Earning a cabin upgrade on Air India just got a lot easier—and members won't even need to step on a plane to do it.
Moving away from the traditional travel-only rewards model, the airline has launched ‘The Maharaja Shop,’ a premium e-commerce platform.
This new marketplace lets Maharaja Club members earn points toward free flights and seat upgrades simply by shopping for everyday electronics, wellness products, and lifestyle brands.
Turning everyday spending into travel rewards
Integrated directly with the Maharaja Club, the newly launched ‘Maharaja Shop’ allows members to earn Maharaja Points on eligible purchases across a curated selection of leading Indian and international brands.
Available retail categories include electronics, luggage, travel accessories, home essentials, wellness products, watches, and jewellery, according to the press statement.
Every purchase brings members closer to unlocking Award Flights and cabin upgrades across Air India, Air India Express, and 25 Star Alliance partner airlines, the airline said.
As an added incentive for frequent shoppers, the platform also offers complimentary shipping on all eligible orders.
Expanding Beyond the Skies
Sunil Suresh, Head of Loyalty, E-Commerce and Marketing at Air India, emphasised the strategic shift toward a broader retail footprint and daily consumer engagement.
"Maharaja Club is evolving into a comprehensive lifestyle loyalty programme that rewards members well beyond their travel journeys," Suresh said, noting that the Maharaja Shop is a natural extension of that vision.
This new launch, he said, “gives members another meaningful way to engage with the programme through their everyday spending. By bringing together a curated marketplace of leading brands, we are making it easier for members to earn Maharaja Points more frequently and unlock greater value from their membership.”
Exclusive access to heritage memorabilia
According to the airline, in addition to third-party lifestyle brands, The Maharaja Shop serves as the exclusive retail destination for Air India’s heritage-inspired merchandise.
Designed for aviation enthusiasts, collectors, and brand loyalists, their proprietary collection features aircraft-inspired keychains, lapel pins, postcard sets, coaster sets, travel essentials, and the iconic Maharaja magnets.
Members earn points on these collectables just as they do with other retail purchases.
Eligibility and network access
Currently, Maharaja Club members can earn points with over 100 partners across hospitality, retail, and financial services, and gain tier privileges and access to more than 1,100 airport lounges globally.
The new marketplace remains gated exclusively for active Maharaja Club members, though new users can enrol in the program immediately to access the shop and start building their points balance.