Air France Frequence Plus - My first experience with FB Gold status

Did my first round trip (DUB-CDG-DUB) this weekend as a FB Gold holder and thought I'd share my experience with the rest of the community, even though most of you hold levels I won't even get close to :(

Had no check in bags at DUB but went to the Business Check in as I thought I (rather we) needed an invitation to the Lounge at DUB. The check in agent was very friendly, printed out the BP's, stamped them with a C, told us we could use the fast track (have been using this with Silver as well without any question ever) and gave us directions to the lounge. AF doesn't have their own lounge at DUB but uses the Anna Livia lounge and I had never been in it before. Made our way to the lounge and was meet by two elderly women who NEVER have had a course in basic customer services. Not a smile and we were greeted with a "what-are-you-doing-here?" attitude. The lounge itself is brutal. Very cramped, built in the late 70's, not ever been properly deep cleaned, nicotine stuck on high areas from times when everyone smoked and the selection of snacks was not what I had expected at all. Drink selection was ok, but champagne cost EUR 25 for a small bottle. Stayed for 15 min and left. Went to our gate instead and spent 2 hours there instead.

Arrived CDG (2E) and was really looking forward to be able to use the Access No 1. Was happily steering towards the fast track when we were told that the fast track was closed :( Thankfully the queue moved fast enough at the normal immigration queue.

So far we were not overly impressed, but hey we had paid EUR 298 for a return for the both of us and don't get bitter or sour if things don't go 100% as planned...

Returning back to DUB from CDG was a different story.

Printed out the BP at one of the kiosks at CDG went to Access No 1 and got waved though without questions. Unfortunately there was a moron out of the normal (held a blue passport with an eagle on it) who had packed every single non-allowable thing in his carry on and held the queue up for 10 min (not kidding you). Not one laptop but THREE, 4-5 wrapped bottles of perfume, Cameras and other electronic devices one could only guess what was going to be used for :o Anyway, went through ok and headed for the lounge.

Had read quite a few reports about the CDG lounges and was ready to fight my way though if needed. Was meet by three AF hostesses smiling and very helpful. Asked if this was our first time at the AF 2E lounge and we both said yes. Was given all the lowdown of how everything worked and we were recommended to use the left side as she (our checkin person) thought it was much brighter and a bit nicer than the right side. She was right.

The lounge was more or less empty and we spent a few hours in luxury.

Headed off to our flight 5 min before boarding and was stopped at the BP as the machine beeped, lit up red and read: Incorrect Class. Both of us were upgraded to Business and were wished a nice flight. Nice surprise ^

The business product DUB - CDG (or LCY) with AF (CityJet) is an absolute joke. No way in a million years would I pay for flying up front on this route. Nothing to it other that you get a drink as boarding is done with and the food served in Y is way better IMHO.

Over all I'm quite happy with the extra perks my new shiny gold status brings me, but I know where not to hang out (in Dublin) for sure. Oh, 4 weeks since my change of status but still no card!!!

... the food served in Y is way better IMHO.

Congratulations on your Gold status Cupart and thank you for sharing your experiences. My standard route on KLM for long haul has a start and return leg of BHX-AMS, and I have usually flown in ES. As a rule I now ask if I can have the Y-class sandwich or whatever, rather than the box of whatever it is they provide for ES. I have no idea what they put in those things most times, and the cabin crew are no wiser. It is all very arty-farty, but give me a cheese roll any day. The long haul flights are of course different, and despite some criticisms on FT, my own experience is that the food has been good.

It has taken 2-3 months for any new FB card to arrive for me.

Congratulations on your Gold status Cupart and thank you for sharing your experiences.

Thanks brian1042 :):):)

I have no idea what they put in those things most times, and the cabin crew are no wiser. It is all very arty-farty, but give me a cheese roll any day. The long haul flights are of course different, and despite some criticisms on FT, my own experience is that the food has been good.

Funny you mention it. The chef de cabin didn't have a clue when one of the other C PAX asked what her wrap included of meat and had to check the menu... We were 5 PAX in C and the two males (me included) got something different from the 3 females. That I found very strange. The food served (this was the 15:35 flight) was nothing specific to write home about but ok I guess. A cold pasta dish with a strange cheese and vegetable terrine and a little baguette.

I saw the usual rolls and sandwiches passing me when the cart moved past me and was drawling as I know how good these are (think they are made in the UK somewhere), especially the goats cheese rolls are fantastic... 9 of 10 flights (DUB-CDG/LCY) the FA's comes by twice with a second serving of the sandwiches which is great ^

I also agree with you that the food is generally good on AF and can't really complain ^

It has taken 2-3 months for any new FB card to arrive for me.

My Silver card arrived about 5 weeks after I went from Ivory to Silver in Dec 2008. As long as the system shows that I'm Gold, it doesn't make much of a difference to me :rolleyes: We'll have to wait and see what happens...

Btw, are the cards printed in France or somewhere else? I could imagine it's a bit of a big operation with quite a few customers changing status during a calendar year... :confused:

Btw, are the cards printed in France or somewhere else? I could imagine it's a bit of a big operation with quite a few customers changing status during a calendar year... :confused:

I do not know about the place of printing but for sure dealing with status changes and the calendar year is part of the job for an airline FFP.

FB has proven to be very bad a at providing new cards quickly. Around each month of march, there is a thread here on FT where people share their experience about delays in card receiving. To my knowledge, cards could arrive rather quicky in the UK. France is in the average.

All short haul (2hrs) Business Class food on AF is poor - not just on CityJet.

As a Platinum, Ive never got an upgrade on CityJet - count yourself lucky - flights are never 100% full.

Another benefit you will find on CityJet is that Gold and Platinum get the first row of economy more often than not - which is a nice perk.

Another benefit you will find on CityJet is that Gold and Platinum get the first row of economy more often than not - which is a nice perk.

Funny enough, I - or rather we - have always been automatically given the first row of Y since the Ivory days. Could be because of the Abonné that's always printed on our BP's? Anyhow, as I've said over and over again, I like CityJet... Yes it's a bit cramped, but there is something about it that's brilliant ^

Btw, when does one "become" abonné? After 4 flights? After 6 flights or more?

...Btw, when does one "become" abonné?

When they've decided that you're one of the good guys, which, in your case, (obviously) didn't take very long at all (at all)! :) Expect an invitation to join the Club 2000 in the next few weeks! :rolleyes:

-- Henry

Funny enough, I - or rather we - have always been automatically given the first row of Y since the Ivory days. Could be because of the Abonné that's always printed on our BP's? Anyhow, as I've said over and over again, I like CityJet... Yes it's a bit cramped, but there is something about it that's brilliant ^

Btw, when does one "become" abonné? After 4 flights? After 6 flights or more?

Actually, Abonnés status is given to subscribers of a (paid) frequent flyer card for flights within domestic France and/or French overseas departments / territories. It gives you a rebate on full-fare tickets, while keeping the flexibility. When it is printed on the boarding pass for a flight outside France, it just means Elite/Elite Plus, in my experience.

When it is printed on the boarding pass for a flight outside France, it just means Elite/Elite Plus, in my experience.

I'm quite sure Abonnés was printed already when I was on Ivory, heading for Silver back in December. All BP's have had the status as well as normal in the centre on top and Abonnés printed at the bottom.

Could be one of those AF stunts to confuse the enemy :D

I'm quite sure Abonnés was printed already when I was on Ivory, heading for Silver back in December. All BP's have had the status as well as normal in the centre on top and Abonnés printed at the bottom.

Could be one of those AF stunts to confuse the enemy :D

Full-fare flexible ticket ?

As discussed by FTers (including myself and the Good Cupart) elsewhere (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/air-france-frequence-plus/930025-anybody-know-what-abonnes.html), we now know what the technical meaning of "Abonnés" is, but we still don't really know why it sometimes appears on FB members' BPs. And, as to what difference it has made to our travel experiences ... :confused:

-- Henry

Full-fare flexible ticket ?

Unfortunately not... I have always gotten the cheapest of the cheapest available in Y with no flexibility :(

As my best friend Henry says, the topic has been on the table earlier, but still I'm none the wiser :confused: It's one of those topics no one really wants to talk about but can't help feeling attracted to no matter what...

Do I dare ask at CDG next time or do I chicken out as usual?

Do I dare ask at CDG next time?

Yes please :)

Yes please :)


Yes-why not.You will probably get 5 different definitive answers from 5 different people but that's all part of the AF cultural clueless experience we all love.

Yes-why not.You will probably get 5 different definitive answers from 5 different people but that's all part of the AF cultural clueless experience we all love.

LOVEly post;)

Oh, I remember those days when I cared about status with KLAF/ST. Those where the days.......
Ivory/Silver/Gold/Platinum= same crap.

I think you'll find sodaboy, that some folks still like AFKL! Moreover, those of us that do (including, I think, my Good Friend Cupart), actually do appreciate (even if only slowly and subtly) the benfits of Elite(+) status.

Toodle-pip,
--- Henry
.

My dear friend and mentor Henry, you are right as always (no surprise there) ^

Sodaboy I can't for the world of me figure out how your comment fits in to my thread as I only had very good experiences from A to B and back (both in DUB and CDG). How my newly (and happily) acquired status = crap (according to yourself) is a bit of a mystery to me? Please explain how lounge access, fast track, extra baggage allowance etc is a bad thing after only 30 level flights with AFKL (et al)?

I do fully appreciate that quite a few frequent flyers of this forum (of the FB program and AFKL) are not the happiest of people since the April 1st changes, but as I got into the FB game quite late and I feel I get value for money and have no major complaints.

So, 6 weeks since turning gold and still not a sight of any plastic card in the post.

Last time I was waiting for my Silver Card, I contacted FB after 2 weeks (was much less patient back then in January) and got a standard mail back saying it would take 3 to 6 weeks. I'm not going to contact them this time as standard pre written mails/letters only gets my blood pressure up and will see how long it actually will take to receive such a simple thing as a plastic card (well two actually)... I'll update!

It could sound off topic but I am waiting for my A Club (Accor Hotels frequent guest program) basic card to arrive for 6 months even if I am en elite with them since almost the beggining.

According to my sources, it is Frequence Plus Service (can't remember the new name), a 100% subsidiary of AF in charge of managing Flying Blue, which also manages A Club program. Processes are all the same, ie as bad as FB.

Then I would not sound to be too pessimistic but it is not impossible you will get your Gold card in next March, when all new cards are sent.

So, 6 weeks since turning gold and still not a sight of any plastic card in the post.

Last time I was waiting for my Silver Card, I contacted FB after 2 weeks (was much less patient back then in January) and got a standard mail back saying it would take 3 to 6 weeks. I'm not going to contact them this time as standard pre written mails/letters only gets my blood pressure up and will see how long it actually will take to receive such a simple thing as a plastic card (well two actually)... I'll update!

i waited 8 weeks for my gold, and still havent recieved the platinium after 7 weeks. i also notice that it takes a few days too upgrade my status online even after the miles are added - i guess they just dont like raising the level :)

i think i have said something before, but the af program is for the economy traveller - if i had a company paying for my flights in business, yes i would join another program, but as i pay and 80% use cheapest tickets the perks help

I did write FB a mail today and didn't expect an answer back regarding me not receiving my card yet.

Basically I said it was now over 6 weeks that I had turned Gold and not a single sign of the card yet.

"Dear Sir,

Thank you very much for your e-mail of the 6 October 2009 in which you advised us that you have not yet received your Flying Blue Gold Elite membership card.

We sincerely regret to learn of the difficulties you have incurred with receiving your card. We have noted that a card was sent out on the 23 August 2009 and again on the 6 October 2009. These cards were sent to the address we have listed on your Flying Blue account.

We attempted to call you to verify the address on your account but unfortunately we were unable to reach you as the phone number is invalid.

We kindly request an update of the personal contact details on your Flying Blue account.

It is possible to print a copy of your Flying Blue card on the Air France website. Please click on the Flying Blue, Customer Care and scroll down till you see the words Request a New Card or Print a Copy. You will need to sign in to request a print of your Flying Blue card.

We look forward to updating your account for you. You may also contact the Flying Blue Service Center by phone at (+ 44) 0870 24 29 242

We thank you for your continued loyalty to the Flying Blue programme.

M**** S*****
Flying Blue Customer Service"

Hmmm. I have not changed the address or touched my profile since AF sent me my silver card (let alone been even been close to my profile data). Tried to call me... Don't think so. The phone number in my profile is correct (I of all people should know)...

My problem is now that I can't really take this further as I'm not interested in wasting time on nonsense replies :(

FB wins again :(

And NO FB you did NOT send my new card out on the 23rd of August because we are two people who haven't received the cards yet turning gold on two different days (within one day actually). I sent a new request for a card today and hardly believe this is being sent out today as we speak... OMG!

Oh btw, I sent on behalf of my spouse the exact same mail so looking forward to see what reply she will get. I'll let you know...

PS. Still like AF though :)

My good Cupart,

Further to the numerous messages you have been continuously sending me about your new card (:D), I would like to advise you of the following:

The philosophy behind the Flying Blue programme is that we like to reward our most valued customers with unsolicited challenges, bizarre forms of entertainment and other character-building, remote-learning experiences.

We look forward to your continued frustration and would like to thank you for your poetically expressed consternation.
But please, do keep us informed of your 'progress'; it's always nice to know that it doesn't rain on just one man's house!

-- Your servant, as ever, Henry

My good Cupart,

Further to the numerous messages you have been continuously sending me about your new card (:D), I would like to advise you of the following:

The philosophy behind the Flying Blue programme is that we like to reward our most valued customers with unsolicited challenges, bizarre forms of entertainment and other character-building, remote-learning experiences.

We look forward to your continued frustration and would like to thank you for your poetically expressed consternation.
But please, do keep us informed of your 'progress'; it's always nice to know that it doesn't rain on just one man's house!

-- Your servant, as ever, Henry

My dear mentor Henry.

Sunshine has arrived at the Eastern shores of the emerald isle (Dublin, Ireland to the rest of us).

I don't know what it is but every time you reply to my posts something wonderful and incredible happens.

An Post (the Irish equivalent of Royal Post but all in green) placed carefully and with silk gloves two smart packages from AFKL containing my (our) new shiny gold card(s). No postal stamp but sent from Amsterdam.

This ends my daily card update for now but as you all know I'll be back :(

Your humble protégé...

I don't know what it is but every time you reply to my posts something wonderful and incredible happens.
...

;)

This ends my daily card update for now but as you all know I'll be back :(
I think you will :)

I've requested gold card replacement twice over few months and then received all three [original + 2 replacements] in a space of 3-4 days :O

I think you will :)

I've requested gold card replacement twice over few months and then received all three [original + 2 replacements] in a space of 3-4 days :O


Are you sure they're all yours and not Cupart's ones? :p

Hmmm... I requested a new card as the inital hadn't arrived at the time (but did the following day). This time the card was sent from France post dated 8 days later :eek:

are you sure they're all yours and not cupart's ones? :p

ha ha ha ha ^