Flying from India to the USA is a significant expense, especially for students, professionals, and families planning trips for studies, work, or vacations. With a little bit of research, you can save big on your airfare.
Timing is everything, and booking your flights at the right moment can make all the difference. In this blog, we'll explore the best times to book flights from India to the USA for maximum savings, focusing on factors like seasonal trends, optimal booking windows, and tips to find the cheapest fares.
1. Understand Peak and Off-Peak Seasons
The first step in finding cheaper flights is understanding peak and off-peak travel seasons. The demand for tickets often influences the price, so when demand is high, ticket prices go up, and vice versa.
- Peak Season (High demand): Flights from India to the USA are generally more expensive during the summer months (June to August), around major holidays (Christmas and New Year in December, and Diwali in October/November), and in May when many students head to the USA for academic reasons.
- Off-Peak Season (Low Demand): The best time to find cheaper flights is during the shoulder months of January to March and September to mid-November. Fewer people travel during these months, so airlines often lower prices to attract more passengers.
2. The Best Days of the Week to Fly
If you have flexibility in your travel dates, flying on certain days of the week can save you money. Studies show that mid-week flights, particularly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, tend to be cheaper than weekend flights. Airlines know that most people prefer flying on weekends, so they raise prices for those days.
- Cheapest Days to Fly: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
- Most Expensive Days to Fly: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Flying during the middle of the week can save you several thousand rupees, especially on long-haul flights like those from India to the USA.
3. The Best Time to Book in Advance
When it comes to booking flights, the timing of your purchase plays a crucial role in how much you'll pay. If you book too early, prices may still be high because airlines haven't started offering discounts. On the other hand, if you book too late, prices may have surged due to limited availability. So when should you book?
- Ideal Booking Window: The sweet spot for booking flights from India to the USA is typically 3 to 6 months before your departure date. According to airfare studies, booking 3 to 4 months ahead often gives you access to the best fares, while waiting until the last month can see prices increase by up to 20-40%.
- Avoid Last-Minute Bookings: If possible, avoid booking tickets less than one month in advance, as last-minute fares are generally higher.
4. Consider the Time of Day for Booking
Many people overlook the time of day when booking flights, but this can also impact pricing. Airlines often release new fares at midnight, and since fewer people are browsing for tickets during this time, you may find lower prices.
- Book at Midnight or Early Morning: Check for deals after midnight or early in the morning when prices may dip as airlines adjust fares.
- Avoid Booking in the Afternoon: Prices can be higher during peak browsing hours, typically between 10 AM and 4 PM, as more people are looking for flights.
5. Use Fare Comparison Tools
In the age of digital travel, there are numerous tools and websites designed to help you find the best flight deals. Some of the most popular platforms include:
- Google Flights: This tool allows you to search for flights and compare prices across airlines. It also offers a price graph that shows how prices fluctuate over time.
- Zolve: Zolve has recently introduced flight bookings on its app, offering exclusive student-friendly fares and waiving the convenience fee on top airlines and routes. As a comprehensive solution for students moving to the USA, Zolve provides a range of services including flight tickets, F1 Visa support, mock interviews, and essential US banking services like credit cards, checking accounts, insurance, and loans!
- Skyscanner: Known for finding the cheapest fares, Skyscanner compares flights from various airlines and provides options for flexible dates.
- Kayak: This platform not only helps you compare flights but also gives insight into whether you should book now or wait based on fare trends.
- Hopper: Hopper’s app analyzes billions of flight prices daily to predict when prices will rise or drop, helping you make smarter booking decisions.
Set up alerts/ allow notifications on these platforms to track price changes and book when the fare hits a low point.
6. Be Flexible with Airports
If your final destination in the USA isn’t fixed or you’re open to flying into nearby cities, you could save more by choosing alternate airports. Major hubs like New York (JFK), Chicago (ORD), and Los Angeles (LAX) often have higher prices due to demand, while smaller airports such as Newark (EWR) or San Jose (SJC) might offer better deals.
- Consider Nearby Airports: Look at alternate airports within a few hours' drive of your destination. For example, flying into Newark (EWR) instead of JFK in New York can sometimes be cheaper.
- Mix-and-Match Airlines: Consider booking flights with different airlines for your outbound and return trips, as this can result in savings.
7. Leverage Airline Loyalty Programs and Credit Card Rewards
Airline loyalty programs can help you earn points or miles on your purchases, which you can redeem for future flights. If you frequently travel between India and the USA, signing up for airline rewards programs can save you money in the long run. Popular programs include:
- American Airlines AAdvantage
- Delta SkyMiles
- United MileagePlus
In addition to loyalty programs, using the right credit card can also help you save on airfare. Many travel-focused credit cards offer perks like free miles, complimentary lounge access, and discounted flight tickets.
8. Book Flights During Airline Sales
Airlines regularly hold sales throughout the year, offering discounted fares to various destinations, including the USA. The key is to be aware of these sales and book as soon as they launch. Some of the best times to watch for sales include:
- New Year Sales: Early January sales often bring steep discounts for flights later in the year.
- Monsoon and Diwali Offers: Airlines may offer discounts during India's monsoon season (June-September) or around Diwali (October-November).
- Black Friday/Cyber Monday: Many airlines offer special promotions and discounts during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping events in November.
9. Subscribe to Airline Newsletters
Many airlines offer exclusive discounts to subscribers of their newsletters. By subscribing to your favorite airlines, you can be the first to know about upcoming sales, special promotions, and discounted fares. Airlines like Air India, Emirates, and Qatar Airways often offer limited-time deals that are available only to their email subscribers.
Conclusion
By understanding seasonal trends, booking windows, and the best days to fly, you can significantly cut costs on flights from India to the USA. Use fare comparison tools, consider alternate airports, and take advantage of loyalty programs to get even more out of your travel budget.
To make your travel experience even more rewarding, using a credit card with travel-friendly perks can be a game-changer. For instance, the Zolve Credit Card offers benefits like high credit limits, no foreign transaction fees, and cashback on international purchases—making it an ideal companion for frequent travelers.
Whether you're booking flights or managing expenses abroad, a card like Zolve ensures smooth transactions and added savings, helping you get the most out of your journey.
Which is the cheapest month to travel from India to USA?
October is typically the cheapest month to travel, as it falls in the off-peak season, resulting in lower demand and reduced fares from airlines.
How far ahead should I book flights for the best price from India to the USA?
The ideal booking window is 3 to 6 months in advance to secure the best prices before they rise closer to the travel date.
Which is the best day and time to book international flights from India?
The best days to book are Tuesday or Wednesday, and prices often dip late at night or early in the morning.
Do flight prices decrease at night?
Yes, flight prices can decrease at night, especially around midnight when airlines update fares and fewer people are booking.
How to get maximum discount on flights?
Use fare comparison tools, set price alerts, book during airline sales, and consider using travel rewards or credit card offers for additional discounts.
