This article was last updated and fact checked on July 28, 2024 by Mani Karthik.
Booking flights from the USA to India can be expensive, but with a few smart strategies, you can find great deals and save a lot of money. Here are ten hacks to help you book cheap flights to India and back.
In this article...
1. Book in Advance
Why It Works:
- Savings: Airlines often offer lower prices for flights booked well in advance.
- Options: You get a wider range of flights and seats to choose from.
Tip:
- Aim to book your tickets at least 2-3 months before your planned travel dates.
When traveling to USA, travel insurance is much recommended.
Two great plans are, Atlas America and Safe Travels USA.
However there are other choices like these, as well.
2. Use Flight Comparison Websites
Why It Works:
- Price Comparison: These websites aggregate prices from various airlines, allowing you to compare and choose the best deals.
Popular Websites:
3. Set Fare Alerts
Why It Works:
- Notifications: Get alerts when prices drop for your desired routes.
- Timely Bookings: Book at the right time to snag the best deals.
How to Set Up:
- Use fare alert features on comparison websites like Skyscanner or Google Flights.
4. Be Flexible with Dates
Why It Works:
- Cheaper Options: Flying on weekdays or during off-peak seasons can be significantly cheaper.
Tip:
- Use the “flexible dates” search option on flight booking websites to see the cheapest days to fly.
5. Consider Nearby Airports
Why It Works:
- Better Deals: Sometimes flying into or out of nearby airports can be cheaper than the main ones.
Examples:
- Instead of flying directly into Delhi, consider flights to Jaipur or Amritsar if they are cheaper and convenient.
6. Use Points and Miles
Why It Works:
- Free Flights: Accumulate miles through frequent flyer programs and credit card rewards to reduce the cost of your flights.
Tip:
- Check if your credit card offers travel rewards or if you can transfer points to airline partners.
7. Book Round Trips
Why It Works:
- Cost Savings: Round-trip tickets are often cheaper than one-way tickets.
Tip:
- Always check the price difference between one-way and round-trip tickets before booking.
8. Check Airline Deals and Sales
Why It Works:
- Special Discounts: Airlines frequently offer sales and promotions that can lead to significant savings.
Tip:
- Subscribe to airline newsletters and follow them on social media to stay updated on the latest deals.
9. Avoid Direct Flights
Why It Works:
- Lower Costs: Flights with layovers are often cheaper than direct flights.
Tip:
- Use flight comparison tools to find routes with layovers that offer substantial savings.
10. Use Incognito Mode
Why It Works:
- Prevent Price Hikes: Airlines and booking websites track your searches and may increase prices if they see repeated searches for the same route.
How to Do It:
- Search for flights in incognito or private browsing mode to avoid this.
Bonus Tips
Consider Budget Airlines:
- While budget airlines might have fewer frills, they often offer lower prices. Just be sure to factor in additional costs for baggage and other services.
Travel During Off-Peak Times:
- Traveling during less popular times, such as late fall or early spring, can result in cheaper flights.
Book Multi-City Itineraries:
- If you’re visiting multiple cities, consider booking multi-city or open-jaw flights to save money.
Conclusion
By using these ten hacks, you can find cheap flights to India from the USA and back, making your travel plans more affordable.
Remember to book in advance, be flexible with your travel dates, and use tools and strategies to compare prices and receive alerts.
Happy traveling!
