Vistara Merges with Air India: What Passengers Need to Know About Changes in Loyalty Program

Significant changes are underway for India's airline industry as Vistara merges with Air India on November 12th. This merger will bring notable changes affecting passengers, particularly in areas like CV points and credit card loyalty programs. Here’s a closer look at what to expect.

Club Vistara members have until November 11, 2024, to redeem their CV points on Vistara flights. After this date, all points and benefits will transition to Air India's Flying Returns program. This shift ensures that members can continue enjoying their rewards without interruption.

Starting November 12th, CV points, tier points, and vouchers will be transferred to Flying Returns accounts following the merger. Members with existing accounts can monitor this migration. For those without an account, a new one will be created using details from their Club Vistara profile, ensuring no member is left out.

The conversion of CV points has been carefully planned. From November 12th, these points will convert to Flying Returns points at a 1:1 ratio. This includes points nearing expiry in September or October 2024, extending their validity by at least a year and providing ample time for redemption.

Vistara credit cardholders can continue enjoying their current benefits, such as upgrade vouchers and complimentary tickets, until March 31, 2026. These perks will transfer to the Flying Returns account. Post-merger, reward accrual will switch from CV points to Flying Returns points at a 1:1 exchange rate.

Club Vistara tier status will remain valid for a year post-merger, ensuring benefits like lounge access and priority check-in continue until at least March 2025. However, renewal of Vistara co-branded credit cards will stop after March 31, 2025. Cardholders can still enjoy benefits during their current renewal period.

Expanded Opportunities Post-Merger

The merger between Vistara and Air India offers new opportunities for cardholders by granting access to over 20 airline partners through Star Alliance. This significantly expands the options beyond the five airlines previously available under Club Vistara.

The extended validity of points further enhances value for cardholders, offering greater flexibility in redeeming points for flights, upgrades, and other rewards.

"#ImportantUpdate: Club Vistara joins hands with Air India Flying Returns to become Maharaja Club; please note that access to your account including new sign-ups, will be unavailable. You will be able to access your account on https://t.co/gT4nS8irpN post November 12th. Thank you." - Vistara (@airvistara) November 10, 2024