Students who need to travel over the Christmas period were encouraged to take advantage of a government discount programme before it expires.

Under the frequent flyer points scheme, all government travel on American Airlines was booked through a single account, allowing air mile credits to be built up.

Those credits have been used to fund the travel costs of sports teams, students and “other citizens needing support for travel in emergencies“.

The programme is now being wound down and applicants have until 5pm today to take advantage of the discount.

A government spokeswoman said: “Since the Government was told that the programme would be ending, assistance has been offered, in the first instance, to several local organisations and residents in need via government departments.

“Given the deadline is approaching, the Government would like to extend this offer of assistance to the public to ensure the expiring miles are used.

“This may support flights for Bermudian students wishing to travel home for the holidays or those needing support in returning to university or related travel in the near future that would be via American Airlines.”

Requests for assistance can be sent via e-mail to premier@gov.bm and must be submitted by 5pm before the booking deadline of tomorrow, December 15.

Requests should include the full itinerary, including flight information, desired dates of travel and an official quote for tickets from the American Airlines website or an official travel site.

People who request support must also have a credit card readily available to pay taxes, as the points programme cannot cover these.