Vistara, India's premium full-service airline, has merged with Air India under the Tata Group. If you're wondering what this means for your bookings, loyalty points, and future flights — here's everything you need to know.
The Merger Timeline
What Changed for Passengers
Bookings and Tickets
- Existing Vistara tickets: All Vistara bookings were automatically transferred to Air India
- Flight numbers: UK (Vistara) flight codes replaced with AI (Air India) codes
- Routes: Most Vistara routes absorbed into Air India network
- Booking platform: All bookings now through airindia.com or travel agencies like TheBookFlight
Loyalty Program
- Club Vistara points: Converted to Air India's Flying Returns or Maharaja Club points
- Tier status: Vistara tier status matched to equivalent Air India tier
- Star Alliance: Air India remains a Star Alliance member, so alliance benefits continue
Service Quality
- Premium service: Air India has adopted some of Vistara's premium service standards
- Business class: Vistara's business class product integrated into Air India's offering
- Cabin crew: Many former Vistara crew now operate Air India flights
- Food quality: Improved meal service reflecting Vistara's standards
The New Air India Hierarchy
Impact on Pricing
With one fewer full-service competitor, domestic pricing dynamics have shifted:
- Premium routes: Slightly higher prices on metro-to-metro routes where Vistara competed with Air India
- Budget competition: IndiGo remains the primary competitor for price-sensitive travelers
- International: Better pricing on routes where combined Air India + Vistara networks create more options
Should You Fly Air India Now?
The merged Air India is a stronger airline than either standalone brand. With new aircraft (A350, B787), improved service standards from Vistara, and a growing network, it's worth considering — especially for international travel where Star Alliance benefits add value.
For domestic travel, compare Air India prices with IndiGo on TheBookFlight to find the best deal.