Once you are enrolled and have been given the necessary arrival parameters by your study away program staff, you may proceed to purchase your airline tickets. Although it is usually cheaper to book your international flights a few months prior to departure, you can certainly start researching flights before your plans are definite, so you have an idea of what is available and approximate costs.
Consider using a travel search engine to find the cheapest days and times to fly (making sure to note whether there is a specific window of time your program requires you to arrive), and then go to the airline's website to book the actual tickets. Airlines will often match or beat other prices listed online, and the service you receive may be better when purchasing directly from the airline. Also, inquire with the airline about their fees for changing the return date, in case you want to keep your options open at the end of your program.
As you begin researching your study abroad flights and planning your travel itinerary, below are some suggested resources:
Kayak.com or Google Flights: Kayak and Google search a large number of sites, there are minimal flashy banners popping out at you, and it’s usually very flexible. Kayak.com and Google Flights are also great for booking your weekend travels/vacations while you are abroad. Not every airline may be represented on these websites, so be sure to check discount and local airline sites too.
Studentuniverse.com: Offers discounts to students for flights and hotels. Student Universe is a student-focused online travel agency with agents available to help you understand how the ticketing process works and make the best decisions to help you save money on your flights.
Travel Insurance
Many airlines offer different levels of tickets. The lowest cost tickets are usually non-refundable and not changeable. You may want to consider buying a more flexible ticket or purchasing insurance to cover the cost if you need to delay or cancel your travel. Be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully. Choose the option you are most comfortable with and meets your individual needs.