travel to india on points

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The Best Ways To Fly to India With Points and Miles [Step-by-Step]

Ehsan Haque

Content Contributor

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Keri Stooksbury

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Michael Y. Park

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Table of Contents

Nonstop flights between the u.s. and india, best airline programs to book flights to india, final thoughts.

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Key Takeaways

• American Airlines, Air India, and United Airlines are the only airlines that offer nonstop flights to India from the U.S.
• Flying to India using points can be achieved through programs like Air Canada Aeroplan, Avianca LifeMiles, and All Nippon Airways Mileage Club, with options for both economy and premium cabins.
• Transferring points from partners like Chase Ultimate Rewards and American Express Membership Rewards to these programs can help secure award flights.

India might be high on your travel bucket list if you’re a travel enthusiast. From jungle safaris to historic religious temples to inexpensive food, India has something to offer everyone.

India’s diverse languages, customs, music, architecture, and food draw travelers worldwide. But unfortunately, India is not particularly easy to get to from the U.S.

Although there are occasionally great cash fares to India, they typically involve inconvenient routing. You also have the option to use points and miles to fly to India.

Currently, only a few carriers operate nonstop flights to India. These include American Airlines, Air India, and United Airlines. On top of that, nonstop flights to India are only available from select U.S. gateways, including New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Chicago (ORD), San Francisco (SFO), and Washington (IAD).

If you live in these cities, you are in luck. Being able to fly nonstop to one of the world’s most intriguing countries is great. However, if you are not based in these cities, you must have a connection or may have to take a repositioning flight.

Nowadays, there are fewer nonstop routes between the U.S. and India. Let’s quickly take a look at what airlines offer nonstop flights, the current routes, and how often these routes are offered.

American Airlines

• New York (JFK) – New Delhi (DEL)
• Chicago (ORD) – New Delhi (DEL): Daily
• New York (JFK) – New Delhi (DEL): Daily
• New York (JFK) – Mumbai (BOM): Daily
• Newark (EWR) – New Delhi (DEL): 4x weekly
• San Francisco – Bengaluru (BLR): 3x weekly
• San Francisco – New Delhi (DEL): Daily
• San Francisco – Mumbai (BOM): 4x weekly
• Washington (IAD) – New Delhi (DEL): 4x weekly
• United Airlines
• Newark (EWR) – New Delhi (DEL): 2x Daily

Let’s take a look at some of the best airline loyalty programs to use to fly to India.

Air Canada Aeroplan

The first option we will look at is Air Canada Aeroplan , an incredibly underrated program and one of our favorites here at Upgraded Points.

First, it is important to know that Air Canada is a member of the Star Alliance, which opens up plenty of award options.

Aeroplan uses a variable pricing method for its flights, which can significantly inflate redemptions. However, Aeroplan publishes a region-based award chart detailing exactly how many points you need to use for its partner-operated flights.

The program divides the world into 4 regions: North America, the Atlantic, the Pacific, and South America. India is part of the Atlantic travel zone for Aeroplan.

With Aeroplan’s award chart , award travel between zones varies depending on the distance flown. Most flights from the U.S. to India fall in the 6,001-to-8,000-mile distance band, aside from flights from San Francisco, which are in the next distance band up.

This opens up plenty of great redemption opportunities. If you were to fly an Air Canada partner airline, you could book:

• Economy from 55,000 miles one-way
• Business class from 90,000 miles one-way
• First class from 130,000 miles one-way

When it comes to what partner airline you can fly to India, you have plenty of options.

Here are some great Star Alliance partner options you can book:

• All Nippon Airways (ANA)
• Turkish Airlines

Air Canada Aeroplan also has non-Star Alliance partners, including Etihad Airways and Emirates.

We love Aeroplan because this program doesn’t pass on fuel surcharges and allows you to add stopovers for just 5,000 points.

We generally recommend searching for award availability via Aeroplan’s website. Here’s how:

• Visit  Aeroplan’s website .
• On the top right, click  Sign in  and enter your Aeroplan number and password.
• On the resulting page, you’ll see a search box. Fill in the desired trip type, origin, and destination airports, travel dates, and number of passengers.
• Check the box that says Book with Aeroplan points .
• Click  Search .
• Select your flight and pay for any taxes and fees.

Earning Aeroplan Points

Aeroplan is a transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Capital One Miles, and Marriott Bonvoy. All programs aside from Marriott Bonvoy transfer at a 1:1 rate to Aeroplan. Marriott Bonvoy points transfer at a 3:1 ratio to Aeroplan. For every 60,000 Bonvoy points transferred, you get a 5,000-mile bonus.

Aeroplan also offers a co-branded credit card.

The Aeroplan card is a great option for Air Canada flyers looking to earn more points and receive automatic elite status.

Flyers based in the U.S. may think they wouldn’t have a need for a card like the Aeroplan ® Credit Card , it might be much better suited for you than you think.

Not only does Air Canada offer fantastic award redemptions, but adding the card to your wallet makes the program even more rewarding by offering elite status, more points, travel coverage, and more. Let’s take a closer look and see why the Aeroplan card might make a lot of sense for you.

• 3x points per $1 on Air Canada purchases, at grocery stores, and dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services)
• 500 bonus points for every $2,000 you spend in a calendar month (up to a maximum of 1,500 bonus points)
• Receive Aeroplan 25K status for the remainder of the calendar year, plus the following calendar year, and continue to extend it beyond that by spending $15,000 on the card per calendar year
• $95 annual fee
• Does not earn transferable rewards
• Earn 70,000 bonus points
• Earn 70,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
• $95 Annual Fee
• Redeem points for both international and domestic flights with the Aeroplan ® Credit Card.
• Fly to another continent and travel the world with the Aeroplan ® Credit Card.
• Earn 3X points for each dollar spent at grocery stores, on dining at restaurants, and Air Canada directly. Earn 1X point for each dollar spent on all other purchases.
• 500 bonus points for every $2,000 you spend in a calendar month - up to 1,500 points per month.
• Member FDIC
• APR: 21.74% - 28.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees:  None

American Express has several personal and business cards that earn Membership Rewards points, which can be transferred to Aeroplan at a 1:1 ratio.

Recommended Amex Cards (Personal)

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with  no credit score impact.

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card ® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card  is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access , hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
• $695 annual fee ( rates and fees )
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)
• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards ® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards ® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards ® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts ® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card ® . The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card ® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection ® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card ® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card ® .
• $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• $199 CLEAR ® Plus Credit: CLEAR ® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck ® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card ® . Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card ® . That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card ® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.¤
• Terms Apply.
• APR: See Pay Over Time APR

American Express Membership Rewards

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

The American Express ® Gold Card  is a game-changer.

With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants, up to $50,000 per calendar year, and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1x.

There isn’t another card on the market that offers a 1-2 punch like this. Of course, there are several other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more.

• 4x points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, up to $50,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
• 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
• 3x points per dollar on flights purchased directly from airlines or at AmexTravel.com
• $325 annual fee ( rates and fees )
• No lounge access
• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards ® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.
• Get the American Express ® Gold Card in either the Gold, Rose Gold or Limited-Edition White Gold metal design. White Gold design is only available while supplies last.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards ® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards ® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards ® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 2X Membership Rewards ® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 1X Membership Rewards ® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
• $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express ® Gold Card at Dunkin' locations.
• $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express ® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express ® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
• Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. Eligible charges vary by property.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $325.

Bottom Line: Aeroplan takes the top spot here because it gives you a variety of airlines you can fly for competitive redemption rates without paying fuel surcharges. You can also add a stopover for just 5,000 miles to maximize your redemption value. It also partners with Amex, Capital One, Chase, and Marriott Bonvoy for transfers.

Avianca LifeMiles

Avianca is another Star Alliance member and a great option to book award flights to India. Its LifeMiles award program has great sweet spots, including award flights to Asia.

In late 2022, Avianca LifeMiles raised award costs to Asia without notice. Previously, you could fly from the U.S. to Asia for 35,000 miles in economy or 75,000 miles in business class. However, award prices are closer to 47,000 and 90,000 miles, respectively, after the devaluation.

For example, here is last-minute award space from New York to New Delhi that could be booked for 47,000 miles one-way plus taxes and fees.

Best of all, Avianca LifeMiles does not add on any fuel surcharges, minimizing your out-of-pocket cost.

To book Star Alliance partners with LifeMiles, follow these steps:

• Visit the Avianca LifeMiles website .
• Click on Travel in the top menu bar.
• Enter your desired destination and travel dates .
• Select Smart Search or Star Alliance .
• Select your flight.

One of the best perks of the Avianca LifeMiles program is that it does not tack on fuel surcharges.

Earning Avianca LifeMiles

Avianca LifeMiles is a transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, Capital One Miles, and Marriott Bonvoy.

All programs aside from Marriott Bonvoy transfer at a 1:1 rate to LifeMiles. Marriott Bonvoy points transfer at a 3:1 ratio to LifeMiles. There is no 5,000-mile bonus for transfers to LifeMiles.

Recommended Citi Card

*The information regarding the Citi Premier card has expired, and the card is no longer open to applicants.

The Citi Premier ® Card is an excellent option for anyone looking for an all-around travel rewards credit card. The card helps you earn points fast with great 3x bonus categories such as restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, airfare, and hotels. Plus, it offers access to airline and hotel transfer partners, doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, and has a reasonable annual fee!

• 3x points at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, airfare, and hotel purchases
• Access to Citi transfer partners
• Annual hotel credit
• No welcome offer available
• Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Gas Stations, Air Travel and Other Hotels
• Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants and Supermarkets
• Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Annual Hotel Savings Benefit
• 60,000 ThankYou ® Points are redeemable for $600 in gift cards redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com
• No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases
• APR: 21.24% - 29.24% Variable

Citi ThankYou Rewards

All Nippon Airways Mileage Club

Another great Star Alliance option to book award flights to India is with ANA Mileage Club .

ANA still utilizes award charts for both its flights and its partner airlines. However, there are some slight differences. ANA has 2 different applicable award charts: one for ANA international flight awards and another for partner flight awards.

For its flights, ANA prices based on the season: low, regular, or high.

Here is the award chart for ANA-operated flights between the U.S. (Zone 6) and Asia 1 (Zone 3), which includes India.

All the mileage above is for round-trip award redemptions. ANA only allows round-trip redemptions through Mileage Club.

Booking using the ANA international award chart could be useful, especially if you want to fly in ANA business class. Fuel surcharges can be high on ANA, but the mileage redemption rates are some of the best.

With ANA, you also have the option to book partner Star Alliance awards. ANA has a different award chart for its partner airlines. Although the partner award chart is zone-based, like the international one, there is no seasonality pricing.

Here is the award chart for its partner airlines for flights between the U.S. (Zone 6) and India, which is in Asia 1 (Zone 3):

ANA is also selective about passing on fuel surcharges to partner airlines. Although the mileage rates are incredible, redemptions are somewhat muted by the fuel surcharges, which can be upwards of $500 at times.

ANA Mileage Club has separate award charts for ANA domestic flight awards, for ANA international flight awards, and partner flight awards.

Here’s how to book awards with ANA miles:

• Visit ANA’s website .
• Choose ANA Mileage Club .
• Choose International, then Award Reservation .
• Log into your account.
• Enter your desired route and dates.
• Choose your desired class of travel.
• Choose your flights.
• Reserve your flight and pay for any applicable taxes and fees.

Earning ANA Miles

ANA Mileage Club is a transfer partner with Amex Membership Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy.

American Express Membership Rewards transfer to ANA at a 1:1 ratio. 

Marriott Bonvoy points transfer to ANA at a 3:1 ratio. For every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points that you transfer, you receive a 5,000-mile bonus.

Recommended Marriott Bonvoy Cards

A great option for Marriott hotel fans who want a no annual fee card and automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

Casual travelers who like to frequent properties that are part of the Marriott Bonvoy collection of brands may want to consider the Marriott Bonvoy Bold ® Credit Card.

The Marriott Bold card rewards cardholders for Marriott stays and gives them a boost towards Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

• Up to 14x points per $1 on Marriott purchases
• 2x points at grocery stores, rideshare, select food delivery, select streaming, and internet, cable, and phone services
• 5 Elite Night Credits each year
• Lower point earn rate than other Marriott Bonvoy cards
• Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status is the lowest status tier
• Earn 60,000 Bonus Points plus 1 Free Night Award after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Free Night valued at 50,000 points. Certain hotels have resort fees.
• Pay no annual fee with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold ® Credit Card from Chase ® !
• Earn up to 14X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy ® with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold ® Card.
• New! Earn 2X points for every $1 spent at grocery stores, rideshare, select food delivery, select streaming, and internet, cable, and phone services.
• 1X point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
• New! Travel now, pay later – Break up purchases into equal monthly payments with no interest plus no plan fees on qualifying travel purchases. Terms apply.
• APR: 21.49%–28.49% Variable

Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott loyalists will love this card's annual Free Night Award, automatic elite status, and up to 17x points per $1 on Marriott hotel stays.

If you’re a frequent traveler and a Marriott loyalist, there’s a lot to love about the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless ® Credit Card . The card comes packed with several great benefits like a free hotel night once a year, automatic Silver Elite status (with a fast-track to Gold Elite status), and multiple options for redeeming points.

• Earn big when you use your card at thousands of participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
• Earn big at grocery stores, gas stations, and dining
• Automatic Silver Elite Status
• $95 annual fee
• Marriott Silver Elite Status is the lowest status tier
• Earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from your account opening.
• Earn 3X points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining.
• Earn 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend.
• 1 Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary.
• Earn up to 17X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy ®  with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless ®  Card.
• Receive 15 Elite Night Credits annually, automatic Silver Elite status, and path to Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each calendar year.
• Foreign Transaction Fees:  $0

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card gives you automatic Marriott elite status and helps you earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases.

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express ® Card , the latest mid-tier offering in the Marriott Bonvoy lineup of cards, offers cardholders automatic elite status and ways to earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on each of their stays and daily purchases.

• 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
• 4x points per $1 at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases per calendar year, then 2x points)
• 2x points per $1 on all other purchases
• $250 annual fee ( rates & fees )
• Free Night Award certificate is not an automatic benefit
• Earn 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy ® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
• Earn 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets per calendar year, then 2X points).
• Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
• Marriott Bonvoy 1K Bonus Points Per Stay: Earn 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy ® bonus points per paid eligible stay booked directly with Marriott for properties participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
• With complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elites status, earn up to 2.5X points from Marriott Bonvoy ® on eligible hotel purchases with the 25% Bonus Points on stays benefit, available for Qualifying Rates.
• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy Free Night Award: Earn 1 Free Night Award after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ Card in a calendar year. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy ® points) at a hotel participating in Marriott Bonvoy ® . Certain hotels have resort fees.
• 15 Elite Night Credits: Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express Card ® you can receive 15 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy ® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.
• Plan It ® is a payment option that lets you split up purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee. Plus, you'll still earn rewards the way you usually do.
• $250 Annual Fee.
• APR: 20.49%-29.49% Variable

A premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® Card  is a premium card designed with road warriors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalists in mind.

So is the card a worthwhile addition to your wallet?

• 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy   program
• 3x points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines and restaurants worldwide
• Steep annual fee of $650 ( rates & fees )
• 6x points per $1 is the same earn rate offered with lower annual fee alternatives like the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express ® Card
• Earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy ® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® Card at restaurants worldwide.
• With Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® Card Elite status, you can receive room upgrades, including enhanced views or suites, when available at select properties and booked with a Qualifying Rate.
• Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy ® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy ® . Earn 3X Marriott Bonvoy ® points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2X Marriott Bonvoy ® points on all other eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® Card.
• Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy ® . Certain hotels have resort fees.
• Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
• $100 Marriott Bonvoy Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton ® or St. Regis ® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
• Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck ® : Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($100) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck ® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
• Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy ® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.
• Enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, which offers unlimited airport lounge visits to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
• With Cell Phone Protection, you can be reimbursed, the lesser of, your repair or replacement costs following damage, such as a cracked screen, or theft for a maximum of $800 per claim when your cell phone line is listed on a wireless bill and the prior month's wireless bill was paid by an Eligible Card Account. A $50 deductible will apply to each approved claim with a limit of 2 approved claims per 12-month period. Additional terms and conditions apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
• $650 Annual Fee.

Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles

Turkish Airlines is also part of the Star Alliance and is another excellent way to fly to India using points and miles. Its Miles&Smiles program has incredible sweet spots that include some of the lowest award rates of any program.

For award redemptions, Turkish Airlines utilizes a  zone-based award chart  for both its own flights and its partner airlines. There are 2  award charts : 1 for promotional award tickets and 1 for regular award redemptions.

For Turkish redemptions, focus on the promotional award chart, as those are considered Saver level awards and include the best redemption rates.

On its award chart, Miles&Smiles places India in its Central Asia region. Here is what it costs for flights between the U.S. and Central Asia:

• 34,000 miles one-way in economy or 68,000 round-trip
• 52,500 miles one-way in business class or 105,000 round-trip
• 77,000 miles one-way in first class or 154,000 round-trip

Flying to India for just  34,000 miles one-way  in economy or  52,500 miles  in business class is an incredible use of Turkish miles.

To book an award ticket with Turkish Airlines, here is what you need to do:

• Log into your Miles&Smiles account on the  Turkish Airlines homepage .
• Check the box Award ticket – Buy a ticket with Miles.
• Enter your origin and destination airports, departure date, class of service, and the number of passengers.
• Click on the red arrow to the right to begin the award search.
• Find award space, book with miles, and pay applicable taxes and fees.

The Turkish Airlines website is sometimes unable to see Star Alliance availability. We recommend starting your search on  United.com  and locating flights marked as Saver awards. You can cross-reference award availability with another Star Alliance partner, such as Air Canada, to ensure you can book an award seat using your miles.

Along with the Star Alliance availability issue that arises when searching on Turkish Airlines, another problem often comes up. Some itineraries cannot be booked online with Turkish and require you to email a Turkish Airlines ticket office or book with the airline over the phone.  Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles staff can be reached at 800-874-8875.

Earning Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles Miles

There are many  ways to earn Turkish Miles&Smiles miles . Turkish Airlines is a transfer partner of Capital One Miles, Citi ThankYou Rewards, Bilt Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy.

Bilt, Capital One, and Citi transfer at a 1:1 ratio. Transfers from Marriott Bonvoy occur at a 3:1 ratio, and you get a 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points you transfer.

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan

Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan also provides great award flights to India. Alaska Airlines is in the Oneworld Alliance, which includes American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Japan Airlines, among others. Best of all, you can easily fly to India with any of the partners mentioned above.

In late 2022, Alaska simplified its award charts, including those for its partner airlines. Here are the award rates for flights to Asia using Alaska Airlines miles:

Check out our guide on the best ways to redeem Alaska Mileage Plan miles for maximum value .

When Alaska revamped its award charts, some of the changes weren’t great for members. The award charts for each airline partner have been changed to a “starting from” pricing method, meaning their redemptions can vary significantly.

Thanks to Alaska’s Oneworld partners, there are some great options for flying to India, especially on some of the world’s best airlines, including Cathay Pacific and Japan Airlines. In fact, both airlines are a great way to redeem Alaska miles

Mileage Plan also has one incredible perk: booking stopovers on one-way award flights. This allows you to get a 2-for-1 trip with a single redemption. For example, if you fly to India using Japan Airlines from the U.S., you could stop in Tokyo for a few days before heading to India.

To book award travel with your Alaska miles for partner airlines:

• Visit Alaska Airlines .
• Click the checkbox that says  Use Miles to search for your routes and dates. Be sure to use  Multi-city if you’re booking stopovers or open-jaws .
• Pick your desired flights and click  Add to Cart .
• Log in to your Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan account.
• Complete the booking and pay any taxes and fees.

You can now find Cathay Pacific award availability directly on the Alaska Airlines website.

Earning Alaska Mileage Plan Miles

The major drawback of Alaska Airlines miles is that they only have 1 major transfer partner: Marriott Bonvoy. Marriott Bonvoy points transfer at a 3:1 ratio. With every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points that you transfer, you receive 5,000 bonus miles.

However, there are also 2 co-branded Alaska Airlines credit cards.

Provides the potential to earn plenty of miles to fly with Alaska Airlines or over a dozen partners. Plus, get an annual companion fare from just $122 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) when you spend at least $6,000 a year on the card!

With the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature ® credit card in your wallet, you could get great perks and earn miles at the same time. This is a win-win if Alaska is the airline you prefer to fly with! Plus, its annual companion fare is a great benefit for traveling couples.

• 3x miles per $1 spent on Alaska purchases
• 2x miles per $1 spent on eligible gas, local transit (including rideshare), cable, and select streaming services
• 1x mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
• LIMITED TIME ONLINE OFFER —Buy one ticket, get one for just the taxes and fees ($0 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) and get 50,000 bonus miles.
• Get 50,000 bonus miles plus a $0 Companion Fare ($0 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) after you make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of your account opening.
• Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™. Get a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) each account anniversary after you spend $6,000 or more on purchases within the prior anniversary year. Valid on all Alaska Airlines flights booked on alaskaair.com.
• Free checked bag. Any cardholder who purchases airfare with their card, and up to 6 additional guests traveling on the same reservation, may check their first bag free.
• Enjoy priority boarding so you can get to your seat quicker, when you pay for your flight with your card.
• Earn unlimited 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases. Earn unlimited 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging station, cable, streaming services and local transit (including ride share) purchases. And earn unlimited 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases. And, your miles don’t expire on active accounts.
• Earn a 10% rewards bonus on all miles earned from card purchases if you have an eligible Bank of America ® account.
• A faster way to earn status with your Alaska Airlines credit card . Throughout 2024, for every $10,000 you spend on purchases, you’ll automatically earn 4,000 elite-qualifying miles (EQMs), up to 20,000 EQMs total.
• Enjoy 20% back on all Alaska Airlines inflight purchases and get $100 off an annual Alaska Lounge+ Membership when you pay with your new card.
• With oneworld ® Alliance member airlines and Alaska’s Global Partners, Alaska has expanded their global reach to over 1,000 destinations worldwide bringing more airline partners and more ways to earn and redeem miles.
• Flexibility with no blackout dates on Alaska Airlines flights when booking with miles or a companion fare.
• Plus, no foreign transaction fees. †

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Frequent Flyer Program

American Airlines AAdvantage

Another excellent award program to utilize for award tickets to India is American Airlines AAdvantage. American Airlines is also part of Oneworld, meaning you can use American Airlines AAdvantage miles to fly both American Airlines and Oneworld partners from the U.S. to India.

For its flights, American Airlines uses a dynamic pricing method. However, partner awards with American AAdvantage are not subject to dynamic pricing , which opens up incredible redemption opportunities.

Because of the dynamic pricing on its own flights, it’s hard to get great value with your American miles. This is why we absolutely recommend you fly American’s Oneworld partners instead.

On AA’s partner award chart, India is placed in its Indian Subcontinent region.

Here is a look at what it costs for one-way awards on Oneworld partner airlines from the U.S. to the Indian Subcontinent:

One of the best ways to redeem American AAdvantage miles is for a business class flight to India for just 70,000 miles one-way. This includes options on partners like Qatar Airways, which offers its Qsuites business class on these routes.

Using American Airlines search engine is a great way to look for Oneworld alliance partner award space.

Here is how to book award travel with your American Airlines miles for partner redemptions:

• Head to American Airlines and log in to your AAdvantage account.
• Select your desired route, travel dates, and class of service.
• Click on Redeem miles .
• Search for award space.
• Book the flight online and pay the applicable taxes and fees.

Earning American Airlines AAdvantage Miles

Earning AAdvantage miles is relatively easy, as the program is a transfer partner of Marriott Bonvoy.

You can transfer points from Marriott Bonvoy to AAdvantage at a 3:1 ratio. There is no 5,000-mile bonus if you transfer 60,000 Bonvoy points as with other programs.

There are also numerous co-branded credit cards offered by both Barclays and Citibank .

Using 70,000 American Airlines to fly Qsuites business class to India is a great way to redeem your miles.

Air France-KLM Flying Blue

So far, we’ve looked at multiple options with Oneworld and Star Alliance. Now, let’s look at our first award redemption with a Skyteam member program: Air France-KLM’s Flying Blue loyalty program.

Flying Blue utilizes dynamic pricing. However, even with dynamic pricing, Flying Blue generally has the best pricing for SkyTeam awards. If you have some flexibility, you can save upwards of 100,000 miles on specific routes.

Check out some other of the  best ways to redeem Air France-KLM Flying Blue miles for max value.

In 2022, Flying Blue introduced an interactive map with entry award rates. The interactive map shows the starting mileage prices for one-way flights operated by Air France or KLM.

However, this map is not a guarantee that there is any entry-level award space available. You have to go to Air France or KLM’s website to check actual award prices and confirm the space. 

One-way award flights between the U.S. and India start at:

• 35,000 miles in economy
• 65,000 miles in premium economy
• 95,000 miles in business

However, finding those rates, especially in business class, can be tricky. It’s worth noting that Air France and KLM awards have fuel surcharges, often upwards of $300.

You can search for award availability through Air France-KLM and book awards entirely online:

• Go to the Air France website .
• In the top right corner, click My Account and log in with your Username and Password .
• After logging in and being returned to the homepage, click  Use Your Miles .
• Type in your airport information, dates, number of passengers, and class type.
• Select your flights and pay for any taxes and fees.

Earning Air France-KLM Flying Blue Miles

Earning Flying Blue miles is quite simple, as the program is a transfer partner of many major programs, including American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One Miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy.

All the above points programs, besides Marriott Bonvoy, transfer to Flying Blue at a 1:1 ratio. You can transfer points from Marriott Bonvoy to Flying Blue at a 3:1 ratio. For every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points you transfer, there is a 5,000-mile bonus.

Recommended Chase Cards (Personal)

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred ® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance . With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

• 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
• 5x points on select Peloton purchases over $150 (through March 31, 2025)
• 5x points on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025)
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
• APR: 21.49%-28.49% Variable

Chase Ultimate Rewards

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve ®  is one of the best options out there.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like airport lounge access , with excellent point earning and redemption options.  Plus it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to keep you covered whether you’re at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee!

• 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase TravelSM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
• 10x points on Lyft purchases through March 31, 2025
• 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 through March 31, 2025
• $550 annual fee
• Does not offer any sort of hotel elite status
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck ®
• APR: 22.49%–29.49% Variable

This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!

The Chase Freedom Unlimited ® is easily one of the best cash-back credit cards on the market. There aren’t many no-annual-fee credit cards that offer multiple great bonus categories like 5% back on travel purchased through Chase, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% back on all other purchases.

When paired with other Chase cards in the Ultimate Rewards family, you can transfer that cash back into points if you wish – making it one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet.

• 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
• 5% back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
• 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases
• 3% foreign transaction fee
• INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
• Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
• After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
• No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
• Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
• No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited ® card
• Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
• APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
• Foreign Transaction Fees:  3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

The Freedom Flex card is an excellent no-annual-fee card that still earns big with 5% cash-back on travel and other bonus categories.

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ sure does pack quite a punch — especially for a no-annual-fee card.

The Freedom Flex card is an incredible option for those looking for a well-rounded cash-back card, or a powerful point-earner when paired with a premium card in the Ultimate Rewards family.

• 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49%-29.24%.
• Powerful cash-back earner: 5% back on quarterly categories and travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1% back on all other purchases
• No annual fee
• 3% foreign transaction fees in U.S. dollars
• Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
• 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
• 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
• 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
• No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex ® card
• Keep tabs on your credit health - Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
• APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49%-29.24%.

Business owner? Check out our guide to the best Chase business cards .

Flying Blue typically offers the best pricing on many SkyTeam awards.

Other Options To Fly to India

Although many other programs can get you to India, we’ve covered the ones with the best redemption options.

There are several other frequent flyer programs you can use to fly to India, including Japan Airlines Mileage Bank, Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, Delta Air Lines SkyMiles, Korean Air SKYPASS, and Singapore Airlines Krisflyer. We did not include these in our main analysis for one or more of the following reasons:

• High fuel surcharges
• High award redemption rates
• Lack of transfer partners
• Unattractive flight products or subpar airline options

There are plenty of ways to fly to India with points and miles. Fortunately, some of the best airlines in the world have flights to India. These include airlines such as Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Japan Airlines.

It’s worth looking at the many different award programs we’ve covered to get an idea of the best program for booking an award ticket to India. Award availability, the points and miles you already have, and what class of service you want to fly can all point you to the right award program.

The information regarding the Citi Premier ® Card has expired and the card is no longer open to applicants. The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Bold ® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless ® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Chase Freedom Flex℠ was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature ® credit card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here . For rates and fees of the American Express ® Gold Card, click  here . For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express ® Card, click here . For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® card, click here .

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This bonus value is an estimated valuation  calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.

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Best Ways to Fly to India with Points and Miles

Updated: July 25, 2024

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Hey Travel Junkies,

India is one of the most diverse countries in the world. With that diversity comes a tremendous amount of opportunities to experience. You’ll find many different types of food, culture, and even languages within India’s borders.

Unfortunately, given its proximity opposite of the United States on the globe, the most direct route to India would be digging a hole through the earth. Since current technology doesn’t make that a reality, the next best option is to fly to India. These flights halfway around the globe typically aren’t cheap. That’s where points and miles come in.

There aren’t many non-stop routes from North America but three airlines do have flights to India: Air Canada (from Canada), Air India, and United. Delta has announced a route set to start in 2019, but it currently is not operating yet.

Air Canada, Air India, and United are all members of Star Alliance, so if you’re looking to minimize the number of stops to India, you’ll want to consider these options. However, there are some other options that will save you more points, so if you have the flexibility in your schedule for an additional stop, you’ll be able to save a lot of your hard-earned points. Also, keep in mind that award space on these non-stop routes can be tough to find.

Let’s take a look at the best ways to fly to India with points and miles.

Alaska Airlines MileagePlan

If you’re wanting to take the long journey to India in luxury, Alaska Airlines MileagePlan is one of the best ways to do it. Alaska has different award charts for different partners, so the number of points you need will depend on which airline you fly.

In addition to flights on partner airlines, you can add-on Alaska operated flights at no additional cost. This is very helpful if you need a positioning flight to catch your long-haul flight.

Economy Flights on Japan Airlines

Using Alaska MileagePlan to book a flight to India with Japan Airlines is one of the cheapest ways to get to India across the board. Flights on Japan Airlines to India will only cost 35,000 points one-way. Taxes and fees vary, but are $56 for departures from India and only $42 from the US.

You’ll struggle to find more comfortable economy seats for your trip. On most of its fleet, Japan Airlines offers what it calls “Sky Wider Seats” which have 33 to 34 inches of pitch and are about 19 inches wide.

Japan Airlines Sky Wider seats offer more legroom than most economy seats (image courtesy of Japan Airlines)

You’ll find this seat on most of Japan Airlines’ 787-9, 787-8, and 777-300ER aircraft. Other aircraft have traditional economy seating.

Japan Airlines flies to a number of US cities. If you start in one of these cities, you won’t need a positioning flight:

• Boston (BOS)
• Chicago (ORD)
• Dallas (DFW)
• Honolulu (HNL)
• Los Angeles (LAX)
• New York City (JFK)
• San Diego (SAN)
• San Francisco (SFO)
• Seattle (SEA – starting March 31, 2019)

The biggest limitation is Japan Airlines only flies to one city in India, which is Delhi (DEL). If you need to go elsewhere in India, you’ll need to book separate flights once you arrive in Delhi.

Economy Flights on Emirates

For economy flights, you’ll find numerous options flying Emirates. Flights on Emirates to India cost 42,500 points one-way, or 85,000 points round-trip. Taxes and fees are fairly modest as well. Expect to pay $29 for taxes and fees for flights departing from the US, and $61-63 for flights departing from India.

Emirates Economy Class Dining (image courtesy of Emirates)

Emirates flies from a large number of US cities. If you originate in one of these cities, you’ll only have one stop in Dubai on your way to India.

• Ft. Lauderdale (FLL)
• Houston (IAH)
• New York (JFK)
• Newark (EWR)
• Orlando (MCO)
• Seattle (SEA)
• Washington DC (IAD)

Similarly, Emirates flies to almost as many destinations in India:

• Ahmedabad (AMD)
• Bengaluru (BLR)
• Chennai (MAA)
• Delhi (DEL)
• Hyderabad (HYD)
• Kochi (COK)
• Kolkata (CCU)
• Mumbai (BOM)
• Thiruvananthapuram (TRV)

The sheer number of departure points in the US and destinations in India should make Emirates a popular option for flying economy to India. Given its plentiful award seat availability, it shouldn’t be too difficult to get there either.

Business or First Class on Cathay Pacific

The journey to India can be a long one, and you may want to book in business or first class. Alaska Airlines has some of the lowest business and first class options to India when you fly Cathay Pacific.

Alaska Airlines award chart for Cathay Pacific Flights between the US and India

The award chart above shows the one-way costs. Round-trip in business class costs only 125,000 miles while first class costs 140,000 miles. That’s a tremendous value for your miles given the amount of time you’ll spend in the air. Additionally, you can add in a stopover in Hong Kong, adding another destination onto your trip if you desire.

Cathay Pacific First Class availability can be difficult to find. Business class is a bit more reliable. Your best bet for either is to search as soon as the flights become available, about 11 months before your departure, or within 2 weeks of flying.

When searching for award availability, your best bet is to call into Alaska directly. Unfortunately, Alaska doesn’t show Cathay availability online, and availability will be limited compared to what other sites may show. Because of this, calling in will help you see what is available. If you do want to know if there is any availability in advance, you can search on British Airways’ website.

Cathay Pacific First Class (image courtesy of Cathay Pacific)

Cathay flies out of several US airports including:

If you can’t find business or first class availability, 110,000 points for premium economy is still a great deal that will leave you with a lot of comfort compared to traditional economy class.

How to Book Flights with Alaska Airlines MileagePlan

Booking partner flights with Alaska Airlines MileagePlan is a mixed bag. Some let you book directly online while others require you to call in.

If you’re wanting to book a Japan Airlines or Emirates flight to India, you can book your flight online. Simply click the “Use Miles” box before starting your search to see award availability.

Remember, you can include one partner per direction. So you can do a round-trip with Japan Airlines there and Emirates back.

If you want to book Cathay Pacific, it will take a bit more work. You can’t book Cathay Pacific tickets online with Alaska Airlines. You’ll need to first find award availability, and then call Alaska Airlines to book your ticket (1-800-252-7522).

To find Cathay Pacific award availability, use British Airways to search. First, open a free British Airways Executive Club account. Then do a search to book a flight with Avios.

Search each leg individually for award space

I recommend searching each flight separately. For example, if you are starting in Chicago, search Chicago (ORD) to Hong Kong (HKG). Then, after finding that availability, search for flights from Hong Kong to your destination in India. British Airways doesn’t always show connecting availability correctly, so this will help avoid that problem.

Once you find award space, call into Alaska to book. Be aware, Alaska doesn’t get the same availability for award seats as other partners. Just because it was available to British Airways doesn’t guarantee it will be available to Alaska. However, the only way to find out is to call.

Cathay Pacifiic

Alaska will also let you book a free stopover on each direction of an award ticket. If you’re travelling on Emirates, you can stopover in Dubai. If you’re flying Japan Airlines, you can stopover in Tokyo. And if you’re flying Cathay, you can stopover in Hong Kong.

This can really help with finding award availability, because it gives you some greater flexibility in your flight dates.

How to Earn Alaska MileagePlan Miles

Alaska miles are a great way to get to India. Unfortunately, they are rather difficult to earn because no major bank program transfers to Alaska.

Your best option is to sign up for the Bank of America Alaska Airlines Credit Card. Bank of America has a business version as well.

The next best way is by transferring Marriott Bonvoy points. For every 3 Marriott points you transfer, you’ll receive 1 Alaska mile. If you transfer 60,000 Bonvoys, you’ll get a bonus 5,000 Alaska miles. While this isn’t the best use of your Bonvoy points, it is an easy way to top off your Alaska account if you need a few more miles for your redemption.

Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card

Bonus Points plus 1 Free Night Award

after you spend $2,000 on your first 3 months. Free Night valued at 50,000 points. Certain hotels have resort fees.

All Nippon Airways Mileage Club Miles

All Nippon Airways (ANA) is a Japanese airline with a wonderful, although slightly limited, award chart. The biggest limitation is that award tickets must be booked as a round-trip. This means you’ll need to find availability to and from India in order to book your ticket.

ANA - All Nippon Airways

ANA has different award charts for flights operated by ANA and flights operated by their Star Alliance partners. The best use of ANA miles will be flying economy or business on Star Alliance partners, or flying any class of service on an ANA operated flight.

Fly ANA First Class on your way to India.

ANA Operated Flights

The best value comes flying on an ANA operated flight. Although the deals are better, navigating the award prices is a little bit trickier.

ANA Award Chart for ANA Flights

For flights operated by ANA, the award price will depend on when you travel. ANA has prices for three seasons: Low-Season (L), Regular-Season (R), and High-Season (H).

In the award chart above, you are looking at the prices for the Asia 2 region and North America. Asia 2 includes flights operated to Mumbai and Delhi. Although the award chart says departure is from Asia 2, the pricing is the same as if you departed from North America. The prices are in round-trip prices, because ANA doesn’t allow you to book a one-way award ticket.

To determine seasonality, you have to consider all flights on your itinerary. The pricing will be determined by the highest season on each leg. If your flight from the US is in low season, and your return flight is in regular season, it will price it half of your flight as low season and half as high season. In this case, it would cost 60,000 points for economy, 89,000 points for premium economy, 105,000 points for business class, and 195,000 points for first class.

You’ll have to consider the seasonality on each leg. Since you’ll be routing through Japan, you have to consider the following:

• The seasonality between the US and Japan on your outbound flight
• The seasonality between Japan and India on your outbound flight
• The seasonality between India and Japan on your return flight
• The seasonality between Japan and the US on your return flight

ANA Seasons for flights between the US and Japan

ANA Seasons for flights between Japan and India

To better illustrate, let’s go through a quick example. If you are departing the US on February 1st and returning February 14th, what would your ticket price as?

First, evaluate each direction of your trip. From the US to Japan, your flight would be during the low season, and then from Japan to India your flight would be during the regular season. So the entire outbound portion of your flight would price as if it is during regular season.

For your return flights, you have to consider both again. Flights from India to Japan are during regular season, and flights from Japan to the US are during low season. Again, the regular season would dominate and your ticket would price as if it is during the regular season.

Buddha Park, Rabangla, Sikkim

Since both legs would be treated as travel during regular season, you would need the amount of points required for regular season travel.

If you aren’t traveling during the low season, don’t let that deter you. You are still getting some amazing rates to travel to India. If you travel business class during the high season, it will only cost 115,000 points in business class, which is only 15,000 more points than the low season. 115,000 points to travel round-trip half-way around the world in business class is one of the lowest rates you’ll find for premium cabin travel to India.

As a member of the Star Alliance, you can book Star Alliance award flights.

If you want to travel on a Star Alliance or other ANA partner, you’ll still have some competitive rates. You will still have to book a round-trip flight, which can be a bit limiting if award availability isn’t there, but the prices are still some of the lowest you’ll find to Asia.

ANA Star Alliance and Partner airline award chart

If you’re traveling on a Star Alliance partner, you’ll need 80,000 points in economy, 136,000 points for business class, or 240,000 points for first class. The real stand-out is for economy and business class. There are other programs you can use for better value on Star Alliance first class.

Travelling on a flight operated by a Star Alliance or partner airline doesn’t have seasonality changes either. The price in the award chart above is the price you’ll pay regardless of when you travel.

Another great aspect about booking an award flight with ANA is the flexibility it offers. If you’re booking an ANA or Star Alliance award, you can have 1 stopover and 2 open jaws. Stopovers and open jaws  are a great way to get more value from your points.

Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai, India

A stopover would let you have a stop on your way to or from your destination. You could easily stop over in Japan for a few days on an ANA operated flight.

An open jaw is really valuable if you’re trying to explore more of India. You could fly into Mumbai and out of Delhi if it fits your travel needs.

If you are booking a Star Alliance or partner award flight, you will find the greatest flexibility with booking a Star Alliance flight. The flexibility exists because you can mix different Star Alliance airlines. For partner award flights, you can only fly on that single partner.

That’s a lot of information, and the complexity makes it harder to navigate ANA’s award booking rules.

Let’s break it down into a chart to compare the options described:

Thankfully, booking an award flight with ANA isn’t so bad. Let’s explore how to book a flight with ANA.

How to Book Flights with ANA

Booking a flight with ANA miles is rather easy. All Star Alliance and partner airlines can be booked online except for Garuda Indonesia. If you’ve found award space elsewhere and it isn’t showing up online, you can call ANA to book the flight and have the phone booking fee waived.

On the ANA site, you’ll need to login to your account and simply click the big button that says “Award Booking.” You will be directed to a screen to enter your flight details. If you have flexibility, I recommend clicking the option to show ±3 days so you can see more options. This is especially valuable when trying to travel in a premium cabin where award space can be more scarce.

Searching for a week at a time helps show more availability.

For ANA flights, they may show seats that are “waitlisted.” This means that you aren’t guaranteed a seat. If you have the flexibility to cancel last minute plans, this can be an okay option. Just don’t count on your waitlist clearing. Only ANA flights will be waitlisted,; Star Alliance flights will always be bookable immediately.

If you book a waitlisted flight, you might not get a seat on the airplane.

Additionally, ANA will show mixed-cabin awards. This means that some of your flights will be in business, but some may be in economy class. ANA does make it clear from the start so be sure to double check. If your flight is mixed cabin, it will still cost the same amount of miles as the highest cabin. So even if a 1-hour flight is in business and 20 hours are in economy, you’ll be paying the same price as if it is a business class trip.

Be cautious for mixed-cabin flights

Once you find the flights that you want, proceed to booking. Be aware that ANA does pass along surcharges, so the cash out of pocket may be a bit higher than desirable.

You may face higher surcharges, depending on which airlines you fly

How to Earn ANA Miles

The best way to earn ANA Miles is by transferring American Express Membership Rewards points. You will earn 1 ANA mile for every Membership Rewards point you transfer.

ANA also has a co-branded card which earns ANA Mileage Club miles directly, but it doesn’t have any bonus categories so earning miles is slow.

American Express® Gold Card

Membership Rewards® Points

after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.

Annual Fee: $325 Terms Apply. | Rates & Fees.

Cards to Help Earn more ANA Mileage Club Miles

The American Express Gold Card is a great way to earn American Express Membership Rewards that you can transfer to ANA. The 4x bonus at U.S. Supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year in purchases) is a great way to help earn more points from your daily spend.

Another option is the American Express Platinum Card. In addition to the points, you get access to Centurion Lounges which are some of the best lounges in the US.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

after you spend $8,000 on purchases in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Annual Fee: $695 Terms Apply. | Rates & Fees.

American Airlines AAdvantage

American Airlines AAdvantage program is a great way to fly to India. Although award prices are somewhat higher than with other options, the ease of earning AAdvantage miles makes it easy to earn enough for flights to India.

The AAdvantage program costs the following amount of miles for one-way flights to India:

• Economy – 40,000
• Business – 70,000
• First Class – 115,000

There are some restrictions to flying to India with AAdvantage miles , but you can fly the following routes:

• Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong (HKG)
• American Airlines to Hong Kong (HKG), Cathay Pacific to India
• Etihad Airways via Abu Dhabi (AUH)
• Qatar Airways via Doha (DOH)

Fly the Qatar Q-Suite for only 70,000 AAdvantage Miles (image courtesy of Qatar Airways)

How to Book Flights with American Airlines

You can book flights on American Airlines, Etihad or Qatar Airways on American’s website. Unfortunately, Cathay Pacific can only be booked over the phone.

To find space for Cathay Pacific, search for space on the British Airways website. Once you’ve found space, call American at 800-882-8880 to book your award ticket. Normally American charges a phone booking fee, but you shouldn’t be charged it since these cannot be booked online.

If you want to book Etihad business or first class, you might have to call to book. At the time of publishing, American’s site only shows premium cabin award space on Etihad up to 30 days from departure. If you want to book a flight further out, you’ll need to find availability on Etihad’s site. Specifically, you’ll want to find “Guest Seat” space then call American’s Australia or New Zealand call center to hold award space. Once you’ve done that, you can call the US call center to pay the taxes/fees.

How to Earn American Airlines AAdvantage Miles

American Airlines AAdvantage Miles are fairly easy to earn, despite having none of the major bank programs as a transfer option.

Both Barclays and Citi offer personal and business AAdvantage credit cards. Bonuses on these cards are typically are around 50,000 points or higher, making this a great way to build your AAdvantage balance quickly.

CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®

bonus miles

after $4,000 in purchases within the first 4 months of account opening.

Annual Fee: $0 for your first year, then $99.

Cards to Help You Earn More AAdvantage Miles

There are a lot of great cards that will help you earn AAdvantage Miles. Between personal and business cards issued by Barclays and Citi, you have plenty of options.

AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®

AAdvantage Bonus Miles

after making your first purchase and paying the $99 annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days.

Annual Fee: $99

Avianca Airlines

Avianca LifeMiles

If you’re not yet familiar with the Avianca LifeMiles program, you should start getting to know it.

Avianca is a Star Alliance member that has quite a few sweet-spots in its award chart. What really makes it stand out is that Avianca doesn’t charge a lot of fees that you’ll find with other airlines. For example, booking an award ticket with Avianca will avoid fuel surcharges and close-in booking fees.

Turkish Airlines

Avianca no longer has an award chart published, but from past history we can expect the following rates to apply for flights to India:

• Economy – 42,500 points
• Business – 78,000 points
• First – 108,000 points

There are quite a few Star Alliance airlines that you can fly to India, including Turkish Airlines, All Nippon Airways, and SWISS to name a few.

One of the best uses of Avianca LifeMiles is to fly Lufthansa First Class – though, you can only book within 14 days of departure.

Fly Lufthansa First Class to India

How to Book Flights with Avianca LifeMiles

Booking flights with LifeMiles can be done online. The LifeMiles tool isn’t the most friendly for finding award availability. Search using United first, then book on the Lifemiles website.

Sometimes Avianca doesn’t have the same award availability as other partners. If you’ve found the availability elsewhere, you can try calling in at 1-800-284-2622, but LifeMiles representatives aren’t known for being the most helpful over the phone.

How to Earn Avianca LifeMiles

Avianca LifeMiles partner with American Express Membership Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, and Capital One. American Express and Citi transfer 1:1, whereas Capital One transfers 2:1.5, so stick with Membership Rewards or Thank You Rewards when transferring.

You can also earn LifeMiles directly from the LifeMiles credit card issued by Banco Popular.

Finally, LifeMiles often have great award sales where you’ll get an extra 125-150% bonus points. Generally, it isn’t a good idea to buy miles , but this is one of those rare exceptions. If you’re needing to top off your account, doing it during one of the promos is a great choice.

Cards to Help Earn Avianca LifeMiles

You have several great American Express cards that can help you earn LifeMiles but it really helps that you can also use Citi and Capital One cards to get your hands on more miles.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening

Annual Fee: $95

Delta Airlines

Delta SkyMiles

Using Delta SkyMiles to get to India poses a great value, despite not having a set award chart.

Delta is part of SkyTeam, and many award flights to India will route via Europe. Later this year, Delta is scheduled to start flying non-stop between the US and India which will make using SkyMiles even more valuable for flights to India.

Until that route launches, your route will be via Europe. You’ll fly either Delta, KLM, or Air France to Europe.

Because Delta uses dynamic pricing, it can be difficult to pin down how much a flight will cost. Thankfully with Delta, you can search for 5 weeks of award availability which helps you get a feel for how many points a flight should cost. Expect to pay the following based on class of service:

Economy: 50,000 points plus plus $47.90

Business (Delta One): 135,000 points $36.50

You can enjoy Air France Business Class to India (image courtesy of Air France)

While it isn’t the fewest number of miles needed to fly to India, particularly in business class, using Delta SkyMiles is a great value for flying SkyTeam to India. Delta SkyMiles are also easy to acquire compared to other programs.

How to Book Flights with Delta SkyMiles

Booking flights with Delta SkyMiles is pretty easy. You can search and book completely online. From the home-screen, be sure to select “Advanced” and select Miles to be sure you’re doing an award search.

Select Advanced to search for flights with Miles

Delta can show up to 5 weeks of availability, which is very helpful if you’ve got flexible dates.

After you find the dates that work for you, just click the date and proceed to book your flights.

How to Earn Delta SkyMiles

You can earn Delta SkyMiles directly from the Delta SkyMiles credit cards. This is the best way to build your balance. You can transfer American Express Membership Rewards points, but there are other partners that can save you more points. Additionally, you’ll have to pay taxes on any points transferred from American Express to Delta.

Cards to Help Earn More Delta SkyMiles

American Express issues 4 personal Delta SkyMiles cards and 3 business Delta SkyMiles  cards. With 7 cards available, it is easy to grow your SkyMiles balance. The bonuses vary, but many times we have seen 60,000 or more points from their higher end cards.

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

Bonus Miles

$3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Annual Fee: $0 introductory annual fee for your first year, then $150. Terms Apply. | Rates & Fees.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card

after spending $8,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Limited Time Offer. Offer Ends 10/23/24.

Annual Fee: $350 Terms Apply. | Rates & Fees.

Flying Blue

A great alternative to SkyMiles is Flying Blue which is the loyalty program of Air France and KLM. As a part of SkyTeam, you can book the same Delta Flights using Flying Blue points.

KLM Business Class is a great option for the long journey to India

Similar to Delta, Flying Blue uses dynamic pricing — the number of points needed may vary depending on your travel dates. However, unlike Delta, it does maintain a published saver level rate so you can see how low the price can go. You should always check Flying Blue saver rates  to be sure you’re paying the least amount of points. Another difference between Flying Blue and Delta SkyMiles is that you’ll need fewer points with Flying Blue, but the taxes and fees are a bit higher.

When should you use Flying Blue rather than Delta SkyMiles? Flying Blue is great when you have more transferable points available. Every major bank program transfer to Flying Blue, making them easier to accumulate than SkyMiles.

Flying Blue costs as low as 34,000 miles for economy tickets, or 85,000 miles in business class. Taxes and fees start around $100, but can be above $400, especially for business class tickets.

Flying Blue wins if you have bank points, and are willing to pay higher taxes and fees. Delta SkyMiles win out if you want to minimize the taxes and fees you’re paying, and you already have a stash of SkyMiles to work with.

How to Book Flights to India with Flying Blue

Flying Blue makes it incredibly easy to book flights online. Simply navigate to Air France . On the homepage, select “book with points.” You’ll be prompted to login.

From there, you can manage your search. If you have flexible dates, check the “I am looking for travel around this date” box. It will show you a calendar view for a few weeks of award availability.

Once you’ve found a date that works for you, select it. You’ll then be shown every available flight for that day. The lowest price flight might not be at the top, so you may need to scroll down a bit to find yours. Once you’ve found it, select it and continue with booking.

You can also choose to run these searches from KLM ’s site.

How to Earn Flying Blue Miles

Flying Blue points are easily earned through bank programs.

You can transfer points to Flying Blue from every major bank program including American Express, Capital One, Chase, and Citi. The transfer ratio from Capital One to Flying Blue is 2:1.5 but the others are 1:1.

Keep your eye on American Express and Citi. They sometimes offer transfer bonuses to their partners. This can really save you a lot of points and make it an even better value.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

bonus points

after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening.

Cards to Help Earn Flying Blue Miles

Since Flying Blue partners with every bank program, be sure to maximize your Chase cards first. Whether you get the Chase Sapphire Preferred,Chase Sapphire Reserve® or Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, you’ll be well on your way to earning the points you need.

Another favorite is the American Express Gold Card as it offers 4X points per dollar spent at U.S. Supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year in purchases). Since food is a big cost for many people, this is a great way to earn tons of points on everyday spend.

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

A final option for Delta flights is Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. Virgin Atlantic isn’t part of an airline alliance, but has partnerships with different airlines around the world. Virgin Atlantic has some great redemption options on their partner airlines.

One of these redemption sweet spots is flying Delta to India. The biggest hold-up is that you can only book a non-stop flight from New York City (JFK). You can use a positioning flight  to New York to take advantage of this deal.

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club will be the cheapest way to book Delta flights to India. Flights in economy cost 40,000 points plus $5.60 in taxes and fees to India. Return flights cost about $40 in taxes.

Fly Delta One suite nonstop to India for only 60,000 points

If you want to fly business class, you can fly Delta One Suites for only 60,000 points.

How to Book Flights to India with Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

Virgin Atlantic makes it easy to book online. If you’ve ever booked with Delta, the website will feel very similar. Delta flies from New York (JFK) to Mumbai (BOM). Simply plug in the airports, click the drop down menu and select booking with miles. You can choose to search for flexible dates to get a 5-week view of award availability.

Seeing flexible dates is helpful, especially for business class availability

If you’re searching for Delta One business class, select “Upper Class” when searching. Then, you can complete your booking online.

Most people don’t have a stash of Virgin Atlantic Flying Club miles just sitting around. If you need to transfer points in, you should call Virgin Atlantic Flying Club at 1-800-365-9500 and have them put the flights on hold. Once your points have successfully transferred you simply call back to complete the booking.

How to Earn Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Miles

You can transfer points from American Express, Chase, or Citi to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. Citi and American Express have offered 30% off promos in the past. If you’re able to take advantage of these promos, you’ll save a lot of miles. Transferring during a promo would mean you’ll need to transfer only 47,000 points for business class to India.

Cards to Help Earn Flying Club Miles

Since you can transfer from all three major bank programs, there are a lot of good options for earning Flying Club miles including the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Ink Preferred and several American Express cards.

Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Chase Ultimate Rewards Points®

after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months after account opening.

Gadisar lake (Gadi Sagar) at Jaisalmer Rajasthan is a popular tourist destination with ancient temples and archaeological ruins.

Final Thoughts

There are a lot of great ways to get to India using points and miles. Whether you’re looking to fly economy, business, or first class you’ll be able to get to India with points and miles and without paying a lot out of pocket.

You can fly to India in economy class for as low as 35,000 miles in economy, 62,500 miles in business, or 70,000 miles in first class.

Regardless of which option you choose, with these 5 options, you’ll be sure to find the best way to fly to India with points.

New to the world of points and miles? The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the best card to start with.

With a bonus of 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening. , 5x points on travel booked through the Chase Travel Portal and 3x points on restaurants, streaming services, and online groceries (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs), this card truly cannot be beat for getting started!

Editors Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

bonus cash back

after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening

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The Best Ways To Fly To India On Points So You Can See The Taj Mahal

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If you want to visit India to see the Taj Mahal (among its many amazing sights), these are the best ways to fly to India on points and miles. The Taj Mahal is a world-famous UNESCO site. It’s one of the 7 Wonders of the World. It’s on many people’s “bucket lists”. Here are the best ways to fly to India in economy and business class. We’ll also look at how to earn these miles & points, so you can redeem for free flights to get yourselves there.

What’s In This Article?

Here’s what we will cover today:

Best Ways To Fly To India in Economy

Best ways to fly to india in business class, how do i earn these miles, a note on taxes, final thoughts.

If you’re looking for the best ways to fly to India in economy, the miles you need might change depending on where you live. This is because some airlines use distance to calculate mileage requirements. Others consider “zones”, where all of the continental U.S. might be the same zone. Depending on the reward program you’re using, you might go across the Atlantic or across the Pacific. Here are the best options for economy flights round-trip to India.

Another important item to consider is how much you’ll pay in taxes and fees. Taxes are  required by law. Some airlines add on excessive “carrier-imposed fees” while others don’t. It’s worth remembering how to avoid those fees when booking, so you can reduce costs. With that said, here are your best options for flights to India with points & miles.

British Airways Flying Club

At only 58,500 miles round-trip from the East Coast and 65,000 from the West Coast, using Avios for flights operated by British Airways is the best points option for fewest points required. It’s worth remembering that British Airways has peak and off-peak pricing structures. Traveling during busy periods will require more miles. For British Airways, peak time is roughly the Christmas/New Year holidays and summer times when kids are off school.

British Airways charges heavy fees and taxes for passing through London. The lowest points requirement is using their own British Airways flights, but those are the options with the highest taxes & fees. $702.97 is a lot of cash for a “free” flight in economy. You might find a great deal to buy a cash ticket for something comparable and save your points. The taxes are the same whether flying from the East Coast or West Coast. If you want to reduce the cash requirements by $300, you can use around 40% more points to fly via Hong Kong or Tokyo. British Airways becomes a good option because of this flexibility to trade cash for points or points for cash.

British Airways is a transfer partner of  Chase Ultimate Rewards ,  American Express Membership Rewards , and  Marriott Bonvoy  (3:1 transfer ratio + 5,000 bonus miles for each 60,000 Marriott points you send).

Delta SkyMiles

Delta is a great option for flying to India no matter where you are in the U.S. Because Delta has dynamic pricing (more points needed on more popular dates), being flexible with your travel dates really comes in handy. 60,000 miles can get you from any city in the lower 48 to Delhi in economy. From JFK in New York, you’ll need $407.15 for taxes and fees. From LAX, you’ll need $703.75 for the round-trip ticket. Again, you might find a cash deal for that price and save your points.

Delta is a transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards  and  Marriott Bonvoy  (3:1 transfer ratio + 5,000 bonus miles for each 60,000 Marriott points you send).

Another SkyTeam member with dynamic pricing can be good for those traveling in low season or on less popular dates. With Air France’s Flying Blue program, you can find flights for as low as 68,000 miles. Taxes and fees are $279.58 from the East Coast. From the West Coast, booking as far ahead as the calendar allows, I still found flights for 68,000 miles round-trip. Taxes totaled $282.53 from the West Coast. While this is 8,000 more points than Delta, the taxes and fees are significantly lower. I’d take this trade — ESPECIALLY for the West Coast prices.

The great thing about Air France is that it’s a transfer partner of everything. You can send over points & miles from Chase Ultimate Rewards ,  American Express Membership Rewards ,  Citi ThankYou Points , Barclays (1.4:1 transfer ratio), Capital One Rewards (2:1.5 transfer ratio), and Marriott Bonvoy  (3:1 transfer ratio + 5,000 bonus miles for each 60,000 Marriott points you send).

Turkish Airlines Miles & Smiles

The Miles & Smiles program from Turkish Airlines lists  their award chart here . From the U.S. (which is in the “North America” zone, so Canada and Mexico are included), you’ll need 68,000 miles round-trip to India in economy. Remember that they will add some pretty serious fees and taxes, though. Also, I could not get Turkish to pair my flights together in a round-trip ticket while giving me saver space. I’d need separate bookings. For 68,000 miles and $307.05 in cash, the effort could be worth it.

Turkish Airlines is a transfer partner of  Citi ThankYou Points  and  Marriott Bonvoy  (3:1 transfer ratio + 5,000 bonus miles for each 60,000 Marriott points you send).

American Airlines AAdvantage

Another oneworld partner that is one of the best ways to fly to India with miles & points is American Airlines. The AAdvantage program requires more miles than others for those coming from the East Coast. However, the mileage requirements are even better if you’re on the West Coast. Regardless of where you live in the continental U.S., you’ll need only 80,000 miles. The taxes and fees are also MUCH better. 80,000 miles for a round-trip ticket from the U.S. to India routing through Doha with Qatar Airways is your best bet. Cash requirement? $50.95.

American Airlines is a transfer partner of  Marriott Bonvoy  (3:1 transfer ratio + 5,000 bonus miles for each 60,000 Marriott points you send). American Airlines also has co-branded credit cards from Barclays and Citi to help you quickly earn their miles through welcome offers. The  CitiBusiness AAdvantage card  offers 65,000 miles after spending $4,000 within the first 3 months. The Barclays AAdvantage Aviator card has a welcome offer of 60,000 miles after you make your first purchase within 90 days and pay the $95 annual fee.

A Note About Virgin Atlantic and ANA

I’d be remiss to not mention Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club program or ANA Mileage Club. They have some low points requirements, but I don’t consider them one of the best ways to fly to India on miles & points. Why? While the points look good, the fees are awful.

Virgin Atlantic wants 40,000 miles + $618.15 in taxes and fees. Look at the booking page. A full $470 of that is “fees”. Another bad one is ANA. While Japan is one of the countries that prohibits excessive fees for flights departing from there, this doesn’t help on transit. ANA wants 65,000 miles PLUS $723 in cash. No thanks.

If you’re looking for more comfort or have extra miles padding your accounts, there are great options for flying to India in business class. Again, we’ll look at different options for West Coast vs. East Coast and differentials in taxes + fees charged by different airlines.

ANA Mileage Club

We can find the ANA mileage requirements here . To go from North America to the Middle East, you’ll need 100,000 miles for a round-trip business class ticket from the West Coast and flying on ANA planes. Notice that you’ll need 136,000 miles if you’re flying on Star Alliance partner flights. The taxes and fees are the same $723 in cash I scoffed at above. I find this more tolerable for a one-stop business class trip on ANA than flying in economy. It’s still not great, though, but it’s offset by the great points requirement.

ANA is a transfer partner of  American Express Membership Rewards  and  Marriott Bonvoy  (3:1 transfer ratio + 5,000 bonus miles for each 60,000 Marriott points you send).

Again, the Miles & Smiles program from Turkish Airlines lists  their award chart here . They have low points requirements for business class between North America and India. You’ll need only 105,000 miles round-trip, so this is one of the best ways to fly to India with points. Remember that they will add carrier-imposed fees, though. Also: finding saver award space isn’t the easiest on their long-haul flights out of the U.S. Book early or be very flexible.

Alaska Mileage Plan

Using Alaska’s Mileage Plan for an award booking is another solid option for business class flights to India. You’ll need 140,000 miles for a round-trip award ticket in business class. The best part of this booking is that the taxes and fees are only $72.55. That’s full business class, not “mixed cabin”, and applies to flights departing from the East Coast or West Coast. I found TONS of availability. This routing is a one-stop in Seoul, South Korea flying the whole way on Korean Air.

Alaska Airlines miles aren’t as easy to come by as they used to be. However, Alaska Airlines is a transfer partner of  Marriott Bonvoy  (3:1 transfer ratio + 5,000 bonus miles for each 60,000 Marriott points you send). Alaska Airlines also has a personal and a business credit card from Bank of America. The Alaska Airlines Business Card and the personal card currently have the same welcome offer: 40,000 Alaska miles after spending $2,000 in 90 days. The annual fee on either card is $75.

American Airlines’ AAdvantage program one of the best ways to fly to India with miles & points. Regardless of where you live in the continental U.S., you’ll need only 140,000 miles. The taxes and fees are incredibly low if you route through Tokyo (Japan Airlines) or Hong Kong (Cathay Pacific), rather than going through London (British Airways) on partners. 140,000 miles for a non-stop, round-trip ticket in business class from New York to Delhi on Cathay Pacific. Cash requirement? $89.95 only.

United MileagePlus

While United’s 150,000 MileagePlus miles for a business class round-trip ticket to India comes in at the higher end (Aeroplan, Asia Miles, and Avianca are roughly the same), I’ve included United for 2 reasons. First, we can add extra value with the excursionist perk . Second, the miles are pretty simple to come by through transferring from Chase and welcome offers from United’s co-branded credit cards. United will be a “love it or hate it” option here. Let’s look.

From the West Coast, you’ll need 150,000 miles and only $49.35 for this ticket. One of the reasons people like United is that they won’t charge you extra carrier-imposed fees. This will include United Polaris business class flights with a connection, China in this case. You can reduce the taxes and fly direct if you go on Air India. People have…mixed reviews…on Air India’s business class.

From the East Coast, the points requirements go up to 170,000 miles. That’s not a huge jump, but it can become significant if there’s more than 1 person on the trip. Taking the direct flight from New York JFK to Delhi on Air India requires only $30.75 in taxes for the round-trip booking, plus 170,000 miles.

United is a transfer partner of  Chase Ultimate Rewards  and  Marriott Bonvoy (3:1.1 transfer ratio + 5,000 bonus miles for each 60,000 Marriott points you send). The Marriott transfers give a 10% bonus compared to other airlines, due to the agreement with Chase. United Airlines also has co-branded credit cards from Chase, including some increased welcome offers.

Now that we know what the best ways to fly to the Middle East, we need to get the required miles. A great way to earn the required miles is through credit card welcome offers. Depending on the points you are looking to earn, these are some great options.

These Offers May Have Ended Or Changed

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Chase has numerous credit cards that can earn their coveted Ultimate Rewards points. Here are some current offers.

• Chase Sapphire Preferred  – 60,000 Ultimate Rewards points with a $95 annual fee after spending $4,000 within the first 3 months. The perfect starter card and it offers a ton of value the first year.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve  – 50,000 Ultimate Rewards points with a $450 annual fee after spending $4,000 within the first 3 months.  The best perks card in the Chase program and a great card for road warriors.
• Ink Business Preferred  – 80,000 Ultimate Rewards points with a $95 annual fee after spending $5,000 within the first 3 months.  The largest UR points offer Chase has.

American Express Membership Rewards

If you’re looking to earn Membership Rewards, these cards have excellent welcome offers. There are also  targeted offers  for the Platinum Card, including 100k or 125k points.

• Business Platinum Card from American Express  – Earn 50,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $10,000 within the first 3 months. Earn an additional 25,000 points after spending and additional $10,000 within the first three months. The card comes with a $595 annual fee and  an array of travel and business perks .
• American Express Gold Card – Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $4,000 within the first 3 months. The card has a $250 annual fee. The Amex Gold earns 4x at US supermarkets and restaurants plus offers dining and airline credits.
• American Express Green Card  – Recently revamped, you can earn 30,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $2,000 within the first 3 months with a $150 annual fee. The card earns 3x on travel and dining.

Citi ThankYou Points

If you’re looking to earn Citi’s ThankYou Points, several cards have strong welcome offers. There’s also the DoubleCash card that has their best overall earning ratio for daily spend.

• Citi Prestige  – 50,000 ThankYou points with a $495 annual fee thereafter after spending $4,000 within the first 3 months. The card has a $250 annual travel credit, Priority Pass membership, and earns 5x ThankYou points on air travel and at restaurants.
• Citi Premier  – 60,000 ThankYou points with a $0 intro annual fee ($95 annual fee thereafter) after spending $4,000 within the first 3 months. It is the best starter Citi ThankYou card in my opinion. Earns 3x points on travel and gas.
• Citi Rewards+  – 15,000 ThankYou points with no annual fee after spending $1,000 within the first 3 months. Card earns 2x at grocery stores and gas stations. The most unique feature is the “round up” benefit to the nearest 10 points per transaction.
• Citi Double Cash  – No current welcome offer (supposedly a $100 statement credit offer is available in-branch). Card earns 2%/2x ( cash back can convert to ThankYou points ) on all purchases, 1% after purchase and 1% after the purchase is paid off. No annual fee.

Capital One Rewards

For those looking to earn Capital One Rewards, several cards have strong welcome offers. They also offer strong earning on daily spend to help you rack up the points you need for your trip.

• Capital One Venture  – 50,000 Venture Miles with a $0 intro annual fee ($95 annual fee thereafter) after spending $3,000 within the first 3 months. Earns unlimited 2x points on everything.
• Capital One Spark Miles For Business  – 50,000 Spark Miles with a $0 intro annual fee ($95 annual fee thereafter) after spending $4,500 within the first 3 months. Earns 5x on rental cars and hotels booked through Capital One, plus unlimited 2x points on everything.

All award tickets will have taxes. That’s a guarantee.  As I recently mentioned , using the best card for your purchase nets more miles. So does  using shopping portals and cash back sites .

I would use an  American Express Platinum Card  as my first option. That would give me 5  Membership Rewards  points per $1 when paying the taxes. The 2nd option would be  Chase Sapphire Reserve  or  American Express Gold Card . Either of those will give me 3 points per $1 ( Chase Ultimate Rewards  or Amex Membership Rewards).

Today, we looked at the best ways to fly to India using miles and points. If you’re looking to visit the Taj Mahal or just interested in the amazing history & culture India has to offer, now we know some great ways to get there. This article looked at flight options in economy and business class. We talked about reducing taxes and fees by choosing different layover airports and different mileage programs. We also talked about earning a good return on your taxes/fees payment by using the best card available. If you’re heading to the Taj Mahal, enjoy it. And remember to get there early to beat the crowds!

All information about American Express cards in this post has been collected independently by Miles to Memories. Some offers mentioned in this post have expired.

  Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Learn more about this card and its features!

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Responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.

In my opinion the best way to travel to India in Economy is to just use Chase Portal with a Chase Reserve redeemed at 1.5x. This will allow you to find the fastest routes and minimize taxes. Also surprised you didn’t include United for the economy. Often times the saver awards could be found for 42.5K one way with $5.6 in fees. Beats other options on taxes.

42.5k one-way means 85k round-trip with United, which is a ton more points than the other options. Sure, it can win on taxes, so this depends on what points you’re trading and the trade-off rate.

Doing a CPM calculation in your example shows that United easily beats British Airways. Cash ticket for BA in your example is $1149 giving it a CPM of 0.76; Cash ticket for United of those same dates is $786 which is almost the same amount as fees on BA. CPM for United even with higher RT points usage is 0.91. As mentioned earlier, I believe the best option is using Chase Travel Portal. Even with Sapphire Preferred rate of 1.25, you’re better off. Not to forget you earn miles which is an additional benefit. I think this is a good article but really believe to make a better comparison and demonstrate an objective picture of the best way to travel somewhere would be normalize everything using CPM.

That’s only a small part of the picture. If you only have miles A, are you going to not book the ticket because miles B would be a better return? No. You’re going to book the best option with what you have. I mentioned several times in the article that some of these deals aren’t that great and it can be better to just buy a cheap cash fare. I’m not sure what else you’re looking for, but thanks for sharing your ideas.

I agree and hence I was surprised that you didn’t even mention United in the economy section. MileagePlus probably gives you a better value than most other options listed and also gives you multiple non-stop routes using United and/or Air India. All I am trying to convey is that in my opinion this article doesn’t truly demonstrate the best method to get to India.

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15 Best Places to Visit in India, According to Travel Experts

From the alpine meadows of Kashmir to the palm-fringed beaches of Goa, these are some of the subcontinent’s most enchanting destinations.

Margot Bigg is a freelance travel writer and editor who has spent most of her adult life traveling and living overseas. Her favorite topics include India travel, experiential travel, wellness, hotels, and the arts. When not on the road, Margot enjoys studying languages, discovering new music, taking pictures of random cats, and planning her next adventures.

guillermo1956/Getty Images

As a former longtime Delhiite and frequent traveler to India, people often ask me what the country is like. I never know how to respond, for trying to sum up a nation as vast and diverse as India feels impossible. So, instead, I asked a few experts for their insights.

“If you visit India, you feel you have visited several countries, as every part is different,” says Mohd Shafi Billo, an inbound tour operator who specializes in helping international travelers plan their trips to the country. “It’s an exceptional destination, thanks to its culture, history, and inclusiveness of different people from different faiths, and it has everything to offer, from forts to mausoleums, wildlife tours to mountain adventures.”  

Shoba Rudra, founder and partner at hospitality consultancy Rare India , agrees. “The country is living a dynamic moment in history, ever-changing,” she says. “What's constant, however, is the vibrant culture lived through its festivals, cuisine, heritage, crafts, and performing arts.”

While it would take years to see it all, India is an approachable destination — if you can narrow things down. With that in mind, here are 15 of the best places to get you started on your sojourn to the subcontinent.

Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure

Stretching along the southernmost part of India’s Malabar Coast, the tropical state of Kerala entices visitors with its marshy backwaters, which most people visit on overnight houseboat adventures. These popular cruises “showcase lush landscapes and peaceful villages, and [give visitors] a glimpse into local life amid tranquil waters and picturesque surroundings,” says Billo. While the backwaters are a star attraction, the state offers much more to explore, from the tea plantations of Munnar, known for its cool climate and seemingly endless rolling hills, to the historic city of Kochi, celebrated in equal measure for its rich coastal history and contemporary art scene . The beaches aren’t too shabby, either. “North Kerala is also famous, as the Malabar Coast is where the spice trade flourished,” says Rudra. “The coastal area is picturesque and this region is still unexplored.”

Faizal A Rahiman/Getty Images

On the opposite end of the country from Kerala, Kashmir offers entirely different — but equally captivating — landscapes. With its alpine climate, evergreen trees, and snowy winters, Kashmir is often likened to a mini Switzerland . Famed 13th-century Sufi poet Amir Khusrau once proclaimed in Farsi, “If there is a paradise on earth, it is this,” and he may have been onto something. At the heart of it all is Srinagar, Kashmir’s capital city, which is known for its elegant gardens and watery centerpiece, Dal Lake. “Highlights include staying on a houseboat or taking a shikara [traditional Kashmiri boat] ride,” says Billo, who hails from the area. Don't leave without indulging in wazwan , an opulent, meat-heavy feast that can feature up to three dozen dishes in one sitting. 

Alongkot Sumritjearapol/Getty Images

Occupying a high-altitude plateau in the northernmost reaches of India, Ladakh is characterized by otherworldly landscapes and big skies, punctuated by palatial stupas and monasteries. Many visitors come to Ladakh’s capital, Leh, during the short summer tourist season, but this surreal region offers plenty more to experience beyond the city. Billo suggests visiting the Nubra Valley, an isolated part of the old Silk Road that’s only accessible by crossing Khardung La, one of the world’s highest motorable passes. “The valley offers a glimpse into Ladakh's unique geography and cultural diversity with monasteries, quaint villages, and apricot orchards,” says Billo. The region is also rich with unusual wildlife, from elusive snow leopards to the scaled-down Bactrian camels that originated in the steppes of Central Asia.

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

al_la/Getty Images

On the banks of the sacred Ganges River, the holy city of Rishikesh has held a place in the hearts of spiritually minded travelers — both from India and abroad — for generations. It’s the self-proclaimed “yoga capital of the world,” with a mix of traditional ashrams (spiritual rest houses) that cater largely to Hindu pilgrims and yoga centers that attract international visitors with teacher-training courses and meditation retreats. If you’re not into yoga, you’ll still find plenty to do here. Popular activities include visiting the ruins of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram (dubbed the Beatles Ashram in honor of its most famous former residents) to whitewater rafting adventures on the mighty Ganges. It’s also a great place for a wellness getaway, and nearby Ananda in the Himalayas was voted one of Travel + Leisure readers' favorite international spas in 2023.

Auroville, Tamil Nadu

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If you’re looking for a place that’s unlike anywhere else in India — or, frankly, the world — head to the intentional community of Auroville in South India. This UNESCO-recognized global township was founded in the 1960s with the goal of "realizing human unity," beyond the illusory divisions of creed or nationality, and it's home to generations of residents from around the world. Many visitors come for an hour or two, just long enough to view Auroville’s spiritual center — the golden, dome-shaped Matrimandir . However, it’s worth sticking around a bit longer to get a feel for what the community is about. As Akash Kapur, who grew up in Auroville and authored " Better to Have Gone " and " India Becoming ," puts it: "Come to Auroville if you're interested in alternative societies, sustainable living, or spirituality, but try not to just drop in for a few hours (as many do), and instead spend some time here, really getting to know the people and their work. The community rewards sustained immersion."

Andaman Islands

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Although most people associate the crystalline waters of the Andaman Sea with Thai island getaways, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in this tropical region are under Indian control. This little stretch of paradise is full of gorgeous shorelines, but most visitors devote their vacations to the island of Swaraj Dweep (formerly known as Havelock). The most popular beach on the island is Radhanagar Beach, which offers just over a mile of white sand sandwiched between tropical jungle and warm, transparent waters. Getting to this remote island requires a bit of gumption: You'll need to fly from the Indian mainland to Port Blair on South Andaman Island, then catch a ferry or charter a seaplane for the final stretch. While visitors are welcome on many islands in the chain, a few — including secluded North Sentinel Island — are off-limits. 

While many travelers see India’s capital as a jumping-off point for visiting further-afield destinations, it’s worth sticking around for a while to truly appreciate what Delhi has to offer. There’s certainly never a dull moment in this busy metropolis, whether you’re shopping for handicrafts at one of its numerous markets or learning about medieval and Mughal history at one of its three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Humayun's Tomb, Qutb Minar, and Red Fort. Although Delhi is undeniably rambunctious, it also has a quieter, more peaceful side that you can find amidst the trees and 15th-century tombs of Central Delhi’s Lodi Gardens or in the quiet interiors of the Baháʼí Lotus Temple.

Taj Mahal, Agra, Uttar Pradesh

Many travelers to India put the 17th-century Taj Mahal at the top of their list. This white marble mausoleum is easily India’s most recognizable structure — and it’s one of the New Seven Wonders of the World . This popular attraction also has a romantic backstory. “This iconic symbol of love is renowned for its architectural beauty, intricate marble work, and the captivating story behind its creation by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal,” notes Billo. The bodies of the emperor and his wife remain interred in the Taj to this day. 

Jaipur. Rajasthan

The capital of Rajasthan and one-third of North India’s popular Golden Triangle tourist route (which also includes Agra and Delhi), Jaipur is a must-visit for those who love architecture and shopping. “The Pink City, as it's nicknamed, offers a rich cultural heritage, stunning [landmarks] like Amber Fort, vibrant bazaars, and intricate handicrafts,” says Billo. Many of Jaipur's key attractions are found in the historic walled part of the city, which became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019. Highlights include Jantar Mantar (a collection of oversized — and fully functional — astronomical instruments dating to the 17th century) and Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds, a honeycomb-shaped palace designed with tiny windows that allowed air to flow freely through its interior.

Jodhpur, Rajasthan

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Dubbed the Blue City because of the cerulean-colored buildings that extend for miles through the oldest part of town, Jodhpur has long attracted travelers eager to explore the ramparts of the larger-than-life Mehrangarh Fort. It’s also home to the grandiose Umaid Bhawan Palace , which made headlines in 2018 when Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas tied the knot there. While Jodhpur’s beautiful, regal architecture is reason enough to visit, there’s more to the city than massive forts and grand palaces. “The area around the Toorji ka Jhalra stepwell in the old city is fun to explore,” says hotelier Sapna Bhatia, owner of Kaner Retreat and Jodhpur-area native. “For nature enthusiasts, there’s the Rao Jodha desert park near Mehrangarh Fort.”

Udaipur, Rajasthan

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T+L readers' favorite city in Asia and second favorite city in the world , Udaipur very much fits the bill of a fairy tale destination. Nicknamed the City of Lakes, thanks to its seven lakes, this gorgeous destination is home to some of India's finest luxury hotels plus historic whitewashed palaces, including the magnificent City Palace, an 11-palace complex that houses hotels, a huge museum with an impressive collection of European crystal, and a royal residence. A short boat ride from the palace lies the 18th-century Taj Lake Palace, an opulent palace-turned-hotel in the middle of Lake Pichola. It’s a quick drive from The Oberoi, Udaivilas , a purpose-built palatial hotel with onion-domed cupolas and a moat-like swimming pool that directly connects to some of the rooms.  

If you’re looking for a less-frequented, but no less amazing, alternative to more touristed states such as Rajasthan, consider Gujarat. “Under-explored but culturally rich, this state in India is a tapestry of festivals, textiles, architectural heritage, communities, and landscape,” says Rudra. Gujarat was also the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, who led the Salt March, one of his most famous acts of peaceful protest, through the state in 1930. Rudra suggests visiting the National Salt Satyagraha Memorial , which “honors the activists through murals, installations, sculptures, art, and related film.” It's also worth checking out the Kutch district, known for its distinct metal bells , which were originally used for keeping track of livestock and are now popular as decorative wind chimes.

Kaziranga National Park, Assam

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The northeast Indian state of Assam is home to a treasure for wildlife enthusiasts: Kaziranga National Park . This expansive, UNESCO-listed wildlife refuge near the borders of Bangladesh and Bhutan has the largest population of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses on the planet, providing a home to roughly 2,000 of these massive beasts. Although rhinos are the star attraction on park safaris, all sorts of animals live here, including tigers, elephants, gibbons, sloth bears, and a small number of endangered Ganges River dolphins. 

Historic, glitzy, and positively gargantuan, Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay) is easily one of India’s most cosmopolitan destinations. This city by the sea is the nation's financial and entertainment capital, and while you’re unlikely to rub shoulders with Bollywood stars here, you're sure to see a lot of impressive attractions in very little time. Take a boat out to Elephanta Island to explore fifth– and sixth–century rock-hewn cave temples, marvel at the grand Indo-Saracenic architecture at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus , or see thousands of clothes hanging out to dry at Dhobi Ghat, the world's largest open-air laundry. Then, head to the sleek neighborhood of Bandra West, where many of Mumbai’s best restaurants and hotels are located, including Taj Lands End, voted T+L readers' favorite city hotel in India in 2023.

India’s smallest state, Goa, is arguably its top beach destination, where long days of swimming and sunbathing turn into longer nights of partying on the sand. While Goa has been known as a hippie haven since the 1960s, it's started to shed its reputation in recent decades. It’s still very much a party state, though it also draws in families and couples in search of sea and sun, sans nightlife. It’s a great place for history buffs as well, with numerous seaside forts and UNESCO-recognized churches that were built when Goa was under Portuguese rule. And while the destination has always been loved for its fiery dishes that combine traditional Konkani ingredients with Portuguese influences, it has also emerged as a culinary hot spot , where a new generation of chefs is showcasing everything from Japanese yakitori to jackfruit tamales.

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Top 10 Award Flights to India Using Miles and Points

TravelSort reader Maheshwar writes “ I'm writing to request a post on how to redeem miles and points for award travel to  India . My friends and I travel to  India  at least twice a year but I have never been able to get close to redeeming miles and points for an award flight. I follow your blog quite regularly and have dug up many good posts for travel to Asia via Cathay Pacific to Hong Kong, and Singapore KrisFlyer award redemptions. Can you please do the same for travel to  India?”

There are several good award options to India, although most that are available as award flights do require connecting in Europe, the Middle East or Asia. These are my top 10 favorite awards to India based on the following criteria:

• Business or First Class (You want to avoid coach on a flight this long!)
• Flat bed in Business Class (Angled flat is just not comfortable for sleeping)
• Award availability
• Award price in miles or points

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The 15 most spectacular places to visit in India

Dec 11, 2023 • 13 min read

Expect fairy-tale-like drama against a desert backdrop in magical Jaisalmer, Rajasthan © Andrii Lutsyk/ Getty Images

India’s astonishing variety of sights has to be seen to be believed. Travelers have devoted lifetimes to exploring the famous places and forgotten corners of this incredible country, driven onwards by the certainty that there’s always more to see.

Mughal palaces, towering Hindu temples, mountain monasteries, lost kingdoms, cultured cities, and genteel hill stations in the foothills of the Himalayas all jostle for attention in a country that is proudly shaking off the legacy of colonialism and repositioning itself as a global superpower. With such incredible diversity on offer, there’s just one question – where do you start?

Well, our advice is to not take on too much during a single visit. Pick an area – the tropical south perhaps, or the northern plains, or the mountain valleys of the Himalayas – and give yourself time to pause and soak up the atmosphere as you work through your must-see list .

Wherever you go, you’re guaranteed a mind-expanding and exhilarating blast of color, soul-soaring splendor, earth-shaking history and moments of pure serenity. Equal parts magic and mayhem, this mix is what makes traveling to India such an intense and addictive experience.

While this was no easy list to compile, we’re proud to present our pick of the ten best places to visit in India.

1. Agra, Uttar Pradesh

Best for romantics and fans of Mughal history

At the top of everyone’s bucket list, the Taj Mahal is as glorious as people imagine it would be – a magnificent monument to lost love, executed in pearl-white marble. Views of the world’s most beautiful building framed by a Mughal archway or floating above the misty Yamuna River will be one of the defining moments of any trip to India.

But there’s more to the former Mughal capital than the Taj. Add on a couple of days so you can visit the architecturally stunning tomb of  Emperor Akbar , his rose-red sandstone former capital at Fatehpur Sikri and sprawling Agra Fort , one of India’s most epic fortifications. Thronged by millions of visitors, Agra is not always relaxing, but it’s eternally fascinating.

2. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Best for intense spirituality

There are few places as beguiling and bewitching as the sacred Hindu city of Varanasi . Millennia-old death rituals play out daily at the cremation ghats that line the bank of the sacred River Ganges, while the maze-like alleyways of the nearby old town reveal dizzying surprises at every turn. We defy anyone to visit without experiencing some internal soul-searching about their place in the universe.

Be ready for some challenges. The hard-edged realities of life and death and the inequalities that continue to cause hardship for many in India are obvious on the streets of the world’s oldest living city. But there are also moments of gentleness – rise at dawn and wander the ghats (riverside steps) and you’ll see Varanasi at its most spiritual, with its attention focused on the sacred river, before the tourist bustle changes the mood.

Planning tip: The best way to appreciate Varanasi’s famous ghats is from a rowboat. Boatmen offer their services from first light at boat stations along the west bank of the Ganges, providing views of a riverfront that has changed only superficially in seven centuries.

3. Mumbai, Maharashtra

Best for urban explorers and Bollywood hopefuls

Mumbai is the perfect place to take the pulse of modern India. The most densely populated city in the subcontinent is home to Bollywood film stars, enterprising market vendors, bankers and executives rushing to work in offices, and fishing families who can trace their origins back to the days when this mighty metropolis was just a humble village.

To understand more about the disparities of life in contemporary Mumbai, take a socially responsible tour through the city’s huge and disadvantaged Dharavi district with Reality Tours & Travel ; 80% of the profits go back to social projects providing opportunities for those left behind by Mumbai’s push for success.

The city’s can’t-miss excursion is the boat trip to the 1500-year-old, UNESCO World Heritage-listed rock-cut temples of Elephanta Island , but fantastic street food is the city’s great leveler. Don’t leave without sampling Mumbai's signature snack, bhel poori – puffed rice and fried dough with lentils, onions, herbs and savory chutneys, best sampled on the beach at Chowpatty or Juhu.

Detour: With time to spare in Mumbai, head to the northern suburbs, where Sanjay Gandhi National Park protects a sprawl of dry forest, home to leopards, deer, monkeys and serene Buddhist cave temples.

Best for an extraordinary taste of Tibet

In the far northwest of India, sheltered from the monsoon by the rain shadow of the Himalayas, the former Buddhist kingdom of Ladakh is culturally and geographically closer to western Tibet than anywhere in India. In this high-altitude moonscape, towering Tibetan monasteries melt into a landscape of barren rock and wind-sculpted hoodoos (don’t miss fabulous Hemis and Thiksey on the road linking Ladakh to Himachal Pradesh ). 

Most visitors start in the atmospheric capital, Leh , before roaming to neighboring valleys for homestay treks and trips to view turquoise salt lakes and colorful masked dances at ancient monasteries. Ladakh wasn't touched by China’s Cultural Revolution, so this is perhaps the closest independent travelers can come to experiencing the original culture of Tibet.

Planning tip: Getting to Ladakh is half the fun. Flights run to Leh even in the depths of winter, but the most enjoyable way in is overland, by road from either Srinagar in Kashmir or Manali in Himachal Pradesh. Buses and shared 4WDs run as long as the passes are open from June to the end of September, or you can tackle the route on a rented Enfield motorcycle.

5. Kolkata, West Bengal 

Best for culture vultures

The capital of colonial British India until 1911, Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) is India’s third-biggest metropolis and the country's intellectual and artistic capital. Spend a few days exploring the energetic bazaars, cultured museums and British-era landmarks, and you’ll soon fall in love with Kolkata’s irrepressible energy.

To really get to know Kolkata, sign up for a Bengali cooking course and visit the revered temple at Kalighat , where the goddess Kali is appeased with sacrifices. With more time to spare, book an overnight wildlife-watching tour to the nearby Sundarbans Tiger Reserve , a legendary stalking ground for royal Bengal tigers.

Planning tip: Try to time your visit to coincide with the festival of Durga Puja in September or October, when vividly colorful effigies of the goddess are displayed in pandals (ceremonial tents) all over the city.   

6. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Best for desert drama

The desert state of Rajasthan shows India at its most romantic and soft-filtered. Expect a mirage of camel caravans, ornate palaces, mighty forts, turbaned traders and intense colors, set against a backdrop of shifting desert sands. It’s unbelievably photogenic, but also firmly on the tourist map, so expect to share the experience with a crowd.

The pink-sandstone monuments of Jaipur , the ice-white lakeside palaces of Udaipur , and views of blue-hued Jodhpur from its lofty fort are all stunning experiences, but the city that delivers the biggest jolt to the senses is Jaisalmer , seeming sculpted from the living rock of the desert.

Its tangled lanes, towering fortress and beautifully ornate haveli (traditional houses) could have been plucked from the pages of One Thousand and One Nights , and the surrounding desert is the evocative setting for overnight camel safaris.

Planning tip: While it is possible to stay inside the fortified city, visitor numbers are having an impact on Jaisalmer’s historic heart. We recommend staying outside the walls instead – there are plenty of hotels and guesthouses within strolling distance of the fort.

7. The Kerala Backwaters

Best for lovers of slow travel

After the dusty, densely populated northern plains, tropical South India offers a lusher, more laid-back travel experience. The quintessential trip here is a slow-paced canal cruise through the emerald-green backwaters of Kerala , a 900-mile network of languid, coconut-fringed waterways, offering views of an ever-changing tableaux of South Indian life.

Hire a traditional houseboat in Alappuzha for a multiday trip, then settle in for a succulent Keralan seafood curry prepared by your personal chef as the sunset blushes over shimmering waters and silhouetted palm fronds. Post-cruise, it’s just a short hop up the coast to historic Kochi (Cochin) , with its cantilevered fishing nets and Kathakali dance theaters.

8. Bodhgaya, Bihar

Best for budding Buddhists

As the birthplace of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism (plus countless smaller faiths), India is defined by sacred geography. Even here, however, few places resonate more powerfully than the Bodhi tree where Prince Siddhartha Gautama achieved enlightenment to become the Buddha (Awakened One).

The town that has grown up around this sacred spot is home to dozens of Tibetan and Southeast Asian–style temples and monasteries, with a busy program of Buddhist teachings and courses. It’s the ideal destination for any spiritual explorer.

To get a feel for Bodhgaya ’s rhythms, come early to the Mahabodhi complex and settle in beside chanting Tibetan pilgrims to meditate on the nature of impermanence. Travel experiences don’t get much more profound than this.

Planning tip: Bodhgaya is just one stop on the so-called "Buddhist circuit," taking in key locations from the life of the historical Buddha. Local buses run to nearby Rajgir, the site of one of the first Buddhist monasteries, and Nalanda's ancient Buddhist university complex.  

9. Darjeeling, West Bengal

Best for a premium cup of tea with a view

Fanned by the cool breezes of the eastern Himalayas, surrounded by manicured tea estates and basking in front of epic Himalayan views, Darjeeling is easy to fall for.

For a perfect day, watch the dawn break over 8586m (20,169ft) Kangchenjunga, learn the difference between first-flush and white teas on a plantation tour, linger over an afternoon cuppa at the  Windamere Hotel , then learn about the Tibetan experience at the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre .

The classiest way to arrive is via the nostalgic, narrow-gauge toy train ; book tickets in advance and check to see if the steam service is running (the diesel train follows the same route, but has less charm). Don’t miss the Buddhist gompas (monasteries) dotted around the city. Below Darjeeling on the fringes of Ghum, historic Yiga Choeling Gompa has a special magic.

Planning tip: Darjeeling isn’t the only interesting stop in the area. Shared 4WDs buzz from Darjeeling to Kalimpong , another historic township with colorful Buddhist monasteries, Himalayan views and pretty flower nurseries. 

10. Hampi, Karnataka

Best for a full immersion in history

Between the 14th and 16th centuries CE, the capital of the Vijayanagar empire at Hampi was home to half a million people, but this ancient metropolis was almost completely abandoned, leaving 3700 stone monuments scattered across a surreal plain of boulders.

This is a place to linger, strolling between the boulders to find carved masonry, forgotten shrines and the handsome remains of some of South India’s most dramatic stone temples.

Glance up as you wander and you’ll see rock climbers tackling bouldering routes using chisel marks made by ancient masons. Rent a motorcycle or scooter and you can roam further afield, taking in the hilltop temple marking the spot where the monkey god Hanuman first met Lord Rama.

Planning tip: Hampi is a short bus ride from the town of Hosapete – get here by overnight train from Goa’s beaches, historic Hyderabad or the cosmopolitan southern city of Bengaluru .

11. Arunachal Pradesh

Best for stepping off the map

Tucked away near Bangladesh, the eight Northeast States – Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim – are India’s wild frontier. Until the 1990s, this region of rugged mountain valleys was mostly off-limits to foreigners, and visitor numbers are still small – people who travel here earn the right to call themselves proper explorers. 

Sikkim is the most famous destination in the Northeast States, but we’d encourage you east towards the forested foothills and jagged mountains of Arunachal Pradesh , where tribal communities follow a diverse range of traditional belief systems, from the Buddhist Monpa people of Tawang to the animist Apatani people of the Ziro valley. 

Planning tip: Travel takes a bit of effort in Arunachal Pradesh; you’ll need to apply for a permit to enter the state, and local transport is patchy. By far the easiest way to explore is with a chartered 4WD and driver (easily arranged in Guwahati in Assam).  

12. Amritsar, Punjab

Best for experiencing the power of devotion

India has pilgrimage destinations to spare, but few come close to the vibrant energy of the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The most sacred site for the Sikh religion is a gleaming jewel box, floating in a mirror-like sacred pool, thronged day and night by an unbelievable mass of pilgrims. You don’t have to be spiritually inclined to feel its powerful rhythms. 

Joining devotees at the Sri Harmandir Sahib – the gold-paneled shrine at the heart of the complex – is incredibly moving. Staying overnight in the pilgrims' hostels that flank the temple compound only adds to the intensity. A donation is much appreciated for accommodation if possible, though pilgrims of all means will be accommodated if space is available. You can also sit down for meals at the temple langar (kitchen), which provides cost-free nourishment to a staggering 100,000 people per day (again, a donation is appreciated if you have the means).

Planning tip: Don’t limit your explorations to the Golden Temple – the surrounding bazaars buzz with energy and atmosphere, with vendors selling everything from embroidered chappals (sliders) to brass and polished steel pots and pans.   

13. Mysuru (Mysore), Karnataka

Best for feeling like a Maharaja

The atmospheric South Indian city of Mysuru has multiple charms: towering temples, one of India’s most evocative marketplaces, and the almost impossibly extravagant crib that is Mysuru Palace , the ancestral home of the Wadiyar maharajas. No building conjures up the extravagant lives of India’s royal rulers quite so vividly – every room is a fantasy, every ornament an heirloom. 

Around the palace are busy bazaars, rewarding museums and a string of Hindu temples in the classic Dravidian (Southern Indian) architectural style. Devote several days to wandering the streets, hiking up to the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple on Chamundi Hill and feasting on fiery vegetarian  thalis (plate meals) in Mysuru’s restaurants.  

14. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Best for tiger encounters

The national parks of Madhya Pradesh are some of the best places on the planet to get close to royal Bengal tigers. Seeing one of these striped superstars loping out of the jungle will stay with you for a lifetime – as well as leaving you heartbroken at the thought of how few tigers still survive in the wild.

Everyone has their favorite tiger reserve, but we rate Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve near Jabalpur for the density of wildlife in its central Tala range. Around 70 tigers roam these dry forests, alongside leopards, monkeys, deer and gaur – India’s gigantic wild buffalo. There’s a high likelihood of sightings if you devote several days to 4WD safaris (elephant safaris should be avoided as riding can be harmful to these vulnerable animals). 

Planning tip: The best time to see tigers is first thing in the morning – safaris start at 5:30am to catch tigers before they stake out a shady spot in the undergrowth to sleep through the heat of the day. 

15. Madurai, Tamil Nadu

Best for religious splendor

South India's Hindu temples are a joyous celebration of the divine, decorated inside and out with vividly colorful depictions of deities and supernatural beings, both fearsome and sublime. In the southern city of Madurai , the towering gopurams (gateway towers) of the Meenakshi Amman Temple provide a three-dimensional guide to the main deities of the Hindu pantheon.

The current temple was constructed in the 17th century, but the site has been sacred to Meenakshi, the queen of the Pandya kingdom and an incarnation of the goddess Parvati, for at least 2000 years. Come early in the morning to watch sunrise bring the temple to life, then pop to the nearest branch of Murugan Idli Shop for some of the south’s best idli (steamed rice and lentil cakes).  

Detour: A short bus or train ride from Madurai, Tiruchirappalli – aka Trichy – is another top spot for temple enthusiasts. The looming Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is one of the world’s largest Hindu shrines, covering 155 acres (63 hectares) and topped by 21 deity-encrusted towers. More temples crown the rocky outcrop at the heart of the city, offering epic views over the rooftops.  

This article was first published Mar 20, 2022 and updated Dec 11, 2023.

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$307 Find Cheap Flights to India

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Good to know

Faqs - booking india flights, if i’m traveling to india to attend durga puja, where should i fly to.

To attend this festival, it's easier to fly to Kolkata. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) is at the heart of Kolkata and it's easy to get transfer services from this airport to your residence in Kolkata.

If I want to experience the historical heritage of India, where should I fly to?

Ahmedabad in Gujarat is one of UNESCO’s named world heritage cities because of its rich cultural and architectural history. It has many historical temples and mosques. To get there, fly into Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) and take a taxi or a town car and you’ll be there in around 10 minutes.

Which airport is closest to Pushkar?

Jaipur International Airport (JAI) in Sanganer is the nearest international airport to Pushkar. The most cost-effective way to get to Pushkar from JAI is taking the bus while the most convenient way is taking a taxi to the Jaipur Junction Station to board a train.

What is the best airport to fly in and out of South India?

Chennai International Airport (MAA) is one of the airports in the southern part of India and is known as the center of the southern flight region. From MAA you can explore the cities in the southern part of India including Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Madurai, Ooty, Mangalore, Vijayawada, and Kochi, have the ultimate shopping experience and dive into the Indian culture.

What’s the best way to get to Madhya Pradesh?

The Central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh is bordered by Uttar Pradesh in the north and Maharashtra in the west, so it really depends on where exactly you are going. For example, the city of Bhopal lies almost exactly between Mumbai (482 mi) and New Delhi (477 mi), so you can fly to either city and arrange further air or ground transport as you wish.

Are there any nonstop flights to India from the US?

Unfortunately, due to the great distances involved there are no nonstop flights from the US to India. All airlines offer layover service to Mumbai, Delhi and Amritsar (ATQ) from many major cities including Los Angeles (LAX), New York (JFK), Washington, DC (IAD), Houston (IAH) and both Chicago international airports (ORD and MDW).

Which Indian airport is closest to the Taj Mahal?

The Taj Mahal is the most-visited place in India and is in the city of Agra, Uttar Pradesh. If you plan on visiting this iconic structure, then you should fly into Indira Gandhi International Airport in the capital city of New Delhi and take a bus to Agra, which is about three hours away.

Can I buy local currency at the airport in India?

Yes, you can. The Indian Rupee (INR) is the official currency of the country and visitors to India can exchange dollars for rupees upon arrival in one of the many foreign exchange kiosks and banks located at all the major international airports in India.

How long is the flight to India?

An average nonstop flight from the United States to India takes 18h 48m, covering a distance of 8030 miles. The most popular route is Newark - New Delhi with an average flight time of 13h 45m.

What is the cheapest flight to India?

The cheapest ticket to India from the United States found in the last 72 hours was $332 one-way, and $610 round-trip. The most popular route is Newark to New Delhi Indira Gandhi Intl and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $674.

Which airlines fly to India?

Air India, Air Canada & United Airlines fly the most frequently from the United States to India.

What are the most popular destinations in India?

Based on KAYAK flight searches, the most popular destination is New Delhi (27% of total searches to India). The next most popular destinations are Mumbai (24%) and Hyderabad (15%). Searches for flights to Ahmedabad (9%), to Bengaluru (Bangalore) (8%) and to Chennai (5%) are also popular.

How does KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to India

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest India flight deals.
• Holi is one of the biggest festivals in India popular among foreign visitors. It's a celebration of Spring that involves throwing around colored powder that happens between February and March. When flying to India during this festival, make sure to plan at least three months ahead and buy your tickets before the prices sky-rocket.
• When flying on the layover flights from the USA to India, the best locations to layover are Munich (MUN), Doha (DIA), Frankfurt (FRA), Istanbul (IST), and Zurich (ZRH) because of their top-tier layover services and the historical and modern tourist attractions found near the airport.
• Among the over 15 airlines that operate between India and the USA, the top two airlines are Delta Airlines and Air India. Delta Airlines flies into 6 airports in India and Air India has a hub in 12 airports in the US.
• Air India has direct flights from the USA to India and one of the most popular routes is from New York John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to New Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport(DEL) because of its affordable rate.
• New Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport is the biggest and busiest airport in India serving over eight of the airlines that operate between India and the US. If you want to tour cities like Delhi, New Delhi, Gurgaon or Loni, DEL is a convenient airport to land in.
• The flight from the US to India is quite long and can be very exhausting. Consider upgrading your seat to business class to get spacious cabins, plush seats, aisle or window seats, gourmet meals, priority baggage and other perks to make your trip a little less tiring.
• India is a vast and ancient country that is served by several international hubs in the major cities of Delhi (DEL) in the north, Mumbai (BOM) in the west, Kolkata (CCU) in the east and Chennai (MAA) in the south. Other major international airports serve the cities of Hyderabad (HYD) and Bengaluru (Bangalore) (BLR).
• If you are planning a flight from the US to India, you should be aware that US citizens need a visa to enter the country. The standard tourist visa is good for multiple entries, valid for a year from the date of issue and allows you to stay for up to 180 days.
• If you wish to visit Puducherry, Madurai or Chennai in the state of Tamil Nadu, you can either fly into Mumbai and get a connecting flight south or consider flying from Jaffna (Sri Lanka), which is actually closer to Tamil Nadu and will save you travel time.
• If you wish to explore the banks of the Ganges River, flying to New Delhi is a good starting point. From there you can take a train, bus or car to Varanasi, Allahabad and Patra. However, catching the ferry down the famous river can’t be beat.
• Apart from its numerous temples and holy sites, India is also well known for its festivals which attract many visitors from all over the world. You can book a flight in the fall and witness Diwali, the Festival of Lights, watch the burning of the effigies at Dussehra festival in October or take a flight in March and enjoy Holi, The Festival of Colors.

Top 5 airlines flying to India

I have a very good experience flighting with emirates. All my expectations were fit well.

Emirates is good airlines. But there plane seats were very small and congested. Need to little good and big seats in economy class.

Meals were delicious, however I got hungry between dinner and breakfast.

Very good!! If at all, the business class chair/bed was bit small!! It’s because of older plane- as was told!

Very good ..nice comfort..crew service was good..and no delays in time ..they always on time..

We did not fly and our agent has been uncilling and uncooperative to help us rebook flight. We will never use Kayak ever again to book our flights, and we will let our network of friends know that using Kayak is equal to losing $$$$$.

The experience of the flight. The food options have definitely gone down

I am vegan. The food was balanced, tasty and enough. I enjoyed the ride. The crew was very friendly and went out of their way to please the passengers.

Food service must be faster and make vegetarian food in good quality

On time take off and early arrival, what else can one want

The overall flight experience between Doha and Kolkata was satisfactory. The staff onboard were notably engaged, responsive, and enthusiastic, providing a level of service that stood out, especially when compared to the less attentive crew on the earlier leg from Heathrow to Doha. Their eagerness to assist made the journey more pleasant. Additionally, the time spent at the Silver Lounge in Doha contributed positively to the experience. The lounge offered a comfortable and relaxing environment, with adequate amenities and attentive staff. Overall, both the flight and the lounge experience in Doha met expectations, making for a smooth and satisfactory travel experience.

Delayed my flights and no communication. We end up spending 6 hrs in Doha. No food or any concern from the airline. Terrible

Check in desk people constrained by fear. Obvious typo on Uganda visa, even though approved, caused loss of flight. Something is definitely wrong with this system.

Being a platinum member, no attention given. No towel or tissue provided.

Between Air India and Qatar my luggage was lost for three days. I eventually found my own luggage location using the Apple Air Tag. Air India used a paper form to report my lost luggage. I could never get past getting past luggage personnel with my report number before they would hang up on me. Only after them specifically telling Air India at Chandigarh airport where my luggage was located which was right under their noses did they react. After three days I finally received my luggage. The Air India luggage folks didn’t seem proactive in finding the luggage’s rightful owner.

Besides the flight cancellation, everything else was prefect. Kudos to Malaysian Airlines.

Operated by American Airlines. Very chaotic and the crew was bit rough responding any enquiries. Restricted leg space.. Qatar would have been better

No towels or tissue and chocolate and mint provided before arrival

Qatar airways from Doha to guangzhau was excellent big bird Boeing 777 more room and smoothly flight, I Love it

It was good no problems made it on time for the next flight overseas!

This flight was a dreamliner so I think the space was ok for the legs, but the option for food was again limited and the crew was same.

Boarding was efficient, had to check in cabin luggage. Seats were narrow, food was more in quantity, received cabin luggage on the luggage belt which was fine.

Bad. Flight was very uncomfortable with narrow and shallow seats, very little food and water. I will not fly etihad again.

Needs better seat for business class. My seat was falling apart. Also no WiFi on that flight

Boarding catastrophic let alone have to claimb the plain rather than using jetway. 5.5 hr delay leaving had to do stop in Lgw for a new crew which further compounded the delay. Connecting flight would not wait and had to pend a night in a hotel. Curiously my seat would not go full flat.

Good. The food was very bad. Except for the chicken rice, rest of the dish went to trash.

Only 1 time food and drinks together was offered, for total 5 hours duration drinks and snacks was never offered. For some people food choice was not available, only veg was available. No entertainment option was there. Crew members were mostly back of the flight asking each other for KitKat and chips to share between them.

Etihad flight sector is a local . .give the same quality upto destination

Long way to improve. Toilets not working. Bad handling when flight was canceled

Lovely crew - comfortable journey despite it being an older plane.

I asked for antibacterial wipes three times and each time I was told they will bring it to me right away with nothing delivered. I finally went to the galley and was told you did not have it. In a post COVID world that is just wrong. The crew was very non compassionate to passengers asking basic questions about food. Very disappointing and makes me reconsider my routing for the future trips.

It was a very full flight, makes it harder for flight crew.

I was extremely stressed out with the delay of our flight, not because of the delay per se, but we weren’t getting any responses from the staff/crew as to what was going to happen with our connecting flights. I think if they were better informed, and in turn we were informed, we would be more at ease. Also, at the Newark security area, the scan machine detected something “foreign” in my crotch and behind area, I cannot believe that in 2024, these machines cannot differentiate between a sanitary pad and a dangerous object. The security officer who conducted the body search was really sweet and apologetic, and asked me if I would like to move to a private area and conducted the search thoroughly without making me uncomfortable, but it is clear that these machines need an upgrade for such issues.

Flight crew was among the best I’ve ever seen

Problems checking in. Charged for bag which was to be included. Repeated trials with in line check in process

Boarding was easy and well organized, Breakfast was not very good.

The flight was cold, no enough blanket and the crew said that they can’t change it. I got very sick in the flight . Most of the kids were coughing.

Sitting in a hotel in Chicago because I was rebooked due to a missed connection. Very frustrating.

Good flight. Entertainment equipment was sub-par - old-style 2-prong jack headphones that don't fir ears well. Entertainment software interface was slow and glitchy to navigate.

Very disappointed. None of the bags from Newark & Toronto flight were loaded onto connecting flight to Mumbai. And yet, no announcement during the flight. No placard near the luggage carousel in Mumbai. Absolute mayhem at Lufthansa lost & found counter. Each agent taking 20 minutes to record each incident. Stood in line for more than 1 hour, after suffering through a 8 hour flight.

Food not of any international or even Indian standard. We have many cuisine available but only paneer & sundry items. Improve & provide some good indian items. Entertainment website or channel out of order.

First and the foremost I was shocked to see airindia standards have come down so low . The food was horrible . They served us 3 meals for vegetarian and all the was paneer . The orange juice was not at all cold it was smelly . After you take this heavy price air India should learn from other air lines . I at one point felt like throwing up . After all this when we landed we were not given landing slip . We had to wait for 45 min at the immigration just because no one was given landing slip . To top it all we were 3 passengers and had checked in 4 check in luggage . Out of which 3 have not yet arrived . Basically status says the loaded it in our flight ( this was a direct fight ) and it never reached . We are still waiting . There is nothing great to tell about our flight . The he only good thing was the crew were very helpful .

Lay out shows 1st row and second row given after taking payment. It's a fraud

The seats were extremely uncomfortable. Air India seats used to be very comfortable . with sufficient legroom. In this aircraft there was no legroom. It is a shame that for your profit margins you are trying to pack people like cattle on these long haul flights. The food was terrible. The bread was hard like a rock. Mr CEO of Air India, why don’t you take a flight in economy from India to USA and experience the hardships first hand. It is utter disgrace

Absolutely nothing. Cold and unpleasant airline staff, and to top it all, the entertainment system was broken. Really harrowing experience.

BAD experience. Entertainment system was not working and most of the passengers had this issue. Staff was not helpful. Meal was yuck. Bad old flights.

Overall good experience. I got first row seats with extra legroom. It does make a difference. Entertainment system was working. However, they kept serving me a VEGAN meal instead of a VEGETERIAN meal. I asked them and showed my tickets that Vegeterian meal is selected but the staff didn't care. VEGAN meal was medicore and not enough to fill tummy. Also unhealthy with butter made from palm oil.

Communication was terrible. Flight was delayed for 4-5 hours in DC (on the front end, and also after we boarded, we had to get off - some issue with fueling the old plane correctly). There was little to no information on timing or what was happening. Once we reach Delhi airspace, apparently there was weather that caused us not to land - we were actually near the ground, saw the run way, and lifted back up to the sky after being sooo close. Then we circled for about 30 minutes, and they decided to go to Jaipur to land until the weather cleared and to refuel. Again, once we landed in Jaipur (wrong city), there was little to no information on timing or what was happening. Then we heard that the crew was reaching their 24 hours. We sat on the place, on the tarmac for another 3 HOURS, with no food and not enough water for everyone on the flight. Then, they kicked us off the plane with no plan, in the wrong city. We went thru customs, got our bags (thank goodness), and had to ask a bunch of staff what was happening and what to do. Eventually, their soltuion was to bus people back to Delhi (like 6 hours we were told) but not everyone would fit on the bus, and unknown timing on when it would leave. At this point it was 9PM (we were scheduled to arrive in Delhi at 11AM...). My husband and I decided to risk it and take a cab that we had to pay ourselves (about $200 US dollars) to get to Delhi (about 5 hour drive). We both had terrible trips back to the US as well - almost missed connecting flight, forced to pay for carry-on luggage (a small back pack!) and duty-free goods by the Air India staff last minute. Just terrible experience all around. Never again with AI! The ONLY good thing was the air hostesses were kind and patient - example: they made sure people with food allergies got their correct.

It would have been perfect if there was onboard entertainment.

Food was unfit even for prisoners. larger front seats are terribly uncomfortable, which is ironic. Thorough need to upgrade aircraft on such a long route.

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