Flying Blue (Air France & KLM) - AF is trying to keep me by reducing level miles!

LOL

Well, I guess some of you will start seeing messages from Flying Blue in order to maintain status!!! ROFL

I just got a message saying that they will reduce my level miles down to 30k instead of 40k in order for me to retain my Gold status in 2010!!!

Since the downgrade in their program, miles flown with AF equals ZERO!!!
Miles to fly with AF next year equals ZERO!!!

ROFL, they should have thought about that before they devalued their program, and I would have remained loyal to AF, but oh well, hindsight is always 20/20!!!

Silly, silly, FB!!!! ROFL

I just got that email, too. But it's to do with reducing the level-mile qualification threshold from 40k down to 30k...the way you described it above ("reducing my level miles down to 30k") doesn't appear quite accurate!

There was an email to Plats mentioned here (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/flying-blue-air-france-klm/1007904-double-your-award-level-miles-rest-year.html) recently which offered them the chance to requalify by doubling both Award and Level miles for all flights for the rest of the year - a slightly better offer I think!!!!

Flying Blue wants to help you to stay a Gold member in 2010. So here, just for you, is a special boost to make it easier.
Stay a Gold member

If the amount of your Level Miles is at least 30000 Level Miles on
31 December 2009, you remain Gold in 2010!
(Instead of 40000 normally required by the programme).

All you have to do is fly* with AIR FRANCE, KLM or any SkyTeam partner airline until the end of December.

As soon as you reach the number of Level Miles required, you will then maintain your Gold level, as well as all the benefits and exclusive services it gives you.

So get flying now!


Book now on
www.airfrance.com
www.klm.com
Check your Flying Blue account on
AIR FRANCE website
KLM website

Yours sincerely,

Herbert Verschuren
Director Flying Blue

I guess FB is trying to make a last ditch effort to saving accounts! I guess that way they will look good in AF's eyes!!! That their devalued program is being taken well by their flyers! FB's games to AF now!

Well, my answer is very clear, AF lost my business 100% due to FB's poor performance, and if and when AF asks, I will gladly voice my opinion about AF.

So, flight on AF will remain ZERO!!! HA HA HA!!!

Pleased to see they are reaping their just rewards. I have not used ST all year and don't feel like I've missed anything on LH, BA etc.

Even though it may sound satisfying, the drop in Plat and Gold must certainly be linked more to the economic crisis and companies reducing business travel (or making employees in coach, provoking waves of suicide all over the workplaces) than to the changes made to the Flying Fool Program.

I am sure that the economic situation has shown some drop in Gold and PLAT pax traveling on AF/KL, however I am also very certain that many of the Gold and PLAT members left AF/KL and ST because of the downgrade in the program. I for one was one of the most naive ones to have stayed with AF/KL and continued to fly with them until my last trip with them in Sept. this year. I finally woke up to face reality when I saw the counts of my miles and status flights were close to non-existent on a BTV-JFK-BCN-PMI return run. I finally wrote to AF to express my disappointment. The reply I got was a very standard bureaucracy blah saying that the program's recent change would benefit those who were truly frequent flyers with the company. WHAT? I do realize that I am the so called frequent leisure traveler, and my monthly run between Canada and Europe on an average ticket price usually less than 1000$CAD does not really bring them a whole lot of money, but seen a dozen transatlantic trips per year with few short trips to the USA east coast on ST partners, I thought they could at least consider me frequent flyer. But no! According to them my travels with them is not worth mentioning. And the reason why I was not awarded enough miles and status flights was because, apparently I am NOT a true frequent flyer. Given that their new program is very generous to those who pay full fare on all classes, especially those who pay full fare on F, my minimal contribution seems even smaller. But now everyone's poorer than before, who out there isn't counting every penny before clicking "purchase"? I am sure even Catherine Deneuve thinks twice before she books her F class ticket to NYC with AF now! Or, maybe I'm just so out of the loop in the rich men's world. Last time I checked, Flying Blue was a frequent flyer program, not a rich men's club membership. Since my last trip with AF to Majorca, I switched camps. I am also currently a Gold member with Flying Blue. 30000 miles to qualify for Gold in 2010? Yeah I'm still 14000 miles to go and with the new 25% or 0% discount on miles, I'll need to fly to the Moon to get qualified before Dec. 31, 2009. Too bad, none of the Skyteam members flies to the Moon.

I am sure that the economic situation has shown some drop in Gold and PLAT pax traveling on AF/KL, however I am also very certain that many of the Gold and PLAT members left AF/KL and ST because of the downgrade in the program.

I agree. In these cases, it's not either/or, and even if a majority fly less because of the crisis rather than fly elsewhere because of the way they are treated by AF/KL, I am sure that these extra losses are and will remain painful and costly to the airlines. Of course, it's for them to see whether it was worth it and rightly timed anyway... :rolleyes:

Myself, i have already reachieved my gold status, i have 57000 tier miles and here is what i have received !




Flying Blue wants to welcome you as a Platinum member in 2010. So here, just for you, is a special boost to make it easier for you to Fly up to Platinum.


If the amount of your Level Miles is at least 60000 Level Miles on
31 December 2009, you will then be upgraded to Platinum status in 2010! (Instead of 70000 normally required by the programme).

All you have to do is fly* with AIR FRANCE, KLM or any SkyTeam partner airline until the end of December.

As soon as you reach the number of Level Miles required, you will then
be upgraded to Platinum, and enjoy all the benefits and exclusive services it gives you.

So get flying now!

All this stuff looks bizzarre...

Once again they have taken a decision that doesn't benefit their most frequent flyers!!!

Sorry to say it, but a number of us who re-qualified a long time back were almost looking forward to seeing emptier lounges and perhaps a little more distinction for Elite/Elite Plus cardholders once our numbers had reduced.

So now it seems that AF don't want those nmbers to drop after all and that once again that those who fly the most, get the least (if only I had a choice....).

All this stuff looks bizzarre...

What to me looks bizarre (and outright unfair!) is how all the other airlines that want to keep frequent flyers flying offer bonus level miles to everyone while FB, as usual, proceed with their absurd web of targeted offers. I'm sure they think that it is sophisticated, but to me, it feels amateurish if not (from what others in relatively similar situations to each other have described) random. My verdict: :td:

I find it rather encouraging : expect less crowded lounges :D. They somewhat think they overachieved their goal.

As for me, I frantically "made" my miles before April 1st and since then had only one flight and it is a cheap promotional flight for KL 90 years anniversary (not very profitable to them).

Anyway, I did not receive such offers. I guess it is because I am close to requalifying to Plat without it (69K at this time).

Next year, I will go slower on earnings to benefit from that kind of operation if it's repeated.

how about this one from FB?
My online account states 94453 level miles (and as such qualified for platinum for next year) but i just got an email from FB as shown below

Level Miles-saldo op 12-10-09: 28917

GEACHTE HEER,

Flying Blue helpt u graag om ook in 2010 Platinum-deelnemer te blijven. Daarom ontvangt u nu een extra stimulans om dit gemakkelijker te maken.Blijf Platinumdeelnemer

Als uw Level Miles-saldo op 31 december 2009 minimaal 60000
(in tegenstelling tot het normaal vereiste aantal van 70000) bedraagt, behoudt u uw Platinum-niveau in 2010!

Het enige wat u hoeft te doen, is tot en met eind december te vliegen met KLM, AIR FRANCE of een andere SkyTeam-partner.*

Zodra u het aantal vereiste Level Miles heeft behaald, wordt uw Platinum-niveau verlengd en kunt u weer een jaar lang profiteren van alle bijbehorende voordelen en exclusieve services.

Maak dus snel een vlucht en profiteer!

Met vriendelijke groet,

Herbert Verschuren
Director Flying Blue

A big inconsistency in the number of level miles; how is that possible?

how about this one from FB?
My online account states 94 ...

A big inconsistency in the number of level miles; how is that possible?

yes it's possible. I got the same even I already reached the level. In the email, check at the right top the number of miles you have : they count them from the last statement (one month ago approx) so it can be normal

surely you earned more than 25000 qmiles during this month.

got the same email as fdelite and micus to fly a bit more and qualify for platinum with 60000 level miles....

Good laugh ! :D

Got an email indicating that I need 25000 miles to remain Silver instead of 30000 normally. Although I am only a Silver, FB just realized that after all they valued the business they have lost from me this year.. :D

What to me looks bizarre (and outright unfair!) is how all the other airlines that want to keep frequent flyers flying offer bonus level miles to everyone while FB, as usual, proceed with their absurd web of targeted offers. I'm sure they think that it is sophisticated, but to me, it feels amateurish if not (from what others in relatively similar situations to each other have described) random. My verdict: :td:

+1

yes it's possible. I got the same even I already reached the level. In the email, check at the right top the number of miles you have : they count them from the last statement (one month ago approx) so it can be normal

surely you earned more than 25000 qmiles during this month.

That could be an plausible explanation if it wasn't for the fact that i haven't taken any flights since July 2009 (due to ilness). So my level miles have been +90K since July. I will call FB to find out

However, they didn't reduce the number of segments needed to qualify. Still 60 for Platinum...

Just got mine. They're offering me to requalify for Platinum at 80k instead of 90k (I am based in France). I am currently at 63+k. Have some travel lined up and some other planned so I'll probably make it.

But their strategy beggars belief. First they implement the April Fool's Day changes in order (in their own admittance) to reduce the number of Elite members and now they are desperately trying to keep them :confused:

....
But their strategy beggars belief. First they implement the April Fool's Day changes in order (in their own admittance) to reduce the number of Elite members and now they are desperately trying to keep them :confused:

don't dream or be confused. Don't hope they want to care more on elite customers. They are just seeking for incomes before december 31. to be able to show a better financial situation for 2009. That's the only reason. After a new year will begin, and I wonder if they will not ask for more qmiles to get the level in 2010; WE BET ?? :td:

Sorry AF/KL! I have already flown enough since May to qualify as Plat on CO (Star Gold) for next year!

I am just sad of all the level miles I lost doing business with You in the first 4 months of the year, I could have been gold on a better airline (maybe in Onewrold)!

Ciao ciao Lying Blue!

don't dream or be confused. Don't hope they want to care more on elite customers. They are just seeking for incomes before december 31. to be able to show a better financial situation for 2009. That's the only reason. After a new year will begin, and I wonder if they will not ask for more qmiles to get the level in 2010; WE BET ?? :td:

Good point for sure. Trouble is I already have 35k's worth of AF/SkyTeam flights already booked in 2010 so I wouldn't mind having Plat. But I will still have to make an effort for 80k, as I, too, have switched part of my travel to Star Alliance. Decisions, decisions...

…Got this message as well.

With April changes, Miles became more expensive to get and more expensive to redeem. This was doubly risky in a context were some others took the opposite strategy by attracting frequent travelers.

Well, I still wonder where they want to go and I am smiling. There are more and more articles in the papers concerning discussions about downgrading benefits to passengers (charging meals, luggage, CC fees, first seats rows) making their product close to a LCC.

The downgrading of their FFP was in this line. If at the end of this promo they get too much Elite Plus they will likely downgrade again the FB program and reserve the costly lounge access to Plat only.

Crazy ? No more than their recent changes.

I wish them good luck anyway.


Sc

I've not had a targeted e-mail for either the double miles or reduced qualification period. Perhaps I'm marked down on the FB database as someone who complains too much and is more trouble than they're worth :D

Even if something drops through I won't be taking up any of the offers. As has been pointed out, even if were to re-qual (pretty much impossible anyway with the grand total of 748 level miles this year), it would only delay the inevitable as these offers are unlikely to be repeated as the industry recovers.

It's also far too late in the year to be offering these things - I've already got 30k's worth of status miles booked with Star Alliance on some very cheap business class fares (not much more than I'd pay in Y with KLM), and I expect to re-qual for *A gold within 7 months of my year start. I reckon BD Diamond Club allows re-qual for something like £1400 - KLM would want £3,500 for an inferior product. With start-up offers, I'll probably also have enough miles for a C-class reward to the US on top.

On top of the FB devaluation, KLM treated my family very badly this year on a flight from TXL-AMS, and offered not even an apology in response. In contrast, my initial contact with BD has been very positive - my status match request was processed within 6 working hours with the minimum of effort required on my part. BD have as many financial problems as the rest of the industry, but they are making a determined effort to gain FF's through a generous FF programme (which the CEO is on record as saying will not change for a while) and efficient, friendly customer service. KLM really could learn a great deal from them.

There's no going back.

I haven't either but then I have 135,000 level miles so they won't be worried. They should be though as at least 50,000 of those were carried over from last year and if they bothered to check they would notice I had flown on KLM / AF 50% less often than last year and that I am down to my last 45,000 miles for spending. Clearly they think they have aplenty future revenue coming from me. They may have some but at best for them it will be split between them, SAA, Star and EK!

Good laugh ! :D

Got an email indicating that I need 25000 miles to remain Silver instead of 30000 normally. Although I am only a Silver, FB just realized that after all they valued the business they have lost from me this year.. :D

I got a message telling me that I would only need 20000 miles to qualify for silver (blue now). I am only short a couple of hundred miles.
Am I mad considering a mileage run?
What's silver status actually worth?

How much would it cost you?

With Silver, you basically get access to C class counters travelling Y, extra baggage allowance and the opportunity to buy one-time lounge access in CDG or AMS for 35 EUR or 5000 miles.

Priority luggage delivery almost never works with Skyteam (whatever Elite you are). So does priority boarding.

Well, another nice silver benefit (actually the only one), is the fast track for security checks at AMS/CDG and most of the Skyteam HUBs.

I think it's worth having the Silver level if you're short from having it...

I've been plat for 7 or 8 years, earned 58,000 miles this year but done nothing with ST since 6th May. I haven't had any email to offer me reduced qualification or double miles. I wonder if there is any criteria to be targeted or if it's just random?

Looks like I'll stick with *A for the rest of the year.

Not targeted for anything either - which is a real dissapointment. Perhaps as I have made Platinum they could allow me to carry forward all miles for 2010 qualification rather than wait till I got to 115k - now that would work!

Platinum for 7 years until this year, now Gold. and 50K miles, and possibility of hitting 60K by year end, and the special offer would have been useful, but no email for me either. But that's not surprising, I have never once got any of these targetted emails that I have read about in the forums for many years. I wonder what the logic is for offering them. Does anyone in the UK ever get them?

Actually, thinking about it, I never get anything really. No emails, only one op-up in about 8yrs of flying KLM/AF, can't even get priority seating any more..

It's only the convenience of AMS over LHR as a hub that keeps me.

Made Silver in 08.

Flew 20% more overall in 09 than in 08. Flew 50% less with Syteam carriers, 80% less with AF.

How come? Was there something in early 2009 that possibly had a huge impact on my booking pattern? Hmmmmm, tough one...

My FB account is UK-based and I got the offer of 30,000 to retain gold. Far too late in the year now though, after all those months of putting my business elsewhere after the April Fools' changes.

I happen to be approaching the newly set lower (60,000) plat level, but was wondering about the wording of the email.
It says: we want to welcome you as PE member in 2010. Does that mean that when you pass the newly set level you will not be PE immediately, but only effective Jan 1? Anyone already passed the threshold?

Reducing miles level after having slashed the earned miles?
Where's the clue???
I could accept it as an excuse but it is anyway too late.
AF should think twice about FB management...maybe they could do better working in the catering services:D

...AF should think twice about FB management...maybe they could do better working in the catering services:D

Please, no! They would 'enhance' (i.e. reduce the size of) the beer cans and wine bottles in Y even more. :eek: And I daren't even think about how they might enhance the TUC biscuits!

- Henry