Air India Maharaja Club Loyalty Programme Review
During your free time, were you endlessly scrolling through Instagram, jealous of influencers lounging in business or first class? Besides the envy, there’s one undeniable truth: such trips can cost a fortune.
But here’s a secret: by strategically earning and using Air India loyalty points through spends of around ₹6-8 lakhs annually, you can slash those expenses dramatically, sometimes even covering travel entirely.
Airline loyalty programs can be tricky - blackout dates, seat availability, and other restrictions might make redeeming points a challenge. It’s always smart to understand the fine print before counting on points alone. And if diving into all those rules feels overwhelming, don’t worry, we’re here to guide you every step of the way!
Introducing the most detailed and comprehensive guide to Air India’s loyalty program - Maharaja Club.
For those new to it, Air India is India’s flagship carrier and a key player in the aviation industry, connecting the country to over 30 destinations worldwide. Maharaja Club rewards loyal travelers with points for their journeys, allowing them to enjoy amazing perks and unforgettable travel experiences.
With Air India’s deep roots in India, the program offers extensive domestic coverage, along with international routes spanning Asia, Europe, North America, and beyond. Whether you’re flying from Mumbai to New Delhi or from New Delhi to London, Maharaja Club helps you earn points that can be redeemed for free flights, upgrades, and more.
In India, Maharaja Club has become a trusted companion for frequent flyers and occasional travelers alike. The program is designed to provide value and convenience, turning your travel miles into rewarding adventures.
The Air India Maharaja Club
The Air India Maharaja Club offers benefits similar to other airline loyalty programs - earning miles through flights, redeeming them for free tickets, upgrades, and exclusive privileges.
But what truly sets Maharaja Club apart are its unique perks and the royal treatment it provides to its members. Members earn miles not only on Air India flights but also on its partner airlines and through various lifestyle and banking partners, making it easier to rack up points faster. These miles can then be redeemed for award travel, upgrades, excess baggage allowances, and even special Maharaja Club privileges.
Air India’s vast network spans over 90 domestic and international destinations, making Maharaja Club an ideal loyalty program for travelers within India and beyond. Whether you’re flying for business or leisure, Maharaja Club offers tailored benefits that elevate your journey.
Let’s explore why this loyalty program matters to you. Our guide covers:
- - Membership Tiers and Perks
- - Ways to Accumulate Points
- - Methods to Use Your Points
Membership Tiers and Perks
The Air India Maharaja Club has a total of 4 membership tiers: Red, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, with Red being the entry-level status granted upon enrollment, and Platinum being the highest elite tier.
To move up to the next tier, you need to meet specific criteria, usually based on the number of eligible flights taken or miles earned within a membership year. These tiers come with increasing benefits, such as priority check-in, extra baggage allowance, lounge access, bonus miles, and much more.
In Maharaja Club, you earn two types of miles: Maharaj Points, which determine your membership level and help you progress to higher tiers, and Tier Points, which can be earned only on flying with Air India.
Additionally, when you book your flights through the Air India website or mobile app, you will earn a bonus of 2 Maharaja Points for every ₹100 spent.
NOTE: Following the complete merger of Air Vistara operations, co-branded Air Vistara credit cards are expected to be converted into Air India credit cards. Although no official timeline has been announced, this transition is anticipated to happen soon…
Red Tier
When you register for Air India, you’ll start at the Red Tier and enjoy the following benefits:
- - Bonus Points: Earn an enrollment bonus of 1,000 Maharaja Points after completing your first flight with Air India (excluding Reward Flights).
- - Earning Points: Accumulate Maharaja Points every time you spend on Air India flights, Star Alliance partner airlines, and partner merchants.
- - Redeem Points: Use your Maharaja Points to redeem cabin upgrades or award flights with Air India or any of the 24 Star Alliance partner airlines.
Silver Tier
To reach Silver Tier in the Maharaja Club, you need 15,000 Tier Points, including at least 4,500 earned on Air India flights, or complete 30 flights with a minimum of 4 on Air India.
Alternatively, you can get Silver Tier directly by holding a co-branded credit card like SBI Vistara Prime, IDFC First Club Vistara, or Axis Vistara Signature Credit Card. (Note: Currently, no new applications for these cards are being accepted.)
You’ll enjoy the following perks once you reach this level over and above Red:
- - Priority Connect: : Ask any queries directly to the customer care, no waiting and dial a direct expert number +911169328888 within India.
- - Fee Waivers for Itinerary Changes: Pay a flat fee of ₹1,180 (including GST) for one change per ticket, up to 24 hours before departure. Applies only for domestic flights.
- - Cabin Upgrade Vouchers: One voucher valid for 6 months on domestic flights only.
- - Excess baggage allowance: Complimentary extra 5 kg on Air India flights.
- - Priority Services: Priority check-in, waitlist clearance, and boarding on Air India flights.
Gold Tier
To qualify for Gold Tier, you need 30,000 Tier Points including at least 9,000 from Air India flights or complete 60 flights with a minimum of 8 on Air India.
Another way is to get Gold Tier directly via co-branded credit card like Axis Vistara Infinite Credit Card. (No fresh applications currently.)
Once you reach this level, you’ll receive the following additional perks on top of those offered at the Silver tier
- - Fee waivers for itinerary changes: one free change up to 24 hours before departure on domestic flights; for international flights, one free change allowed up to 72 hours before departure.
- - Cabin Upgrade Vouchers: Receive 2 vouchers valid for 9 months on domestic flights only.
- - Fee waiver for domestic flight cancellations - flat fee of ₹1,199 + GST up to 24 hours before departure.
- - Complimentary seat selection - 100% off standard seat selection on Air India operated flights only.
- - Fly Prior service - early arrival and switch to earlier flight within 12 hours of original departure on same route, date, cabin class.
- - Excess baggage allowance - up to 20 kg extra or 1 piece up to 23 kg.
- - Lounge Access - bring one guest for free access.
- - Excess baggage allowance on Star Alliance flights - additional 20 kg or 1 piece up to 23 kg.
Platinum Tier
To reach Platinum Tier, you need 45,000 Tier Points including 13,500 from Air India flights or complete 90 flights with minimum 12 on Air India.
Currently, no way to achieve Platinum via co-branded credit card.
Once you reach this level, you’ll receive the following additional perks on top of those offered at the Gold tier. However, all the benefits are similar to Gold tier; the only difference is the number of times each benefit can be availed
- - Fee waivers for Itinerary Changes: Want to make any changes in your itinerary? Worry not! You don’t need to pay any fee for up to 2 changes per ticket, up to 24 hours before departure for domestic flights. For international flights, the same conditions apply, but you get two free changes up to 72 hours before departure
- - Cabin Upgrade Vouchers: Upon tier renewal and upgrade, you’re entitled to receive 3 vouchers, valid for 12 months. However, these apply only to domestic flights.
- -Fee waiver for domestic flight cancellations: no fees if cancellations made up to 24 hours before departure.
How To Earn Maharaja Points?
Earn Maharaja Points on Air India and 24 Star Alliance Partner Airlines
Every time you fly Air India, you earn Maharaja Points based on your membership tier. For every ₹100 spent on Air India flights, you earn 6 points if you hold Red Tier, 8 for Silver, 9 for Gold, and 10 for Platinum.
Plus, you get a bonus of 2 Maharaja Points per ₹100 spent when you book directly via Air India’s website or mobile app.
Co-Branded Credit Cards
Before the Air India and Vistara merger, holding any co-branded credit card meant earning Maharaja Points. Popular cards include SBI Air India Signature and SBI Air India Platinum Credit Cards.
Post-merger, you earn Maharaja Points on Vistara co-branded cards like SBI Vistara Prime, Axis Vistara Signature, and others.
Credit Card Transfer Partners
Transfer points from bank credit cards to Air India Maharaja Points. Partners include HDFC, SBI, HSBC, DBS, ICICI, Fi Money, Yes Bank, and others. Each has different transfer ratios and terms.
Air India partners with 30+ brands for lifestyle, car rentals, experiences, and stays, where you can earn Maharaja Points by booking or providing membership ID during transactions.
Purchase Points
If short on points, buy Maharaja Points directly from Air India at ₹1.50 per point, minimum 100 points. No max cap on purchases.
Purchased points are valid for 24 months. You can extend all points’ expiry by 24 months each time you take a qualifying Air India flight.
Verdict: Don’t buy points regularly but buying or transferring points from credit cards can help in urgent cases.
Family Pooling
Family Pooling lets you add up to 9 members to your pool, combining points into one account for easier redemption. Split options: 100%, 75%, and 50%. Check terms carefully.
Maharaja Points Validity
Maharaja Points’ validity is extended by one year from the month of revival (month-end considered). If members take a qualifying flight during this revival period, all points including revived ones are extended for an additional 24 months. Points never expire for active members. Just fly with Air India to extend your Maharaja Points’ expiry date by 24 months every time.
In short, reward points expire 24 months after they are earned, but every time you take a paid flight with Air India, you can extend the expiration of all your points by an additional 24 months.
How to Redeem Maharaja Points?
With your Maharaja Points, you can redeem them to book flights on Air India, any of the 24 Star Alliance partner airlines, or treat yourself to an upgraded cabin experience. Plus, on Air India flights, you have the flexibility to book using Cash + Points.
Ways to Redeem Maharaja Points:- Redeem Within Air India: Picture yourself flying nonstop with Air India to exciting destinations like New York, London, Singapore, Melbourne, or Dubai. Your Maharaja Points can turn that dream into reality! Use the “Calculate Your Points” tool on their website to see exactly how many points you’ll need for your trip.
You can redeem points for booking award seats or upgrading your seat class. Air India offers two fare types:
- Value Fare: Fixed range of points for early bookings (minimum and maximum points required).
- Prime Fare: Available closer to the travel date, offering flexibility at a higher points cost.
For example, a one-way Economy flight from Delhi (DEL) to Pune (PNQ) under Value Fare might cost between 5,000 and 7,500 points, whereas Prime Fare costs 14,000 points, almost double the minimum Value Fare.
- Redeem with Star Alliance: You can also use your Maharaja Points to book award flights with any of the 24 Star Alliance partner airlines!
- Cabin Upgrades: Want to upgrade your cabin class? Use your Maharaja Points for a more luxurious experience on Air India or any Star Alliance partner airline.
Note: Cabin upgrade vouchers earned via co-branded credit cards can only be used on Air India flights.
Air India Complimentary Travel Vouchers Through Credit Cards
If you hold a co-branded credit card from Vistara or Air India, you’re probably familiar with milestone benefits—like vouchers for Economy, Premium Economy, or Business Class flights, plus cabin upgrade vouchers you get whenever you pay your annual fees.
- - You can redeem these travel vouchers depending on seat availability.
- - Typically, there are 4 award seats for Economy, 2 for Premium Economy, and 2 for Business Class per flight for voucher use.
No availability? You can downgrade your voucher to a lower cabin class. For example, if you have a Premium Economy voucher but no seats are available, you can request to downgrade it to Economy. Air India charges a convenience fee of ₹500 (inclusive of GST) for downgrading from Premium Economy to Economy, and ₹750 for downgrading a Business Class voucher to Premium Economy.
Flying on Vistara? Look for flights starting with AI2XXX to use your vouchers.
Cabin Upgrades Through Credit Cards
You might have received cabin upgrade vouchers as a renewal benefit on your Air India or Vistara co-branded credit card but find them tricky to use. Here’s what you need to know:
- - Upgrade vouchers can only be used on revenue fare tickets, and on tickets booked with points.
- - Upgrades are generally done at the check-in counter, but some users have successfully requested upgrades by calling customer care.
Good news! You can also use your upgrade voucher on your travel voucher ticket. Yes, you heard that right! Many users have successfully done this at check-in simply by politely asking, but it depends on staff discretion and seat availability.
Conclusion
For years, Air India’s Maharaja Club has been the go-to loyalty program for frequent flyers in India, offering exclusive rewards and benefits. Now, following the merger with Vistara, redeeming your Maharaja Points for award flights and cabin upgrades has become easier and more rewarding than ever.
Maharaja Club members consistently enjoy valuable rewards on flights and upgrades, supported by Air India’s extensive international network. Whether you’re traveling to Europe, North America, or the Middle East, your Maharaja Points deliver solid value.
Beyond Air India flights, the program’s partnership with the Star Alliance network lets you transfer points to a wide range of partner airlines, greatly expanding your travel options.
We hope this guide inspires you to make the most of your Maharaja Points. Happy travels and happy redemptions!
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