<p>pssst, jewel, I suggested student universe in post #10. :)</p>
<p>I normally look to the web for the best prices (e.g. bookingbuddy.com) - however, websites don’t seem the best source for last minute deals. Would you call an airline directly if you want to fly in the next 2 days?</p>
<p>OK…what did I do wrong. I went to the Student Universe site and the airfare for my kid’s travel in December there on Delta airlines was $468 round trip. On the Delta website, it was $219.</p>
<p>I have not found Student Universe to be less expensive. For my son’s travel in December, Student Universe was $618, Delta website $320.</p>
<p>I second all the comments about Southwest. I use it to travel whenever I can & we have a SW CC that gives points. I usually earn 3-4 free tickets per year. First time we searched for a flight for S to college, regular airline directly from home to school was $492 each (for him and for his large musical instrument). Instead, used 1 free SW ticket to town an hour away, paid $218 for instrument and $150 for a roundtrip limo. Total, less than 1 ticket on the regular airline.</p>
<p>Do you have any refund/change flight options when you book through STA or Student Universe?</p>
<p>People, do NOT get me started on AA. I have been an advantage member for about 25 years and have a credit card with AA miles. In the past three years it is almost impossible to use the mileage, particularly to and from tertiary airports.<br>
I have a couple of cash back cards for my business and use those whenever possible.</p>
<p>I saw a website that has an AMTRAK deal, its like buy one adult fare get 1/2 on the student ticket. Its a good alternative to flying. campusvisit.com</p>
<p>My cost-cutting tips:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Send your kid to school where relatives live. Free hotel during move-in and out. :)</p></li>
<li><p>Send kid alone, if flying. I’m always amazed when my kid tells me how many of his classmates’ mothers flew up with them.</p></li>
<li><p>Save your BB&B coupons. They never expire. Take them with you for last minute needs. Also, can order on line and have shipped to school, and not have to lug.</p></li>
<li><p>Don’t bring kids home for Thanksgiving. (See relatives in #1.)<br>
Alternately, Last year we all met in DC. S1 lives there, S2 took the train, and relatives in #1 drove D.</p></li>
<li><p>Arrange to have car hit in parking lot; then arrange for car repairs to be done during move in or out; let other driver’s insurance co pick up tab for nice new rental minivan to drive for the duration.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Of course, all these cost-cutting measures are negated by the fact that </p>
<ol>
<li><p>S2 forgot to send in his health forms - $250 late fee.</p></li>
<li><p>D forgot her bedding (since she was using it up to morning of leaving.) Couple hundred dollars for mattress pad (only had the most expensive ones left on the shelves), blankets, etc.</p></li>
<li><p>Flat rate boxes keep going up in price!</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Yes, I have never flown my college-aged child home for any break other than Christmas and summer. He stays in CA for Thanksgiving & either in the area or travels to see friends for spring break. I use miles accummulated on a credit card to buy free tickets for him. It has worked well for us.</p>