Thanks, I didn't know enough to look at the codes. It just that they look the same when I clicked on the links.

To be a bit contrarian here, people are suggesting methods that will cost $1300 - 1500 (with credit card spend and buying miles).

You can buy a coach ticket from IAD to DEL right now for $1100-1300 plus taxes. (And you'd still be paying taxes on an award ticket, so they aren't part of the economic equation.) I imagine fares are similar from other U.S. cities - typically less from JFK, more (but not much more) from the west coast.

I'd suggest OP would be better off looking for good fares (possibly via consolidators) and just buying the ticket.

Yes but if you spend $1300-$1500 on a credit card you are getting the services and products that total $1300-$1500 PLUS the miles. If you are suggesting buying a coach ticket JUST for the miles (a mileage run) then you have spent less, sure, but you don't have the "things" that were purchased using a CC - just a flight to nowhere and back. So while I welcome someone being contrary don't omit items from the comparison.

Using the CC wisely doesn't 'cost' anything

It drives me crazy when people don't make this association. You're going to buy gas, groceries, etc. anyway so why not do it on a rewards card.

OP, without CC bonuses or actually flying, it may take a couple of years to earn the miles needed for the flight. Unless something like "Pudding Guy" comes along again.

Agreed. He's not looking for lowest overall cost for a ticket, he's looking to EARN a free ticket.

Do the 75k AA card. If you get declined, so be it, it's not going to make a difference on your credit score. If you get it, you're on your way to india in a couple months. Otherwise, with a wally world income (or even once you get your career going), it'll take years to spend enough to get the miles the hard way.

Although I do not have any suggestions to add to those already posted about how to obtain more AA miles, I do want the OP to be aware that it is possible to get coach award travel from the U.S. to India for only 80,000 AAdvantage miles, rather than 90,000 AAdvantage miles, if one travels during the off-peak season (mid-October to mid-May). This can be done by combining an off-peak U.S.-Europe Mile SAAver coach award (40,000 miles roundtrip) with a Europe-India coach award (40,000 miles roundtrip). An added bonus of redeeming miles in this manner is that the OP could effectively have a stopover (as opposed to a connection) in Europe in either or both directions, if desired.

Jamesbond, I agree with Jcmitchell21. U need to buy things anyway, so get the credit card. Also, U can't rent a car or check into certain hotels without one. Further, U will building a credit history & some credit card banks esp. Citibank love students & new grads. Even if they give U a low credit line, U still get the big bonus. The only reason not to want one is if UR a spendaholic who can't trust yourself with credit!

Evan, Mhnadel was writing not about a mileage run but about buying a revenue ticket for James' desired vacation to India.

Finally, CO miles can be transformed into Amtrak points if U want some free train rides.

If possible try to fly the same airline and alliance, put all eggs in one basket. Usually chicks hatch faster this way

I rank AAdvantage miles better than OnePass. Better value overall.
You do however have to bear AA's inferior seats compared to Continental and its Star Alliance partners.

I just flew a TATL in LH Y. NEVER AGAIN. AA has a much more comfortable Y seat, IMHO anyway.

and don't forget, you can always buy miles directly from the airline if you are short.

granted, this is not usually cost effective unless there is a bonus promotion, but the airlines occassionally have bonuses for purchasing miles outright, so it does not hurt to check that area of their websites frequently for offers that may be relevant to your situation at the time.

also, if you already have a credit card with the issuing bank of the airline card, sometimes they will let you do what they call a "product change" and switch your card to the airline affinity card WITHOUT doing another hard credit check.

same with amex if you have a blue/clear/whatever credit card (not the charge card products you pay in full every month), they will usually let you switch to either delta card or SPG card.