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United Airlines approaches student pricing a little differently than many airlines. There isn’t a dedicated student discount tied to school enrollment. Instead, United offers a Young Adult Discount based strictly on age. That means some students can save, but eligibility depends on how old you are — not whether you’re currently enrolled in school.
Are you a student or young adult (aged 18 to 23) flying from the United States to a domestic or international destination?
If so, you can save 5% on your airfare when you fly United Airlines with their Young Adult Fares. Here is what you need to know.
How United’s Young Adult Discount Works
United Airlines’ young adult fares are slightly different from other airlines’ student flight discounts. Their discounts are more all-encompassing, as the airline offers them to anyone 18 to 23 years old, not just students.
If you fit the age requirement at the time of booking, United Airlines has a 5% flight discount for you. It is only available, however, when you book flights through the United app and is available for United Economy or Basic Economy purchases only.
The discount doesn’t apply to taxes, fees, or surcharges, including passenger facility charges, international departure tax, customs users/immigration fees, agricultural tax, or airport security charges. It doesn’t apply to checked bags or other fees either.
Why United Does Not Offer a Traditional Student Discount
Unlike many international airlines, United does not maintain a dedicated student fare program with added baggage or flexible ticket rules. Instead, United’s pricing strategy focuses on:
- Age-based discounts for younger travelers
- Limited promotional pricing rather than structured student fares
- Standard fare families with paid add-ons
This means United’s student-related savings are simpler but also more limited than those of airlines like Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, or Turkish Airlines.
Does the Discount Apply to All Flights?
United Airlines’ young adult discount applies to United or United Express-operated flights within the United States. It is also valid to and from select international destinations originating in the United States.
The deal also may apply to certain international codeshare flights identified with a “UA” flight number and operated by Air Canada, ANA, Austrian, Brussels, Lufthansa, and Swiss.
How to Book Your Young Adult
If you are between 18 and 23 years old, follow the steps below to have access to special fares on certain flights.
- Create a MileagePlus account for free. You can sign up for an account through the United app or website.
- Indicate your correct birth-date when you sign up to avail of the discount. The birth-date you provide must match your travel documents.
- Download the United app on Apple App Store or Google Play
- Sign up for a MileagePlus account.
- Select “Book” at the bottom of the navigation bar.
- Select “Discounted travel (ages 18-23).”
- Search for your flights. You should automatically see the discount when you start searching for flights.
Can I Book a Young Adult Fare for a Friend or Family Member?
No, United Airlines’ discounted airfare is for individual tickets only. You cannot book under your name for someone else to use. If you book the flight under your name, you must show up at the airport with your passport matching the name in the itinerary.
However, if your friend or family member is also between the age of 18-23 at the time of booking, they can book a discounted flight for themselves. They can follow the steps above to sign up for a MileagePlus account and access the booking via the United app.
United Student Discount Requirements
Because the United Airlines student discount applies to everyone who falls within the age range of 18-23 years of age, United won’t ask you for proof of being a student, such as a student ID number, admissions letter, or graduation date.
All you have to do is provide your correct birthdate when you sign up for a MileagePlus membership. Note that the birthdate you provide must match the birthdate in your travel documents (e.g. passport).
If your MileagePlus membership and travel documents reflect two different birthdays, you could be denied boarding. You may also have to pay additional fees to match the rates during the check-in time.
Does the Discount Apply to Those Who Don’t Live in the United States?
Yes, you are eligible for this discount even if you don’t live in the United States.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind. This discount is for United- or United Express-operated flights originating in the United States. All bookings are in U.S. currency only. Because you’ll be booking your flight on the app with this discount, you must use a credit card with a billing address in the U.S., Guam, or Puerto Rico.
Premier Status Mileage Members
Even if you hold a Premier status, you are still eligible for this discount as long as you’re a MileagePlus member and are between 18-23 years old at the time of booking.
If you have Premier status and book this discount, you will receive the discount along with all the benefits of your Premier status.
Note that Premier status members who purchase Basic Economy tickets are subject to most of the Basic Economy restrictions. However, they will receive the same boarding priority as they would receive when traveling on any other ticket.
Premier status members are also always eligible for a full-sized carry-on back and the complimentary checked baggage allowance they receive with their Premier status.
If you have a United credit card and purchase the discount with it, you will receive the card member benefits, as long as you are the cardholder and the customer traveling on the itinerary.
Are Young Adult Fares Eligible for FareLock?
FareLock is one of United Airlines’ special features. It allows you to hold your reserved fare and complete the purchase of your itinerary later. With FareLock, you can secure an itinerary for either three, seven, or 14 days. The price of your itinerary is guaranteed during the hold period until you decide to complete your purchase. FareLock allows you to finalize your travel plans without worrying whether or not the flight you’re eyeing might sell out.
Your student flight discount with United Airlines is eligible for FareLock. When you’re booking your flight through the United app, look for the FareLock option after choosing your flights.
If you’re ready to purchase your itinerary held with FareLock, go to “Manage Reservations” on united.com before the hold expires. You may also choose the auto-purchase option, which will automatically complete your purchase at the end of the FareLock hold period.
Should you decide to cancel your saved itinerary, you can do so before the hold expires. You will receive an email reminder 24 hours before your FareLock hold ends.
Cancellation and Refunds
When and where applicable, you may be issued a refund based on the amount paid if you decide to cancel your travel plans. However, you may have to pay other additional fees. Be sure to read all the applicable rules, terms, and conditions before you purchase your itinerary. Note the difference if you cancel your flight vs. if United cancels your flight.
United Student Discount vs Other Airlines
Compared to airlines with airline-direct student programs, United’s approach is more limited.
- United: Age-based discount (18–23), no added baggage or flexibility
- Lufthansa / Qatar / Turkish: Enrollment-verified student fares with baggage and flexibility
- Emirates: Promotion-based student offers
- Ryanair: No student discount, relies on low base fares
United may still be a reasonable choice for:
- Short-haul domestic flights
- Younger students who qualify by age
- Travelers using MileagePlus miles or elite benefits
For a broader comparison, see the Best Airlines for Student Flight Discounts guide.
Other Airlines that offer Student Discounts
United isn’t the only airline that offers student discounts. Here is a list of other major international airlines where students can get a discounted student ticket price:
| Airline | Discount Amount | Cabin Class with Discount |
| Air Canada | Varies | Economy, Standard & Flex Fare |
| Air France | Varies | Economy |
| Cathay Pacific | Varies | Premium Economy & Business Class |
| Etihad Airways | 5–10% | Economy & Business Class |
| Emirates | 5–10% | Economy & Business Class |
| KLM | Varies | Economy |
| Lufthansa | Varies | Selected Fare Classes |
| Malaysia Airlines | Up to 30% | Selected Fare Classes |
| Qatar Airways | 10–20% | Selected Fare Classes |
| Ryanair | 10% | Selected Fare Classes |
| Singapore Airlines | 10-45% | Economy & Premium Economy |
| Thai Airways | Varies | Economy & Business Class |
| Turkish Airlines | 10–20% | Selected Fare Classes |
| United Airlines | 5% | Basic Economy & Economy |
Alyssa is an event planner, avid traveler, and freelance writer. She loves reading, writing, and watching TV series. When she’s not busy traveling, she is most likely studying cultures and languages or daydreaming about future trips.
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