Air India revises Maharaja Club program: What are the benefits?
What's the story
Air India has announced a major revamp of its Maharaja Club program, effective from today. The airline is reducing the number of points required for reward flights and upgrades. The move is aimed at improving the value of points, enhancing booking flexibility, and simplifying tier upgrades for members. The changes are based on over a year's worth of feedback from frequent flyers.
Point reduction
Points requirement slashed for award flights and cabin upgrades
Air India has slashed the Maharaja Points needed for award flights and cabin upgrades on nearly 90% of its network. For domestic travel, award flights now start at 1,500 points while cabin upgrades start at 4,000 points. For international travel, redemption levels have been standardized with Europe (including UK) starting from 35,000 points for one-way trips to USA & Australia requiring 40,000 points.
Fare cuts
Economy class redemption fares cut
Air India has cut economy class redemption fares by an average of 30% on 80% of domestic routes and 75% of international routes. Business class fares have been reduced by about 15% on domestic routes and up to 25% on select international ones. Premium economy fares have also seen cuts across some routes. These enhancements are designed to ensure that every Maharaja Point they earn carries more meaning, said Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer at Air India.
Class adjustments
Business and premium economy
Along with economy class, Air India has also made changes to premium economy and business class redemption. For instance, the route from Hyderabad to Goa (Mopa) now requires 9,000 points instead of the previous 12,000 points. Similarly, Delhi to Guwahati's points requirement has been reduced from 16,500 to 13,000. In business class too there are some reductions like Delhi-Chennai which now requires only 24,000 points against earlier requirement of 30,000 points.
Policy update
Tier-based structure for cancellations and rescheduling
Air India has also introduced a tier-based structure for cancellations and rescheduling. Depending on the tier, members can change or cancel their bookings without any fee within certain timelines. For instance, Platinum members get up to two hours before departure, while Gold and Silver members have seven days and 30 days respectively. Beyond these periods, a 25% fee will be charged with no-show bookings continuing to remain non-refundable.
Upgrade ease
Tier upgrades made easier
Air India has also made it easier for members to upgrade their tiers. The new requirement for Platinum is now 60 flights instead of the previous 90, while Gold's requirement has been reduced from 60 to 45 flights. Silver's requirement has been cut down from 30 to just 20 flights. Plus, airport privileges will be extended to one companion traveling with Platinum or Gold members on same booking.