Vistara & Air India Merger: Key Updates & Insights
The much-anticipated merger between Vistara and Air India marks a transformative moment in the Indian aviation landscape. Officially set to take effect on November 12, 2024, this merger will see Vistara’s operations integrated into Air India, creating one of the world’s largest airline groups. This strategic consolidation, backed by significant investment from Singapore Airlines, aims to enhance service offerings, expand flight networks, and streamline operations under the Air India brand.
This page will provide continuous updates and insights into how this merger will affect passengers, from flight bookings to loyalty program changes, ensuring you have all the information you need during this transition period
1. Link your Accounts
As a part of merging the loyalty programs, you need to link your Air India Flying Returns Account to Club Vistara CV ID. You can very well do that through Air Vistara website. You can read step by step guide below to link the two accounts. This will ensure smooth transition for your reward points.
2. Find Sweet Spots before Vistara & Air India Merger
3. Vistara and Air India merger Date is set
Air India & Air Vistara finally announced the date this week about the merger. The merger is expected to be completed by November 12, 2024, with all Vistara flights being redirected to Air India’s booking platform starting September 3, 2024
4. Consider Extending the voucher
While there is no news on vouchers yet, you should definitely consider extending the complimentary voucher on Vistara if it’s expired. It comes cheap, even the business class voucher is close to an average flight cost in India.
5. Did they miss a crucial part?
6. Update on Co-branded Credit Cards
We have an update on the vistara co-branded credit cards. Vistara & partner banks have done a good job with the migration by allowing all the users to continue using the card until March 31, 2026 along with all the benefits.
7. Point Conversion will stop on Oct 31, 2024
starting from October 31, 2024, points transfer from all banks and hotel programs to Club Vistara will cease to exist.
While it makes sense for few points to transfer but not all.
Frequently Asked Questions
The merger is officially set to take place on November 12, 2024. After this date, all Vistara flights will be operated under the Air India brand
Starting from September 3, 2024, bookings for travel on or after November 12, 2024, will no longer be available through Vistara. All bookings will be redirected to Air India’s website
If you have a booking with Vistara for travel after November 11, 2024, your reservation will be automatically transferred to an equivalent Air India flight. You will be informed individually about the changes
Club Vistara members will have their accounts merged into Air India’s Flying Returns program. Members can choose to link their accounts before the merger, or it will be done automatically if the details match
All the Vistara co-branded credit cards will continue to be active until March 31, 2026 giving sufficient time for all the users to use the card benefits. Read more
Club Vistara points will be transferred to Air India’s Flying Returns program at a 1:1 ratio. These points will remain valid for at least one year from the migration date, even if they were originally set to expire soone
Your tier status will be recalculated based on the cumulative points from both Club Vistara and Flying Returns. You will maintain at least your current Club Vistara tier status or may be upgraded if you qualify based on the combined points
Yes, all valid, unused upgrade vouchers and complimentary flight ticket vouchers will be transferred to Flying Returns with their current validity. Their usage will be governed by Flying Returns’ program rules