New Benefits With American Airlines and IndiGo Codeshare Partnership

Recently, American Airlines announced a codeshare partnership with IndiGo, a low-cost regional airline in India that would be able to help take traffic from Delhi onward to other cities throughout India. Now, the partnership has expanded even further with tangible benefits for frequent flyers and premium customers.

Earning Miles and Loyalty Points

Before getting into benefits, it’s important to note that you won’t be able to earn AAdvantage miles or Loyalty Points unless you purchase a flight marketed by American Airlines and operated by IndiGo. This means you won’t earn miles or Loyalty Points if you purchase a flight directly through IndiGo, but only sold through American as part of a larger itinerary where American operates the long-haul leg to Delhi and IndiGo operates the local routing from there.

Benefits for All Customers

No matter what your status is or what cabin you’re flying in, all customers can take advantage of free seat assignments on IndiGo as well as a complimentary vegetarian meal with a non-alcoholic drink. While Indian routes tend to be relatively short, a complimentary meal enhances the flight and makes it premium. Meals are only served on flights where there is sufficient length.

Seat assignments are important, so you can select your preferred seat location when you book your ticket.

Benefits for Premium Cabin Customers

If you fly American Airlines in first class or business class to/from India and then connect to an IndiGo flight (marketed and sold by American), you’ll receive additional benefits.

These include:

• “Fast Forward” check-in service, which is essentially IndiGo’s version of the priority check-in queues that American uses in the U.S. — Fast Forward counters are specially marked and in a separate area from general check-in; keep in mind that this is only for people flying in on or out on American in first or business class, and not for all elite passengers
• Priority baggage handling where your bag will be among the first off of the conveyor
• When you check-in at the Fast Forward counter, you’ll be given IndiGo lounge access, where a lounge is available

It’s unfortunate that none of these benefits apply to actual elite customers on American, but it’s still a great opportunity to keep the premium experience from start to finish for those in the forward cabin.

Hot Tip: Learn about the best ways to fly to India with points and miles in our step-by-step guide!

Final Thoughts

The partnership between IndiGo and American Airlines is moving to the next level with actual on-the-ground benefits. These perks will provide a great reason to book American to India, and allow American to compete against other airlines who have other partnerships in the area.