Flying home for the holidays or heading to a new city for college? If you are a student in India, you can save a solid chunk of money on every flight you book. Most major Indian airlines now run dedicated student discount programmes with lower base fares, extra baggage, and flexible change policies.
This guide breaks down every student flight offer available in 2026 so you can compare airlines, know exactly what documents to carry, and book the cheapest fare possible.
TL;DR: IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, and Air India Express all offer student discounts ranging from 6 % to 10 % off the base fare, plus 10 kg extra baggage. You need a valid student ID (age 12-30 in most cases), and you must book through the airline’s own website or app. Read on for a full comparison and step-by-step booking tips.
Which Indian Airlines Offer Student Discounts in 2026?
Almost every major domestic carrier now has a student fare category. Here is a quick snapshot before we go airline by airline.
| Airline | Discount on Base Fare | Extra Baggage | Age Limit | Booking Channel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IndiGo | Up to 10 % | +10 kg check-in | 12-30 years | HappyFares / Airline Website |
| Air India | Flat 10 % | +10 kg check-in | 12-30 years | HappyFares / Airline Website |
| SpiceJet | Up to 10 % | +10 kg (total 25 kg) | 12 years & above | HappyFares / Airline Website |
| Akasa Air | Flat 7 % | +10 kg (total 25 kg) | 12-24 years | HappyFares / Airline Website |
| Air India Express | 6 % | 25 kg total allowance | 12 years & above | HappyFares / Airline Website |
Now let us look at each airline’s programme in detail.
IndiGo Student Discount
IndiGo’s student offer is one of the most popular thanks to the airline’s extensive domestic and growing international network. When you book as a student on goindigo.in or the IndiGo app, you get up to 10 % off the base fare on domestic flights, an additional 10 kg check-in baggage over your fare’s standard allowance, and zero fees on date changes.
For international flights, the base fare discount is not available, but you still receive the extra 10 kg baggage benefit, which can save you thousands of rupees.
Eligibility: You must be between 12 and 30 years old and enrolled full-time for at least one academic year at a recognised school, college, or university. At the airport check-in counter, you need to show a valid student ID card or an acceptance letter from your institution. International travellers also need a valid student visa.
Air India Student Offer
Air India offers a flat 10 % discount on the base fare for domestic flights, along with 10 kg extra check-in baggage. For students heading abroad, Air India’s international network covers destinations across the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia, and the student fare benefits extend to those routes as well.
A standout feature is Air India’s APAAR ID integration. If you have an APAAR ID (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry), you can verify your student status digitally on the Air India website before booking. This means you skip the hassle of carrying physical documents to the check-in counter because your eligibility is already confirmed.
Eligibility: Students aged 12 to 30 years attending a recognised educational institution. You must carry a valid student ID, acceptance letter, or student visa. Documents must be valid on your date of travel, not just at the time of booking.
SpiceJet Student Discount
SpiceJet provides up to 10 % off the base fare on direct domestic one-way and round-trip bookings. The baggage deal is generous: you start with 15 kg check-in baggage and get an additional 10 kg when you show your student ID at the airport, giving you a total of 25 kg in a single piece.
Bookings are changeable and refundable, though name changes are not allowed. The discount cannot be combined with other promotional offers or schemes.
Eligibility: Students aged 12 years and older, enrolled in a recognised school or university in India. A valid student ID card is required at check-in.
Akasa Air Student Discount
Akasa Air, one of India’s newer carriers, offers a flat 7 % discount on the basic fare for domestic one-way and return flights. Students also get a total of 25 kg check-in baggage (15 kg standard plus 10 kg extra) upon showing their student ID at the check-in counter.
Bookings are changeable and refundable, but not transferable. One thing to note is Akasa Air’s slightly narrower age bracket compared to other airlines.
Eligibility: Students aged 12 to 24 years (not 30) enrolled in a legitimate school or university in India. You must carry the original hard copy of your student ID card issued by an authorised Indian educational institution.
Air India Express Student Fare
Air India Express, the budget arm of the Air India group, offers a 6 % discount on the base fare along with a 25 kg check-in baggage allowance. If you are flying shorter domestic routes or connecting to international destinations in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, Air India Express can be a wallet-friendly option.
Eligibility: Students aged 12 years or above studying at any educational institution in India. Show your valid student ID at the check-in counter.
Documents You Need for Student Flight Discounts
Getting the discount is easy, but forgetting your documents can mean losing it entirely. Here is a checklist of what to carry to the airport:
- Valid Student ID Card from your school, college, or university (original, not a photocopy)
- Acceptance or Enrolment Letter if your institution has not issued an ID yet
- Student Visa (for international flights, if applicable)
- APAAR ID (optional, for Air India’s digital verification, which skips physical document checks)
- Government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar, passport, or voter ID for the regular check-in process)
Important tips:
– Your student ID must be valid on your date of travel, not just when you booked the ticket.
– Carry the original document. Airlines do not accept photocopies or digital scans at the check-in counter.
– If you are between institutions (graduated but joining a new programme), check with the airline whether your old ID is still accepted.
How to Book Student Fares Step by Step
Booking a student fare is straightforward, but you must use the right channel. Here is a general process that applies across airlines:
- Visit the airline’s official website or app. Student discounts are only available on direct booking channels, not on third-party platforms.
- Search for your flight by entering your origin, destination, and travel dates as usual.
- Select the Student fare category. Most airlines show this as a passenger type option (like Adult, Child, Senior Citizen, Student) on the search page itself. On IndiGo, look for the “Student” option under the Special Fares section.
- Choose your preferred flight and fare. The discounted base fare will be reflected in the price breakdown.
- Complete the booking with your personal and payment details.
- Carry your documents to the airport. The discount is provisionally applied at booking and verified at check-in.
If you are looking for even more ways to bring down your ticket cost, check out our guide to booking the cheapest domestic flights in India for tips on timing, fare alerts, and flexible date searches.
Tips to Maximise Your Student Flight Savings
Getting the discount is step one. Here are a few extra strategies that can help you save even more:
- Book early. Student fares are still subject to seat availability. Booking two to three weeks in advance usually gets you the lowest fares.
- Travel on weekdays. Tuesday and Wednesday flights tend to be cheaper across all fare types, including student fares.
- Be flexible with dates. Use the flexible date search feature (available on most airline websites) to compare fares across a week.
- Stack the baggage benefit. The extra 10 kg allowance means you can skip paying for add-on baggage. Pack smart and use every kilogram. For packing help, read our cabin baggage rules guide for Indian airlines.
- Use web check-in. Save time at the airport and choose your seat early. Our web check-in guide walks you through the process for every Indian airline.
- Compare across airlines. A 10 % discount on a higher base fare might still cost more than a 7 % discount on a lower base fare. Always compare the final ticket price, not just the discount percentage.
- Watch for sale periods. Airlines occasionally run additional promotions that can be combined with student fares (though policies vary, so read the terms).
International Student Fares: What to Know
If you are heading abroad for studies, the student discount landscape changes a bit. Here is what to keep in mind:
Air India is your best bet for long-haul international routes with student benefits. The flat 10 % discount and extra baggage apply to international bookings as well, covering routes to North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia.
IndiGo does not offer the base fare discount on international flights, but you still get 10 kg extra baggage on their international routes (covering the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia).
Air India Express operates international routes primarily to the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The student fare benefits apply on these routes too, making it a budget-friendly option for students travelling to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Singapore, or Bangkok.
For international travel, you will almost always need a valid student visa in addition to your student ID. Some airlines also accept an acceptance letter from the foreign university. Make sure all documents are valid on your travel date.
Pro tip: For international flights, the extra baggage allowance can be worth more than the fare discount itself. On piece-concept routes, Air India lets Economy students carry two bags of 23 kg each, which is a significant perk when you are moving your life to a new country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a student discount on HappyFares?
Most student discounts from airlines are available only through the airline’s own website or mobile app. Third-party platforms like leading travel platforms like HappyFaresYatra, and HappyFares sometimes run their own student offers, but these are separate promotions and may not match the airline’s direct discount. For the most reliable savings, book directly with the airline.
What happens if I forget my student ID at the airport?
If you cannot present a valid student ID at the check-in counter, the airline may ask you to pay the fare difference between the student fare and the regular fare. Some airlines may deny boarding on the student ticket altogether. Always carry the original document.
Do student discounts apply during peak travel seasons like Diwali or Christmas?
Student fares are generally available year-round, but they are subject to seat availability. During peak seasons, discounted seats fill up faster. Book well in advance (three to four weeks or more) during holidays to lock in the student fare.
Is there an upper age limit for student discounts?
Yes, it varies by airline. IndiGo and Air India cap it at 30 years. Akasa Air has a stricter limit of 24 years. SpiceJet and Air India Express require you to be 12 or older but do not specify an upper limit on their student fare pages, though you must be an enrolled student. Always check the specific airline’s terms before booking.
Can postgraduate and PhD students avail of student flight discounts?
Yes. As long as you are enrolled full-time in a recognised educational institution and carry a valid student ID, you are eligible. This includes undergraduate, postgraduate, MBA, PhD, and diploma students. The key requirement is full-time enrolment, not the level of study.
Student flight discounts in India make air travel noticeably more affordable, whether you are flying home every semester or heading overseas for a degree programme. The key is to book through the airline’s official channels, carry your documents, and compare final prices across carriers. Even a 7-10 % discount adds up quickly when you are flying multiple times a year.
Ready to find your next cheap student flight? Head to HappyFares to compare fares and start booking.
