What are 10 Best Airlines to Travel to India from USA in 2025? A Complete Guide

Planning a trip to India from USA this summer holiday? It’s not just exciting but overwhelming too. The very thought of traveling home gives immense joy; however, the number of airline options and itineraries makes the process complex for many Indians. A myriad of factors, such as budget, nonstop travel, one-stop transit, layover tours, transit visa, onboard seating, inflight facilities for kids, total travel time, connection time during a layover, etc. go into consideration while booking your travel with the best airline. Not all the airlines flying between USA and India are best. Each of them is individually best.

Air India

Air India is the only international carrier offering nonstop flights between USA and India, covering some of the busiest routes between the two countries. Since its homecoming to the TATA Group, the airline has made bold moves, such as multi-billion-dollar fleet upgrade, launch of Premium Economy seats, induction of modern aircraft like A350-900s with top-notch amenities, $400mn narrowbody aircraft retrofit, expanded lounge network, a unique loyalty program, offering inflight Wi-Fi on most routes…thereby progressively improving passenger experience.

Booking nonstop Air India flights saves you, particularly first-time travelers and senior citizens, from the hassles of international transit and layovers in a third country. In short, Air India is a great choice for US-India travel with a familiar Indian experience in the sky.

Emirates Airlines

Emirates is a leading choice for travelers who seek both comfort and luxury. With a layover in Dubai, passengers can enjoy one of the most luxurious airport experiences in transit. And, if your layover in Dubai is of 8 hours or more, you may be eligible for Emirates’ Dubai Connect package, which offers complimentary hotel stay, free meals, airport transfers, and a free transit visa depending on your nationality, India or American.

The best deals for Emirates flights tickets to India are in demand for the airline’s regionally-inspired inflight meals tailored to your destination. And, for those who want a little extra comfort without paying business class fare, Emirates Premium Economy is the perfect option. Available on A380 and A350 flights, it offers spacious 19.5-inch-wide seats with 40 inches of legroom and 8 inches of recline for superior comfort.

So, if you want to turn your long-haul travel into a luxurious and memorable experience, Emirates is one of the best airlines to fly between USA and India.

Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways is one of the top Middle East airlines for USA-India travel via Abu Dhabi where pre-clearance of US immigration & customs lets you enter the US as a domestic passenger. Known for its advanced fleet, which offers comfort, safety and efficiency, Etihad offers cozy seating and award-winning hospitality in all travel cabins. Early this year, the airline opened a US Pre-clearance lounge at Abu Dhabi Airport for premium travelers; interestingly, eligible passengers can directly board Etihad flights to USA from the lounge.

Families flying with young children or infants can benefit from the Flying Nanny service, where trained staff help parents in keeping little ones entertained throughout the flight. Additionally, Etihad offers a complimentary Abu Dhabi stopover, allowing passengers to explore the city at no extra cost. However, a transit visa is required to step out of Abu Dhabi International Airport, depending on your passport.

Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways has been awarded the prestigious ‘Airline of the Year’ title by Skytrax for a remarkable eight times. Among the top 10 airlines to India and USA with the highest commitment to safety, Qatar Airways offers pre-select meal facility and a fulfilling dining experience above the clouds. Check out what makes it a family-friendly airline for travelers with kids and the ‘World’s Best Business Class Airline’.

Doha City stopover for transit travelers is one of the biggest perks of booking Qatar Airways flights to India or USA with layovers exceeding 8 hours. Rather than waiting at the airport, you can turn a transit layover into a mini vacation, visit iconic landmarks in Doha City, and go on a luxury shopping spree. The best part is both US citizens and Indians are eligible for a visa waiver on arrival at Hamad International Airport, Doha.

Turkish Airlines

One of the few international carriers with a young fleet and a high safety rating, Turkish Airlines lists among Indian Eagle’s top 10 airlines to fly to India and USA. It flies to 14 major US cities and connects them to India seamlessly via Istanbul. New York, New Jersey, Chicago, Atlanta, Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington D.C., Houston, Dallas, Seattle, Detroit, Denver, and Miami are on Turkish Airlines’ USA-India network.

Like Etihad and Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines offers one of the best layover city tours between USA and India. A complimentary guided Istanbul city tour for international transit passengers is one of the perks of booking Turkish Airlines flight itineraries with a layover of 6 hours or more at no extra cost. The best thing is that Indians having a valid US visa or Green Card, are eligible for a single-entry e-visa to Turkey for Istanbul city sightseeing.

Singapore Airlines    

Among the best airlines for flights to USA from India, Singapore Airlines is known for exceptional service, world-class comfort, and reliability. The airline consistently ranks among the top carriers globally, offering a seamless travel experience with well-timed connections through Singapore Changi Airport, one of the world’s top 10 airports. Their Premium Economy class, in particular, stands out for extra legroom, soft leather upholstery, adjustable personal reading light, in-seat USB ports, and noise-canceling headphones.

Singapore Airlines takes in-flight dining to a whole new level with its “Book the Cook“ service, allowing premium class passengers to pre-select gourmet dishes curated by world-renowned chefs. Starting in April 2024, their enhanced menu offers over 200 dishes, including Indian specialties like chicken biryani and garlic-roasted prawns, ensuring a fine dining experience at 40,000 feet.

Check out this guide on free Singapore City and Changi Airport tours during a layover before booking Singapore Airlines flight tickets for USA to India travel.

Lufthansa

Among European carriers, Lufthansa is a strong contender for flights between USA and India, against the Middle East airlines. Recently, Lufthansa Group expanded codeshare agreement with Air India to fly you from USA to a total of 15 destinations in India, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. Efficient connection through Frankfurt/Munich, Star Alliance membership, strong safety records, and commitment to improving inflight service standards make Lufthansa one of the best airlines to fly to India or USA via Europe.

Lufthansa’s new Allegris travel cabins with significant upgrades in Economy Class, pod-like seats in Premium Economy, in-seat temperature control in Business Class, and spacious double suites in First Class have taken the aviation world by storm. Grab Lufthansa flights deals to India or USA to travel in the Allegris cabins for a premium flying experience.

British Airways

British Airways is one of the oldest and trusted airlines in the US-India travel corridor, having built good reputation for service, safety, and reliability. You can have complimentary seat selection within 24 hours of your scheduled flight with British Airways, other than convenient connectivity to the airline’s wider network in the US. Smooth connections to USA or India via London Heathrow Airport where premium facilities are available for a comfortable layover drive demand for British Airways flight deals at Indian Eagle, the most trusted air-ticketing partner of Indians in USA.

Check out London Heathrow Airport’s transit visa rules for Indians traveling to and from USA.

Virgin Atlantic

If you’re looking for a comfortable journey between USA and India, Virgin Atlantic is a fantastic choice. Known for its award-winning customer service, the airline ensures a welcoming and enjoyable experience from start to finish. Premium Economy passengers enjoy wider seats, extra legroom, and priority boarding on Virgin Atlantic flights between USA and India. If you’re flying in Economy, the spacious 31-inch seat pitch makes your journey comfortable.

Onboard, you’ll be treated to complimentary drinks along with delicious in-flight meals that come with an added dessert and hot chocolate service. Families traveling with children benefit from special kids’ meals and Virgin’s entertainment program, Vera, which includes fun activities, games, and a selection of family-friendly content. To make long-haul journeys even more comfortable, all passengers receive an amenity kit of essentials, like a toothbrush, earplugs, an eye mask, and socks.

Virgin Atlantic continues to strengthen its presence in India, offering flights from San Francisco to Delhi, New York to Mumbai, and New York to Bengaluru. It also offers excellent connectivity to New York’s JFK airport, with multiple well-timed flights for added convenience.