Air India Maharaja Club: Exclusive Benefits & Membership Perks Explained
Air India, founded in 1932 by J.R.D. Tata is one of India’s oldest and most trusted airlines that has connected India to the world for over nine decades. What began with a single aircraft has grown into a fleet of over 191 planes, flying to more than 79 destinations, including 59 direct international routes.
As the airline’s global network expanded, so did its loyal customer base. To reward its frequent travelers, Air India launched the Maharaja Club, its flagship frequent flyer program. This was designed to appreciate regular passengers and make their journeys even more rewarding.
If you’re a frequent Air India flyer, joining the Maharaja Club can make your journeys a whole lot better. In this blog, we’ll break down what the club is all about, the membership levels, how it works, and how you can make the most of every perk on your travels.
What is the Air India Maharaja Club
Maharaja Club is Air India’s frequent flyer (loyalty) program that started way back in 1994 under the name Flying Returns. In 2014, the program expanded its benefits with the addition of Air India to the Star Alliance network. Also, with the Merger of Air India and Vistara’s loyalty programs, the Maharaja Club has been updated to offer even better rewards and benefits.
Today, the Maharaja Club offers various membership tiers, each with exclusive perks, including priority check-in, lounge access, an extra baggage allowance, fee waivers, complimentary seat selection, and more. With over 1 million award flights available every month, the Maharaja Club makes travel more rewarding and convenient for frequent flyers.
| Bonus Tip: Want to cut down the cost of your next Air India flight? Be sure to check out Air India promo codes before booking. These codes can unlock special discounts, limited-time offers, or extra savings on both domestic and international routes. |
Air India Maharaja Club Membership Tiers and Benefits
Below, find the details of the Air India Maharaja Club tiers and their benefits.
| Tier Benefits | Tiers | |||
| Red | Silver | Gold | Platinum | |
| Booking Benefits | ||||
| Earn on Air India and Star Alliance Partner Airlines | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Earn with Non-Airline Partners | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Redeem on Air India and Star Alliance Partner Airlines | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Priority Connect | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fee Waivers for Itinerary changes – domestic flights | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fee Waivers for Itinerary changes – International flights | Yses | Yes | ||
| Fee Waiver for domestic flights | Yes | Yes | ||
| Complimentary Seat Selection | Yes | Yes | ||
| Airport Benefits for Maharaja Club Members | ||||
| Complimentary Fly Prior | Yes | Yes | ||
| Priority Waitlist Clearance | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Priority Check-In | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Excess baggage allowance (on Air India Flights where free baggage allowance is applicable as per the weight system) | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Excess baggage allowance (on Air India Flights where free baggage allowance is applicable as per the piece system) | Yes | Yes | ||
| Excess baggage allowance on Star Alliance Flights | Yes | Yes | ||
| Lounge Access (With 1 Guest) | Yes | Yes | ||
| Priority Boarding | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Did You Know: Air India is a member of Star Alliance, the world’s largest global airline network, which it joined in 2014. This partnership gives its passengers access to over 1,000 destinations across 195 countries. |
Air India Maharaja Club: Membership Tiers Qualification Criteria
To qualify for different Maharaja Club tiers, you need to earn a certain number of Tier Points or complete a set number of flights within a year. A minimum number of flights must be on Air India to count toward your tier. Check the table below for more details.
| Tier | Tier Points Required | Flight Requirements (Alternative) | Maharaja Points per Rs. 100 | Tier Points per Rs. 100 |
| Red | Auto-enrollment | Auto-enrollment | 6 | 6 |
| Silver | 15,000 (min. 4,500 on Air India) | 30 flights (min. 4 on Air India) | 8 | 6 |
| Gold | 30,000 (min. 9,000 on Air India) | 60 flights (min. 8 on Air India) | 9 | 6 |
| Platinum | 45,000 (min. 13,500 on Air India) | 90 flights (min. 12 on Air India) | 10 | 6 |
| Note: Red Tier members earn 6 Maharaja Points per Rs. 100 spent on Air India flights, while this increases to 8, 9, and 10 points for Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers, respectively. All members earn 6 tier points per Rs. 100 spent, regardless of their status level. |
Air India Maharaja Club Tier Benefits
Each tier offers a range of rewards and privileges that grow with your travel frequency, giving you access to better services, extra points, and greater flexibility. Below, find the benefits offered at each tier.
| Tier | Key Benefits |
| Red | – Earn Maharaja Points on Air India, Star Alliance partners, and other partners
– Points never expire for active members – Redeem for award flights & cabin upgrades – Dedicated customer support – Priority services |
| Silver | – Extra Maharaja Points per ₹100 spent
– Lounge access – Excess baggage allowance – Upgrade vouchers |
| Gold | – Complimentary seat selection
– “Fly Prior” (earlier flight) benefit – Free/discounted changes & cancellation fee waivers |
| Platinum | – All Gold benefits at enhanced levels
– More upgrade vouchers – Highest excess baggage allowance – Maximum fee waivers & seat selection privileges |
Ways to Earn Maharaja Points
- Earn with Star Alliance Partner airlines: You can earn Maharaja Points when you fly with any of the 24 Star Alliance partner airlines, the world’s largest airline network. Which include
- AEGEAN Airlines, Air China, Air New Zealand, ANA (All Nippon Airways), Asiana Airlines, Air Canada, Austrian Airlines, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EgyptAir, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Shenzhen Airlines, South African Airways, Swiss International Air Lines, Singapore Airlines, TAP Portugal, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines, and United Airlines.
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- Family Pool: This lets you combine Maharaja Points from multiple family members into one shared pool, making it easier to earn and redeem rewards together. With this program, two or more (up to 9) family members link their Maharaja Club accounts, and the points earned across all accounts are pooled for the Family Head to manage and redeem on behalf of the group.
- Buy Points: Points can be bought in batches of 100, with each Maharaja Point priced at INR 1.50. Once purchased, the points are credited to your account immediately, allowing you to use them right away for award flights, upgrades, or to maintain your membership tier.
- Sign Up Bonus: Join the Maharaja Club today and get 1000 bonus Maharaja Points as a welcome gift.
| Pro Tip: Book your flights directly through the Air India website or app and earn 2 bonus Maharaja points for every Rs. 100 you spend. |
More Ways to Earn Maharaja Points
Besides flying, you can earn Maharaja Points through Air India’s extensive network of partners. Whether you book luxury stays, enjoy fine dining, shop at popular retail stores, or convert your credit card rewards, every activity helps you collect points faster and get closer to exciting rewards. See below for full details.
1. Co‑Branded & Bank Credit/Debit Cards
The bank partners mentioned below allow you to earn points directly on spends or convert existing credit card reward points into Maharaja Points for flights, upgrades, and more.
| Partner | Details & Benefits |
| SBI–Air India Co‑Brand Card | Earn up to 10 Maharaja Points per Rs. 100 spent on Air India tickets booked with the card. Also enjoy free lounge access and the ability to directly redeem points for Award Flights or Cabin Upgrades. |
| Axis Bank | Convert accumulated EDGE REWARDS Points or EDGE Miles into Maharaja Points. |
| HSBC | For HSBC cardholders, transfer your earned reward points to AI Maharaja Points, enabling redemption for flights across Air India and Star Alliance partners. |
| ICICI Bank | Convert ICICI Bank Reward Points from a variety of ICICI cards into Maharaja Points. |
| HDFC Bank | Convert your HDFC Bank Credit Card Rewards Points into Maharaja Points. And redeem them for Award Flights and Cabin Upgrades. |
| DBS Bank | Redeem DBS reward points for Maharaja Points to access Award Tickets and upgrades. |
| YES Bank | Convert YES Bank credit card reward points into Maharaja Points to enhance travel experiences. |
| IndusInd Bank | Turn your IndusInd Bank Credit Card reward points into Maharaja Points to be used for flights and upgrades. |
| AU Small Finance Bank | Transfer AU Small Finance Bank Credit Card rewards into Maharaja Points for travel redemptions. |
| South Indian Bank | SIB cardholders can convert loyalty points into Maharaja Points. |
| Standard Chartered UAE | UAE‑based customers can convert 360-degree Rewards or Cashback Points to Maharaja Points for flights or upgrades. |
| SBI Miles Credit Card | Convert “Travel Credits” earned on this SBI card to enjoy Air India and Star Alliance flights. |
| SBI AURUM | Luxury credit card users can transfer AURUM Reward Points into Maharaja Points for premium flights and upgrades. |
2. Fintech & Digital Payment Platforms
These offer rewards from digital transactions or shopping through alternative payment platforms.
| Partner | Details & Benefits |
| Fi Money | Redeem 100 Fi‑Coins to earn 2 Maharaja Points. |
| Commbitz | Earn a lucrative 17 points per Rs. 100 spent on eligible purchases. |
3. Lifestyle & Luxury Retail
| Partner | Details & Benefits |
| Kolet | 10 points per Rs. 100 spent on premium lifestyle products. |
| Kimirica | 10 points per Rs. 100 spent at this luxury bath & body care brand. |
| United Colors of Benetton | 4 points per Rs. 100 spent at the global fashion retailer. |
| Apple Store Online | 4 points per Rs. 100 on purchases at Apple’s official Indian online store. |
| Ferns N Petals (FNP) | 11 points per Rs. 100 spent on flowers, cakes, and gifts. |
| Tattva | 13 points per Rs. 100 spent on wellness and lifestyle experiences. |
4. Experiences
Earn points while enjoying entertainment, leisure, and unique travel experiences.
| Partner | Details & Benefits |
| isango! | 8 points per Rs. 100 spent on global tours, activities, and experiences. |
| SEA LIFE Aquariums | Up to 12 points per Rs. 100 spent on tickets to marine life attractions worldwide. |
| Madame Tussauds | Up to 16 points per Rs. 100 spent visiting wax museums in multiple cities. |
| LEGOLAND | Up to 10 points per Rs. 100 spent on entry tickets. |
| KidZania | 7 points per Rs. 100 spent at the children’s role‑play theme park. |
| Sherpa | Earn rate of 25 points per Rs. 100 spent on visa & travel documentation services. |
| GetYourGuide | 10 points per Rs. 100 spent on booking tours and attractions worldwide. |
5. Travel & Car Rentals
Earn Maharaja Points not only when you fly but also while arranging transportation and telecom services.
| Partner | Details & Benefits |
| Zoomcar | 5 points per Rs. 100 spent on self‑driving car rentals in India. |
| Discover Cars | 10 points per Rs. 100 spent on global car rental bookings. |
| AVIS | Up to 4 points per Rs. 100 spent on chauffeur or self‑drive rentals. |
| Matrix Cellular | 10 points per Rs. 100 spent on international SIM cards & roaming plans. |
6. Cruises
Earn points while enjoying luxury river or ocean cruise experiences.
| Partner | Details & Benefits |
| Antara River Cruises | 10 points per Rs. 100 spent on luxury river cruise bookings in India. |
| iCruise | 5 points per Rs. 100 spent on international cruise vacations. |
7. Hotels & Resorts
Luxury and premium hotel stays that let you earn points in addition to your comfort.
| Partner | Details & Benefits |
| The Leela Hotels | 5 points per Rs. 100 spent on stays at luxury Leela properties across India. |
| Soneva | 8 points per Rs. 100 spent at Soneva luxury resorts (Maldives & Thailand) plus special perks for Platinum members. |
| The Roseate Hotels | 7 points per Rs. 100 spent at ultra‑luxury Roseate properties. |
| Evolve Back | 7 points per Rs. 100 spent at heritage and luxury resorts in nature destinations. |
| The Grand Dragon Ladakh | Exceptional 20 points per Rs. 100 spent on Ladakh’s premier luxury hotel. |
| The Bicester Collection | 5 points per EUR 4 spent at luxury outlet shopping villages in Europe and China. |
| Onefinerate.com | Earn 6 points per Rs. 100 spent on premium hotel bookings, with additional discounts. |
8. Wellness & Fitness
| Partner | Details & Benefits |
| Healthians | 7 points per Rs. 100 spent on health checkups and diagnostics. |
| Truefitt & Hill | 5 points per Rs. 100 spent at the luxury grooming brand. |
| FITPASS | 7 points per Rs. 100 spent on fitness memberships and wellness packages. |
9. Gifting
| Partner | Details & Benefits |
| IGP | 10 points per Rs. 100 spent on gifts, flowers, and hampers. |
Difference Between Maharaja Points and Tier Points
- Maharaja Points: These are rewards you earn whenever you book and fly with Air India or its partner Airlines. These points accumulate based on the amount you spend on tickets and services, as well as through transactions with non-airline partners such as hotels, car rentals, and credit cards linked to the program.
- Tier Points: They are used to determine your membership level or tier within the Maharaja Club. The more Tier Points you earn, the higher your membership tier becomes from Red to Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Tier Points cannot be redeemed for rewards; instead, they reflect your status in the program.
Final Thoughts
Air India Maharaja Club offers a variety of exclusive benefits that make traveling more comfortable and rewarding. From priority check-in and lounge access to extra baggage allowance and fee waivers, Maharaja Club members enjoy a range of special perks. Whether you’re considering joining or looking to make the most of your membership, this guide can serve as a valuable resource. And if you’re planning your next trip, you can also check out our detailed guide on how to book an Air India ticket online to make sure you enjoy these perks while getting the best possible deal on your flights.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the benefits of Air India Maharaja Club membership?
Members of the Maharaja Club enjoy a variety of benefits, including earning and redeeming Maharaja Points on flights and partner services, priority check-in, lounge access, extra baggage allowance, fee waivers on itinerary changes, complimentary seat selection, and exclusive offers. The benefits increase as you move up the membership tiers, making travel more comfortable and rewarding. - What is the difference between Maharaja Club points and tier points?
Maharaja Points are the reward points you earn when you fly or shop with partners, which you can redeem for award flights, cabin upgrades, and other rewards. Tier Points, on the other hand, determine your membership level in the Maharaja Club. The more Tier Points you earn within a qualification period, the higher your tier, unlocking additional perks and privileges. - Who can use the Air India Maharaja lounge?
Air India Maharaja Lounges are accessible to Maharaja Club members who have reached certain membership tiers, typically Gold and Platinum. Eligible passengers traveling on Air India or Star Alliance flights can also access the lounges. Access may also be granted based on ticket class or specific airline policies. - How to get a Maharaja Club Gold membership?
To qualify for Maharaja Club Gold membership, you need to earn a specific number of Tier Points or complete a set number of flights within a qualification period. This usually involves accumulating 45,000 Tier Points (including a minimum number earned on Air India flights) or completing 90 flights with a minimum number on Air India. Once qualified, your membership will be upgraded automatically. - How do I add family members to my Maharaja Club membership?
You can add family members by creating a Family Pool, which allows multiple Maharaja Club accounts to combine points. The Family Head initiates the request by contacting Air India customer support, who then contacts members for their consent. Up to nine family members, including parents, siblings, children, and spouses, can join the Family Pool. - Do Maharaja Club points expire?
Your Maharaja Club account does not expire, but it is recommended to log in regularly and keep your profile updated. Maharaja Points have a default validity of 2 years. However, if you are an active member, meaning you fly with Air India regularly, your points will not expire. Each time you travel on a paid Air India flight, the expiry date of your points is extended by 2 years from the date of that travel. Please note that this extension does not apply to points earned from award tickets.
