Originally Posted by
DiamondSM
3) my points about the qualification for Ulti. I see this more as an "opening" for international traveller (not reside in Europe), something like: For foreign FB member, you need a minimum of 600 UXP and your flight with other airline value 50% in UXP for the difference. This way FB show respect to their own FF (it take them less UXP), and this give a "chance" for non European to be able to "reach" Ulti. (like you can do with Delta)... On my side, I will buy more AF/KL ticket this way, than buy Delta or other flying with AF/KL
I think there's no disrespect intended to non-European FB members with the way the program is set up. A month ago, I met on my flight from DEL an Ulti who lives in Delhi. Getting to even Plat from India is a pain since the only way to qualify for this is by flying AFKL, especially since the pandemic now that Chinese airlines are no mote flying there. Both my parents still manage. So there are people who are still fitting the qualification criteria.
The criteria are designed to fit a certain customer profile. The reason it centers on European travelers primarily is because AFKL is based in Europe. Retaining customers in their own market is more important than attracting customers who occasionally might end up on their metal.
I think your concerns get addressed more by raising the gap between Plat and Gold, rather than making Ulti easier to get to. Ulti is really meant for people who are in an AFKL aircraft very often. That's the audience since the benefits are all AFKL only as well. Otherwise, it's the same as being Plat for rest of Skyteam.