Table of Contents
Quick fact scan
| Programme | Benefit | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| IndiGo — BluChip | Simple, predictable points (BluChips per ₹100). Behaves like travel cashback with channel bonuses for booking direct. | Regular domestic travellers who mostly fly IndiGo. |
| Air India — Maharaja Club | Global reach through Star Alliance, upgrades, and airport perks (lounges, priority). Vistara benefits are being integrated into Maharaja Club. | International or premium travellers who value lounge access and upgrades. |
| SpiceJet — SpiceClub | Earns on fares and add-ons; low thresholds mean small redemptions come quickly. | Budget travellers who fly SpiceJet frequently. |
Major loyalty programs
IndiGo — BluChip
What it is: A spend-based points currency (BluChips) earned per ₹100 of fare and sometimes on add-ons. Members get 8 BluChips per ₹100 spent on base fare and fuel charges.
Why it’s useful: Points are easy to calculate and use like partial cash toward tickets. There are typically no blackout dates, so redemptions are straightforward. Good for anyone who hates complicated award charts.
IndiGo also operates tier levels that boost BluChip earn rates and add perks such as priority boarding and better seat-selection options for higher-tier members.
How to use it
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Booking direct (IndiGo website/app): Add your BluChip number during booking or save it in your IndiGo profile so accrual is automatic. Direct bookings on their web or app also get extra BluChips.
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Booking via Wego/third-party: Add your BluChip number in the OTA booking if the OTA allows it, or add it later via IndiGo “Manage Booking” at check-in. If you forgot to add it, IndiGo supports Retro Claim for eligible IndiGo-marketed/operated flights within 90 days of travel (name on booking must match).
Where to earn BluChips besides flying:
- Co‑branded/partner credit cards: Kotak Mahindra has an IndiGo co‑branded card that earns BluChips on everyday spending.
- Bank transfer/points conversions: certain bank reward programmes and card issuers allow conversions into BluChips or co‑branded cards to accelerate earning.
- Ancillary & travel partners: Hotels, car rentals, and selected retail partners sometimes run limited-time offers that credit BluChips for qualifying spends.
Air India — Maharaja Club
What it is: Air India’s global frequent‑flyer programme (connected to Star Alliance partners). Earns points on Air India and partner flights and supports upgrades, award travel, and tier benefits.
Why it’s useful: Makes international award travel possible across many airlines, and tier perks for frequent flyers reduce travel stress (priority, increased baggage allowance, lounge access). Also useful for converting bank points during promotions to reach big redemptions faster.
How to use it:
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Booking direct (Air India website/app): Add your Maharaja Club ID at booking or check-in so points post automatically for eligible Air India flights (and partner flights where applicable).
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Booking via Wego/third-party: Add your Maharaja ID in the OTA booking (or in Manage Booking at check-in). If you forget, use Maharaja Club’s “Claim Missing Points”. For Air India-operated flights you can submit claim within 7 days to 12 months after travel; partner/Star Alliance partner claim windows vary by airline.
Where Maharaja Points come from besides Air India flights:
- Airline alliance & partners: Air India is part of Star Alliance. You can earn/redeem Maharaja Points with many partner airlines.
- Bank partners & co‑branded cards: SBI Card supports conversions/earning into Maharaja Points via specific card offers and conversions.
- Transferable bank rewards: Several banks allow conversion of card reward points into Maharaja Points, often with occasional transfer bonuses.
SpiceJet — SpiceClub
What it is: A simple, tiered programme that awards SC Points on fares and many ancillaries (baggage, meals, seat upgrades). You can earn up to 10 SC Points on every ₹100 spent.
Why it’s useful: Low thresholds mean you can earn small vouchers, free short flights, or discounts relatively quickly, all great for frequent budget flyers.
How to use it:
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Booking direct (SpiceJet website/app): Add your SpiceClub ID during booking or save it in your profile. SpiceClub gives a direct-booking bonus (e.g., flat 250 SC Points on direct bookings) in addition to SC Points earned on fare + add-ons.
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Booking via Wego/third-party: If the OTA lets you add a loyalty number, include your SpiceClub ID there. Otherwise add via Manage Booking at check-in. SpiceClub supports retroactive claiming by entering the PNR after travel, with some sources indicating claims up to 6 months post flight are accepted. Confirm with the airline.
Other airline programmes
- Club Vistara: Historically a premium programme; its benefits are being merged into Maharaja Club following the Vistara–Air India integration. Keep an eye on how CV points map across.
- Air India Express/NeuPass: Air India Express is being aligned with Maharaja Club benefits; some Express passengers will see easier access to group loyalty perks as the programmes converge.
- AirAsia — Rewards (formerly BIG): Lifestyle points platform. Members earn points when flying across the AirAsia network and through a wide ecosystem of partners (hotels, retail, financial services, dining, and more). Suitable for Indian travellers who frequently use low-cost carriers, primarily across ASEAN.
