Air India’s membership with Star Alliance, the world’s largest global airline alliance, redefines travel for many people. It doesn’t just enrich one’s trips to and from India—it can elevate the travel experience for people everywhere. Here’s how:
BENEFITS OF AIR INDIA’S STAR ALLIANCE MEMBERSHIP
1. Flexible frequent flyer rewards
Air India’s loyalty programme, Maharaja Club, is integrated with Star Alliance, allowing Air India’s frequent flyers to earn and redeem points/miles with 24 other Star Alliance member airlines spread across the world. Similarly, frequent flyers of other Star Alliance member airlines can earn and redeem their points/miles when flying Air India.
This means that a traveller earning Maharaja Points on an Air India flight can use them for a reward ticket on Lufthansa or an upgrade on Singapore Airlines, among many other options. This flexibility is a game-changer for frequent flyers, as points accrued from one airline can unlock benefits across the alliance, amplifying their value.
2. A fast-track airport experience wherever you go
The Star Alliance perks make airport experiences more enjoyable. If you are an elite status holder with Air India’s Maharaja Club programme (Gold or Platinum), you automatically get the ‘Star Alliance Gold’ status. This gives you priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling when you fly with any of the Star Alliance member airlines anywhere in the world – even when your travel itinerary does not include an Air India flight! Of course, the same goes for the elite status holders of frequent flyer programmes of other Star Alliance member airlines.
3. The luxury of more lounges around the world
‘Star Alliance Gold’ status holders – whether through Air India’s Maharaja Club or otherwise – also gain access to over 1100 lounges in 192 countries, regardless of the airline they’re flying. Imagine sipping cocktails in an Air Canada lounge at Toronto Pearson Airport before boarding an Air India flight, or in Air India’s plush, new lounge at Bengaluru Airport before catching a Singapore Airlines flight — comfort and convenience, no matter the carrier.
4. Extra baggage allowance
The ‘Star Alliance Gold’ status, achievable through Air India’s Maharaja Club or another member airline’s programme, also comes with a generous baggage perk. With this status, members usually receive an additional free baggage allowance—often an extra piece (up to 23 kg on most carriers) or 20 kg of weight, depending on the airline’s policy. For a traveller flying Air India from Delhi to Sydney and connecting to an Air New Zealand flight to Auckland, this means packing more without extra fees, a boon for long trips or shopping sprees abroad.
5. An extended global network
Star Alliance connects over 1000 airports across 195 countries, making it easier for the customers of any of its 25 member airlines, including Air India, to access far-flung corners of the globe. Through understandings and partnerships of various kinds between the Star Alliance member airlines, travellers can book seemingly complex itineraries across multiple airlines but travel seamlessly!
For instance, a passenger flying from Washinton D.C. to Dhaka with some business to do enroute in Frankfurt could begin their journey with Lufthansa and then connect to an Air India flight to Dhaka via Delhi, all under one ticket. This expanded network simplifies planning and reduces the hassle of separate bookings.
6. Smoother connections
Star Alliance member airlines are usually co-located at the same terminals across the world, which means smoother transfers between flights. Baggage can be checked through to the final destination, and airline teams at key hubs ensure a hassle-free transfer experience.
7. Consistent quality across airlines
Star Alliance enforces service standards, ensuring a reliable experience across its members airlines. Whether you’re flying Air India, SWISS or Singapore Airlines, you can expect a baseline of quality—think cabin choices and products, professional staff, and onboard amenities. This consistency is reassuring for travellers around the world, especially to those on long-haul international trips.
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