Is STA Travel Legitimate?

I'm thinking about booking through them (only after I know whether my visa was approved and have checked it for errors), but I feel like it might be too good to be true. Is it a scam?

Not a scam, STA is a well-established company catering to students. They're affiliated with the International Student ID Card (ISIC).

Um I always thought so? You have to get their ISIC card (which was like 20 bucks back in 2003) but I used them to book my flights when I studied abroad and subsequently the next few summers when I was visiting my then-boyfriend-now-husband!

I would still compare prices online and even phone up airline companies directly as sometimes that's the cheapest way to get flights.

Yeah they're very legit,  I use them all the time.

Very legit. But I believe you do need to be under a certain age. 30 or something like that?

Thanks! I was pretty sure it was legitimate, but I'd rather take the time to ask and no for sure rather than just assume. I like to worry. 

Balmerhon, from what I've seen on their website, you have to be a student, under 26 or a teacher.

They are definitely legitimate - I've been using STA travel for years... they have 47 STA travel agent branches across the UK (in most cities, with 10 branches in London alone), as well as 450 stores in total across the world (only 16 of them are in the US though). As well as flights, they also organise backpacker expeditions and tours all over the world.

I booked a 6-week guided tour to South America with them in 2010 and I've been flying with them since 2001 (booking through both the UK and US sites). I've also bought my travel insurance through them a couple of times as well.

Be aware though that the are not always the cheapest for flights - especially if you're not a student or you are over 26 (for some reason only the US site gives you a discount if you are a teacher - the UK site only gives discounts for under 26's and students).

A couple of times I have found cheaper flights through other travel websites instead.

We've used them -- even as persons of advanced years. But DH was an academic.

We've used them -- even as persons of advanced years. But DH was an academic.

Yeah, anyone can book travel with STA, it's just that you get better prices/discounts on flights if you are a student/under 26/a teacher.

If you're not, then you won't qualify for their special prices and will probably just end up paying about the same for flights as you would on any other travel website (which is why sometimes other websites have better prices).

Thanks for all the reassurance! I am eligible for the discount as I'm 23 (24 at the end of the month). I intend to book a one-way with them if my visa is approved and it seems to be a lot cheaper than elsewhere.

I used them ages ago.  I'm not a teacher and was 32 at the time, but didn't realize the age restriction.  I told them when I found out, but they still gave me the discounts.

I used to work there up until 2010 so I can give you the real low down.

1. They are definitely legit--they are a worldwide travel agency that's been around for over 30 years. 

2. There aren't 48 stores anymore...almost all of them closed in 2008.  There are now 17 across the US.  You're in Boston, so you can use the one in Harvard Square--where I used to work!

3.  There are often special web fares that aren't accessible to the stores.  Don't ask me why--they were the bane of my existence.  But if you see a mega-cheap fare online, just grab it.  It won't be cheaper in the store or if you call.  But do call the store to book your travel insurance, hotels, rail, all that other stuff.  The personal service and expertise is better.  Silvia, Zuzana and Megan at the store are truly excellent--they've been there for years and they know their stuff.  For airfare though, booking online is usually best.

4. Anyone can use STA, they just have special fares for students, youth and teachers.  But they sometimes have other, non-youth/education related deals. 

5. Feel free to ask me any questions--I worked there for seven years. 

2. There aren't 48 stores anymore...almost all of them closed in 2008.  There are now 17 across the US.  You're in Boston, so you can use the one in Harvard Square--where I used to work!

But I said there were currently 47 stores in the UK, not in the US (according to the US STA website there are only 16 stores in the US) . Most of the UK stores are in the main university towns and as far as I know, none of them have closed in recent years (the UK website still lists 47 stores in 2012 - 11 in London, 2 in Manchester, 2 in Birmingham, 2 in Leeds, 2 in Glasgow, plus 1 store per city in 28 other cities).

Oh sorry, I just breezed past it.  Fair enough, the UK is going strong.  The year all those branches in the US closed I think the UK had record sales...in fact every division but the US is doing well. 

Oooo, 16 stores?!  One must have closed since I left.  Tough break. 

They are a brilliant agency with good prices ! I worked for them for 5 years in South Africa and they really do have good flight prices.  The ISIC card is good as well for various discounts! Good luck...