- Revisions to Maharaja Points requirement for Award Flights and Cabin Upgrades
- ~30% fewer points requirement in Economy Class on 80% of domestic routes and 75% of international routes
- Faster tier progression with reduced flight count‑ thresholds
- Tier-based free cancellation/rescheduling windows
In a decisive move to strengthen its appeal among frequent flyers, Air India has unveiled a comprehensive upgrade to its loyalty programme, the Maharaja Club, introducing far-reaching changes designed to deliver greater value, enhanced flexibility and faster recognition for members.
The enhancements, rolling out progressively from April 1, 2026, are the result of more than a year of structured customer feedback and engagement, signalling a shift towards a more responsive and globally competitive loyalty ecosystem.
Redefining Value Across Award Travel
At the core of the transformation is a substantial reduction in points required for award flights and cabin upgrades across more than 90% of Air India’s network. The airline has recalibrated redemption thresholds to make both short domestic hops and long-haul international journeys significantly more accessible.
Domestic award flights now begin at just 1,500 Maharaja Points, while cabin upgrades start from 4,000 points. International redemptions have been standardised by region, with one-way award travel starting from approximately 35,000 points to Europe and the UK, 40,000 points to the United States and Australia, and 50,000 points to Canada.
Across the network, Economy Class redemptions have dropped by around 30% on average, with Business Class fares reduced by up to 25% on select long-haul routes. Premium Economy has also seen moderate reductions, reinforcing the airline’s effort to make premium cabins more attainable.
Select route comparisons underscore the scale of these changes. Long-haul sectors such as Delhi–San Francisco and Mumbai–Newark have seen reductions of up to 48% and 40% respectively, while domestic routes like Goa–Hyderabad and Mumbai–Amritsar have recorded cuts exceeding 40%. Although a limited number of routes have seen marginal increases, the airline maintains that the overwhelming majority now offer improved redemption value.
Greater Flexibility for Changing Travel Plans
Recognising the evolving needs of modern travellers, Air India has introduced a simplified, tier-based structure for cancellations and rescheduling of award flights.
Under the revised policy:
- Platinum members can modify or cancel bookings free of charge up to two hours before departure
- Gold members can do so up to seven days prior
- Silver members up to 30 days in advance
Within these windows, members receive a full redeposit of points without penalty. Outside them, a flat 25% fee applies. Additionally, points used for upgrades will now be refunded upon cancellation, offering greater confidence and flexibility when planning travel.
Faster Pathways to Elite Status
The airline has also eased the journey to elite tiers by reducing the number of flights required for qualification. Platinum status now requires 60 flights (down from 90), Gold 45 flights (down from 60), and Silver 20 flights (down from 30), while spend-based criteria remain unchanged.
Importantly, these revised thresholds will be applied retrospectively to travel undertaken over the past 12 months, enabling eligible members to benefit from immediate upgrades—an initiative aimed at rewarding loyalty more effectively.
Extending Privileges Beyond the Individual
In a notable enhancement, Air India is extending elite privileges to companions travelling on the same booking. One co-passenger accompanying Platinum or Gold members will now enjoy benefits such as priority check-in, boarding, baggage handling and lounge access—bringing a more inclusive dimension to the loyalty experience.
Real-Time Rewards and Digital Ease
Further improving usability, Maharaja Points earned on Air India flights and Star Alliance partner airlines will now be credited within two hours of travel, allowing members to track and redeem rewards almost instantly.
This upgrade aligns with Air India’s broader digital transformation strategy, aimed at delivering a seamless and intuitive user experience across the travel journey.
A Programme Shaped by Customer Insight
Commenting on the overhaul, Nipun Aggarwal emphasised that the changes are rooted in extensive feedback from frequent flyers. He noted that the redesigned programme focuses on making every Maharaja Point more meaningful, flexible and rewarding, while ensuring the programme remains relevant in an increasingly competitive global landscape.
Strengthening a Global Loyalty Proposition
The latest enhancements build on the programme’s 2024 transition from a traditional miles-based system to a spend-based model. Today, Maharaja Club serves over 10 million members worldwide and continues to expand its ecosystem through partnerships across banking, retail, hospitality and lifestyle sectors.
As Air India advances its transformation under the Tata Group, the revamped Maharaja Club plays a central role in redefining the airline’s premium proposition—offering travellers a more compelling blend of value, recognition and personalised benefits.
