FLIGHT BOOKING

Here’s a comprehensive guide

For students flying from Pakistan to study in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the USA, including airlines, flight booking tips, luggage allowances, and travel requirements.

Flight Booking Guide for International Students from Pakistan

  1. Flights to the UK
  • Airlines: British Airways, PIA (Pakistan International Airlines), Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines.
  • Major Airports: London Heathrow (LHR), London Gatwick (LGW), Manchester (MAN), Birmingham (BHX), Edinburgh (EDI).
  • Average Price: ₨100,000 - ₨150,000 (Economy Class, one-way, depending on the season).
  • Visa Requirements: Ensure your student visa is approved before booking your flight. You may need to provide flight details as part of your visa application.
  • Tip: London Heathrow is the most common international student entry point.
  1. Flights to Australia
  • Airlines: Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, PIA, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines.
  • Major Airports: Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), Brisbane (BNE), Perth (PER), Adelaide (ADL).
  • Average Price: ₨150,000 - ₨250,000 (Economy Class, one-way, depending on the season).
  • Visa Requirements: You must have an approved subclass 500 student visa before booking.
  • Tip: Sydney and Melbourne have the most student arrivals, but Perth may offer cheaper flights.
  1. Flights to New Zealand
  • Airlines: Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, PIA, Cathay Pacific, Air New Zealand.
  • Major Airports: Auckland (AKL), Wellington (WLG), Christchurch (CHC).
  • Average Price: ₨120,000 - ₨200,000 (Economy Class, one-way).
  • Visa Requirements: Ensure you have an approved student visa before booking.
  • Tip: Auckland is the main international gateway for students.
  1. Flights to Canada
  • Airlines: Air Canada, PIA, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa.
  • Major Airports: Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Vancouver (YVR), Montreal (YUL), Calgary (YYC).
  • Average Price: ₨120,000 - ₨180,000 (Economy Class, one-way).
  • Visa Requirements: Your study permit must be approved before booking your flight.
  • Tip: Toronto Pearson is the most commonly used airport, but you may find slightly cheaper flights to Montreal.
  1. Flights to the USA
  • Airlines: PIA, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, Delta Airlines.
  • Major Airports: New York (JFK, EWR), Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago (ORD), San Francisco (SFO), Boston (BOS).
  • Average Price: ₨100,000 - ₨200,000 (Economy Class, one-way).
  • Visa Requirements: Ensure you have an approved F1 visa before booking. You may need to include flight details as part of your visa process.
  • Tip: Consider New York City for cheaper flights, as it’s a major international hub for students.

Luggage and Baggage Allowance

Airline                         

Hand Baggage

Checked Baggage

Excess Baggage Fees

British Airways

1 bag (23 kg)

1 bag (23 kg)

Approx. £65-100

Qatar Airways

1 bag (7 kg)

1 bag (30 kg)

Approx. $100-150

Emirates

1 bag (7 kg)

1 bag (30 kg)

Approx. $50-100

PIA

1 bag (7 kg)

1 bag (23 kg)

₨3,000 per extra 5 kg

Singapore Airlines

1 bag (7 kg)

1 bag (30 kg)

Approx. $100

Important Travel Documents to Carry

  • Valid Passport: Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date.
  • Student Visa: You need an approved student visa for the country you're traveling to.
  • University Admission Letter: This is crucial for your visa and airport check-in.
  • Accommodation Details: Some countries may require proof of accommodation or a contact address in the destination country.
  • Health Insurance: Some countries (like Australia and the USA) require proof of health insurance for international students.

Flight Booking Tips

  1. Book Early: Try to book at least 1-3 months in advance to get the best deals.
  2. Use Student Discount Platforms: Websites like StudentUniverse and STA Travel offer discounted rates for students.
  3. Look for Connecting Flights: These might be cheaper, but ensure you have at least 2-3 hours of layover between connecting flights.
  4. Check for Hidden Fees: Some low-cost carriers may have lower ticket prices but higher extra fees (for baggage, seat selection, etc.).
  5. Watch for Travel Alerts: Given travel disruptions (e.g., COVID-19), monitor updates for any new restrictions, required tests, or documentation.

If you need further assistance or information on Flight Booking, feel free to contact ITL Education.