Flying Returns FAQ

No, you’re welcome to join Flying Returns regardless of your nationality or place of residence.

All you need to join is an email address and phone number—one that’s not already registered with a Flying Returns account.

Yes, you will receive an enrolment bonus of 1,000 reward points after you complete your first flight (does not include reward flights).

No. Flying Returns is free to join, and you will not need to pay any enrolment or annual membership fees.

No, family members require their unique email address and phone number to enrol in the Flying Returns programme.

Only individuals can enrol in Flying Returns. However, you can create a Family Pool to pool points and share benefits with family members. 

You can earn points on your business travel by adding your Flying Returns membership ID to your booking.

Your Flying Returns account will not expire, but it is recommended that you log in regularly and update your profile with relevant information.  

However, your reward points have a default validity of 2 years, but they are evergreen – meaning that the expiry date of all your points can be extended by 2 years from the date of travel every time you fly with Air India (not valid for reward tickets).

Go here to view and edit your Flying Returns account information.

Details such as name, date of birth, registered email address, and phone number cannot be edited from the account page.  To request a change to those details, visit our customer support portal and place a request under Flying Returns > Account Query.

Please follow the steps given below to change the address associated with your Flying Returns account:

• Sign in to your Flying Returns account
• Go to Your Profile 
• Go to Personal Details > Contact Information
• Update your address
• Click Save

Use the ‘Forgot Your Password’ option on the sign-in page to recover your Flying Returns account.

To change the password of your Flying Returns account: 

• Sign in to your account 
• Go to 'Your Profile' dropdown 
• Click 'Change Password' and follow the instructions 

To view your Flying Returns membership ID:

• Log into your Flying Returns account 
• Check the member dashboard
• For further assistance, please raise a request on our customer support portal.

To earn points for a booking, the name on your booking must match your account name on Flying Returns. To update your name, please raise a request on our customer support portal. 

Your booking will remain valid. Your points will be automatically added to your Flying Returns account if the name on your booking matches the name on your Flying Returns account.

After you enrol, you’ll receive a digital membership card. You can download a copy of your membership card from the Flying Returns member portal on the My Account page.

• Silver, Gold, and Platinum cardholders can show their Flying Returns membership card at check-in to access the priority check-in counter. The card can also be shown to agents at the gate for priority boarding.  
• Gold and Platinum cardholders: Use your membership card to gain access to airport lounges.
• ⦁ All members: Use your Flying Returns membership card as required identification when you earn points with our partners.

Your membership card is intended for your use only. To earn points, the flights you book, and your partner purchases must be completed under your name. However, you may use points to book tickets for friends and family.

Depending on the tier, Flying Returns members get multiple benefits during ticket booking and access to priority services at the airport. Some of the benefits include cabin upgrade vouchers, lounge access (with 1 guest), excess baggage allowance, complimentary seat selection and flexible cancellation.

To get a detailed comparison of the benefits of various tiers, click here.

Your tier status is determined by the number of tier points or the flights you have taken on Air India and Star Alliance airlines over the last 365 days.  

You will be automatically upgraded to a higher tier once you earn the required qualifying tier points or take the qualifying number of flights.  

To advance through each tier, you must do one of the two things:  

• Silver: Earn 15,000 tier points with a minimum of 4,500 tier points on Air India OR take 30 flights with a minimum of 4 flights on Air India   
• Gold: Earn 30,000 tier points with a minimum of 9,000 tier points on Air India OR take 60 flights with a minimum of 8 flights on Air India
• Platinum: Earn 45,000 tier points with a minimum of 13,500 tier points on Air India OR take 90 flights with a minimum of 12 flights on Air India  

To understand how to earn points, click here. 

Once upgraded to a new tier, you can enjoy the benefits of that tier for one year. After one year, you must maintain the required qualifying tier points or take the minimum number of flights to continue enjoying your tier benefits. If you are unable to do so, your tier will be downgraded.

The requirements to maintain your tier status for different tiers after one year are the following:

• Silver: Earn 15,000 tier points with a minimum of 4,500 tier points on Air India OR take 30 flights with a minimum of 4 flights on Air India
• Gold: Earn 30,000 tier points with a minimum of 9,000 tier points on Air India OR take 60 flights with a minimum of 8 flights on Air India
• Platinum: Earn 45,000 tier points with a minimum of 13,500 tier points on Air India OR take 90 flights with a minimum of 12 flights on Air India

No, members are upgraded through the tiers exclusively by earning the required tier points. However, you can purchase reward points with our “Buy Points” feature

You will be informed about your tier upgrade via email on your registered email address. You can also check your tier status on the My Account page when you log in to your account.

No, the membership ID assigned to you during enrolment stays the same as you progress through the tiers.

The number of reward points you earn increases as you advance through tiers. Red tier members earn 6 reward points for every INR 100 spent on Air India flights. This increases to 8, 9 and 10 reward points for Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers respectively.

The number of tier points you earn with each booking does not increase as you move through the tiers. Regardless of the tier, you earn 6 tier points for every INR 100 spent on Air India flights.

Flying Returns Gold and Platinum members travelling on Air India flights can avail this benefit. Please note that this is currently not available for Star Gold members.

• Red: No additional baggage allowance
• Silver: Carry an extra 10 kg/22 lb on flights operated by Air India (limited-time promotional offer).
• Gold and Platinum: Carry one extra piece up to 23 kg or an extra 20 kg/44 lb, on flights operated by Air India or any Star Alliance airline.   

Please note that extra baggage allowance is not applicable on codeshare and interline flights. The extra baggage allowance is subject to change as per government directives and flight load.    

Please go to the check-in counter at least 2 hours before the departure of desired flight and request for Fly Early. Please note that confirmation of the seat will only be given 1 hour before the desired flight departure and is subject to availability.

Members can use this facility only for direct domestic flights, on the same sector as originally booked flight. The time duration between the originally booked flight and desired flight must not exceed 4 hours.

There are no charges involved for Flying Returns Gold and Platinum members to use the Fly Early benefit.

No, this will not be possible. You will be assigned seats in the same cabin class, depending on seat availability in the desired flight.

No, this is not possible. The Fly Early benefit allows Flying Returns members to take an earlier flight. Members will not be able to postpone their flight.

No, this will not be possible.

Air India reserves the right to change the terms and conditions, program rules, benefits and privileges associated with tiers from time to time.  

In the Flying Returns programme, you earn two types of points: tier points and reward points. 

Tier points are points you earn for flying with Air India and Star Alliance airlines. Tier points, or the number of flights you take, determine your tier status.  

Reward points are points you earn for flying with Air India and Star Alliance airlines and for purchases you make with our partner brands.  

These reward points can then be spent to book reward flights on Air India and Star Alliance airline flights or to upgrade your cabin class on Air India flights.  

You earn both types of points with every booking. For example, if you’re in the Silver tier:

For every INR 100 you spend on an Air India flight, you earn 8 reward points and 6 tier points. If you book directly on the Air India website or Air India mobile app, you’ll earn 2 additional reward points for every INR 100 spent.   

For purchases on a partner brand, you earn reward points based on the partnership agreement. You do not receive tier points for these purchases. 

You can earn Flying Returns points for flights booked using cash or a combination of cash and points on Air India and with Star Alliance airlines. Please note that you will not be able to earn points for reward tickets.   

Ensure that your membership ID is submitted with your booking. You may also calculate points here.  

No, you will not be able to earn points on codeshare and interline flights.

For each flight, you’ll earn both reward points and tier points. 

Tier Points  

• On Air India flights, earn 6 tier points for every INR 100 spent on the fare (sum of base and fuel surcharge (YQ)) - excluding taxes, convenience or platform fees across tiers.   
• On Star Alliance flights, earn 1 tier point for every 2 reward points accrued.  

Reward Points  

• On Air India, for every INR 100 spent on the fare (sum of base and fuel surcharge (YQ); excludes taxes, convenience, or platform fees), earn 6 reward points if you’re in the Red tier, 8 points for Silver, 9 points for Gold, and 10 points for Platinum. Earn 2 additional points for booking on the Air India website or Air India mobile app
• On Star Alliance flights, reward points earned will be based on the partner airline's terms and conditions. To understand the number of points you can earn on your Star Alliance flight, click here. 

• On purchases from partner brands, reward points earned will be based on the partner's terms and conditions. You can find more details on our Partner Offers page.

Sign in to your Flying Returns account.  Go to Account Summary to view your Flying Returns points.

Once your flight journey is complete, Flying Returns points are credited within 48 hours to your account, provided the membership ID submitted during booking is valid.

The expiry date of all your points is extended by 24 months from the date of travel every time you take an Air India flight (not valid for reward flights). This means that as long as you keep flying with us, your points do not expire.

You will not receive Flying Returns points for a Star Alliance flight if you are not already a Flying Returns member at the time of booking. 

If you are already a Flying Returns member, you can earn points for Star Alliance flights taken in the past 6 months with our Claim Missing Points feature.

Yes, you can. You can earn points for Air India flights taken in the past 12 months with our Claim Missing Points feature.

You can earn points by submitting your membership ID during booking or web check-in.

*T&C applies.

Flying Returns members can buy reward points using our Buy Points feature.

You can raise a request using our Claim Missing Points feature with the requested details. 

If you are facing any further issues, you can reach out to our customer support portal.

No, you can only earn Flying Returns points for bookings made in your name.

Yes, it is possible. Add your membership ID during web check-in or at the airport check-in counter. You may also submit a request to Claim Missing Points at least 7 days after the completion of your trip.

For non-airline partners, the validity of points is 24 months. However, since your reward points are now evergreen, you can extend the expiry date for all your points by 24 months from the date of travel every time you take an Air India flight (not valid for reward flights). 

Members can revive reward points that expired in the past year for an additional year. The request to revive points can be made via call centres and city offices. Members are charged 0.60 INR+ 18% GST per point for revival. 

The validity of reward points is extended by one year from the month of revival (month-end). If the members take a qualifying flight activity during the extension/revival period, all reward points including the revived points will be extended by 24 months.

Yes, you can use our Claim Missing Points feature to submit your flight details and receive points for past flights. This feature is available for all Air India flights, even flights that pre-date your enrolment in the Flying Returns programme.   

For Star Alliance flights, you can claim missing points up to 6 months after your travel, but only if you have a Flying Returns account on the date of travel.

To use Claim Missing Points, the name on your ticket must match the name on your member profile.  

If there is any discrepancy, please raise a request on our customer care portal.  

Yes, log into your account and use the Buy Points feature. You can buy points in batches of 100. There is no maximum purchase amount.

Yes, Flying Returns members can purchase reward points to make up for a shortfall in points. In the shortfall scenario, you can use the Buy Points feature to purchase points in batches of 100.

Purchase reward points online by logging into your account and clicking buy Points. Alternatively, you can submit a purchase request to our customer support team.

Each point costs INR 1.50, and points can be purchased in batches of 100. Points purchased using the Buy Points feature will be added to your account immediately. 

When you buy points, the payment options available to you are UPI, credit/debit cards, and internet banking.

Spend your Reward Points on tickets on Air India and Star Alliance airlines or upgrades with Air India.

Just like the reward points you’ve earned, purchased reward points are valid for 24 months from the date of purchase.

However, since your reward points are now evergreen, you can extend the expiry date for all your points by 24 months from the date of travel every time you take an Air India flight (not valid for reward flights).

Please contact our customer support team.

No, points purchases cannot be cancelled once the transaction is complete and purchased Rewards Points are issued into your account.

Anyone can purchase Reward Points by logging into their Flying Returns account, but points can only be credited to the account of the membership ID that’s logged in. You can create a Family Pool if you’re interested in sharing points with family members.

The retro claim option is not available on non-airline partners. Please refer to T&Cs updated on all individual partner pages.

Book tickets using points the same way you book any ticket on the Air India website or mobile app. Just ensure that you are signed into your account and select the checkbox for Use Points as you book.

No, multi-city bookings cannot be made using points as of now.

Yes, tickets booked using cash, cash+points and points can be upgraded using points. 

Please use the Upgrade Cabin Class feature to upgrade your flight or reach out to our customer support. 

To upgrade your cabin class, you may follow these steps:  

• Go to the Upgrade Your Class tab. 
• Enter the ticket information under the Flights tab.  
• If seats are available for upgrade, you will be directed to the Passengers tab to enter the details of passengers for whom you wish to upgrade.
• Next, you will be shown how many points you need to spend for your upgrade. You can confirm this to spend your points and upgrade your cabin class.

• Go to Points Calculator.
• Select Upgrade tab
• Enter the required details like airline, cabin class, tier, origin and destination.
• Based on your input, you will be shown how many points you need to spend for your upgrade.

The reward points in your Flying Returns account can be spent as soon as they appear in your account. View your points balance under Account Summary.

Log into your account and use the Points Calculator to understand how many reward points you will need to pay for your upcoming Air India flight. 

Transferring points from account to account is not possible. However, our Family Pool feature allows you to link the accounts of family members and share points.  

Yes, you can spend points on Air India flights and with Star Alliance airlines. However, you will not be able to use reward points on codeshare partner flights.

Yes, you will have to pay applicable taxes.

Yes, you can, but only when travelling together on the same booking reference number. Each member will need an independent voucher, which must be verified using an OTP.

The validity of upgrade vouchers is limited and not extendable. The upgrade voucher is valid for six months from the date of issuance for Silver, nine months from the date of issuance for Gold, and 12 months from the date of issuance for Platinum members.

We do not send out physical vouchers. The vouchers are digital, and the complete details including, active, used and expired vouchers, are available online on the member dashboard.

Vouchers should be redeemed at the airport only after checking seat availability with the check-in executive. In case you have accidentally redeemed your voucher and want to revert the voucher back to active status, please reach out to our customer support portal.

No, cabin upgrade vouchers can only be used for domestic flights.

Vouchers are non-transferable, but members can use them for friends and family travelling on the same booking reference number. One voucher applies to one person only.

No, points are credited based on the booked cabin class.

Vouchers can only be used at the airport once check-in starts after confirming seat availability with the airport staff. If a flight is cancelled/rescheduled after check-in, you may request a reactivation of your voucher by reaching out to our customer support portal with details of your flight and upgrade voucher. 

Yes, multiple vouchers can be used for multiple people travelling on the same booking reference number. Multiple vouchers can also be used for jumping across cabin classes. For example, you may use two vouchers to upgrade from economy to business – one voucher to upgrade from economy to premium economy, and one voucher to upgrade from premium economy to business.

Yes, your base fare can be paid using a combination of cash and points. Please note that fuel surcharge, ancillaries, taxes, convenience or platform fees can only be paid by cash. 

No, you cannot use a combination of cash and points on codeshare flights.

No, you cannot use a combination of cash and points to upgrade your cabin class.

In case of a shortfall, you can use the Buy Points feature and then use these points to upgrade your cabin class. 

Yes, you will earn tier points and reward points based on the cash component of the sum of your base fare and fuel surcharge (YQ).

Currently, the payment for a cash component of Cash + Points booking can be made only using credit card.

The conversion rate may vary based on origin, destination, flight schedule, flight number, date, season, fare, cabin, tier, sales channel, or any combination thereof.

You need to meet the following criteria to book tickets using a combination of cash and points: 

• You must be signed in to the website
• Your booking must be done on the Air India website or mobile app
• The flight must be operated by Air India

You can pay the entire base fare in points subject to your points balance.

Yes, booking a flight using a combination of cash and points can be made for friends and family irrespective of them being a member of the Flying Returns programme. However, the following exceptions apply:

• Corporate fares 
• Group fares 
• Any fare that includes a flight segment that is not operated by Air India. (e.g.: codeshare, interline) 
• Charges incurred when making changes to a ticket, including date change
• Infant ticket

GST and any other taxes are calculated on your entire fare irrespective of the cash to points proportion.

You earn points only on the cash component of your fare (base + fuel surcharge (YQ)).
Points will be allocated to passengers based on their respective fare.

To modify bookings made using Cash + Points, please reach out to our customer support team.

If the airline changes your booking, you will still earn points as per the cash component of the original base fare without any changes.

For your cancelled ticket, the cancellation and related fees will first be deducted from the cash component. The shortfall (if any) will be deducted from the points component as per the conversion rate at the time of booking.

However, in case of a refund, keep the following in mind:  

• Refund on the remaining cash component will be made to the original source of payment. 
• Refund on points (with original expiry date) will be made to your Flying Returns account. 
• Points that have expired by the time of the refund will not be refunded.

To request a refund, contact our customer support. 
Reward tickets can be cancelled by call centres, and Air India booking offices.

The original validity of your Flying Returns points will be applied to recredited points.

Yes, you can make date changes to tickets purchased with points either through the customer service portal or by visiting the nearest Air India office.

The additional penalty charge is applicable as per the redemption penalty chart. Please note that for cancellations, the penalty will be deducted from points. For date changes, the penalty will have to be paid by cash.

Yes, Flying Returns members get waivers on fees related to itinerary changes on both cash and reward tickets (booked via points). The rescheduling fee will vary based on your tier status. Please refer to the redemption penalty chart.

Please refer below to the waivers applicable to different tiers:  

Domestic flights   

• Red: No discount on fees.  
• Silver: Members need to pay a flat fee of INR 1,000 (+GST) for any 1 change. This is available up to 24 hours to departure, and only 1 change per ticket is permitted.  
• Gold: Members get 1 complimentary change per ticket available up to 24 hours before departure.  
• Platinum: Members get 2 complimentary changes per ticket, available up to 24 hours before departure.   

International flights  
 

• Red and Silver: No discount on fees.  
• Gold: Members get 1 complimentary change per ticket, available up to 72 hours before departure.   
• Platinum: Members get 2 complimentary changes per ticket, available up to 24 hours before departure.

Yes, Flying Returns members get waivers on fees related to ticket cancellations for domestic flights. There are no fee reductions for cancellation of international flights. The cancellation fee will vary based on your tier status. Please refer to the redemption penalty chart.

Please refer below to the waivers applicable to different tiers:

Domestic flights 

• Red and Silver: No discount on fees.
• Gold: Members pay only INR 1,199 for cancellation, available up to 24 hours before departure.
• Platinum: Members get free cancellation on tickets, available up to 24 hours before departure.

You can change the destination of travel on a ticket purchased with points after paying the applicable fare difference and penalties, only if:  
a) For domestic tickets, the new destination is a domestic airport. 

b) For international tickets, the new destination is also an international airport.

Yes, you can change the destination and date of travel on a ticket purchased with points after paying the applicable fare difference and penalties, only if:  
a) For domestic tickets, the new destination is a domestic airport. 

b) For international tickets, the new destination is also an international airport. 

The additional penalty charge is applicable as per the redemption penalty chart. Please note that you will have to pay these penalties in cash. 

Yes, you will be issued a refund once the applicable penalty, as per the redemption penalty chart, has been paid. Please note that you will have to pay these penalties in points.

The ticket is valid for 1 year from the date of initial issue.

Yes, Air India is a member of the Star Alliance. This partnership allows our passengers to benefit from a wider range of routes and services.

You can earn Flying Returns points when you fly with any of our 25 Star Alliance airlines. To earn points, simply enter your Flying Returns membership ID during the booking process and earned points will be credited to your Flying Returns account within 7 days of completing your trip.

Flying Returns members travelling on Star Alliance airlines will earn reward points depending on the partnership agreement with the specific Star Alliance airline. Members will also earn one tier point for every 2 reward points earned on Star Alliance airlines.

To ensure you earn Flying Returns points on flights with Star Alliance airlines, it is advisable to follow these steps:

• Confirm airline participation: Ensure the airline you choose is partnering with the Flying Returns programme by reaching out to the customer support of partner airline. Airlines in the Star Alliance are part of Flying Returns, but it is advisable to verify before booking a ticket. 
• Verify flight eligibility: Check on the Air India website or contact the airline’s customer service team to see if the specific flight and fare class you wish to book are eligible to earn Flying Returns points. Please note that different fare classes may have varying earning rates. 
• Keep documentation: Retain your boarding pass and any other relevant documentation from the flight. This can be useful if there are any issues with points being credited. 
• Allow processing time: Points might not be credited to your Flying Returns account immediately after your flight. If points do not get credited in your account within 7 days of completing your trip, you may need to contact the partner airline. 

Remember, policies and specifics vary based on the airline and the terms of our partnership, so reviewing the terms and conditions of both the Flying Returns Programme and the Star Alliance airline is recommended.

You can submit a request to Claim Missing Points 7 days after the completion of your journey.  

For Star Alliance flights, missing points can be claimed up to 6 months after the date of your flight but only if you were a member of the Flying Returns Programme on the date of travel.

You can spend reward points on flights and other travel-related benefits when you fly with a Star Alliance airline.

To ensure you can spend reward points on flights with Star Alliance airlines, it is advisable to follow these steps: 

• Confirm airline participation: Ensure the airline you choose is partnering with the Flying Returns Programme on spending benefits by reaching out to the customer support of partner airline. Airlines in the Star Alliance are part of Flying Returns, but it is advisable to verify before booking a ticket.   
• Verify flight eligibility: Contact the airline’s customer service team to see if the specific flight and fare class you wish to book are eligible for purchase with Flying Returns points. Please note that different fare classes may have varying spending rates.

Remember, policies and specifics vary based on the airline and the terms of our partnership, so reviewing the terms and conditions of both the Flying Returns Programme and the Star Alliance airline is recommended. 

Flying Returns Gold and Platinum members enjoy the same privileges as Star Alliance Gold members.

Please note that benefits like Fly Early and cabin upgrade vouchers are additional benefits available only to  Air India Gold and Platinum members.

Yes, Star Alliance offers the flexibility to book itineraries that involve multiple member airlines, providing a seamless travel experience. However, the level of flexibility and the ability to earn and spend points may vary from airline to airline, so it’s advisable to check the terms and conditions and policies for each of your chosen airlines.

Yes, your tickets can be reissued for another date. However, applicable change fees may apply. Please reach out to our customer support team for the same.

Yes, Gold and Platinum Flying Returns members get the following benefits on international Star Alliance flights booked via Air India: 
Gold- 1 free change per booking up to 72 hours to departure 
Platinum - 2 free changes per booking up to 24 hours to departure 
However, please note that there are no waivers on cancellation.

Members are only eligible for credit with one Frequent Flyer programme for each flight or transaction.

Points or miles earned with one Star Alliance airline can be used to book flights with another Star Alliance airline, including Air India. Please note that this is subject to eligible booking class, fares and seat availability.

The process and policies may also vary across different airlines, so it is advisable to confirm directly with the airline you’d like to book by checking their terms and conditions.

Yes, Star Alliance Gold status get the same privileges as Gold tier members except for the Fly Early benefit and cabin upgrade vouchers. Benefits for Star Alliance Gold members include priority check-in, extra baggage allowance, and access to airport lounges when flying with Air India. 
To compare the benefits of various tiers, click here.

Yes, you can potentially earn points or miles on other Frequent Flyer programmes by flying on Air India, depending on existing partnerships and alliances.  

Air India is a member of Star Alliance. If the airline where you’re a member of the Frequent Flyer programme is also part of the Star Alliance, you may be able to earn points or miles in their programme for flights taken with Air India.

To do this: 

• Provide your membership number: When booking with Air India, provide your membership number for the specific Frequent Flyer programme you want to earn points with.  
• Confirm partnership: Check if the airline you want to earn points with has a partnership or alliance with Air India. You can also confirm this by contacting our customer support. 
• Review terms: Be aware of the terms and conditions of both the Frequent Flyer programme you want to earn points with as well as Air India’s Flying Returns Programme. Please note that different fare classes and routes may have varying earning rates.

Always check the latest information and rules, as partnerships between airlines can change. You can contact customer support of your airline to get specific details on earning points or miles when you take Air India flights. 

Yes, you can use points or miles from the Frequent Flyer programme of a Star Alliance airline to upgrade your seat on an Air India flight. However, this is subject to availability and specific upgrade policies. Please check the rules of the loyalty programme of the respective Star Alliance airline. 

You can spend points or miles earned with a Star Alliance airline to purchase Air India flights. However, please make sure to check with the customer support of the concerned airline regarding redemptions on Air India.

Some restrictions may apply, and blackout dates may exist, depending on the terms of the Frequent Flyer programme or the operating airline. It is advisable to check the specific terms and conditions.

Please check the rules of the Frequent Flyer programme of the respective Star Alliance airline for any limitations.

The basic fare of your flight ticket can be paid using points or miles from the loyalty programme of the Star Alliance airline. Please note that taxes, convenience or platform fees, fuel charges, surcharges, and charges for ancillary services will be added to this fare. You will see the exact breakdown of costs during the booking process, and this will be dependent on the rules and regulations of the partner airline.

Please raise a request on our customer support portal to cancel a redemption ticket. 

You can check your status and benefits through your Frequent Flyer account with the respective Star Alliance airline.

Please note that Platinum and Gold members in the Flying Returns programme enjoy the same benefits as Star Alliance Gold members, while Silver members enjoy the same benefits as the Star Alliance Silver members.

Family Pool allows you to consolidate your family’s reward points into a single account for easier redemption. This enables members with insufficient points or infrequent flying activities to utilise reward points. 
Each member will have a different membership ID, but the Family Head can use points from the connected account when redeeming the points.

Any Flying Returns member above 18 can create a Family Pool, automatically becoming the Head of the Family Pool.  

Once a Family Pool is created, all or a fraction of the reward points in each account of the Family Pool are transferred automatically to the account of the Family Head, who is the only authorised member to spend reward points from the shared pool.

As a Family Head, you can invite your spouse, children, parents, siblings, and spouse’s parents and siblings to join the Family Pool.

All accounts in the Family Pool must be linked to a unique email ID and mobile phone number that has previously not been registered with any Flying Returns account.

Only the Family Head can redeem points in a Family Pool.

All members linked to the Family Pool, except the Family Head, are contributors.

The Family Head can request to create a Family Pool here. The Family Pool will be created after confirmation is received from all members. Once a request is placed, the Air India team can create a Family Pool for you within 7-14 working days.

As the Family Head, you can follow the template below to raise a request for creating a Family Pool.   

Membership ID of Family Head:    

Name of Family Head:    

End date of the Family Pool:    

The ratio of reward points to be transferred to the Family Pool   

(Note - The three options are 100:0, 50:50, and 75:25)  

Details of the contributors:   

Contributor 1     

Membership ID:    

Name:    

Relation with Family Head:    

End date of the Family Pool:  

Contributor 2    

Membership ID:    

Name:    

Relation with Family Head:    

End date of the Family Pool: 

Note:   

• The Family Head needs to specify the above details for each of the contributors.   
• There can only be a maximum of 8 members or contributors in the Family Pool. 

Air India’s customer support team will reach out to all family members asking for their consent to join the Family Pool. Each family member needs to reply to that email with their permission, and share the following information:

A. Membership ID  

B. Relationship with Family Head   

C. The member should state that they agree to join the Family Pool and have read all the terms and conditions regarding the Family Pool on the Air India website.  

The earning of reward points depends on the split ratio chosen by the Family Head, who can choose from one of three options: 

• 100:0 – 100% of the members' existing and future reward points get transferred to the Family Head's Flying Returns account. The individual members earn no Flying Returns points.  
  
• 75:25 – 75% of the members' existing and future reward points get transferred to the Family Head's Flying Returns account. 25% of reward points get transferred to the individual member’s Flying Returns account. 
  
• 50:50 – 50% of the members’ existing and future reward points get transferred to the Family Head's Flying Returns account. 50% of reward points get transferred to the individual member’s Flying Returns account.

No. The Family Head and members can be of any nationality or residents of any country, provided they are eligible to join the Family Pool.  

The minimum age for joining a Family Pool is 2 years. However, the Family Head must be aged 18 and above to claim the title.

A minimum of two members are required—you and one other member of your family, to form a Family Pool.

A maximum of nine members, including the Family Head, can form a Family Pool.

There can be a maximum of 9 members in a Family Pool. If a new member needs to be added, the Family Head will have to delink an existing member's account.      

Please note that delinking an account is only possible after one year of the account joining the Family Pool. To delink an account, please reach out to our customer support team.

Such activity may lead to the suspension of the Family Head’s Flying Returns account and loss of all or part of their Flying Returns points as per the terms and conditions.

No, a family member who is not a member of Flying Returns Programme cannot be invited to join a Family Pool.

No, an individual cannot be part of more than one Family Pool at the same time.  

Note: If a member attempts to start or join more than one Family Pool, it may lead to suspension of the member's Flying Returns account and loss of all or part of their Flying Returns points.

No, the Family Head of one Family Pool cannot be a member of any other pool. 

If a member declines the invitation to join a family pool or does not provide consent, they are not added to the Family Pool.

No, a member cannot redeem points directly from the Family Pool. The member must request the Family Head to redeem reward points.

No, members who belong to the same Family Pool cannot transfer points to each other.

No, a Family Head cannot redeem reward points available in a contributor's account. 

The rules that apply to the expiry of reward points also apply to the points in a Family Pool. 

The Family Head has the sole authority over the reward points contributed to the Family Pool. The member must seek approval of the Family Head to redeem reward points.

No, the tier of the Family Head does not affect the accruals or benefits of other members in the Family Pool.

No, a Family Head's tier will not be upgraded based on the reward points in the Family Pool. The tier status is attained based on the tier points earned or the number of flights taken by each member individually.

No, the tier of a Family Pool's member does not affect the accruals of other members in the Family Pool.  

No, physical Family Pool membership cards will not be issued to the Family Head or any members.

A Family Pool account becomes inactive when: 

• The Family Pool does not have any linked accounts. 
• The Family Pool's Head changes. 
• Family Head's account is cancelled, suspended, or blacklisted.

Members can be delinked only after they complete 1 year in the Family Pool.

Once the member is delinked, the Family Head can add another family member. Please note that a maximum of 8 members, excluding the Family Head, can be a part of the Family Pool.

No, existing members do not have to give their consent when the Family Head requests to add a new member.

Yes, members can opt out of a Family Pool account after completing a year. Any member who wants to exit the Family Pool must send us an exit request using the customer support portal.

No, when a member decides to leave a Family Pool account, they will not get back any reward points.

A voluntary dissolution means that the Family Head has decided to end the Family Pool account.

In a scenario where the Family Head expires, and another member does not want to be the new Family Head, an involuntary dissolution takes place. 

If a Family Pool is dissolved voluntarily, the remaining points will be equally divided among the members and the Family Head with a one-year validity.

No, the Family Head cannot give up the post in favour of the spouse or another family member.

No, there is no possibility of members backtracking on their consent claim.

If the Family Head passes away, the Family Pool will be dissolved, and the points will be divided equally among the members. 

If a member passes away, the individual’s points are transferred to the Family Head’s account with a validity of one year. The Family Head should also send a request to Air India to delete the member’s account and submit the death certificate.

All personal information you share with us is kept highly confidential. Personal data is only used by Air India to communicate with you, based on your consent. Your data will not be shared with any vendors or partners without consent.

All the data we collect is stored securely. Air India may share your data with its internal agencies with your consent. We will not share any data without your consent.

Your contact details will only be used to send important emails and SMS alerts related to transactions and security. We also send promotional campaigns based on your set preferences and consent. Your data preference will be used to provide a better and more personalised service. 

Your transactions and contact details will be stored securely until you are no longer a member of the Flying Returns programme.

To update your Flying Returns account information, log in to the My Account page and navigate to the Profile Page to make edits, including selecting or deselecting choices from your communication preferences.

The consent for all data processing activities for children, defined as any person aged under 18 years, is given by adult members who serve as guardians to these children.  

Please refer to our cookie policy here. 

Our reimagined Flying Returns programme has some exciting updates:  

1. You will now earn points based on how much you spend instead of the distance you fly.  

2. Move up the tiers based on your tier points or the number of flights you have taken. To learn more about tier qualifications, you can click here.  

3. Our tiers will now be called Red, Silver, Gold and Platinum. You can find out more about our tiers here.  

4. Spending your points is easier with our new Cash + Points feature.  

5. With our exclusive Family Pool Programme, earn and share points with your family members.  

6. Reward points are now evergreen which means you can extend the expiry date of your reward points by 24 months from the date of travel when you take an Air India flight (not valid for reward tickets).  

7. Get multiple benefits like Fly Early benefit, excess baggage allowance, lounge access, priority boarding and more. 

Find out more about the additional benefits of the new Flying Returns programme here.

The reimagined Flying Returns programme is in effect since 2 April 2024. You can visit this page to get a detailed understanding of the additional benefits you can enjoy with the reimagined Flying Returns programme. 

In the Flying Returns programme, you earn two types of points: reward points and tier points. 

Reward points are points you earn for flying with Air India and Star Alliance airlines and for purchases you make with our partner brands. These reward points can then be spent to book reward flights on Air India and Star Alliance airlines or to upgrade your cabin class. The reward points that you accumulate increase as you upgrade tiers.  

Tier points are points you earn for flying with Air India and Star Alliance airlines. Your tier points (or the number of flights you complete) determine your tier status. 

You earn both types of points with every flight booking. For example, if you’re in the Silver tier:  

For every INR 100 you spend on an Air India flight, you earn 8 reward points and 6 tier points. If you book directly on the Air India website or mobile app, you’ll earn 2 additional reward points for every INR 100 spent.  
For partner brands, the number of rewards points you earn is based on the partnership T&C. You don’t receive tier points for these purchases. 

No, if you are an existing Flying Returns member, your account has been migrated to the reimagined programme by default. You need not initiate any action from your end.

Under the reimagined programme, the reward and tier points you have earned till now will remain unchanged. 

Your tier status will remain the same for 12 months from the date you qualified for your current tier.

With the reimagined programme in place, the number of points you need to upgrade from one tier to another has been revised. To move to a higher tier, you must meet either of the two criteria mentioned below:

a.  Silver: 15,000 tier points on Air India and Star Alliance with a minimum of 4,500 tier points on Air India or 30 flight legs on Air India and Star Alliance with a minimum of 4 flight legs on Air India.

b. Gold: 30,000 tier points on Air India and Star Alliance with a minimum of 9,000 tier points on Air India or 60 flight legs on Air India and Star Alliance with a minimum of 8 flight legs on Air India.

c. Platinum: 45,000 tier points on Air India and Star Alliance with a minimum of 13,500 tier points on Air India or 90 flight legs on Air India and Star Alliance with a minimum of 12 flight legs on Air India. 

Visit this page to learn more about tier qualifications.

There is no change. Your tier status will be valid for one year from the date of obtaining the membership into your current tier. You can retain your tier status if you fulfil the eligibility criteria before the expiry date of your tier validity.

The reimagined Flying Returns programme offers a simpler and more transparent earning system.  

There are changes made to earning tier points on Star Alliance flights. Now, you will earn 1 tier point for every 2 reward points earned. 

The reimagined Flying Returns programme offers a simpler and more transparent earning system.  

You can now earn more reward points as you move up the tiers and a bonus for direct bookings on the Air India website and mobile app. 

On Air India, for every INR 100 spent on the fare (sum of base and fuel surcharge (YQ); excludes taxes, convenience, or platform fees), earn 6 reward points if you’re in the Red tier, 8 points for Silver, 9 points for Gold, and 10 points for Platinum. Earn 2 additional reward points per INR 100 for booking on the Air India website or Air India mobile app.

There are no changes to earning reward points for non-air partner brands.

Under the reimagined programme, the reward points you earn on flying with Air India depend on your tier status and the amount you spend. Red tier members earn 6 reward points for every INR 100 spent on Air India flights. This increases to 8, 9 and 10 reward points for members in the Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers, respectively. In addition, you can also earn 2 bonus reward points per INR 100 for bookings made directly on the Air India website or mobile app. Points are earned on the base fare+ YQ (fuel surcharge) spent and not on the entire ticket price.

Under the reimagined programme, there are no changes in the process of earning reward points when you fly with Star Alliance airlines. The number of reward points you earn depends on the partner agreement with that specific Star Alliance airline.

As you move up the tiers, you earn more reward points in the reimagined Flying Returns programme. Red users earn 6 reward points for every INR 100 spent, while Silver, Gold and Platinum users earn 8, 9 and 10 reward points respectively for every INR 100 spent. You can also earn 2 bonus reward points per INR 100 for bookings made directly on the Air India website or mobile app.

Here is how you can earn with the reimagined Flying Returns programme: 

1. Submit your 9-digit Flying Returns membership ID when you make a booking on Air India or Star Alliance airlines. 

2. Claim your missed points with our Retro Claim option available in your Flying Returns account. It allows you to claim missed points on Air India flights taken in the last 12 months and Star Alliance airlines in the last 6 months, in case you had not claimed it at the time of booking. 

3. Earn points on your purchases with any of our Flying Returns partner brands. 

You will earn points based on your date of travel, irrespective of the date on which the flight was booked. If your date of travel is on or after 2nd April 2024, then the points you earn will be in accordance with the reimagined Flying Returns programme. If it is before 2nd April 2024, then the rules of the old programme will apply.

You will earn points based on your date of travel, irrespective of the date on which the flight booking was changed. If your date of travel is on or after 2^nd April 2024, then the points you earn will be in accordance with the reimagined Flying Returns programme. If it is before 2^nd April 2024, then the rules of the old programme will apply.

You will earn points based on your date of travel, irrespective of the date on which the flight booking was changed.

Your points will be converted according to the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) currency conversion rates that are applicable on the date of your travel.

The reimagined Flying Returns programme offers a simpler and more transparent redemption system to buy reward flights and to upgrade your cabin class on Air India or Star Alliance airlines.
Among the major changes, users now can redeem reward flights at a lowered redemption rate. You can choose from two new fare options for redemption – Value Fare and Prime Fare - tailored for different booking preferences. While Value is the standard fare for advance bookings, Prime is a premium option for last-minute redemptions.

Yes, the points required to book reward flights have been revised to make it more rewarding for members under the reimagined programme. You can refer to our Points Calculator to understand the number of points needed to make such bookings.

No, you can only redeem your reward points to book reward flights on Air India and Star Alliance airlines and upgrade your cabin class on Air India flights.

It is not possible to earn reward points without travelling on Air India / Star Alliance airlines or spending on partner offers. If you are short on points, you needn't worry. As a Flying Returns member, you have the option of buying points. Note: 1 reward point = INR 1.50 (no GST applicable).

You can purchase reward points in batches of 100 using our Buy Points feature. There are no restrictions for the maximum number of points you can purchase.
You can also visit an Air India city office or contact our customer support to purchase reward points.

Under the Buy Points feature, every reward point you purchase will be charged at INR 1.50 (no GST applicable).

No additional charges or taxes are applicable. You will be charged INR 1.50 for every reward point purchased.

No, there will be no cancellation or refund applicable on the points you have purchased.

You can pay for reward points using our Buy Points feature with any of the major payment methods, including UPI, debit/credit cards and net banking.
To buy reward points, you can also visit any of our city offices or contact our customer support to help you with your purchase.

No, you can buy points only for yourself.

If you have booked and cancelled your tickets before 2nd April 2024, then the cancellation policy of the old programme will apply. However, if you have booked your ticket before 2nd April 2024 and cancelled it after that date, then the cancellation policy of the reimagined programme will apply.  
To understand more details of our cancellation policy, click here.

No, the points you earn through Retro Claim for flights taken before 2^nd April 2024 will not be considered a qualifying activity for extending the expiry date of your points.

You can extend the validity of your reward points by booking an Air India flight (not valid for reward flights) before the date of expiry of your existing points. Bookings made on Star Alliance airlines, top-ups, revivals, and redemption of points will not be considered as qualifying activities for extending the expiry date. 

Under the reimagined programme, the date of expiry of reward points is calculated from the date of travel and not the date on which the points are credited to an account.

No, there is no change in the points you earn through our partner brands. It is subject to the terms and conditions set by the partnership.

Under the reimagined Flying Returns programme, the validity of the points you earn on Air India, Star Alliance and non-airline partner brands is 24 months. To extend the validity of your points by another 24 months from the date of travel, you can always take an Air India flight (not valid for reward tickets).