{"id":60531,"date":"2024-04-03T10:25:09","date_gmt":"2024-04-03T04:55:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=60531"},"modified":"2024-04-05T21:27:07","modified_gmt":"2024-04-05T15:57:07","slug":"air-india-unveils-new-flying-returns-loyalty-programme","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2024\/04\/03\/air-india-unveils-new-flying-returns-loyalty-programme\/","title":{"rendered":"Air India Unveils New Flying Returns Loyalty Programme"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>GURUGRAM-<\/strong> Today, <a href=\"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?s=Air+India\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Air India (AI)<\/a> unveiled its enhanced Flying Returns loyalty program, which boasts a streamlined framework, enhanced user-centric attributes, rebranded tiers, and a refreshed identity. The revamped Flying Returns emphasizes enhanced simplicity, increased incentives, and acknowledgment for its members, providing them with immediate global status and privileges across the globe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In its first major update in over a decade, Flying Returns departs from the traditional model of point accumulation based on miles and adopts a more impartial and balanced approach centered on expenditure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"673\" src=\"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Air-India-Transforms-Flying-Returns-1024x673.jpg\" alt=\"Air India unveiled its enhanced Flying Returns loyalty program, which boasts a streamlined framework, enhanced user-centric attributes, rebranded tiers, and a refreshed identity.\" class=\"wp-image-60532\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Air-India-Transforms-Flying-Returns-1024x673.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Air-India-Transforms-Flying-Returns-300x197.jpg 300w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Air-India-Transforms-Flying-Returns-768x505.jpg 768w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Air-India-Transforms-Flying-Returns-750x493.jpg 750w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Air-India-Transforms-Flying-Returns-1140x749.jpg 1140w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Air-India-Transforms-Flying-Returns.jpg 1452w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Air India<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-air-india-new-loyalty-programme\">Air India New Loyalty Programme<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Starting today, Flying Returns members can take advantage of the perks of the updated program and accrue points based on the revised structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>&#8220;The revitalization of Flying Returns marks a significant stride in the direction of Air India&#8217;s commitment to catering to and satisfying customers. Over the past year, we&#8217;ve dedicated ourselves to listening to feedback, gathering insights from over <strong>50,000 customers<\/strong>, and benchmarking our program against the industry&#8217;s top loyalty offerings. This thorough analysis, combined with a comprehensive digital transformation, has resulted in a significantly enhanced and value-driven program that we&#8217;re excited to unveil today.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;We are confident that this evolution of Flying Returns, alongside the additional strengths we will incorporate into the program over time, will position it at the forefront of global loyalty programs.&#8221;<\/p>\n<cite>Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial &amp; Transformation Officer at Air India. <\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Air-India-New-First-and-Business-Class-41-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Thales is working with Indian Airlines for New In-Flight WiFi\" class=\"wp-image-36958\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Air-India-New-First-and-Business-Class-41-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Air-India-New-First-and-Business-Class-41-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Air-India-New-First-and-Business-Class-41-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Air-India-New-First-and-Business-Class-41-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Air-India-New-First-and-Business-Class-41-750x422.jpg 750w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Air-India-New-First-and-Business-Class-41-1140x641.jpg 1140w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Air-India-New-First-and-Business-Class-41.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Canva<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-key-features-of-the-program\">Key Features of the Program<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some key features of the redesigned Flying Returns program:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Enhanced Earning Structure: Flying Returns has transitioned into a spend-based program, meaning members will now accumulate points based on the amount spent on tickets rather than the distance flown. This shift ensures better value for money spent compared to miles flown.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Everlasting Points: Flying Returns Points will remain valid indefinitely, provided a member flies at least once with Air India every 24 months, irrespective of their Membership Tier.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Flexible Redemption: Members can utilize their Flying Returns Points to purchase any available Air India seat without encountering blackout dates or restrictions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cash+Points Option: Members now have the flexibility to pay for Award flights using a combination of Flying Returns Points and cash, offering greater freedom in redeeming rewards.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Global Reach and Benefits: As India&#8217;s most internationally connected loyalty program, Flying Returns allows members to earn or redeem points on 25 Star Alliance partner airlines worldwide, facilitating access to over 700 destinations. This extensive network includes top-quality airlines across various regions, enabling members to redeem flights globally.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Worldwide Tier Privileges: Members can enjoy their Flying Returns Tier benefits across all Star Alliance member airlines globally, along with access to over 1000 lounges worldwide for those eligible based on their Membership Tier level.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Renamed Membership Tiers: The program continues to provide four Membership Tier levels, now renamed Red (formerly \u2018Base\u2019), Silver (formerly \u2018Silver Edge\u2019), Gold (formerly \u2018Golden Edge\u2019), and Platinum (formerly The Maharaja Club).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dedicated Member Service: Silver, Gold, and Platinum members will have exclusive access to a dedicated member service contact center, ensuring swift assistance with any member inquiries or requests.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"572\" src=\"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/image-35-1024x572.png\" alt=\"Air India New ReBranding Event Live Updates\" class=\"wp-image-40669\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/image-35-1024x572.png 1024w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/image-35-300x168.png 300w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/image-35-768x429.png 768w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/image-35-750x419.png 750w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/image-35-1140x637.png 1140w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/image-35.png 1164w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: IndiQube<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-new-and-enhanced-offerings\">New and Enhanced Offerings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Expanding Choices for a Broader Membership Base \u2013 The revamped Flying Returns program presents a plethora of new offerings tailored to a diverse audience, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Family Pooling: Members can seamlessly merge their Flying Returns Points with those of their family members at no extra cost, accelerating their ability to redeem points for travel.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Direct Booking Perks: Members stand to gain an extra advantage by earning 2 bonus Flying Returns Points for every INR 100 spent on booking flights directly through Air India\u2019s official website (airindia.com) or mobile app.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Diversified Points Accumulation: Members now have the opportunity to accrue Flying Returns Points through a vast array of Air India\u2019s non-airline partners, encompassing services like car rentals, hotel accommodations, shopping, lifestyle experiences, and more.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, Air India will gradually introduce new co-branded credit cards and forge partnerships with renowned brands, further enriching the travel benefits and privileges available to Flying Returns Members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"624\" height=\"157\" src=\"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/image-12.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-60535\" style=\"aspect-ratio:3.9745222929936306;width:1145px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/image-12.png 624w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/image-12-300x75.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 624px) 100vw, 624px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-tier-wise-benefits\">Tier Wise Benefits<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Member Benefits<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Red<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Silver<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Gold<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Platinum<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Qualification Criteria<\/td><td>NA<\/td><td>15000 Points or<br>30 Flights<\/td><td>30000 Points or<br>60 Flights<\/td><td>45000 Points or<br>90 Flights<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Earn on Air India, Star Alliance flights and lifestyle partners<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Spend points on Air India and Star Alliance flights<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Enrolment Bonus<\/td><td>1000 Points<\/td><td>NA<\/td><td>NA<\/td><td>NA<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Priority &amp; Premium one-stop Customer Service<\/td><td>NA<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Fee waivers on itinerary changes* \u2013 Domestic on AI<\/td><td>NA<\/td><td>Flat fee of<br>INR 1000 per ticket<\/td><td>1 free change per ticket up to 24 hours before departure<\/td><td>2 free changes per ticket up to 24 hours before departure<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Fee waivers on itinerary changes* \u2013 International on AI and Star<\/td><td>NA<\/td><td>NA<\/td><td>1 free change per ticket up to 72 hours before departure<\/td><td>2 free changes per ticket up to 24 hours before departure<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Fee waivers on itinerary cancellations* \u2013 Domestic on AI<\/td><td>NA<\/td><td>NA<\/td><td>Flat Fee of<br>INR 1,199 up to 24 hours before departure<\/td><td>Free up to 24 hours before departure<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Discount on seat selection* \u2013 AI operated flights<\/td><td>NA<\/td><td>50% off on standard seat on domestic sector only (promotional offer)<\/td><td>100% off on standard seats across network<\/td><td>100% off on all seats across network<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Fly Early* benefit at airport- Domestic on AI<\/td><td>NA<\/td><td>NA<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Priority check-in at dedicated counters<\/td><td>NA<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Excess Baggage Allowance on Air India flights**<\/td><td>NA<\/td><td>+10 kg (promotional offer)<\/td><td>+20 kg or 1 Piece up to 23 kg<\/td><td>+20 kg or 1 Piece up to 23 kg<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Lounge Access (with 1 guest) at AI Owned \/ Star \/ Contracted lounges<\/td><td>NA<\/td><td>NA<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Priority Boarding<\/td><td>NA<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Priority Baggage Delivery<\/td><td>NA<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Cabin Upgrade vouchers* \u2013 Domestic for Air India flights<\/td><td>NA<\/td><td>1 upgrade voucher<\/td><td>2 upgrade vouchers<\/td><td>3 upgrade vouchers<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Rewards and Tier Points displayed here are calculated per INR 100 expenditure. Members are entitled to receive an extra 2 bonus Reward Points per INR 100 spent across all Tiers for making direct bookings via the Air India website and mobile app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Join us on&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/t.me\/s\/aviationa2z\" rel=\"nofollow\">Telegram Group&nbsp;<\/a>for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/news.google.com\/publications\/CAAqBwgKMPLdrgsw_-jGAw?hl=en-IN&amp;gl=IN&amp;ceid=IN%3Aen\">Google News<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-aviation-a-2-z wp-block-embed-aviation-a-2-z\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"0ZElt9Ks2d\"><a href=\"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2024\/04\/05\/air-india-ceo-writes-to-employees\/\">Air India CEO Talks about New Loyalty Program, Vistara, A350s and More<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);\" title=\"&#8220;Air India CEO Talks about New Loyalty Program, Vistara, A350s and More&#8221; &#8212; Aviation A2Z\" src=\"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2024\/04\/05\/air-india-ceo-writes-to-employees\/embed\/#?secret=NMIm1UFygi#?secret=0ZElt9Ks2d\" data-secret=\"0ZElt9Ks2d\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Air India unveiled its enhanced Flying Returns loyalty program, which boasts a streamlined framework, enhanced user-centric attributes, rebranded tiers, and a refreshed identity.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":60533,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8470,399,18753,6761],"tags":[82,19573,20261,20264,12372,20262,20263,6953,7555,20266,20265],"class_list":{"0":"post-60531","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-air-india","8":"category-featured","9":"category-frequent-flyer","10":"category-news","11":"tag-air-india","12":"tag-air-india-2024","13":"tag-air-india-flying-returns","14":"tag-air-india-loyalty","15":"tag-air-india-loyalty-program","16":"tag-air-india-loyalty-programme","17":"tag-air-india-new-loyalty-program","18":"tag-air-india-news","19":"tag-air-india-news-today","20":"tag-flying-returns","21":"tag-new-loyalty-program"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/60531","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=60531"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/60531\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":60538,"href":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/60531\/revisions\/60538"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/60533"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=60531"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=60531"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=60531"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}