Vistara-Air India merger: Will airport lounge access booked on Vistara be valid when flying Air India after November 12?

Vistara-Air India merger: Here are some commonly asked questions (FAQs) regarding the reservation of flights, entry to lounges, obtaining refunds and cancellations, and other pertinent details in relation to the merger of Vistara and Air India ava...

By Tania Jaleel, ET Online | Oct 18, 2024, 12.40 PM IST

Vistara-Air India merger: Will airport lounge access booked on Vistara be valid when flying Air India after November 12?

Following the merger of Vistara with Air India, Tata SIA Airlines, the operator of Vistara Airlines, announced on Friday that flight bookings for travel dates up to November 11, 2024, will be available until September 3, 2024.
After November 11, 2024, Air India will take over the operations of all Vistara aircraft. After this date, all remaining Vistara flight bookings will be exclusively handled by Air India.

Below are important frequently asked questions (FAQs) about booking flights, accessing lounges, getting refunds and cancellations, and other relevant information as per the Vistara-Air India merger on the airlines' websites.

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I had purchased lounge access while booking on Vistara. Will my access be valid when flying Air India?

The lounge access purchased while booking on Vistara will not be valid if your flight is now being operated by Air India (for travel 12-November-2024 onwards, subject to regulatory approvals). The refund for the purchased lounge access will be processed by Vistara.

How do I book lounge access if I have booked my ticket on Vistara?

For travel until 11-November-2024, you can purchase lounge access through the Manage My Booking section on the Vistara website or mobile app.

I had purchased Vistara Priority Services/Vistara Meet & Assist Services/Vistara Gate To Gate Services, while booking on Vistara. Will these remain valid when flying Air India?

The services purchased while booking on Vistara will not be valid if your flight is now being operated by Air India (for travel 12-November-2024 onwards, subject to regulatory approvals). The refund for the purchased services will be processed by Vistara.

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I have a codeshare/interline ticket issued by Vistara's codeshare/interline partner. What happens to my booking?

For travel beyond 11-November-2024, your booking would be moved to an Air India operated flight for the part of the journey which was to be operated by Vistara. However, it would have to be confirmed and reissued by the booking agent or the Partner Airline that has issued the original ticket. Please reach out to your booking agent issuing airline in advance to receive the revised e-ticket.

I have a codeshare/interline ticket issued by Vistara. What happens to my booking?
For travel beyond 11-November-2024, your booking would be moved to an Air India operated flight for the part of the journey which was to be operated by Vistara. There would be no impact on the other parts of your journey. You will receive communication once your flights are moved and receive a revised e-ticket issued by Air India.

Can I continue using the Vistara website or mobile app for booking?
If you wish to make a booking for travel until 11-November-2024, you can continue to do so through the Vistara website or mobile app. For travel 12-November-2024 onwards, you can book through the Air India website on www.airindia.com or download the Air India mobile app.

I have my flight booked on Vistara. Will my e-ticket still be valid?

If your travel is until 11-November-2024, your PNR number and e-ticket would remain the same and you can modify it through the Vistara website or mobile app if you wish to. However, if you are travelling 12-November-2024 onwards, your flight will be operated by Air India, subject to regulatory approvals. You will receive an Air India ticket with a new E-ticket Number, however, the PNR will remain the same as before. On the day of your journey, you can proceed to the Air India counter at the airport with the new Air India ticket for your journey.

If my travel is 12-November-2024 onwards, will my booking done on Vistara be visible on the Air India website and app after the merger?
Yes, you will be able to view and manage your booking using your Last Name and PNR on the Air India website www.airindia.com and mobile app (for travel 12-November-2024 onwards).

I have booked via a Travel Agent. How do I access my booking to make changes?
For bookings made through a Travel Agent, please contact the travel agent directly for any changes/modifications required.

I had booked on Vistara but wish to reschedule/cancel now. How can I do that?
You can call the Vistara Call Centre on +91 9289228888 to reschedule or cancel. The charges for rescheduling and cancellations will be as per the operating airline.

I was downgraded to Economy Class cabin after receiving the new Air India ticket. What should I do now?
If your travel is post 11-November-2024 and your cabin class has been downgraded due to aircraft change or any other reason, please submit a request for downgrade compensation once all parts of your journey are completed. You can submit the same through Air India website:https://www.airindia.com/in/en/contact-us/customer-support-portal.html

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Starting from September 3, 2024, ticket sales for certain routes will shift from Vistara to Air India because of the merger between the two airlines. “If your desired route has been transferred to Air India, you will be redirected from Vistara to Air India to continue with your booking. By 12 November 2024, Vistara will be inoperative, and all its operations will be transferred to and managed by Air India,” stated an email from Vistara about the merger.

Also read: Air India-Vistara merger: 8 important dates, deadlines Club Vistara accountholders should know