American Airlines and Indian airline IndiGo announced in September 2021 (read more here) that they had signed a codeshare agreement pending government approvals.
American Airlines AAdvantage members can earn miles only on IndiGo flights that are on AA codeshare, and now there are limited elite benefits on these flights.
You can access AA’s page for IndiGo flights here.
Information From AA:
EARN MILES
You can earn AAdvantage® miles when you fly on American Airlines marketed flights operated by IndiGo. You’ll also earn Loyalty Points toward AAdvantage® status.
Exception
You can’t earn AAdvantage® miles or earn Loyalty Points on IndiGo flights purchased directly from IndiGo.
BENEFITS
If you booked through American, you’ll receive complimentary offerings during your IndiGo flight:
- Seat assignment
- Vegetarian meal with non-alcoholic drink*
Premium benefits
When you fly on an American marketed IndiGo flight, plus travel in First or Business on your American connecting flight to / from India, you’ll get:
- IndiGo’s ‘Fast Forward’ service: Check in with IndiGo at the ‘Fast Forward’ check-in counter.
- Priority bag delivery: Your checked bags will be delivered to Baggage Claim in the first group.
- Complimentary IndiGo lounge access: Access will be issued when you check in at the ‘Fast Forward’ counter.**
* On flights with meals
** Where lounges are available
CONNECTIONS
American Airlines connections to IndiGo
Your bag tags should show your final destination in India. However, once you arrive in Delhi:
- You must retrieve your bags after clearing Immigrations and then clear Customs.
- Take your bags to the IndiGo check-in counter in the departure terminal for your next flight.
- If you don’t have your boarding pass for your IndiGo flight, go to the check-in line for your boarding pass before dropping off your bags.
IndiGo connections to American Airlines
If your trip starts in India, your bag will be transferred through to your final destination as normal.
American IndiGo Codeshare Routes ex-Delhi
Conclusion
IndiGo has a similar deal with Turkish Airlines (read more here) for limited benefits.
You must remember that you can earn miles with American Airlines and Turkish Airlines only if you are ticketed on their codeshare operated by IndiGo.