Elevate Your Trips with Air India’s Major Upgrade to Flying Returns Program, Unveiling New Features

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Today marks the debut of Air India’s newly overhauled loyalty initiative, now branded as the enhanced Flying Returns program. This reimagined scheme introduces a more straightforward framework, user-centric functionalities, modernized membership levels, and a vibrant new look. It’s designed to augment convenience, rewards, and acknowledgment for its participants, promising them immediate worldwide recognition and benefits.

Departing from its conventional mileage-based model, this comprehensive update signifies the program’s significant shift in over ten years. Members now accumulate points based on money spent instead of miles traveled, promoting a more just and balanced system.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE REVITALIZED FLYING RETURNS PROGRAM:

• Rewards Tied to Spending: Points accumulation is now directly linked to the amount spent on tickets, ensuring members receive greater value.
• Perpetual Points: As long as members take at least one Air India flight every two years, their points will not expire.
• Unrestricted Redemption: Points can be redeemed for any available seat on Air India flights, with no blackout dates or limitations.
• Mixed Payment Options: Award flights can be paid for with a mix of points and cash.
• Expansive Network: The opportunity to earn and use points across 25 Star Alliance partner airlines, reaching over 700 global destinations.
• Clarified Membership Levels: The program’s tiers have been renamed for easier understanding.
• Prioritized Service: Silver, Gold, and Platinum members will receive exclusive services.
• Group Benefits: Families can now pool points together, expediting reward redemptions.
• Bonus for Direct Bookings: Additional points are awarded for bookings made directly via Air India’s website or app.
• Future Enhancements: Plans include the launch of co-branded credit cards and strategic partnerships for extended travel perks.

To simplify and enhance clarity, the program’s status levels have been rebranded from their original designations to more universally recognized names: red (entry level), silver, gold, and platinum. This reclassification better aligns with international standards and offers members improved perks, with bonuses augmenting the standard earn rate of 6 FR points per Rs 100 spent on Air India:

• Silver Level: Earn 8 FR Points per Rs 100 spent (+2 / +33% bonus)
• Gold Level: Earn 9 FR Points per Rs 100 spent (+3 / +50% bonus)
• Platinum Level: Earn 10 FR Points per Rs 100 spent (+4 / +66% bonus)

Additionally, for every Rs 100 spent on direct bookings via the Air India website or app, members will gain an extra 2 Reward Points, applicable across all tiers.

The Flying Returns program, inaugurated in 1994, stands as India’s pioneering frequent flyer program. This revitalization is part of Air India’s broader transformation efforts, which include a refreshed brand identity, a new website and app, updated crew uniforms designed by Manish Malhotra, and the incorporation of new Airbus A350 aircraft into its fleet.

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