Air India's Flying Returns is one of two major loyalty programs in India and the only one with alliance affiliation. This means it has several key benefits, most notably its lounge network at India's major airports. After looking at earning miles, redeeming for flights, and the different status tiers, here are the hidden perks of Flying Returns.

Star Alliance status

While not a hidden perk, earning Star Alliance Gold is surprisingly easy with Air India. We have previously discussed Flying Returns' earnings formula and elite status, but just two roundtrips in business class (lowest fare) from India to the US will get you Gold. Crediting some other alliance flights can accelerate this process and make earning such status possible with just economy trips.

Once you reach Golden Edge Club or the Maharajah Club, you unlock access to Star Alliance business lounges globally, priority check-in, early boarding, and more perks. You will also have access to Air India's lounges, which, while not the fanciest, tend to be far less crowded than other facilities, such as those affiliated with Priority Pass.

Photo: Pranjal Pande | Simple Flying

Note that every airline features different benefits for Star Alliance Gold members and not all lounges can be used by non-airline elite members. However, there are guaranteed perks that you will enjoy globally, such as a checked bag and more.

Domestic upgrades

While Air India is changing how it offers upgrades, Flying Returns members have access to upgrade vouchers that can be used on all domestic flights. You'll receive one voucher for achieving Silver, two for reaching Gold, and three for Maharajah status.

However, you can't use these in advance or during booking; instead, vouchers are meant for day-of travel, meaning you'll have to go to the check-in counter and request an upgrade. The only good news is that any available business class seats are up for grabs, so there are no issues over fare buckets or fare class as long you booked a cash ticket (no redemptions).

Photo: Nicolas Economou / Shutterstock

Sadly, there are no upgrade vouchers for international flights, leaving Flying Returns behind the likes of Miles & More and United's MileagePlus. However, if you reach Maharajah status, you can enjoy business on long domestic flights, which can be close to three hours on longer routes.

More to come

Indeed, Flying Returns is not the most lucrative program currently (barring earning points from credit cards). However, joining the program and elite status now could be a huge boon for the future as the Tata Group modernizes. The loyalty program will undoubtedly be revamped as it merges with Club Vistara and adds new partners. With hundreds of new planes, and refurbished cabins, Flying Returns is set to become a lot more valuable, so keep an eye out for changes in the future.

What do you think about Air India's Flying Returns program today? Are you a member of Flying Returns or any other Star Alliance program today? Let us know in the comments.