Best Time to Book Flights to India:

Booking flights to India can be tricky, but if you plan ahead and know a few tips, you can save a lot of money. 

Whether you’re traveling for a family visit, vacation, or business, understanding the best time to book flights can help you avoid paying high prices. 

Let’s take a look on how to save money on booking flight tickets.

1. Book Early: 2-3 Months in Advance

One of the simplest ways to save on flights to India is to book in advance. 

Try to book your ticket at least 2-3 months before your trip. 

Why? 

Because airlines offer cheaper tickets when you book early. 

The closer you get to your travel date, the more expensive flights tend to be. This is especially true during busy travel seasons like summer or the winter holidays.

For instance, if you’re planning to visit India during the summer (May to August), it’s best to start looking for tickets in February or March. 

By doing this, you’ll have a better chance of finding lower prices and more availability for flights.

2. The Cheapest Months to Fly

Timing is everything when it comes to finding affordable flights. 

If you want to fly to India on a budget, aim to travel in the less busy months. February and March are known to be some of the cheapest months to fly from the U.S. to India.

During this time, the holiday rush is over, and airlines often lower their prices to fill seats. The weather is also pleasant in many parts of India, making it an ideal time for travel.

On the other hand, November and December are typically the most expensive months. People travel a lot during this time due to the Christmas and New Year holidays, as well as major Indian festivals like Diwali. If you can, avoid these months to save money. ​

3. Avoid Peak Seasons for Lower Prices

India is a country of festivals, and flights during these times can get very expensive. 

Try to avoid flying during Diwali (October or November), Holi (March), and other major festivals. Airlines know that many people travel home for these celebrations, and prices often spike.

If you really need to travel during festival time, try to book before 2 months to avoid a hike in price.

The summer holidays (from May to August) are also a peak travel time because of school vacations and family trips. If you have to travel during this time, make sure to book your tickets well in advance​.

4. Midweek Flights Are Cheaper

Did you know that the day of the week you fly can affect the price of your ticket? 

In general, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are the cheapest days to fly. 

Many people prefer flying on weekends, which makes those flights more expensive. By flying midweek, you can avoid the rush and find lower prices.

For example, if you’re flexible with your travel dates, try booking a flight that departs on a Wednesday instead of a Friday or Saturday. This small change can save you a significant amount of money​.

5. Use Price Alerts and Apps

Keeping track of flight prices can be difficult, but technology makes it easier. 

Many websites and apps allow you to set up price alerts. These alerts will notify you when the price for your desired flight goes down. This is a great way to monitor flight prices without constantly checking yourself.

Another tip is to follow airlines on social media. Airlines often post about sales, discounts, or flash deals on platforms like Twitter and Facebook.

By staying in the loop, you can catch these deals as soon as they’re available​.

6. Fly at Off-Peak Hours for Cheaper Tickets

Flights that depart at odd hours, like late at night or early in the morning, are often cheaper than flights during the day. These are known as red-eye flights. Since fewer people want to fly at inconvenient times, airlines usually reduce the prices to attract more passengers.

For example, a red-eye flight leaving late at night or arriving very early in the morning can be a good way to save money. If you’re okay with adjusting your schedule, this is a smart way to cut down on ticket costs​

7. Flexibility Can Help You Save

Being flexible with your travel plans can also save you money. If your dates are not set in stone, try adjusting your departure and return dates by a few days. Sometimes flying a day earlier or later can result in a much cheaper flight.

Also, consider flying into or out of alternate airports. Larger cities like Delhi and Mumbai have more flight options, but if you’re open to landing at a smaller airport nearby, you may find better deals​

For example, instead of flying into Delhi, you could check flights to Jaipur or Chandigarh, which are nearby cities.

8. Discounts for Students and Seniors

Some airlines offer special discounts for students, seniors, or large groups. 

If you fall into any of these categories, make sure to ask about these discounts when booking your flight. 

This savings may not be huge, but every little bit helps.

For instance, some airlines have student discounts where students can save 10% or more on their flights. Similarly, senior citizens traveling to India can also take advantage of special pricing, so don’t forget to check for these options​.

Are you planned a trip to India for senior citizen, learn our helpful insights!

9. Use Travel Agents or Book Online?

Some people prefer booking flights through travel agents, while others prefer to book online. Travel agents can sometimes find special deals or package offers that you won’t find on your own. 

If you’re not comfortable booking online, using a travel agent can be a good way to ensure you get the best deal.

However, online booking platforms offer a wider range of options and allow you to compare prices across different airlines. 

Many travelers find it easier and quicker to search for flights themselves, as they can monitor prices and use tools like price alerts​.

Summary

Finding the best time to book flights to India doesn’t have to be difficult. 

By planning ahead, booking during the right months, and being flexible with your travel dates and airports, you can save a lot of money. 

Don’t forget to use tools like price alerts and stay informed about airline discounts, especially for students and seniors. 

Following these simple steps will help you book your flight to India with low cost!

These steps can help you get cheap tickets, but if you’re in a hurry and need to book right away, you might have to pay the price shown at that time.