Students who travel can save big money by paying attention, planning in advance

Planning early never hurts. Surprisingly, being a spontaneous college student doesn’t harm much either.

The New York Times reported on Jan. 22 that airlines have been raising the price of tickets due to climbing gas prices. This could mean a rush in plane ticket purchases, because if customers wait, the same ticket may be more expensive later.

Kristie VanAuken, Akron-Canton Airport spokeswoman, said gas prices are an issue for airlines just as they are for automobile drivers. Many times, however, the airline ticket price increases “don’t stick,” she said.

– Programs like AirTran U offer college-age people (ages 18-22) the opportunity to fly standby at a low cost. – The AirTran U Web site gives details, but a one-way ticket can cost between $69 and $99 plus other travel fees. – It also offers memberships that entitle students to free flights if they fly standby enough times. – Passengers can only pack enough to fit into the overhead compartment. – Check online for a list of AirTran U “black out” dates.

VanAuken said if someone wants to vacation at a certain date, booking in advance is very important. She suggests that students register with Web sites that alert travelers to ticket sale opportunities. For example, sites such as Travelocity and Priceline offer discounted fares. When registering on these sites, individuals are alerted by e-mail when flights departing the city of their choice go on sale.

This may pose a problem for students who know they want to travel, but don’t have a destination in mind yet.

“I never plan ahead,” said Nick Mathews, sophomore business management major, “I’m a very spontaneous individual.”

College students have alternatives to booking in advance. Airports such as the Akron- Canton Airport offer programs such as AirTran U. This program offers college-age people (ages 18-22) the opportunity to fly standby at a low cost.

“If you want to go to Florida overnight, you can totally do it!” VanAuken said.

The AirTran U Web site describes the program in detail. A one-way ticket can cost between $69 and $99 plus other travel fees. It instructs travelers to arrive at the airport two hours before the estimated departure time and inform someone at the ticket counter of the desired destination. If there are still seats available in coach after everyone else has boarded, then one is automatically given to the waiting passenger.

AirTranU also offers memberships that entitle students to free flights if they fly standby enough times.

There are a few drawbacks to flying through this program. Passengers can only pack as much as can fit into the overhead compartment on the plane – flying standby means no luggage. Also, if the flight fills up, the hopeful traveler may have wasted a day at the airport.

VanAuken suggested flying on off-peak days (such as on a Tuesday or Wednesday) for the best chances at catching a flight. She also said that this time of year, because of low airline traffic, is often the best time to try flying standby.

Make sure before taking time to go to the airport that the day hasn’t been “blacked out” as a date students cannot fly standby. The dates are listed on the AirTranU Web site.

VanAuken explained that regardless of whether a student decides to plan in advance or take a spur-of-the-moment trip, departing from Northeast Ohio is a perk itself. She added the cost of departing from this area as opposed to many other places in the country is sometimes a difference of $100 or more.

Contact student finance reporter Sarah Steimer at [email protected].