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What is the story about?
Air India has revised the structure of its Maharaja Club loyalty programme, with changes to redemption rates, cancellation rules, and tier qualification criteria effective April 1.
Under the revised framework, the number of points required for award flights and upgrades has been reduced across a large part of the airline’s network.
Economy class redemptions have declined by about 30% on average on most domestic and international routes, while reductions for business and premium economy are more moderate.
Domestic award tickets will now start from 1,500 points.
For international routes, redemption levels have been standardised by region. One-way award tickets will start from 35,000 points for Europe, 40,000 points for the United States and Australia, and 50,000 points for Canada.
However, some routes have seen no change or an increase in points required.
The airline has also introduced a tier-based structure for cancellation and rescheduling of award tickets. Members can make changes without a fee within specified timelines based on their tier, after which a flat charge applies. Points used for upgrades will be refunded if tickets are cancelled, subject to conditions.
Changes have also been made to tier qualification.
The number of flights required to achieve membership tiers has been reduced, although the spending requirement remains unchanged. The revised thresholds will apply retrospectively to flights taken over the past 12 months.
In addition, select travel benefits such as priority services and lounge access will be extended to one co-passenger travelling on the same booking as eligible members.
Points earned on flights will now be credited within two hours or earlier, including those from partner airlines.
Under the revised framework, the number of points required for award flights and upgrades has been reduced across a large part of the airline’s network.
Economy class redemptions have declined by about 30% on average on most domestic and international routes, while reductions for business and premium economy are more moderate.
Domestic award tickets will now start from 1,500 points.
For international routes, redemption levels have been standardised by region. One-way award tickets will start from 35,000 points for Europe, 40,000 points for the United States and Australia, and 50,000 points for Canada.
However, some routes have seen no change or an increase in points required.
The airline has also introduced a tier-based structure for cancellation and rescheduling of award tickets. Members can make changes without a fee within specified timelines based on their tier, after which a flat charge applies. Points used for upgrades will be refunded if tickets are cancelled, subject to conditions.
Changes have also been made to tier qualification.
The number of flights required to achieve membership tiers has been reduced, although the spending requirement remains unchanged. The revised thresholds will apply retrospectively to flights taken over the past 12 months.
In addition, select travel benefits such as priority services and lounge access will be extended to one co-passenger travelling on the same booking as eligible members.
Points earned on flights will now be credited within two hours or earlier, including those from partner airlines.
