Do i get free flight upgrades with the air india maharaja club membership?
While complimentary upgrades are not guaranteed, Maharaja Club members may be eligible for preferential treatment when it comes to seat upgrades, particularly if they are flying on a full flight or in a higher membership tier.
I’ve been looking into the Air India Maharaja Club and was curious to know if as a member, do I get free seat upgrades on my flights, or is that benefit only available at higher tiers ?
Getting a seat upgrade is one of the most exciting perks for frequent travelers, and the Air India Maharaja Club does provide upgrade opportunities. However, free upgrades are not guaranteed at every tier — they’re usually tied to your membership level and availability on the flight.
1. Basic & Silver Tier – No Free Upgrades:
At the Basic and Silver levels, your membership won’t include complimentary upgrades. You can still redeem miles you’ve earned to upgrade to Business or First Class, but you won’t be offered free automatic upgrades.
2. Gold Tier – Better Chances of Upgrades:
Once you reach Gold, your chances of complimentary upgrades improve:
You’re placed higher on the upgrade waitlist, meaning if there are unsold seats in Business or First Class, you have a better chance of being moved up.
You also get bonus miles, which can be used to redeem upgrades more quickly.
3. Platinum Tier – Top Priority for Free Upgrades:
At the Platinum level, you enjoy the highest priority for complimentary upgrades when seats are available. Platinum members are often considered first if Air India decides to upgrade passengers.
You also receive the best mileage bonuses, so using miles to upgrade becomes much easier and more rewarding.
On certain occasions, Platinum members may even be offered special promotional upgrades as part of elite privileges.
Personalized Note:
If free upgrades are a big motivator for you, aiming for Gold or Platinum tiers makes sense. While upgrades are still subject to seat availability, your status in the Maharaja Club significantly boosts your chances and reduces the cost of redeeming miles for a higher class.