Students Taking Flight

Every day, there are approximately 100,000 flights taking off and landing globally, transporting six million passengers to destinations all over the world. This means that, at any given time, there are about 500,000 people in the air. While it is difficult to determine how many of these passengers are students, we can estimate that, given the world population of students, it is likely that a significant number of students are among these travellers.

Students' air travel statistics during the pandemic

Students Air Travel Statistics During the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the aviation industry, with a sharp decline in the number of global passengers. This has resulted in financial losses for airlines and airports, with a drop in revenue and passenger numbers. However, it is important to note that air cargo traffic and revenue grew during this period, providing some relief to the industry.

Impact on Passenger Aviation

The spread of COVID-19 led to a significant decrease in the number of global passengers, with over 4.5 billion passengers travelling before the pandemic to roughly 1.8 billion after its onset. This represents a more than 60% drop in global air passenger traffic. The number of daily flights also reduced, with commercial flight carriers conducting about 5,670 passenger flights daily in the US, compared to 176,000 total flights per day in March 2019.

During the initial months of the pandemic, cities imposed lockdowns, and flight activity came to a near standstill, with a 96% reduction in flights worldwide. This was nearly triple the percentage of flight reductions that followed the 9/11 attacks. The pandemic also affected traveller behaviour, with individuals prioritizing cabin cleanliness and airline reputation when choosing a flight.

Financial Impact on the Aviation Industry

The sharp decline in global travel had a significant financial impact on the aviation industry. Commercial airlines' passenger revenue amounted to 189 billion US dollars in 2020, a significant decrease from the projected 581 billion US dollars before the pandemic. The industry is estimated to have lost 370 billion US dollars in revenue during this period. Airports also suffered losses, with revenue reductions of 121.8 billion US dollars in 2020 and further losses of 111.4 billion US dollars estimated for 2021.

Air Cargo Traffic

While commercial aviation was hit hard, global air freight traffic and revenue grew during the pandemic. Air freight traffic is expected to reach 69.3 million metric tons by 2022, up from 56.1 million metric tons in 2020. Revenue from cargo airlines also increased, amounting to 175 billion US dollars in 2021.

Student Air Travel

While there are no specific statistics on student air travel during the pandemic, it can be assumed that student travel was impacted in a similar way to overall passenger numbers. With schools and universities closed during lockdowns and a shift to online learning, many students cancelled or postponed their travel plans. Additionally, the financial impact of the pandemic may have affected students' ability to afford air travel.

How many students travel by plane each day in the US

It is difficult to say exactly how many students travel by plane each day in the US, as this data is not readily available. However, we can estimate a figure using general statistics on air travel in the US.

Firstly, it is important to note that the number of flights and passengers can vary significantly depending on the time of year. For example, US passenger airlines expected a record 158 million passengers in March and April, an average of 2.6 million per day. In contrast, the number of flights and passengers decreased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2020, there was a daily average of 145,000 flights, compared to 176,000 in March 2019.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the FAA Air Traffic Organization (ATO) handles around 45,000 flights and 2.9 million passengers per day. Another source states that there are approximately 5,670 passenger flights daily in the US, carrying around 1.73 million passengers on average.

Using these figures, we can estimate that there are between 1.73 million and 2.9 million passengers travelling by plane each day in the US. Assuming that students make up an equal proportion of travellers as they do in the general population, we can estimate the number of student travellers. A 2023 survey found that almost 90% of Americans had taken a commercial flight in their lifetime, with more than half flying before their 16th birthday and around 80% flying before the age of 21. Therefore, we can estimate that students make up around 10-15% of travellers (assuming that those over the age of 21 make up the remaining 85-90%).

Based on these calculations, we can estimate that between 173,000 and 435,000 students travel by plane each day in the US. This is a rough estimate and the actual number may vary depending on a number of factors, including the time of year, economic conditions, and other demographic considerations.

International student air travel

Every day, the Federal Aviation Administration's Air Traffic Organization (ATO) services approximately 45,000 flights and 2.9 million passengers across 29 million square miles of airspace. This includes a large number of students, who often take advantage of student travel deals and discounts offered by airlines and booking platforms.

StudentUniverse, for example, offers exclusive student travel deals to hundreds of destinations worldwide. They work directly with airlines to secure cheap international flights for students, ensuring they can travel without breaking the bank. Similarly, Skyscanner provides a platform for students to find discount flight deals, promo codes, and student-specific booking options.

Major airlines such as Delta, American Airlines, Lufthansa, and United Airlines also offer student discount programs, providing special fares for students travelling internationally. These discounts can make a significant difference in the overall cost of a student's trip, making travel more accessible and affordable.

With an estimated six million people flying somewhere every day, students make up a notable portion of air travellers. The flexibility and cost-consciousness that students often exhibit when booking their trips allow them to take advantage of various deals and discounts, ensuring they can explore the world within their budgets.

Seasonal variations in student flight bookings

During the summer months, particularly July and August in the Northern Hemisphere, student flight bookings tend to increase significantly. This period often coincides with summer vacations and presents an opportunity for students to travel for leisure or to visit family and friends. Airports in tourist destinations experience a surge in demand, with some recording nearly 30% of their annual traffic during these months. This trend is particularly noticeable in European countries, where the holiday period from July to September prompts an influx of student travellers.

In contrast, the winter months, especially around the Chinese New Year, tend to witness a decrease in student flight bookings. This period often aligns with the academic calendar, as many students are busy with exams or preparing for the upcoming semester. Additionally, the Chinese New Year celebrations result in a significant dip in air cargo traffic, affecting overall flight operations.

Regional variations also play a role in seasonal fluctuations. For instance, European airports exhibit a higher level of seasonality compared to other regions, with August being the peak month for student travel. On the other hand, the Asia-Pacific region demonstrates the least seasonal variation, with a more consistent distribution of student flight bookings throughout the year.

Furthermore, the dynamics of student flight bookings can be influenced by broader economic and social factors. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted air travel demand, causing a sharp decline in the number of flights and passengers worldwide. Similarly, fluctuations in fuel prices or economic downturns can also affect students' travel plans and budgets, leading to adjustments in booking patterns.

Overall, understanding seasonal variations in student flight bookings is crucial for effective resource management and capacity planning by airports, airlines, and other travel-related businesses. By anticipating peak periods and adjusting their operations accordingly, they can enhance efficiency and better cater to the needs of student travellers.

How do students afford to fly?

Being a student often means travelling on a low budget. Luckily, airlines and flight companies recognize this and offer various discounts and deals to accommodate thrifty students. Here are some ways students can afford to fly:

Student Discount Websites

Websites like StudentUniverse, Skyscanner, and KAYAK offer exclusive flight discounts for students. These sites negotiate directly with airlines to provide special deals for students. StudentUniverse, for example, offers discounts of up to 30% off for students who sign up for a free account. Similarly, KAYAK partners with travel companies to offer discounts for college students and travellers under 26.

Student Travel Credit Cards

Students can sign up for travel credit cards that offer reward miles. For instance, the BMO SPC Air Miles Student Mastercard, available for Canadian students, provides 800 miles upon signing up and 1 air mile for every $20 spent. This card has no minimum personal income, no annual fees, and accepts applicants with poor to fair credit.

Group Discounts

Some airlines, such as American Airlines, offer group discounts for students travelling in large groups for study abroad or school breaks. For groups of 10 or more, American Airlines provides student flight deals and allows group members to select seats together 11 months in advance.

Budget Airlines

Budget airlines offer extremely low prices, even for students on a tight budget. While these airlines may charge extra for baggage, checking in at the airport, seat selection, and food, students who are flexible and willing to forego these extras can find great deals.

Price Alerts

Students can take advantage of price alerts on websites and apps, such as Skyscanner's Price Alert, to monitor flight prices for their desired routes. This allows them to stay informed about price changes and find the best deals.

Flexible Travel Dates

Being flexible with travel dates can save students a significant amount of money. Moving travel dates by just a day or two, or booking flights during off-peak times, such as the middle of the week, off-season, or overnight, can result in substantial savings.

Student ID Discounts

Bringing a student ID can unlock various discounts on hotels, train passes, and more. Additionally, having an ISIC (International Student Identity Card) can provide access to over 150,000 discounts worldwide on accommodations, tours, tickets, and other benefits.

Frequently asked questions