Which is the best airline loyalty program in India?

For domestic travel, IndiGo 6E Rewards is best due to India's largest route network. For international travel, Air India Flying Returns is superior because of Star Alliance membership, giving access to 26 airlines and lounges worldwide.

How do airline miles work in India?

You earn miles or points every time you fly with a partner airline. These accumulate in your loyalty account and can be redeemed for free flights, upgrades, extra baggage, and other benefits. Most programs also let you earn through credit card spending and partner purchases.

Frequent Flyer

Airline Loyalty Programs in India — Complete Guide to Earning & Redeeming Miles

Updated June 25, 2026 | 8 min read

Even if you fly just 3-4 times a year, loyalty programs can get you free flights, upgrades, and priority services. Here's how each major Indian airline's program works.

IndiGo — 6E Rewards

Program type: Points-based loyalty program
Earning: 6E Rewards points on every flight
Redemption: Book free flights, add-ons, and upgrades with points
Tiers: Explorer, Voyager, Wanderer, and 6E Prime
Best for: India's most frequent domestic routes — largest network
Tip: Use the IndiGo co-branded credit card to earn bonus points on every purchase

Air India — Flying Returns / Maharaja Club

Program type: Miles-based (Tata group integration)
Earning: Miles on Air India and Star Alliance partner flights
Alliance: Star Alliance — earn/redeem on 26 airlines worldwide
Tiers: Base, Silver, Gold, Maharaja Club
Best for: International travelers — access to Star Alliance lounges globally
Tip: Combine with Vistara miles (merged under Tata Group)

Vistara — Club Vistara (now merging with Air India)

Program type: Miles + tier points
Earning: CV Points on every flight
Tiers: Base, Silver, Gold, Platinum
Best for: Premium domestic travel — best service quality
Note: Vistara is merging into Air India. CV members are being migrated to Flying Returns

SpiceJet — SpiceClub

Program type: Subscription-based
Earning: SpiceCash on every booking
Tiers: Red Hot, Red Chilli, Red Pepper
Benefits: Priority check-in, free meals, extra baggage, seat selection
Best for: Budget travelers on SpiceJet routes

Akasa Air — Akasa+ Rewards

Program type: Points-based
Earning: Points on flights and partner purchases
Benefits: Free flights, priority boarding, extra baggage
Best for: New airline with growing domestic network

Comparison Table

Airline	Program	Alliance	Best Feature
IndiGo	6E Rewards	None	Largest network
Air India	Flying Returns	Star Alliance	Global partners
SpiceJet	SpiceClub	None	Budget perks
Akasa Air	Akasa+	None	Growing network

Tips to Maximize Your Miles

Stick to one airline: Consolidate your flights with one carrier to reach higher tiers faster
Use co-branded credit cards: Earn bonus miles on everyday spending
Book directly: Some airlines give bonus points for direct bookings
Don't let miles expire: Set reminders for expiry dates and use small redemptions
Look for promotions: Airlines run double/triple miles promotions periodically

Search Flights Across All Airlines

Compare fares and choose the airline whose loyalty program works for you: Search Flights