The New Maharaja Club: Post-Vistara Merger Accrual & Tier Mechanics
The merger of Club Vistara (CV) into Air India Maharaja Club created South Asia's largest frequent flyer program, with direct integration across the 26 member airlines of the global Star Alliance network. The unified loyalty engine abandoned traditional flat distance-based accruals in favor of a hybrid spend-and-fare-class model.
Under this system, travelers earn points based on the actual net amount paid (Base Fare + Carrier Surcharges) multiplied by the cabin multiplier. Economy passengers earn 6 to 10 points per ₹100 spent, Premium Economy earns 12 points, Business Class earns 15 to 18 points, and First Class earns 22 points per ₹100 spent.
Maharaja Club Elite Tiers & Star Alliance Benefits Matrix
| Tier Level | Qualification Requirement | Bonus Points | Star Alliance Status | Lounge Access | Extra Luggage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red (Base) | On Enrollment | 0% | Member | None | Standard |
| Silver | 15,000 Tier Points or 10 AI Flights | +15% | Star Silver | Domestic AI Lounges (1 Voucher) | +10 kg |
| Gold | 30,000 Tier Points or 20 AI Flights | +30% | Star Alliance Gold | Worldwide Star Gold + 1 Guest | +20 kg / 1 Piece |
| Platinum | 45,000 Tier Points or 30 AI Flights | +45% | Star Alliance Gold | Worldwide Star Gold + First Lounges | +20 kg + Vouchers |
Air India Cancellation Policy & Refund Timelines (2026 Schedule)
1. 24-Hour Free Cancellation Window
Any ticket booked at least 7 days before departure can be cancelled or altered within 24 hours of booking with 100% zero cancellation penalty under DGCA and US DOT mandates.
2. UDF & PSF Refund Protection
Airport charges (User Development Fee and Passenger Service Fee) are collected on behalf of airport operators. Even on strictly non-refundable promo fares, airlines must refund 100% of these taxes.
3. Refund Timelines & Tracking
Direct online bookings on airindia.com are credited back to the original card or bank account within 5–7 working days. You can track refund ARN status via the Air India web support portal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air India Points & Refunds
How are Maharaja Club points calculated on Air India flights?
Under the unified Maharaja Club (post-Vistara merger), points are earned on a hybrid spend-and-fare-class model. Members earn between 6 and 20 reward points per ₹100 (or equivalent in USD) spent on the base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges, depending on the cabin class (Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First) and fare brand (Value, Classic, Flex). Elite tier members (Silver, Gold, Platinum) receive additional tier bonus points of 15% to 45%.
What happens to Club Vistara CV Points after the merger with Air India?
All Club Vistara accounts, CV Points, and Tier Points have been automatically migrated 1:1 into the Maharaja Club. CV Points retain their validity for 36 months from the date of flight or activity. Tier status (Base, Silver, Gold, Platinum) was matched to the corresponding Maharaja Club tier.
What is Air India's domestic flight cancellation fee structure?
For domestic India flights, cancellation fees depend on the fare family: Flex fares allow free or nominal cancellation up to 2 hours before departure (₹500 or free depending on promo); Classic fares charge ₹3,000 to ₹3,500 per passenger per leg; Value/Promo fares charge ₹3,500 to ₹4,000 or the base fare (whichever is lower). Airport taxes (UDF, PSF) are 100% refundable by DGCA mandate.
Can I cancel an Air India flight within 24 hours of booking for free?
Yes. In compliance with DGCA guidelines and US DOT regulations (for US routes), passengers who book a ticket at least 7 days before departure can cancel or amend their booking within 24 hours of purchase without any cancellation penalty.
Are airport taxes (UDF, PSF, User Fees) refunded if my ticket is non-refundable?
Yes, 100%. Under Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) regulations, even on strictly non-refundable or promo tickets where the base fare is forfeited, all statutory statutory fees including User Development Fee (UDF), Passenger Service Fee (PSF), and Government Service Tax (GST) must be refunded to the passenger in full.
What Star Alliance benefits do Air India Gold and Platinum members receive?
Air India Maharaja Gold and Platinum members receive Star Alliance Gold status across all 26 member airlines (including United, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, Swiss, ANA, Air Canada). Perks include worldwide Star Alliance lounge access for the member plus one guest, priority check-in, priority boarding, priority baggage delivery, and an extra 20 kg (or 1 piece) checked luggage allowance.
How many Maharaja points are needed for an award flight upgrade to Business Class?
Award flight upgrades on domestic sectors typically require 5,000 to 12,000 Maharaja points. Short-haul international routes (e.g., Delhi to Dubai or Singapore) require 15,000 to 25,000 points, while long-haul flights to London, Europe, or the United States require 40,000 to 75,000 points plus statutory taxes.
How long does Air India take to process a ticket refund?
Direct credit card and debit card bookings are refunded to the original payment method within 5 to 7 banking days. For bookings made via travel agents or OTAs (MakeMyTrip, Cleartrip, EaseMyTrip), Air India processes the refund to the agency GDS wallet within 7 days, after which the agent issues the credit to your account.