Air India Unveils Enhanced Flying Returns Loyalty Program for Elevated Customer Experience

Apr 03, 2024: Air India has launched its revamped Flying Returns loyalty program, ushering in a new era of convenience, rewards, and recognition for its members. The updated program introduces a spend-based model, perpetual points validity, and a host of customer-friendly features aimed at delivering enhanced value and flexibility.

In a significant transformation, Air India has unveiled the revamped Flying Returns loyalty program, marking a departure from traditional miles-based systems to a more equitable spend-based model. The updated program, designed to prioritize customer satisfaction and ease of use, promises greater rewards and recognition while offering seamless global benefits.

Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial & Transformation Officer at Air India, expressed confidence in the program’s evolution, citing extensive customer feedback and industry benchmarking as pivotal in its development.

Key Highlights of the Enhanced Flying Returns Program:

• Spend-Based Rewards: Members will now earn Flying Returns Points based on the amount spent on tickets rather than miles flown, ensuring greater value for money.
• Evergreen Points: Points earned through Flying Returns will never expire, provided members take at least one flight with Air India every 24 months, regardless of tier level.
• No Blackout Dates: The program eliminates blackout dates and restrictions, allowing members to redeem points for any available Air India seat.
• Cash+Points Flexibility: Members can now pay for award flights using a combination of Flying Returns Points and cash, offering enhanced flexibility in booking.
• Global Reach: Flying Returns extends its reach with redemption options on 25 Star Alliance partner airlines, covering over 700 destinations worldwide.
• Renamed Membership Tiers: Membership tiers have been renamed as Red, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, offering tier-specific privileges and benefits.
• Family Pooling: Members can combine points with family members for quicker redemption, enhancing the overall travel experience.
• Direct Booking Bonus: Booking flights directly on Air India’s website or mobile app earns members additional bonus points, incentivizing direct bookings.
• Expanded Points Collection: Members can now earn points through various non-airline partners, including car rentals, hotel stays, and lifestyle experiences.

The program also introduces dedicated customer service centers for Silver, Gold, and Platinum members, ensuring personalized assistance and support.

Air India plans to introduce co-branded credit cards and partnerships with popular brands to further enrich the travel experience for Flying Returns members in the near future.

With its revamped Flying Returns loyalty program, Air India aims to set new standards in customer satisfaction and loyalty, offering members unparalleled benefits, flexibility, and rewards. The program’s customer-centric approach reflects Air India’s commitment to enhancing the overall travel experience and strengthening its position as a preferred airline for discerning travelers.