Vistara-Air India Merger: What It Means For Passengers' Loyalty Points And Membership Benefits

As Vistara operates its final flight today, November 11, 2024, the airline's full integration into Air India begins on November 12.

With the merger of Vistara's Club Vistara and Air India's Flying Returns programs, passengers have many questions about the fate of their loyalty points, membership statuses, and rewards.

Here's what you need to know:

Key Changes for Loyalty Members

1. CV Points Conversion: From November 12, 2024, all Club Vistara (CV) points will be transferred to Air India's Flying Returns program at a 1:1 ratio. If you already have a Flying Returns account, your points will be automatically migrated. New members will have Flying Returns accounts created with the same details as their Club Vistara accounts.

2. Credit Cardholders: Vistara credit cardholders can continue to use their benefits, like One Class Upgrade and Complimentary Ticket Vouchers, until March 31, 2026. From November 12, cardholders will start earning Flying Returns points, with CV points converted to Flying Returns points on a 1:1 basis. Additionally, cardholders will now have access to over 20 airline partners via Star Alliance, up from the five airlines available with Club Vistara.

3. Tier Status Validity: Your Club Vistara tier status will remain valid for one more year, allowing continued benefits like lounge access and priority check-in until March 2025. After that, Vistara co-branded credit card renewals will cease after March 31, 2025.

4. Co-branded Credit Cards: Vistara's co-branded credit cards, including those with SBI, Axis, IDFC FIRST, and IndusInd, will continue offering benefits until March 31, 2026, but new card renewals will end after March 31, 2025.

5. Vistara Miles: Starting January 1, 2025, all Vistara miles will be transferred to Flying Returns. While the conversion details are still being finalized, members will retain their current loyalty status within the Flying Returns program.

Seamless Integration

Vistara's routes and in-flight experience will remain unchanged for now, and passengers can expect the same crew onboard. Air India has provided extra support at various touchpoints, including dedicated help desk kiosks at major airports to assist with the transition.

In addition, all customer service staff will be wearing Air India x Vistara-branded T-shirts to guide passengers through the process. Vistara's ticketing offices and check-in terminals will gradually shift to Air India's code (AI2) starting November 12.

Enhanced Connectivity

The merger will result in improved connectivity, offering Air India passengers access to over 90 domestic and international destinations, plus an additional 800 through codeshare and interline partnerships.

As Air India works to smoothly integrate Vistara, passengers should stay updated on the latest developments and take note of key deadlines for loyalty points, memberships, and credit card benefits. For more details, passengers are encouraged to visit Air India's official website or contact customer support.