Cheap Flight Tickets from the USA to India

The US to India market behaves differently from most long-haul routes, because a large share of passengers are travelling to see family rather than on holiday. That means demand is tied to school holidays, weddings and festivals more than to the weather, and fares spike on predictable dates.

It also means baggage matters more than usual. Many travelers carry gifts, and the cheapest fare is not always the best one if you pay a lot extra for a second bag. If you are looking at tourism rather than family visits, our guide to cheap flights to India: Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur covers sightseeing routes.

Delhi (DEL) and Mumbai (BOM) are the biggest gateways, with the most international flights. Bengaluru (BLR), Hyderabad (HYD), Chennai (MAA), Kochi (COK), Ahmedabad (AMD), Amritsar (ATQ) and Kolkata (CCU) also have international flights, often via a one-stop route.

If you are visiting family, the nearest airport to home is usually best, even at a slightly higher fare, because an extra domestic flight or a long train ride on top of a 16-hour trip is exhausting. Check whether a connection through a major hub is cheaper than flying direct to a smaller city.

Air India, which has been renewing its fleet and absorbed Vistara in late 2024, flies nonstop from several US cities. United flies some routes from Newark and San Francisco, and Delta and American connect through Europe or partners.

Gulf carriers such as Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad, European airlines like Lufthansa, Air France, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, and Turkish Airlines all offer one-stop options. Product quality varies a lot, so read recent reviews. Our pages on Emirates, Etihad and Turkish Airlines explain the main options.

Fares peak in December and early January, during the summer holidays from June to August, and around Diwali in October or November. Wedding season, roughly November to February, also pushes up prices on specific dates.

The cheapest times are usually February to March, April to May outside Indian holidays, and September to early October. If your dates are flexible, shifting by a week around a festival can save hundreds of dollars.

Many fares from the US to India include two checked bags of about 23 kilograms (50 pounds) each, but not all do, and allowances vary by airline and fare class. Check the exact rule for your ticket, since extra bags cost a lot on the day.

If you are carrying gifts, compare the total cost of a fare with two bags against a cheaper fare plus extra bag fees. Keep a luggage scale at home, and pack the heaviest items in your carry-on if it is within the airline's limit. Our guide to carry-on size rules explains the limits.

US citizens need a visa for India, and an e-visa is available online for tourism and other short visits, though processing times and fees vary. Indian citizens use their Indian passports, and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders have a lifetime multiple-entry visa.

Your passport should be valid for at least six months from arrival and have blank pages. If your child's passport or OCI card is due for renewal, do it well ahead. Check the official Indian government websites, since unofficial sites often charge extra.

Young children need extra preparation on a 15-hour flight. Choose a flight that matches their sleep patterns, bring snacks, entertainment and a change of clothes, and ask about bassinet seats for infants.

Lap infants fly for a reduced fare on international flights, but a separate seat is safer. Our guide to travelling with a lap infant explains the rules, and a car seat can be used on board if it is approved.

If you are continuing to a smaller city after reaching Delhi or Mumbai, booking a single itinerary protects you if the first flight is late. Separate tickets do not, and you will usually need to collect and recheck your bags, which takes time.

Allow at least three to four hours for a connection between an international arrival and a domestic departure, since you must clear immigration and customs first. Our guide to tight layovers explains how to judge it.

India is 10.5 hours ahead of US Eastern time in winter and 9.5 hours in summer, and a half-hour offset catches many people out. Jet lag is heavy, particularly flying out, and can last several days.

Try to sleep on the plane according to destination time, get outside in daylight and keep the first day gentle. Our guide to long-haul flight comfort and jet lag offers practical tips.

The rupee is the local currency. Cards are accepted in cities, but carry cash for small purchases, taxis and tips. Use a card without foreign transaction fees, and notify your bank of your travel.

For phones, a local eSIM or SIM gives much cheaper data than roaming. WhatsApp is the main way people stay in touch, and ride-hailing apps work well in large cities.

Use reputable airlines, booking sites and travel agents. Be cautious of unfamiliar agents offering very low prices, and check that the ticket is issued by the airline. Pay by credit card for protection and keep copies of confirmations.

Check that names match passports exactly, since a mismatch can cause problems at check-in. Read the refund and change rules before you pay, particularly for cheap fares.

Let us know your home airport, the Indian city you are going to and how many bags you need, and a specialist can compare nonstops and one-stop options, check baggage allowances and find the best price. We can also help with group bookings and flexible tickets.

The search box below pulls current fares, so move your dates around and watch what changes. When you find a price you like, call us before paying so we can confirm what the bag allowance and change rules really are.