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Tell us what matters most to you when choosing an airline for your USA-to-India trip
When you search for the best airline to India, you’re not just looking for the cheapest ticket-you want a smooth ride, reliable service, and a schedule that fits your plans. Below is a step‑by‑step rundown of how we compared the major carriers, a snapshot of the top five options, and a handy table to help you pick the right flight for your next trip.
How we scored the airlines
We based our ranking on five concrete factors that matter to most travelers:
- Price: average round‑trip economy fare from major US gateways (JFK, LAX, ORD) to Delhi or Mumbai in 2025.
- Travel time: total door‑to‑door duration, including layovers.
- Stopovers: number and length of connections; nonstop routes get extra points.
- In‑flight experience: seat comfort, meal quality, entertainment, and Wi‑Fi availability.
- Loyalty value: how well the airline’s frequent‑flyer program translates into perks for future trips.
We collected data from airline websites, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s fare reports, and traveler reviews on Skytrax and TripAdvisor. Each factor received a weight (price 30%, travel time 25%, stopovers 15%, experience 20%, loyalty 10%) and the final score is a composite out of 100.
Top five airlines for USA‑to‑India routes
Here’s a quick look at the carriers that consistently topped our chart.
Air India is the national carrier of India and operates a growing number of nonstop services from the United States. Its economy fare averages $820 for a round‑trip, and the nonstop flight from New York (JFK) to Delhi takes about 15 hours. Air India offers a "Baggage‑First" allowance of two checked bags (23 kg each) and includes complimentary meals with a blend of Indian and Western flavors.
United Airlines runs daily nonstop flights between Newark (EWR) and Delhi, as well as one‑stop options via Frankfurt. Prices hover around $795, and the nonstop segment clocks in at 14.5 hours. United’s "MileagePlus" program lets you earn miles on both United and Star Alliance partners, which is handy if you travel frequently in North America.
Delta Air Lines partners with Air India for a seamless code‑share on the JFK‑Delhi nonstop. The average fare is $845, and the flight duration matches Air India’s 15 hours. Delta’s "SkyMiles" points never expire, and the airline boasts free Wi‑Fi on most international legs.
American Airlines offers a one‑stop service from Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) to Delhi via London. While the total travel time stretches to 18 hours, the fare often drops to $770 during off‑peak months. American’s "AAdvantage" program gives you bonus miles when you fly on Oneworld allies like British Airways.
Qatar Airways is not a US‑based carrier but provides a highly competitive option with a brief 2‑hour layover in Doha. The average round‑trip cost is $780, and the total door‑to‑door time is about 17 hours. Qatar’s award‑winning cuisine and generous baggage allowance (two 30‑kg pieces) make it a favorite among premium travelers.
Side‑by‑side comparison
| Airline | Avg. Economy Fare (USD) | Typical Travel Time | Stopovers | Baggage Allowance | Meal Rating (Skytrax) | Loyalty Program Strength | Overall Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air India | $820 | 15 h nonstop | 0 | 2×23 kg | 3.8/5 | 7/10 | 84 |
| United Airlines | $795 | 14.5 h nonstop | 0 | 2×23 kg | 4.0/5 | 8/10 | 87 |
| Delta Air Lines | $845 | 15 h nonstop | 0 | 2×23 kg | 4.1/5 | 8/10 | 86 |
| American Airlines | $770 | 18 h (1 stop) | 1 (London) | 2×23 kg | 3.7/5 | 7/10 | 81 |
| Qatar Airways | $780 | 17 h (Doha) | 1 (Doha) | 2×30 kg | 4.5/5 | 9/10 | 89 |
Choosing the right flight for your needs
- Budget travelers: American Airlines often drops below $800 during sales, especially if you’re flexible with dates and can tolerate a stop in London.
- Time‑sensitive travelers: United and Delta offer true nonstop routes from the East Coast, shaving off half a day compared to one‑stop options.
- Bag‑heavy tourists: Qatar Airways lets you bring two 30‑kg suitcases, perfect for families heading to multiple destinations in India.
- Loyalty‑focused flyers: If you’ve already amassed miles with United’s MileagePlus or Delta’s SkyMiles, staying within the same alliance gives you free upgrades and lounge access.
Remember that ticket prices can swing 15‑20% depending on when you book. For the best deals, aim to purchase at least 8‑10 weeks before departure and set up fare alerts on Google Flights or Skyscanner.
Tips to stretch your dollars further
- Fly out of secondary airports like Newark (EWR) or Chicago O’Hare (ORD) instead of the more congested hubs; they often have lower taxes.
- Consider mixed‑carrier itineraries-e.g., book a United nonstop to Delhi, then a low‑cost carrier like AirAsia India for domestic legs.
- Enroll in airline newsletters. Many carriers release flash sales exclusively to subscribers.
- Use credit‑card travel portals that offer 1‑2 % cash back on airline purchases. The savings add up quickly on a $800 ticket.
- Check the baggage policy before you add extra bags online; sometimes buying a second bag at the airport costs double.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airline has the cheapest nonstop flight from the US to India?
United Airlines typically offers the lowest‑priced nonstop tickets between Newark and Delhi, especially during mid‑week departures.
Do US airlines still serve Mumbai directly?
As of 2025, only Air India provides a direct service to Mumbai from the US (JFK‑Mumbai). Other carriers route through Delhi or a Middle‑East hub.
Is it worth paying extra for a premium economy seat?
For flights longer than 12 hours, premium economy adds extra recline, larger footrests, and often priority boarding. If you’re traveling on a tight budget, the price jump (usually $200‑$300) may not justify the upgrade.
How many bags can I check for free on these airlines?
Air India, United, Delta, and American allow two checked bags (23 kg each) in economy. Qatar Airways is the most generous, offering two 30 kg pieces.
What COVID‑19 requirements are still in place for US‑India travel?
Most airlines no longer require a negative test for vaccinated passengers. However, you must present proof of full vaccination and a completed passenger locator form before boarding.
Choosing the right airline isn’t a one‑size‑fits‑all decision. Use the table, match the factors that matter most to you, and book early to lock in the best price. Safe travels!