Indian carriers like Air India and Jet Airways are vying with each other for a share of student traffic to various destinations in the US, Europe and UK sectors. Travel agents say bookings on both these airlines are in full swing. Generally, July to October is the peak travelling season for students who have secured admissions in universities abroad.
According to a counsellor from YoungBuzz, a career guidance company, over 30,000 students from Mumbai alone travel to various universities in the US and UK during this season. Admissions are open to universities in Los Angeles, Toronto, New York, Chicago, Frankfurt and London, where Indian students secure admission.
Says an official from Jet Airways, ?We understand how difficult it can be for students travelling abroad. Hence, we have come up with a package for them.?
The fares for students start at Rs 26,000 (round trip) and Rs 14,300 (one way) to the UK and most destinations in Europe. For the US, the rates are Rs 36,000 (round trip) and Rs 19,800 (effective August 5).
Along with the discount, airlines also allow excess baggage weighing upto 23 kg, over and above the free baggage limit of 40 kg.
Jet Airways has a special scheme wherein a student would be given two MCO (miscellaneous charges order) coupons worth Rs 2,000 each which can be redeemed against the purchase of tickets for the subsequent travel and is valid for two years. And that is not all. A spouse or parent accompanying the student is also given a discount of Rs 2,500.
In the case of Air India, a passenger holding student visa gets special discounted fares for travel to the US (normal fare is Rs 45,000 plus) and several destinations in Europe and UK (normal fare is Rs 30,000 plus). The airline gives a discount of more then 20% and above on the usual fares, and excess baggage of 20 kg is allowed to London, and 10 kg to Paris/Frankfurt/Birmingham.
?We allow additional baggage over and above the 40 kg limit since students carry a large volume of books,? says an official from Air India.