Singapore Airlines (SIA) has announced it has obtained approval from the Government of India for foreign direct investment (FDI) in its merger with Air India. This development, confirmed by the airline in an exchange filing, follows the initial disclosure of the deal in November 2022.
What happend to your club Vistara loyalty point ?
Vistara’s frequent flyer program, Club Vistara, is set to be discontinued and integrated into Air India’s Flying Returns program. However, until the integration is fully completed, Club Vistara will continue its operations as usual. In a statement, Vistara noted, “The integration process between Air India and Vistara is currently underway, pending certain regulatory approvals. As we progress towards creating a unified, larger airline, Club Vistara will also be merged with Air India’s Flying Returns.”
Members will have the option to merge any duplicate Flying Returns accounts that may arise due to data discrepancies.(GETTY IMAGE)
What if you don’t link accounts before the merger?
If members do not proactively link their accounts before the merger, an automatic merge will occur, provided that the key identification and contact details match. Should there be any discrepancies in these details, a new Flying Returns account will be created, and Club Vistara points will be transferred to this newly established account.
Members will also have the option to consolidate any duplicate Flying Returns accounts that may result from data mismatches.
The tier status in the loyalty program will be determined based on the combined points accumulated from both Club Vistara and Flying Returns. Members are assured that they will either retain their existing Club Vistara tier status or be upgraded, depending on their cumulative points. Following the integration, Flying Returns rules will apply.
Vistara has assured members that, on the day of migration, all Club Vistara points and tier points will be transferred to the Flying Returns program at a 1:1 ratio. These points will remain valid for a minimum of one year from the date of migration, even if they were originally set to expire sooner. Furthermore, any valid and unused flight or upgrade vouchers from Club Vistara will also be transferred to Flying Returns accounts, retaining their original validity.
Good Points:
1:1 Points Transfer Ratio: Club Vistara points will transfer to Air India’s Flying Returns program at a 1:1 ratio, ensuring members do not lose any value during the transition.
Extended Validity of Points: Even if Club Vistara points were nearing expiration, they will be valid for at least one year from the date of migration, providing members additional time to use their points.
Opportunity for Tier Upgrade: Members will either retain their current tier status or potentially be upgraded based on the combined points from both programs, which could result in enhanced benefits and privileges.
Retention of Vouchers: Any valid and unused flight or upgrade vouchers from Club Vistara will be transferred with their existing validity intact, ensuring members can still utilize these benefits.
Automatic Account Merging: Accounts will be automatically merged for members who have matching identification and contact details, streamlining the transition process.
Bad Points:
Uncertainty for Members with Mismatched Details: If there are discrepancies in identification or contact information, members may face the hassle of dealing with a newly created Flying Returns account and potential delays in accessing their points.
New Program Rules: After the integration, members will have to adhere to Flying Returns rules, which may differ from those of Club Vistara and could affect how points are earned and redeemed.
Potential for Duplicate Accounts: Data discrepancies might lead to the creation of duplicate Flying Returns accounts, requiring members to take additional steps to consolidate them.
Program Discontinuation: For loyal Club Vistara members, the discontinuation of the program may feel like a loss of identity or brand loyalty, especially if they preferred Vistara’s offerings over Air India’s.
Regulatory Delays: The full integration is dependent on receiving regulatory approvals, which could delay the transition and cause uncertainty for members during the interim period.
Conclusion:
The merger of Club Vistara with Air India’s Flying Returns program presents both opportunities and challenges for members. On the positive side, members are assured of a seamless transition with a 1:1 points transfer ratio, extended validity for points, and potential tier upgrades based on their combined loyalty activity. However, the shift to a new program also brings uncertainties, such as adjustments to new rules, possible data mismatches, and the potential loss of brand-specific loyalty benefits. While the integration aims to enhance the overall experience by merging into a larger airline, members may need to navigate some complexities to fully realize the benefits of the new, unified loyalty program.
