How to Book My Flight

Note: Refer to information from your program or university regarding arrival and departure dates, etc. If you have questions and/or would like additional help after reviewing the information provided, please contact your CU Boulder Program Manager (to work out who this is, refer to the left hand side of your MyCUAbroad checklist).

Step 1: Do your research.

Compare flight prices and itineraries. Explore multiple sites (some examples below) and compare with the operating airline’s websites.

• STA Travel partners with major airlines to offer special student deals. There is a price beat guarantee and deferred payment for select flights called “book now, pay later.” • Student Universe partners with major airlines to offer special deals on flights for students. • Skyscanner compares flights from multiple carriers. Users can search in over 30 languages. Skyscanner doesn’t sell tickets; users are directed to book with the travel provider or airline. • Expedia compares and combine flights from different operators and offers a 24 hour best price guarantee. • Kayak pulls a comprehensive list of flights and provides fare charts showing price trends. • Momondo compares flights from multiple carriers, maps fares to compare price fluctuation over time, and provides recommendations for best flights based on price vs. time. Momondo doesn’t sell tickets; users are directed to book with the travel provider or airline. • Orbitz offers best price guarantee, meaning if after booking you find the same itinerary elsewhere for less, you get 100% of the difference back in Orbitz credit. • Priceline allows you to bid, which could result in a great deal but requires patience. • Airfare Watchdog allows you to set up personalized email alerts of lowest fares to your study abroad destination. • Google Flights also has a good alert feature that you can set up to monitor prices.

Consider timing. It is a good idea to book in advance as flight prices tend to go up in the last two weeks before departure. Most airlines release new flight listings every Monday and Tuesday. You’re likely to find better deals on these two days as compared to the weekend when ticket prices tend to go up. It can be cheaper to fly midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday) than over a weekend.

Read the fine print. Will you be charged for checked or carryon luggage? Are there additional taxes and booking fees to account for? Will you be charged for itinerary changes? Can you book a flexible return date? What is the cancellation policy? Etc.

Follow instructions. Don’t book airfare until you are accepted to your program and instructed to do so.

Step 2: Purchase your ticket.

When you study abroad, financial aid for which you are eligible and have accepted will be applied to your CU Bursar’s account. However, there are costs that need to be covered before financial aid becomes available. Your airfare is one of these costs. Whether you plan to use financial aid or not, below are some ideas to help you mitigate this expense.

A: If you plan to use financial aid and still have aid left for the current term:

• Use your financial aid refund for the educational expense of study abroad airfare.

B: If you plan to use financial aid and do not have aid left for the current term:

• Consider using miles. Join airline loyalty or frequent flier programs to accrue credit toward free flights and upgrades.

How to Book My Flight

If you have miles of your own, you may be able to book your travel using miles in lieu of a credit card. If you lack enough points to book your flight, airlines often allow you to purchase additional points to get to the number you need. These points might be sold at a higher rate, but your overall savings could be significant.

If you don’t have miles of your own, you may be able to use someone else’s. Contact your airline’s customer service to ask about the transferability of miles. Sometimes a small fee is charged for such a transaction, but it could save you a lot of money overall.

• STA Travel has an airfare deposit program which enables you to reserve your flight for $300 and pay the balance one week before departure. These tickets can be more expensive, however. For more information visit their website or call 800-781-4040.

• In some cases, the Office of Financial Aid is able to issue an advance on your refund for the following term. Visit a Financial Aid Counselor.

• For students with high financial need, Education Abroad may also be able to help out with booking a flight before financial aid kicks in. Reach out to your Program Manager to pursue this option.

C: If you do not plan to use financial aid to pay for your airfare:

• When you’ve found the best deal, book online, over the phone, or through a travel agent.

A note about payment methods: Most flight purchases are made using a credit card. If you or a family member does not have access to a credit card:

• Consider purchasing a Visa Gift Card and using it to purchase your ticket. • Consider using a PayPal account to purchase your ticket. • Certain airlines allow purchases to be made via Western Union cash transfer.

Tip: Most airlines allow customers to cancel without penalty within 24 hours of booking. Check if your price drops within 24 hours of booking. If so, you can cancel and rebook the lower fare.

Step 3: Stay tuned.

Pay close attention to follow-up emails and alerts after booking.

Step 4: Provide your itinerary in your MyCUAbroad checklist.

We need your travel itinerary prior to your departure. Refer to your MyCUAbroad checklist.

Disclaimer: The following is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement by the University of Colorado Boulder or Education Abroad. CU Boulder Education Abroad is not an agent for these organizations.