Routes, seasons and the e-Visa
Flying to India from the US and Canada
India is one of the routes our agents price most, usually for family visits with fixed dates and several travelers. These are the things that decide the fare and the trip.
By All Travel Fun. Published November 1, 2026.
Nonstop or one stop
Nonstops run from New York, Newark, Chicago, San Francisco, Washington, Seattle, Toronto and Vancouver to Delhi and Mumbai, on Air India, United, American and Air Canada depending on the season. Everyone else connects, and the connection is where the fare moves most: through the Gulf on Emirates, Qatar Airways or Etihad, through Europe on Lufthansa, British Airways or Air France, or through Istanbul.
A one-stop fare is often hundreds less per person than the nonstop, and for a family of four that difference pays for a lot. The agent prices both on your dates and says what the stop costs in hours.
The seasons that set the price
December and January are the peak: Christmas travel from North America meets the Indian wedding season. Summer school holidays from June to August are the second peak. October brings Diwali and the fares that go with it. February, March, September and early November are the value months.
Weather points the other way. The comfortable months in north India are October to March; April to June is very hot; the monsoon runs June to September. Delhi's air is at its worst in November and December.
The e-Visa and OCI
US and Canadian citizens need a visa. The e-Visa is applied for online before travel, usually approved within days, and covers tourism and family visits. Overseas Citizens of India card holders do not need one. Apply early; the site is slow and the photo rules are strict. Check the current rules before you book, since they change.
Beyond Delhi and Mumbai
Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, Ahmedabad and Amritsar all have international service through the Gulf and Europe, and the one-stop fare into them can be cheaper than flying to Delhi and connecting again. Say the city you actually need and let the agent price into it.
Bags and what counts
Most India fares from North America still include a checked bag, and some include two. The allowance differs by airline and fare type, and the agent will state it before you pay. Overweight charges at Indian airports are steep; a second bag is cheaper than a heavy one.
Arriving well
Flights land in Delhi and Mumbai late at night. Arrange the pickup before you fly, use the prepaid taxi counters or a ride app, and keep the first day light. If the trip includes the Taj Mahal, remember it closes on Fridays.
Questions before you call
Which US airport has the cheapest flights to India?
It changes by date. New York, Newark and Chicago have the most nonstops and the most competition; the Gulf carriers from Dallas, Houston, Boston, Seattle and Los Angeles are often the value. The agent compares them on one call.
Can my parents be met at the airport?
Most airlines offer a meet-and-assist or wheelchair service that is requested at booking. Tell the agent and it goes on the record before the ticket is issued.