College Guide - Save your hard-earned cash with student discounts

By Artesia Peluso Wednesday August 19, 2009 08:00 AM EDT

AirTran

Calling all jet-setters on a budget! AirTran U is an awesome program for anyone between the ages of 18 and 22, even if you’re not a student. You can fly standby for just $69 (not including taxes and fees) per segment — which means one takeoff and one landing — so try to book a nonstop flight or you’ll pay double. Remember that standby doesn’t always guarantee a seat, so plan accordingly. www.airtranu.com.

Atlanta Entertainment Book

Coupon-cutting might seem like Grandma’s favorite pastime, but in this economy you gotta get it where you can. The Atlanta Entertainment Book is filled with discounts for restaurants, attractions, shopping, entertainment and travel worth $20,100 in savings. Some noteworthy steals include two-for-one dinner at Agave (242 Boulevard S.E., 404-588-0006, www.agaverestaurant.com); 25 percent off a bicycle tune-up at Skate Escape (1086 Piedmont Ave., 404-892-1292, www.skateescape.com); and two-for-one admission to Dad’s Garage Theatre (280 Elizabeth St., Suite C-101, 404-523-3141, www.dadsgarage.com). www.entertainment.com.

AtlanTIX

If you fly by the seat of your pants or plan by the weight of your pockets, AtlanTix sells same-day half-price tickets for cultural attractions and the performing arts. Nonprofit organization Atlanta Coalition of Performing Arts promotes such culturally diverse theater, dance, film and music groups as the Center for Puppetry Arts (1404 Spring St., 404-873-3391, www.puppet.org); Theatrical Outfit (Balzer Theater at Herren’s, 84 Luckie St., 404-577-5257, www.theatricaloutfit.org); and Shakespeare Tavern (499 Peachtree St., 404-874-5299, www.shakespearetavern.com). www.atlantaperforms.com.

CL Deals and CL Presents

Our Creative Loafing Deals program offers discounts on constantly evolving restaurants, spas and salons with half-price gift certificates, while CL Presents gets you into concerts, movies and events for free just by registering. clatl.com.

MARTA

MARTA’s University Pass Program (U-Pass) partners with Atlanta colleges and universities to offer discounted MARTA Breeze passes for students. Purchase a Breeze U-Pass with your current school ID, and it’s good for unlimited trips on MARTA trains and buses all day, every day for the calendar month. Take advantage now: Prices go from $40 to $45.50 Oct. 1. Damn this recession! www.itsmarta.com/upass.