Student prices are cheaper, but also look at software, especially things like the Adobe pack which was about 70% off for students.
As to taking it on a plane, there would be nothing to worry about internet wise, because you probably won't get it. Only two options that I can see..
1. Use bluetooth to connect to the internet via your mobile (cell) phone. Won't work over the oceans where there are no towers though. And may cause a crash.
2. Use some wire cutters and creative thinking to connect using your internal modem through the pay phone handsets provided on your seat. probably illegal and probably expensive. And only 56k speed.
So, don't worry. Just buy some games and play them or download your work beforehand.
Jazqas