Star Alliance carrier Air India confirmed today that it has successfully migrated Vistara’s frequent flyers into an all-new loyalty program that replaces Flying Returns as the loyalty program for the unified airline.
Introducing the Maharaja Club
Prior to the merger between Vistara and Air India, which was completed this week, the two carriers offered different frequent flyer programs. Air India offered its Flying Returns program, which provides access to the Star Alliance network for points accrual and redemption. Meanwhile, Vistara operated the award-winning Club Vistara program.
Related
Air India-Vistara Merger Marks Milestone With First Flight From Doha To Mumbai
Air India now has over 5,600 weekly flights.
The airline confirmed this week that it has successfully migrated all 4.5 million frequent flyers from Club Vistara to Air India’s recently redesigned frequent flyer program, Maharaja Club. In a statement, Air India confirmed that all existing Flying Returns benefits would be preserved:
“With Club Vistara merging into Flying Returns, Air India’s loyalty programme dons an all-new avatar, Maharaja Club bringing you the best of both worlds while offering unparalleled privileges and exclusive benefits.
“Rest assured; all existing Flying Returns benefits will be maintained.”
Photo: Soos Jozsef | Shutterstock
Elite tier holders will also continue to receive perks and benefits across the remaining Star Alliance carriers.
What is happening with the Maharaja Club?
According to the airline, all benefits and privileges remain the same. Passengers will continue to earn Maharaja Points each time they fly with Air India or its 24 
Star Alliance Airline Partners or spend with our non-airline partners, such as hotels and retail cars. The points can then be redeemed for Reward Flights and Cabin Upgrades.
Related
Air India & Vistara Loyalty Programs To Merge Under New Maharaja Club
The new loyalty program will become one of India’s largest.
Photo: Airbus
All four tiers, Red, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, will be the same as before. However, the individual earned miles are now called ‘Maharaja Points,’ and the member program ID is now referred to as a ‘Maharaja Club ID.’ According to the airline, the new name has a very special meaning for the airline and its identity:
“The Maharaja, Air India’s legendary mascot, today in its refreshed avatar is synonymous with elevated moments of customer engagement and delight as can be evidently witnessed by its subtle yet distinguished presence within the airline’s Business and First-Class offerings.
“The endeavour is to invoke the spirit of the iconic Maharaja in every experience, making customers feel truly special. The loyalty programme is an epitome of the relationship the customer shares with the brand, and it was only befitting that the loyalty programme be called ‘Maharaja Club’.”
Photo: Air India
The revamped program also comes with the tagline “That special feeling.” For Air India, this means designing the Maharaja Club to go the extra mile by “ensuring the customer feels recognized, acknowledged, and privileged at every step.” Given its significant user base, it will be interesting to see how the program evolves over the coming years.
