Ever dreamt of sipping complimentary beverages at the business class lounge or getting a free upgrade only to remember that you’ve booked an Economy seat! Well, what if we tell you that you can get free drinks, seat upgrades, and even flights (and much more) even if you aren’t an A-lister or a social media influencer! Welcome to the glitzy world of airline loyalty programs, where you’re in for a refined flying experience minus the extra cost. Here’s team unstumbled guiding you through the rewarding world of airline loyalty programs!
A Comprehensive Guide To Airline Loyalty Programs In India
What Are Airline Loyalty Programs?
Think of airline loyalty programs as a dedicated reward-point system that rewards you a little every time you spend. These programs are meant to incentivize travelers – the more they choose that particular airline, the more points or miles they earn. These points/miles can then be redeemed to gain exclusive deals, perks, and offers on the same airline.
Many airline loyalty programs are based on frequent-flying programs (FFPs), meaning your rewards are based on the frequency of you choosing that airline over others for your travel. However, remember that not all programs are FFPs. Some programs are based on an annual membership fee that in turn allows travelers to avail exclusive offers and deals.
Exclusive Offers, Deals, And Perks Under Airline Loyalty Programs
Free Flights
If you accumulate enough reward points or miles, you might get to board on flights for absolutely free of cost – no ‘terms and conditions apply’! Most Indian carriers allow you to redeem points earned through flights and partner credit cards among other avenues. And, with flight prices soaring up as high as the flights themselves, who won’t love a free flight?
Free Seat Upgrades
A great perk of airline loyalty programs is the possibility of you getting a free or a heavily discounted seat upgrade! If you’re flying Economy, chances are that you might just get a seat upgrade that’ll take you to Premium Economy, Business Class, or even First Class! These upgrades offer perks like priority seat selection and additional legroom as well as access to premium lounges and tasting menus. So, while others are cramped up in an Economy, you might just get lucky with a free or discounted seat upgrade!
Priority Check-In, Boarding, And Baggage Handling
Perks associated with airline loyalty programs don’t just begin when you step foot inside the flight, but they begin way before you even actually board your flight. With premium perks like dedicated check-in counters, early boarding, priority security screening, and even priority baggage delivery on arrival, there are plenty of perks that frequent flyers get when they choose an airline loyalty program.
Lounge Access
Waiting at the airport for your flight is quite boring if we’re being honest, but not anymore if you’re a member of airline loyalty programs. Members get access to exclusive lounges where you can enjoy delicious meals, premium drinks, and even massage and spa services! Airport lounges are designed to deliver a premium experience to travelers even before they board the flight, so make sure you make full use of this service!
Partner Discounts
Loyalty doesn’t just pay off in the sky – it rewards you on the ground too. Many airlines have tie-ups with hotels, restaurants, and retail brands. This means that you can earn or redeem your miles/points when you use any of these services even if you’re not necessarily flying with that airline. Many airline loyalty programs offer exclusive discounts, promotional codes, and attractive credit card offers when you make bookings from their portals.
India’s Top Airline Loyalty Programs: Air India, SpiceJet, IndiGo, And More
Air India: Maharaja Club
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Air India’s frequent flyer program offers exclusive discounts and perks across four tiers. It is a member of the Star Alliance, the world’s largest global airline alliance, meaning members of this airline loyalty program can enjoy benefits across 25 other airlines included in this alliance. The four distinct tiers of the Maharaja Club have been mentioned below:
Red Tier
Eligibility: New members can sign up for the Red Tier and then start earning points along with an 1000-point enrolment bonus.
Points earned: 6 points earned per INR 100 spent
Silver Tier
Eligibility: 15,000 points (including 4,500 points through Air India) or 30 flights (including 4 Air India flights).
Points earned: 8 points earned per INR 100 spent
Gold Tier
Eligibility: 30,000 points (including 9,000 points through Air India) or 60 flights (including 8 Air India flights).
Points earned: 9 points earned per INR 100 spent
Platinum Tier
Eligibility: 45,000 points (including 13,500 points through Air India) or 90 flights (including 12 Air India flights).
Points earned: 10 points earned per INR 100 spent
Additionally, these points do not expire for active members. Members get bonus points for making bookings directly through the Air India app or website. And not just that, the tiers offer various benefits like fee waivers for itinerary changes for both domestic and international flights, complimentary seat selection, cabin upgrade vouchers, priority waitlist clearance, priority check-in, lounge access, and others. Check the Air India official website for more information on specific perks in each of these tiers.
IndiGo BluChips
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IndiGo Airlines, one of India’s most popular airlines, launched its airline loyalty program in 2024. The low-budget airline carrier is the largest of its kind in India, based on its fleet size and passengers carried. With the launch of its loyalty program, the airline aims to further cement its position as the go-to option for budget-conscious travelers. Here are the three IndiGo BluChips Tiers included in this program:
Blu 3
Eligibility: Enrol for the program through their website
Points earned: 8 points earned per INR 100 spent
Blu 2
Eligibility: INR 1,00,000 spends on IndiGo flights + minimum 4 IndiGo flights (in 12 months)
Points earned: 8 points earned per INR 100 spent
Blu 1
Eligibility: INR 2,00,000 spends on IndiGo flights + minimum 8 IndiGo flights (in 12 months)
Points earned: 8 points earned per INR 100 spent
These points offer exciting rewards like seat selection, excess baggage allowance, 6E Prime Passes, and others. Check IndiGo official website for a more detailed comparison of the three BluChips tiers.
Air India Express: NeuPass
Air India Express is one of the newest airline carriers in India – a wholly owned subsidiary of Air India. However, despite being a new entrant, the low-budget airline has managed to roll out its airline loyalty program – NeuPass. It claims to offer exclusive rewards and perks to budget flyers as the eligibility and upgrade criteria are more relaxed than those of other airline loyalty programs.
Aviator
Eligibility: Enrol for the program to get started!
Points earned: 2 NeuCoins earned per INR 100 spent and 1 NeuCoin for corporate spends.
Explorer
Eligibility: INR 30,000 spends or 5 flights
Points earned: 4 NeuCoins earned per INR 100 spent and 2 NeuCoins for corporate spends.
Highflyer
Eligibility: INR 60,000 spends or 10 flights
Points earned: 6 NeuCoins earned per INR 100 spent and 3 NeuCoins for corporate spends.
Jetsetter
Eligibility: INR 1,20,000 spends or 20 flights
Points earned: 8 NeuCoins earned per INR 100 spent and 4 NeuCoins for corporate spends.
NeuPass members get access to a plethora of benefits and perks like exclusive flat discounts for app/website bookings, complimentary vouchers, priority check-in, baggage allowance, and standard seat selection among others.
SpiceJet: SpiceClub
Before the arrival of Air India Express’ NeuPass, SpiceJet was the only low-cost airline carrier offering a dedicated frequent-flyer program. SpiceClub members can use SpiceClub (SC) points to book flights, meals, and earn/redeem them to avail other exclusive benefits. There are four tiers in the SpiceClub program:
Classic
Eligibility: Simply enrol – no other eligibility criteria required!
Points earned: 4 SC points per INR 100 spent.
Silver
Eligibility: INR 20,000 spends and 5 flights within a year
Points earned: 6 SC points per INR 100 spent.
Gold
Eligibility: INR 60,000 spends and 15 flights within a year
Points earned: 8 SC points per INR 100 spent.
Platinum
Eligibility: INR 1,20,000 spends and 30 flights within a year
Points earned: 10 SC points per INR 100 spent
SpiceJet Members get access to a ton of benefits, including free flight vouchers, priority check-in, meal discounts, free seat selection, and free cancellation/change vouchers, among other perks and privileges.
Summing Up
Your boarding pass is about to be your golden ticket to a whole new world of exclusive, premium privileges that will make flying seem like a mini-vacation in itself! So, enroll yourself in these airline loyalty programs and set off on your next adventure, in style! What are you waiting for?
