Air India-Vistara Loyalty Program: Top 10 Questions

30.09.2024 - 17:45 / skift.com / Peden Doma Bhutia

We’re getting closer to the completion of Vistara’s merger with Air India, which will combine fleets, routes, and — most importantly for frequent flyers — loyalty programs.

Starting November 12, Club Vistara will merge into Air India’s Flying Returns, bringing changes for millions of loyal customers. Members will not be able to redeem Club Vistara Points and vouchers for flights after November 11.

India’s largest carrier, IndiGo, has also announced the launch of a loyalty program.

Here’s what’s happening to Club Vistara and what it means for members.

Tata Group, which owns both airlines, aims to streamline operations and create a full-service carrier capable of competing with global airlines. This merger will allow Air India to strengthen its fleet, add new routes, and simplify the travel experience for customers, the airline has said.

As part of the merger, the two airlines’ loyalty programs will merge, making Flying Returns the sole program for earning and redeeming points across the unified carrier.

For members, Club Vistara points will be transferred to Air India’s Flying Returns program on November 12, at a 1:1 ratio. The points will remain valid for at least one year, regardless of their original expiration date.

All Vistara flights will continue as usual until November 11. For flights booked for travel on or after November 12, travelers will be directed to book through Air India’s website. If you’ve used Club Vistara points for an award flight, the booking will automatically transfer to Air India’s system.

Customers with both Club Vistara and Flying Returns memberships can link their accounts now. Doing so will allow for a smoother transition of points and tier status once the programs merge. The linking of the accounts can be done either through the airline’s website or through customer service.

The Club Vistara tier status will transfer to Flying Returns, and it will reflect the cumulative points across both programs. Depending on the accumulated points, one may maintain their current tier or even be upgraded. Flying Returns’ tier structure will apply post-merger, which means some rules may change, but the status will be preserved for at least one year.

You can continue earning and redeeming Club Vistara points until November 11. However, from September 3 onwards, Vistara is no longer allowing users to book new flights using points for travel after the merger date. After November 12, all redemption will take place through the Flying Returns program.

Vistara’s co-branded credit card partnerships will continue until March 2026, allowing cardholders to enjoy benefits like earning points and complimentary tickets. After November 12, cardholders will earn Flying Returns points instead of Club