Opinion | Why you need more than one frequent flyer programme to make the most of the benefits
In air travel, much like in life, loyalty pays. Airlines, which invented the first full-scale loyalty programme back in 1981, have seen how passengers come back for more when they’re treated to more facilities and benefits rather than the one-off traveller. Road warriors vouch for these being life savers.
In India, three airlines currently offer a loyalty programme, Air India, Vistara and SpiceJet. Air India’s frequent flyer programme, Flying Returns (Flyingreturns.co.in), allows you to earn benefits not just on Air India, but 27 other airlines that are members of the Star Alliance, including United, Thai and Singapore Airlines (Staralliance.com).
However, the benefits don’t come easy. On earning 25,000 status miles on Air India and other Star Alliance member airlines, you just get more baggage allowance. Only on earning at least 50,000 status miles on Air India and other Star Alliance airlines (within a year) do you attain Gold status, which will get you the perk of lounge access on all your Star Alliance flights for one year after.
