Cheapest Month to Fly to India from the USA

If you're planning a trip to India from the USA and want to save serious cash on your flight, timing matters more than you think. It's not about booking early or using a specific credit card-it's about when you fly. The cheapest month to fly to India from the USA isn't a secret, but it's not obvious either. Most people assume December or January is cheapest because of holidays, but that's when prices spike. The real savings happen in the shoulder seasons, when the weather's still decent and crowds are thin.

April is the cheapest month to fly to India from the USA

Based on data from flight aggregators and airline booking trends from 2023 to 2025, April consistently shows the lowest average round-trip fares from major U.S. hubs like New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Atlanta. Average prices drop to around $720-$850 round-trip in economy class. That’s nearly $300-$500 less than peak season rates. Why April? It falls right after the busy spring break window and before the monsoon hits hard in late May. Airlines have extra seats, and demand drops off sharply after Indian-American families finish visiting relatives in March.

Flights from the West Coast (like LAX or SFO) tend to be slightly cheaper than those from the East Coast because of more direct routes operated by carriers like Air India, United, and Delta. You’ll also see better deals if you fly into Delhi or Mumbai-India’s two biggest international gateways. Smaller airports like Hyderabad or Chennai sometimes offer lower fares too, but you’ll need to factor in the cost of a domestic connecting flight.

Why not travel during Diwali or Christmas?

Many travelers assume holidays mean deals, but that’s the opposite of true for India. Diwali (usually in October or November) and Christmas/New Year’s are peak travel times. Families from the U.S. flood back home, and Indian tourists head overseas. Round-trip fares during these windows can hit $1,400-$1,800. Even Thanksgiving, which isn’t a major holiday in India, still triggers a spike because of Indian-American travel patterns. If you book a flight for late November or early December, you’re paying premium prices for a time when airlines know you have no choice but to fly.

What about monsoon season?

June through September is monsoon season across most of India. Rainy weather scares off some tourists, and that’s exactly why it’s a smart time to go-if you’re flexible. July and August often have the lowest airfares of the year, sometimes dipping below $700. But there’s a catch: heavy rains can cause flight delays, especially in coastal cities like Mumbai and Kolkata. Roads flood, trains run late, and outdoor sites like the Taj Mahal or Hampi may be muddy or partially closed. If you don’t mind indoor activities-museums, temples, cooking classes, tea houses-then monsoon season is a hidden gem. Just pack waterproof gear and check flight status daily.

How far in advance should you book?

Booking too early or too late can cost you. The sweet spot is 6-8 weeks before departure. That’s when airlines release their last batch of discounted seats before the flight fills up. If you book 4 months ahead, you might pay more because the airline hasn’t started lowering prices yet. If you wait until 2 weeks out, you’re gambling. Last-minute deals do happen, but they’re rare for transcontinental routes. For April flights, start watching prices in late February. Set up fare alerts on Google Flights or Hopper. You’ll get notified when prices drop 10-15% below the average.

Which U.S. cities have the best deals?

Not all American cities are created equal when flying to India. Here’s the ranking of departure points by average cost in April 2025:

• San Francisco (SFO) - $710 average round-trip
• New York (JFK) - $730
• Chicago (ORD) - $745
• Atlanta (ATL) - $760
• Dallas (DFW) - $780
• Los Angeles (LAX) - $790

San Francisco leads because of Air India’s nonstop service to Delhi and Mumbai. United also offers direct flights from Newark and Chicago. If you live in a city without direct flights, consider flying into one of these hubs for a one-way connection. Sometimes, adding a domestic U.S. leg (like flying from Denver to SFO) can save you $200-$300 overall.

What airlines offer the best prices?

Three carriers dominate the USA-India route: Air India, Emirates, and Qatar Airways. Air India, being the national carrier, usually has the lowest base fares because it’s government-subsidized. But don’t overlook Emirates and Qatar. They often match Air India’s prices and include free checked bags, better in-flight meals, and modern planes. Turkish Airlines and Etihad also occasionally run promotions with stopovers in Istanbul or Abu Dhabi that can cut costs by 20%. Avoid U.S.-based airlines like Delta or United for budget trips-they rarely undercut the Middle Eastern carriers on price, even with their direct flights.

Should you fly midweek?

Yes. Tuesday and Wednesday are the cheapest days to depart. Saturday and Sunday are the most expensive because that’s when families leave for holidays. If you can leave on a Tuesday and return on a Wednesday, you’ll save an average of $80-$120 per ticket. Even if you’re stuck with a weekend departure, try to return midweek. The return leg often has bigger price swings than the outbound.

What about baggage fees?

Many budget airlines from the Middle East include one checked bag (23 kg) for free. Air India includes two. But if you book through a third-party site or a low-cost carrier, you might be charged $50-$100 extra per bag. Always check the fine print. If you’re bringing gifts, souvenirs, or clothes for family, pack light and use a suitcase that weighs under 20 kg. You can always buy extra baggage at the airport-but it’ll cost more than booking it online ahead of time.

What if I’m flexible on dates?

Use Google Flights’ calendar view. It shows a heatmap of prices for the whole month. You might find that flying out on April 15 costs $720, but April 18 is $580. That’s a $140 difference for three extra days. Some travelers even stretch their trips to 10-12 days to take advantage of these dips. If you’re not tied to specific dates, try flying during the third week of April. That’s when airlines clear unsold inventory from the first half of the month.

What about visa costs and other fees?

Don’t forget India’s e-Visa. It costs $100 for U.S. citizens and takes 3-5 business days to process. Apply online at least two weeks before you fly. There are no hidden fees-just make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your stay. Also, avoid booking through third-party visa agents. They charge $50-$100 extra for something you can do yourself in 15 minutes.

Real example: How I saved $420 last year

Last April, I flew from Chicago to Delhi on a Tuesday. I booked 7 weeks in advance. My ticket was $715 round-trip, including two checked bags. A friend who flew the same route in December paid $1,140. The difference? Timing. She wanted to be home for Diwali. I didn’t care about the holiday. I just wanted to see the temples, eat street food, and not break the bank. I ended up spending less on the flight than she did on one night in a hotel.

Final tip: Watch for airline sales

Air India runs two big sales a year: one in February and one in September. If you’re planning a trip for April, sign up for Air India’s newsletter in January. You’ll get early access to discounted fares. Sometimes, they drop prices to $650-$680 for limited seats. These deals sell out fast, so set a reminder.

Next steps: How to lock in your deal

Here’s what to do right now:

1. Go to Google Flights and search for flights from your nearest U.S. airport to Delhi or Mumbai.
2. Use the calendar view to compare prices for April 1-30, 2026.
3. Set a fare alert for flights departing between April 10-20.
4. Sign up for Air India’s newsletter to catch their February sale.
5. Book your e-Visa at least two weeks before your planned departure.

If you follow this, you’ll fly to India for less than most travelers. And you’ll have more money left over for chai, silk, and that unforgettable temple visit.