Air France Frequence Plus - Do I have this right or am I going mad?

UK -> LOS using miles in economy
25,000 miles plus Euros 550?

How is this supposed to be a sensible use of miles?
I had expected something like 25,000 miles OR Euros 550.

For 25,000 miles, I would assume you're looking at either a one-way, or a Promo Award. However, for a regular return award, 50,000 miles and €550 would unfortunately sound about right - due to the way AFKL add hefty fuel surcharges to award tickets.

And yes, you probably could get a lowest fare-class (and non-flexible) return for not much more than €550...

Hence the complaints in multiple threads in this forum, and also the more recent discussions with Flying Blue about this situation could be improved - see here (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/flying-blue-air-france-klm-other-partners/1350975-flying-blue-requests-your-assistance-possible-new-long-haul-award-scheme.html)and here (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/flying-blue-air-france-klm-other-partners/1364155-minutes-meeting-june-2012-fb-programme-rules-manager-jouy31-gajan.html).

UK -> LOS using miles in economy
25,000 miles plus Euros 550?

How is this supposed to be a sensible use of miles?
I had expected something like 25,000 miles OR Euros 550.
Who says that such itin is a sensible use of miles? ;)

Generally the best value can be had from direct flights, intercontinental, in business, at the Promo award price point.

Granted, fees will still be high...but most probably a little lower than 550 euros for a return ticket.

Who says that such itin is a sensible use of miles? ;)

Generally the best value can be had from direct flights, intercontinental, in business, at the Promo award price point.

Granted, fees will still be high...but most probably a little lower than 550 euros for a return ticket.

Fair comment, I have had your recommended ones also, and they do represent fair play. I remain concerned that these will be the very few opportunities when they will make any sense for anyone.

It is also worth noting that award tickets are not similar to the cheapest return tickets. You can use them as one way, they can be booked till the last minute, they can be changed for a relatively low fee or cancelled with a minimal charge. A ticket meeting those conditions would effectively be relatively expensive.

I have so far not booked any award flights BUT I do check in quite often to see if there are any sensible deals going on to far flung destinations. This said (and please do excuse my ignorance if it has been discussed before) but haven't the charges gone up considerably lately?

I mostly check long haul J awards to where ever it may be but can't get myself to spend my hard earned miles :(

Only yesterday did I check flights to SFO and HKG and couldn't believe that the surcharges are now up over EUR 1'000 per person for a return i J + the standard 160'000+ miles. Not long ago it was around EUR 500-600 if my memory serves me right :eek:

Only yesterday did I check flights to SFO and HKG and couldn't believe that the surcharges are now up over EUR 1'000 per person for a return i J + the standard 160'000+ miles. Not long ago it was around EUR 500-600 if my memory serves me right :eek:
That's terrible, but strange because I just booked an award ticket to Asia (but not HKG) and it was the usual 4-500 €. Could it be because you are starting from GVA and connecting in CDG/AMS ?

This sounds too high. You should compare it with taxes and fees for full-fare ticket of your cabin class. Could be a computer glitch.