As the merger between Air India and Vistara takes shape, one of the most significant changes for frequent flyers is the integration of their loyalty programmes. From November 12, 2024, Club Vistara, Vistara’s loyalty programme, will merge with Air India’s Flying Returns programme. This merger will result in the creation of an entirely new, revamped loyalty programme under the name ‘Maharaja Club,’ a nod to Air India’s iconic mascot, the Maharaja. This development signals the beginning of a new chapter for both airlines as they join forces to offer enhanced benefits for loyal customers.
With the merger on the horizon, Vistara began transitioning its partnerships with international airlines like Japan Airlines, Air Canada, Lufthansa, and Singapore Airlines starting October 1. These transitions are part of the broader process of consolidating operations, including aligning frequent flyer benefits and integrating the two airlines’ customer loyalty structures. This change comes as a part of a larger effort to streamline services and ensure that the combined airline offers a seamless experience for its passengers, especially those who are members of their respective loyalty programmes.
As of now, Vistara’s Club Vistara members are being informed of the merger through updates on the programme’s website and messaging. The transition to the new Maharaja Club brand is a major part of the integration. “Due to the ongoing process of integration between Air India and Vistara, this service is currently unavailable. You will soon be able to access your Maharaja Club account at airindia.com post 12 November 2024,” reads a message displayed on the Club Vistara login page. This indicates that Club Vistara’s members will soon be able to access their accounts through the Air India website, marking the final stages of the merger.
The merger of the loyalty programmes is poised to create a unified, more powerful loyalty system for both Air India and Vistara passengers. While the details of how the combined programme will operate are still being finalized, the transition to the Maharaja Club will likely bring enhanced features, including better opportunities for earning and redeeming miles, access to a broader range of airline partners, and more rewards tailored to a larger customer base. The merger will also streamline the loyalty experience for passengers flying on both Air India and Vistara flights, allowing members to enjoy seamless travel benefits across both airlines’ networks.
For those who are already members of Club Vistara, the upcoming changes will provide an opportunity to integrate their existing points and miles with Air India’s Flying Returns programme. This integration will allow passengers to access a wider range of benefits and services across both airlines, making it easier for them to maximize their loyalty rewards. Vistara’s existing frequent flyers, who may already have ties with both airlines, will likely experience an easier, more consolidated system when it comes to booking flights, accumulating miles, and redeeming rewards.
Air India’s Flying Returns programme, which has been a staple of the airline for years, will play a significant role in the new loyalty programme. While exact details about the new Maharaja Club structure are not fully disclosed, it is expected that the programme will bring some of the best features of both Air India’s Flying Returns and Vistara’s Club Vistara, while offering new and innovative ways for loyal customers to engage with the airline. This includes potential tier upgrades, more travel options, and added benefits that could make flying with the merged airlines even more rewarding.
One of the most anticipated aspects of the merger is how both airlines will ensure smooth integration without disrupting the loyalty experiences of their current customers. Air India and Vistara will likely put systems in place to ensure that existing Club Vistara members retain their status and rewards during the transition. Additionally, the new Maharaja Club could offer fresh perks to attract new members and make the loyalty programme more competitive within India’s growing aviation market.
As the merger progresses, the combined loyalty programme, Maharaja Club, is expected to feature a host of new benefits designed to appeal to both frequent and occasional flyers. One of the anticipated features is the integration of both airlines’ lounge access privileges. Loyal passengers will likely enjoy seamless access to an expanded network of lounges across India and internationally, making their travel experiences more comfortable. The integration could also result in improved customer service and more personalized travel experiences, as the airline aims to cater to the diverse needs of its loyal customers.
Furthermore, the combined programme is likely to introduce an expanded range of partner airlines and travel-related services. By consolidating both Air India and Vistara’s existing alliances with global carriers, Maharaja Club members could enjoy enhanced benefits when flying with international partners. This could mean earning and redeeming miles on a wider array of global airlines, as well as greater flexibility in booking flights and managing travel itineraries. This broader network of airline partnerships will also open up more destinations for Maharaja Club members, offering them the chance to explore new markets and regions with greater ease.
In addition to traditional flight-related benefits, the new loyalty programme could also provide an array of non-airline rewards. As both Air India and Vistara have a strong presence in India’s hospitality and tourism sectors, the Maharaja Club might offer customers access to exclusive deals with hotels, restaurants, car rentals, and other travel services. These added benefits will provide members with more opportunities to use their miles for a range of lifestyle and travel-related experiences, ensuring that loyalty to the programme extends beyond air travel.
For existing Club Vistara members, the merger also brings the promise of an enhanced rewards experience. The transition to Maharaja Club will offer smoother and more efficient processes for redeeming miles, especially for those who frequently travel between Air India and Vistara’s domestic and international routes. In addition, passengers who are members of both loyalty programmes will be able to consolidate their miles, potentially reaching higher membership tiers and unlocking premium benefits that would have been harder to achieve through either programme alone.
The newly revamped Maharaja Club will also need to ensure it remains competitive in a rapidly changing aviation industry. As airlines across the globe enhance their loyalty programmes to attract and retain customers, the combined loyalty system of Air India and Vistara must adapt to new trends and customer expectations. This could include the incorporation of digital tools like mobile apps, real-time notifications about flight status and promotions, and artificial intelligence to offer personalized recommendations based on travel history. By integrating cutting-edge technology, the Maharaja Club will be able to maintain its relevance and appeal to tech-savvy customers.
The loyalty programme’s redesign also reflects the changing nature of India’s aviation market, with more people choosing air travel for both business and leisure. As the demand for air travel continues to grow, particularly within India’s vast domestic market, the integration of Air India and Vistara’s frequent flyer programmes will allow both airlines to better serve the evolving needs of travelers. By focusing on providing value through enhanced rewards, loyalty perks, and improved customer service, the Maharaja Club will look to position itself as a market leader in India’s aviation sector.
The transition from Club Vistara to Maharaja Club may be challenging for some loyal members, especially those accustomed to the benefits and systems of the old programme. However, with careful communication and effective customer support, both Air India and Vistara are likely to ensure a smooth transition for their customers. In the end, this merger and the resulting loyalty programme integration represent a significant step towards strengthening both airlines’ positions in a competitive and increasingly globalized aviation industry. By merging their strengths, the airlines aim to create a more unified, rewarding, and customer-focused experience for all their passengers.