Do youth, or student fares still exist? I'm looking to make a trip to Bangkok, but can't see that the so-called student fares are much, if at all, cheaper that regular airfares? Dean Crichton, Manchester

Sunday Times travel expert Richard Green responds: Airline student and youth fares first appeared in the 1970s, when big savings could be made on the usual fares.

Over time though, the difference has eroded, what with the massive increase in the number of airlines and flights, and an easing of the restrictions on the old style cheap fares, like having to buy a return ticket, and having to stay a Saturday night. And of course the low cost carriers have slashed many short haul flights down to just a few pounds anyway.

That said; there are still some good deals to be had, particularly with long haul flights. Most importantly though, many student and youth fares are different from other cheap fares in one vital aspect ­ the dates are changeable.

Whereas a standard cheap fare means locking yourself into exact flights that can't be altered, student fares are often changeable. There is usually a small fee, but this flexibility is a godsend on long trips, especially Gap Year style jaunts.

Looked at this way, a student fare could save you a fortune in not having to buy a completely new ticket just to stay out in Bali for a few more weeks.

The specialist travel agent here is STA Travel (0871 230 8512), which been selling tickets to students and young people, though not exclusively so ­ as anyone can buy tickets from them - since 1979. It is especially well placed for students, in having dozens of on-campus branches in the UK and offices in another 85 other countries too.

STA has a good fare from Heathrow to Bangkok from £465, flying with Jet Airways via Mumbai. You have to either be a student (with a valid ISIC), or be aged 26 or under, to get this fare, and the price includes taxes, fees and surcharges.

Another good student fare provider is Student Flights (870 499 4004), which is affiliated to Flight Centre, and also has a good UK branch network, and 900 branches worldwide.

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