Enhance your travel experience! Understanding IndiGo BluChip Loyalty Program and Credit Card Synergies

Airline loyalty programs, also known as frequent flyer programs (FFP), are gaining popularity around the world, offering travelers rewards, benefits and ways to redeem miles. Several airlines have already launched FFP in India, such as Vistara’s Club Vistara and Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer. While IndiGo, India’s largest airline, initially offered a less popular rewards system called 6E Rewards, it recently entered the competitive FFP market with an updated program called IndiGo BluChip. In October 2024, IndiGo launched BluChip with a suite of features designed to reward loyal travelers. In this article, we’ll look at what IndiGo’s BluChip program offers, its membership levels, redemption process, and how to maximize benefits by combining it with credit card rewards.

What is IndiGo BluChip?

Indigo BluChip is the airline’s newest loyalty program designed to reward its loyal customers. Registration is free and members can earn BluChips (the program’s currency) for IndiGo flights and get discounts on services like seat selection, excess baggage and fast track options. BluChip owners can also earn rewards by partnering with IndiGo program partners who offer additional ways to earn BluChips for non-flying activities. Each BluChip costs Rs 1 and can be used directly on IndiGo flights or by selecting add-ons.

Membership levels and benefits

The BluChip program offers a structured tiered system where members earn BluChips for booking flights on IndiGo. The program divides clients into three main levels: Blu 3, Blu 2 and Blu 1. Each level has specific requirements and associated benefits:

• Blu 3: Entry-level tier with no minimum spend requirement to join.
• Blu-ray 2: Requires members to spend Rs 1 lakh on IndiGo flights and take at least four flights in a year. Members earn an additional 2 BluChips for every Rs 100 spent and get a 20 percent discount on select services.
• Blu-ray 1: Requires flight expenses of Rs 2 lakh and a minimum of eight flights per year. Blu 1 members get an additional four BluChips for every Rs 100 and get a 30 percent discount on services. They also receive 40 free 6E Prime passes each year, providing priority services and access to faster check-in options.

Tier status is reviewed annually and members can either maintain their current tier or downgrade from their current tier depending on their spending and travel frequency.

How does BluChip redemption work?

BluChip points can be redeemed on any IndiGo flight with each point worth INR 1. This redemption system is simple: points can be applied to flights for the member and up to five candidates. Members appreciate that there are no blackout dates, so points can be redeemed year-round. BluChips have a validity period of 24 months, but each new earning or redemption action extends the validity period by a calendar month. A minimum of 500 BluChips is required to start paying out, ensuring members can start using their rewards without having to accumulate a huge amount.

Registration in IndiGo BluChip

Joining BluChip is easy and completely free, with no annual or renewal fees. Interested parties can register through the IndiGo website or mobile app and will receive a unique nine-digit membership number upon registration. This number is required to be entered while booking IndiGo flights through various channels including travel websites, IndiGo app and other booking platforms.

Maximizing BluChip Rewards with Credit Cards

Indian banks love Axis Bank, HDFC Bankand American Express allow their credit card users to transfer accumulated rewards points to frequent flyer programs. By pairing BluChip with select travel credit cards, IndiGo customers can get a range of benefits when booking flight tickets. Here’s how:

1. Earn extra BluChips when you purchase airline tickets. Members booking flights with IndiGo through travel websites (like MakeMyTrip or Yatra) or directly through the IndiGo platform can earn rewards on both credit card and BluChips, maximizing rewards on every transaction.
2. Take advantage of instant credit card discounts. Many credit cards offer instant discounts of up to 15 percent on IndiGo flight bookings. Combining these discounts with BluChip earnings results in immediate and long-term savings.
3. Achieve Spending-Based Milestones: Cards like the American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card and HDFC Bank Diners Club Black Credit Card reward users for meeting quarterly or annual spending targets, which may include additional travel benefits, free lounge access expectations or rewards for cashback. Booking IndiGo flights helps members achieve these goals while accumulating BluChips.
4. Extra Benefits Club: Several premium travel credit cards offer perks like airport lounge access, waived annual fees and insurance coverage. Members can double down on these benefits by strategically booking with credit cards that offer matched rewards, enhancing the travel experience.

IndiGo BluChip compared to other airline loyalty programs

BluChip’s simplicity and straightforward redemption structure makes it attractive to IndiGo customers who want clear rewards with value for money without complex restrictions. Additionally, BluChip’s lack of blackout dates for redemption sets it apart from some other loyalty programs that limit high-demand dates or impose stricter redemption rules. While the program is currently focused on IndiGo services, the airline is expected to expand collaborations with partners, possibly allowing credit card rewards to be transferred directly to BluChip in the future.

Potential future developments for IndiGo BluChip

To boost its appeal, IndiGo may introduce co-branded credit cards, a trend popular among other major airlines. This partnership will allow credit cardholders to transfer their points directly to BluChip, creating a more convenient experience for frequent travelers. The airline could also expand its revenue mix to include everyday expenses such as hotel bookings, meals or retail purchases. As IndiGo expands its loyalty offerings, these additions are likely to attract more travelers to join BluChip and use it as their primary loyalty program.

Is it worth registering for IndiGo BluChip?

For frequent IndiGo travelers, BluChip provides a valuable way to earn and redeem rewards without incurring additional fees. The structure is clear, and the rewards – especially at higher tiers – offer significant benefits, including discounts on popular services. As the program expands and new partnerships emerge, the value of BluChip membership is likely to increase. With the ability to issue a co-branded credit card in the future, the program could become a more versatile and beneficial option for all types of travelers.

An exciting new option for frequent flyers in India

IndiGo’s BluChip program marks a significant advancement in the airline’s efforts to reward loyal customers. Its launch signifies IndiGo’s commitment to offering competitive advantages and positions BluChip as a serious player in the Indian frequent flyer market. market. BluChip’s structure provides an easy and affordable way for travelers to earn and redeem rewards, especially for frequent flyers with IndiGo. With ongoing improvements and expansions, BluChip can become an important tool for travelers looking to simultaneously save and benefit, marking a positive shift in Indian airline loyalty.