weekends.
2. Compare the total cost including luggage, not just the ticket price.
3. Consider other arrival airports in the same area (e.g. airports around New York, London).
4. Find out about the company's student incentive program. See Discount air tickets for students.
5. Sign up as a member of the airline to earn miles from your first trip.
6. Avoid peak weeks like Tet and Christmas if your schedule allows.
7. Book together with school friends to easily negotiate group prices (if there are enough numbers).
8. Ask a ticket hunter to monitor prices instead of checking them yourself every day.

If you want to receive a quick quote, you can submit a request on the page Book tickets or view services air tickets to study abroad.

Frequently asked questions

How long in advance is it cheapest to book study abroad tickets?

There are no fixed landmarks for all routes. Usually, booking 1–3 months before peak season helps to have more ticket class options. Booking close to August or January is usually expensive.

I don't have a visa yet, should I reserve a seat in advance?

You can choose tickets that allow refund, exchange, or ask the agent for advice on price keeping. Avoid buying non-refundable tickets without a visa.

How should the name be written on the ticket?

Write exactly as on the passport, without markings, in the correct order of full name according to the company's instructions. Wrong name may result in being denied boarding.

Do study abroad tickets include extra baggage?

Some airlines have luggage incentive programs for students according to specific periods and conditions. Please ask carefully when booking tickets.

Booking air tickets to study abroad properly helps you save both money and effort, and more importantly, have a smooth journey. If you need a team to accompany you from ticket hunting to landing, VeDuHoc is always ready via hotline/Zalo 090.1800.918.

📚 Articles on the same topic

Study abroad handbookExit procedures at Vietnam airport for international students28/03/26 · 6 phút đọcStudy abroad lifeFirst day at school: orientation and things to do20/12/24 · 6 phút đọcStudy abroad lifePersonal financial management for international students: create a monthly budget08/09/24 · 6 phút đọcStudy abroad lifeStaying in touch with family while studying abroad: tools and habits21/01/24 · 6 phút đọcStudy abroad handbookOne-way or round-trip tickets when studying abroad: cost analysis30/11/23 · 6 phút đọcStudy abroad lifeSafety when studying abroad: avoiding scams and common risks19/08/23 · 8 phút đọc