May 9, 2019, 3:08 pm
Last edit by: Goldorak
FLYING BLUE ULTIMATE
Main facts
Ultimate is the top status in FB. It may be added to Club 2000 – Skipper status.
While other FB status (Silver/Gold/Platinum) are based on experience points earning (XP), Ultimate status is obtained by Ultimate XP (UXP) earning. UXPs are earned exclusively on AF- and KL-coded (= marketed) flights, whatever the operating airline.
Some examples :
- CDG-JFK AF-marketing, AF-operating : eligible to UXP earning
- CDG-JFK DL-marketing, AF-operating : NON-eligible to UXP earning
- AMS-BOS KL-marketing, DL-operating : eligible to UXP earning
- BOS-IND KL-marketing, DL-operating : eligible to UXP earning
- SIN-SYD AF-marketing, QF-operating : eligible to UXP earning
- CDG-FCO AZ-marketing, AZ-operating : NON-eligible to UXP earning
XP earned via AFKL Amex cards are not eligible (those are XP and not UXP).
To qualify for Ultimate, it is needed to have 900 UXP over a year. It is similar to the normal XP counter, resetting as soon as the tier is reached. Ultimate is valid for 1 year once granted. Note 03/2023 : the qualification system just changed from 1800 UXP over 2 years to 900 UXP/1 year. Some transitional measures are in place for the current Ultimate members. See here for details about handling of transition period :
https://www.flyingblue.com/fr/landin...m_content=main
Since 03/2023, a rollover of surplus UXP (over 900) is now possible to the next year and only to the next year (example : year 1, the member earns 2000UXP. At the end of year 1, only 900 UXP will be rolled-over to year 2 and the remaining 1100 UXP earned in Y1 will be lost and not be transferred to year 3. If during year 2, the member earned 1000 new (fresh) UXP, 100 will be rolled-over to year 3.
Hard benefits
- All FB Platinum/Club 2000-Skipper benefits
- Access to a Travel Assistant service 24/7. They are reachable by phone or by email. In practice, from 8 pm to 8 am CET, calls are taken by the Platinum line.
- highest priority on waiting list and in case of irrops
- Possibility to register up to 8 persons who can benefit from Sky Priority services and lounge access when traveling with the Ultimate member and on same PNR (lounge access is only in AFKL lounges here).
- one companion Platinum card
- when the Ultimate member is flying P, 2 guests are allowed in CDG P lounge.
- Zone 1 boarding, irrespective of travel class.
- Access to Hertz Platinum status
- four one-class upgrade certificates per membership year, requiring 1 from W to J, or 2 from Y to J. Upgrades are confirmed instantly at the time of booking (via the Travel Assistant). One voucher = one way. Vouchers can also be used by one of the 8 registered friend/family members travelling by themselves. In case of a long-haul flight with a medium-haul connection/feeder (e.g. CDG-AMS-JFK), the medium-haul segment will be upgraded also with still only one voucher used. In case of 2 long-haul flights in connection (e,g. DXB-CDG-JFK), the use of 2 vouchers is required to upgrade the 2 segments. Upgrade vouchers are usable only on AF- or KL-marketing and operating flights and the PNR must contains only the AFKL flights to be upgraded (if the PNR contains other non-AFKL flights, you cannot upgrade even just the AFKL flights).
The upgrade coupons are valid as soon as you reach Ultimate and is valid for 12 months. The vouchers need to be used within the membership year, but can be applied for travel post expiry date.
Rules for eligible booking classes for the upgrade vouchers are described below :
AF flights, long-haul
Premium Eco to Business
Original booking class : A, S, W
Upgraded booking class : Z, I, D, C (it means that if the flight has only J fare available, one cannot upgrade)
Eco to Business (all flights, except to/from USA, Canada, Mexico)
Original booking class : Y, B, M, U, K, H, L, Q, T, N, R
Upgraded booking class : Z, I, D, C (it means that if the flight has only J fare available, one cannot upgrade)
Eco to Business (flights to/from USA, Canada, Mexico, including LAX-PPT)
Original booking class : Y, B, M, U, K, H, L, Q, T, N
Upgraded booking class : Z, C
KL flights, long-haul
Eco to Business (all flights, except to/from USA, Canada, Mexico and DEL)
Original booking class : Y, B, M, U, K, H, L, Q, T, N, R
Upgraded booking class : Z, I, D, C
Eco to Business (flights to/from USA, Canada, Mexico and DEL)
Original booking class : Y, B, M, U, K, H, L, Q, T, N
Upgraded booking class : Z, I.
Airline-specific soft (unpublished) benefits
- AF, KL and contract staff at airports have a popup message on their computer screen when checking-in an Ultimate pax or when scanning a BP at the lounge (AFKL lounges only) asking them to be attentive at any special request of the Ultimate pax. See also below for airport-specific soft benefits. There is no known official policy for operational upgrades of Ultimates, but Ultimate members have all reported on FT a higher rate of op-up (but those remain rare !).
- AF and KL cabin crews are instructed to provide extra care and attentions on-board. It can take different forms : special greetings, extra amenities (pillow, oshibori, etc), F&B from the upper class, upgrades on board (Y to J medium haul, W to J or Y to W long haul), earlier and quicker meal service. This is not systematic and is up to the appreciation of the crew. Based on the reports of Ultimate members of this forum, AF crews seems to be more compliant than KL crews with those directives, although there has been several reports in this thread of nice attentions provided by KL crews.- Unlimited downloads (any day) in AF PLAY app.
Other Skyteam airlines do not provide any extra service or attentions to FB Ultimate passengers.
Airport-specific soft (unpublished) benefits
All benefits below should be understood for departure, unless otherwise noted. In addition to what is mentioned below, it has been reported several cases of expedited transfers organised by AFKL staff in case of short/endangered connection at various airports.
Please complete/edit this list as needed.
AFKL HUBS
Amsterdam
- AMS : some reserved tables in the Non-Schengen lounges. Reserved area in the Schengen lounge (need to ask staff at long entrance). Pre-boarding sometimes granted at the gate.
Paris CDG
Paris ORY
EUROPE
Austria
- VIE: no special treatment to report
Croatia
- DBV: no special treatment to report
- SPU: no special treatment to report (not even lounge access)
Czech Republic
- PRG: no special treatment to report. Pre-boarding refused.
Denmark
- CPH: no special treatment to report
France (non-hubs)
- AJA: no special treatment to reportMain facts
Ultimate is the top status in FB. It may be added to Club 2000 – Skipper status.
While other FB status (Silver/Gold/Platinum) are based on experience points earning (XP), Ultimate status is obtained by Ultimate XP (UXP) earning. UXPs are earned exclusively on AF- and KL-coded (= marketed) flights, whatever the operating airline.
Some examples :
- CDG-JFK AF-marketing, AF-operating : eligible to UXP earning
- CDG-JFK DL-marketing, AF-operating : NON-eligible to UXP earning
- AMS-BOS KL-marketing, DL-operating : eligible to UXP earning
- BOS-IND KL-marketing, DL-operating : eligible to UXP earning
- SIN-SYD AF-marketing, QF-operating : eligible to UXP earning
- CDG-FCO AZ-marketing, AZ-operating : NON-eligible to UXP earning
XP earned via AFKL Amex cards are not eligible (those are XP and not UXP).
To qualify for Ultimate, it is needed to have 900 UXP over a year. It is similar to the normal XP counter, resetting as soon as the tier is reached. Ultimate is valid for 1 year once granted. Note 03/2023 : the qualification system just changed from 1800 UXP over 2 years to 900 UXP/1 year. Some transitional measures are in place for the current Ultimate members. See here for details about handling of transition period :
https://www.flyingblue.com/fr/landin...m_content=main
Since 03/2023, a rollover of surplus UXP (over 900) is now possible to the next year and only to the next year (example : year 1, the member earns 2000UXP. At the end of year 1, only 900 UXP will be rolled-over to year 2 and the remaining 1100 UXP earned in Y1 will be lost and not be transferred to year 3. If during year 2, the member earned 1000 new (fresh) UXP, 100 will be rolled-over to year 3.
Hard benefits
- All FB Platinum/Club 2000-Skipper benefits
- Access to a Travel Assistant service 24/7. They are reachable by phone or by email. In practice, from 8 pm to 8 am CET, calls are taken by the Platinum line.
- highest priority on waiting list and in case of irrops
- Possibility to register up to 8 persons who can benefit from Sky Priority services and lounge access when traveling with the Ultimate member and on same PNR (lounge access is only in AFKL lounges here).
- one companion Platinum card
- when the Ultimate member is flying P, 2 guests are allowed in CDG P lounge.
- Zone 1 boarding, irrespective of travel class.
- Access to Hertz Platinum status
- four one-class upgrade certificates per membership year, requiring 1 from W to J, or 2 from Y to J. Upgrades are confirmed instantly at the time of booking (via the Travel Assistant). One voucher = one way. Vouchers can also be used by one of the 8 registered friend/family members travelling by themselves. In case of a long-haul flight with a medium-haul connection/feeder (e.g. CDG-AMS-JFK), the medium-haul segment will be upgraded also with still only one voucher used. In case of 2 long-haul flights in connection (e,g. DXB-CDG-JFK), the use of 2 vouchers is required to upgrade the 2 segments. Upgrade vouchers are usable only on AF- or KL-marketing and operating flights and the PNR must contains only the AFKL flights to be upgraded (if the PNR contains other non-AFKL flights, you cannot upgrade even just the AFKL flights).
The upgrade coupons are valid as soon as you reach Ultimate and is valid for 12 months. The vouchers need to be used within the membership year, but can be applied for travel post expiry date.
Rules for eligible booking classes for the upgrade vouchers are described below :
AF flights, long-haul
Premium Eco to Business
Original booking class : A, S, W
Upgraded booking class : Z, I, D, C (it means that if the flight has only J fare available, one cannot upgrade)
Eco to Business (all flights, except to/from USA, Canada, Mexico)
Original booking class : Y, B, M, U, K, H, L, Q, T, N, R
Upgraded booking class : Z, I, D, C (it means that if the flight has only J fare available, one cannot upgrade)
Eco to Business (flights to/from USA, Canada, Mexico, including LAX-PPT)
Original booking class : Y, B, M, U, K, H, L, Q, T, N
Upgraded booking class : Z, C
KL flights, long-haul
Eco to Business (all flights, except to/from USA, Canada, Mexico and DEL)
Original booking class : Y, B, M, U, K, H, L, Q, T, N, R
Upgraded booking class : Z, I, D, C
Eco to Business (flights to/from USA, Canada, Mexico and DEL)
Original booking class : Y, B, M, U, K, H, L, Q, T, N
Upgraded booking class : Z, I.
Airline-specific soft (unpublished) benefits
- AF, KL and contract staff at airports have a popup message on their computer screen when checking-in an Ultimate pax or when scanning a BP at the lounge (AFKL lounges only) asking them to be attentive at any special request of the Ultimate pax. See also below for airport-specific soft benefits. There is no known official policy for operational upgrades of Ultimates, but Ultimate members have all reported on FT a higher rate of op-up (but those remain rare !).
- AF and KL cabin crews are instructed to provide extra care and attentions on-board. It can take different forms : special greetings, extra amenities (pillow, oshibori, etc), F&B from the upper class, upgrades on board (Y to J medium haul, W to J or Y to W long haul), earlier and quicker meal service. This is not systematic and is up to the appreciation of the crew. Based on the reports of Ultimate members of this forum, AF crews seems to be more compliant than KL crews with those directives, although there has been several reports in this thread of nice attentions provided by KL crews.- Unlimited downloads (any day) in AF PLAY app.
Other Skyteam airlines do not provide any extra service or attentions to FB Ultimate passengers.
Airport-specific soft (unpublished) benefits
All benefits below should be understood for departure, unless otherwise noted. In addition to what is mentioned below, it has been reported several cases of expedited transfers organised by AFKL staff in case of short/endangered connection at various airports.
Please complete/edit this list as needed.
AFKL HUBS
Amsterdam
- AMS : some reserved tables in the Non-Schengen lounges. Reserved area in the Schengen lounge (need to ask staff at long entrance). Pre-boarding sometimes granted at the gate.
Paris CDG
- CDG 2E:
- Departure : Escort from check-in to immigration in the morning (super fast track). Reserved space at K/L/M lounges. Pre-boarding upon request at the gate before beginning of general boarding
- Arrival : access to dedicated lane at passport control, all the way to the left, follow the "ULTIMATE" sign.
- Departure : There is a special Ultimate check-in counter in the SkyP zone (on the left of terminal). Reserved room in the lounge. Pre-boarding upon request at the gate before beginning of general boarding. Escort is provided from the counter to security (skipping the line).
- Arrival : no special treatment to report
- Departure : Reserved space in the lounge
- Arrival : no special treatment to report
Paris ORY
- Departure : Reserved space at Schengen and non-Schengen lounges. Pre-boarding upon request at the lounge.
- Arrival : no special treatment to report
EUROPE
Austria
- VIE: no special treatment to report
Croatia
- DBV: no special treatment to report
- SPU: no special treatment to report (not even lounge access)
Czech Republic
- PRG: no special treatment to report. Pre-boarding refused.
Denmark
- CPH: no special treatment to report
France (non-hubs)
- BES: no special treatment to report
- BIQ: no special treatment to report
- BOD: pre-boarding from lounge to plane inconsistently proposed
- CDG: see top of the list in "AFKL hubs".
- LYS: Escort from lounge to plane when flying from B gates provided upon request . Preboarding with escort to the plane consistently provided.
- MPL: pre-boarding with escort from lounge to plane, sometimes proposed (AF agent comes to the contract lounge to meet the Ultimate guest)
- MRS: no special treatment to report
- NCE: Reserved area in Infinity lounge (inconsistently provided : seems to be provided only when lounge crowded). Pre-boarding with escort from lounge to plane, sometimes proposed.
- NTE: no special treatment to report
- ORY: see top of the list in "AFKL hubs".
- PUF: bypass queue at security and pre-boarding provided upon request
- RNS: bypass queue at security and pre-boarding provided upon request
- TLS: Escort from check in to lounge inconsistently provided. Pre-boarding consistently provided
Germany
- BER: no special treatment to report
- DUS: no special treatment to report
- FRA: no special treatment to report
- HAM: no special treatment to report
- HAJ: No special treatment to report.
- MUC: Reserved area in the lounge, escort from lounge to plane with pre-boarding proposed.
- STR: reserved area in the lounge, pre-boarding
Greece
- ATH: no special treatment to report
- HER: no special treatment to report
- JTR: no special treatment to report
Hungary
- BUD: escort through security from check-in to lounge proposed
Ireland
- DUB: no special treatment to report
Italy
- BLQ: escort from check-in to lounge, and through security to plane.
- BRI: no special treatment to report
- CTA: no special treatment to report
- FCO: no special treatment to report
- FLR: no special treatment to report
- LIN: no special treatment to report
- MXP: pre-boarding granted by request
- VCE: escort through security from check-in to lounge, pre-boarding with escort from lounge to plane (not always consistently proposed)
- NAP: no special treatment to report
Netherlands
- AMS: see top of the list in "AFKL hubs".
Norway
- OSL: no special treatment to report
- TRF: no special treatment to report
- KRS: no special treatment to report
- SVG: no special treatment to report
Poland
- WAW: no special treatment to report
- KRK: no special treatment to report
- GDN: no special treatment to report
Portugal
- LIS: pre-boarding proposed upon request
Russia
- SVO: no special treatment to report
- LED: no special treatment to report
Spain
- AGP: no special treatment to report
- BCN: no special treatment to report
- MAD: no special treatment to report
- PMI: no special treatment to report
- SVQ: no special treatment to report
- TFS: no special treatment to report
- VLC: no special treatment to report
Sweden
- ARN: no special treatment to report
- GOT: no special treatment to report
Switzerland
- GVA: pre-boarding upon request. Reserved area in the lounge
- ZRH: no special treatment
United Kingdom
- ABZ: no special treatment to report
- EDI: no special treatment to report
- LHR: no special treatment to report
NORTH AMERICA
Canada
- YUL: Escort from check-in to lounge upon request. Reserved area in lounge, pre-boarding with escort from lounge to plane
- YYZ: escort on arrival through immigration, consistently offered. / Escort from check-in to lounge and from lounge to airplane
- YQB: escort from check-in to lounge proposed
- YVR: no special treatment to report
USA
- ATL: no special treatment to report (in connection)
- BOS: escort through security from check-in to lounge, pre-boarding, all consistently provided mostly spontaneously, sometimes upon request. A separate room in the AF lounge is also proposed.
- DTW: no special treatment to report (starting from DTW or in connection)
- IAD: escort through security from check-in to lounge upon request, but inconsistently provided. Reserved area at the lounge.
- IAH: no special treatment to report
- JFK (AF only / terminal 1) : reserved table in the dining area of the lounge (upstairs),
- JFK (KL only / terminal 4) : no special treatments to report.
- LAX: no special treatment to report
- ORD: On arrival, escort through immigration (not consistently provided). On departure, escort through security to lounge and from lounge to plane (pre-boarding)
- MSP: no special treatment to report, except one case of special DL Elite VIP treatment with expedited immigration and Porsche transfer to/from lounge (not a regular benefit to expect)
- SEA: pre-boarding with escort to plane
- SFO: reserved area in lounge
Mexico
- MEX (Terminal 1): escort through security to lounge with access to dedicated space. Ride from lounge to gate. Sometimes escort on arrival
CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA
- BOG: no special treatment to report
- LIM: escort to lounge, provided spontaneously
- GIG: Pre-boarding upon request.
- GRU: escort in case of short connection upon request, inconsistently provided; as of 02/2024 pre-boarding offered at check-in and provided by gate-staff (inconsistently provided).
- SCL: as of 03/2024 escort to lounge offered at departure check-in, pick-up from lounge and pre-boarding done
- EZE: escort to lounge with special crew lane for immigration provided spontaneously
ASIA / PACIFIC
- BKK: escort through security from check-in to lounge, upon request but inconsistently proposed. In connection : escort in case of short connection (better to request it before departure).
- BLR: escort from lounge to gate, pre-boarding provided
- BOM : escort from plane to immigration, and from checkin to the lounge
- DEL: as of 01/2024 escort upon arrival; proactive pre-departure call to arrange terminal entry via VIP entrance and escort to gate for pre-boarding (if lounge used, offered to pick up for pre-boarding)
- HKG: no special treatment to report.
- HND: Arrival : new 09/2023 = escort through immigration. Departure : escort from check-in desk to private (crew) security, proposed spontaneously
- KIX: Arrival : escort through immigration, wait at baggage claim. Departure : escort from check-in desk to lounge All proposed spontaneously
- SIN: no special treatment to report
CARIBBEAN & INDIAN OCEAN
- CUR: no special treatment to report, there is no (sky)priority lane for security or immigration, but escort/short track is available for 100 $.
- HAV: at departure, escort from check in counters until security checks. Pre-boarding offered. No escort at arrival. No reserved space in Lounge.
- FDF: No reserved space in Lounge. Pre-boarding upon request at the gate.
- MRU: escort on arrival through immigration. Unknown for departures (no data point)
- PTP: Reserved table in lounge. Pre-boarding upon request at the lounge with escort from lounge to plane.
- RUN: Pre-boarding proposed at check-in and in the lounge, with escort from lounge to plane. Reserved seats in lounge
- SXM: Escort for incoming transit pax (from/to AF flight) through passport controls and security, pre-boarding pro-actively offered for AF departure
MIDDLE EAST
- AUH : no special treatment to report
- BEY: no special treatment to report
- DXB: escort from check-in to lounge and from lounge to plane, all upon request, consistently provided. Access to the Ahlan lounge (normally reserved for P pax) instead of Skyteam lounge.
- JED: no special treatment to report
- RUH: no special treatment to report
- IST: no special treatment to report
AFRICA
- AGA: escort from check in to lounge and from lounge to aircraft, provided spontaneously
- CAI: no special treatment to report
- CMN: escort on arrival through immigration (not always consistently provided)
- CPT: escort from counter to lounge, provided spontaneously
- JNB: escort from counter to lounge (no fast track at immigration), provided spontaneously
- LOS: no special treatment to report
- RAK: escort on arrival, upon request (not provided on departure)
- RBA: on departure : escort to lounge and to plane, provided spontaneously.
- TUN: escort on arrival through immigration provided. Escort from check-in to lounge provided
- ZNZ: no special treatment to report (not even lounge access)
Flying Blue Platinum Ultimate Status
Oct 20, 2018, 3:26 pm
#1651
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Paris, France
Programs: AF/KL Flying Blue Platinum for life/Club2000 Ultimate, Accor ALL Diamond
Posts: 21,922
The AF arrival lounge in CDG2C gives priority for shower to Ultimate pax. I suppose they do the same now in AMS.
Oct 20, 2018, 7:53 pm
#1652
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: France
Programs: LH Senator, AF/KL Platinum Ultimate, Le Club Accor Hotels Diamond, Nordic Choice Hotels Platinum
Posts: 60
I am sure all TA have their favored and bad Ulti members and that the names of the "bad ones" (i.e. unpleasant, arrogant, too demanding, etc) are well-known to the whole team.
I think it is very important, apart the respect that is of course due to them, to report them also the positive experiences. And to remember that, when something goes bad or not as good as it should be, it is not always their fault or usually not their fault.
I think it is very important, apart the respect that is of course due to them, to report them also the positive experiences. And to remember that, when something goes bad or not as good as it should be, it is not always their fault or usually not their fault.
I just landed in Asia and again, after a 12hrs flight without any special attention (but again, I am not asking for), no escort through the crazy long immigration and no speedy service on my luggage (which delivery took even longer than the immigration process).
So, Ultimate = ZERO benefit on that AF trip (domestic + long haul flights, transfer, immigration, luggage, etc etc etc). Will fly back on Wednesday (AF again), wait and see, but I sincerly don’t expect anything from AFKL anymore.
For me it’s over. I cannot believe that being such a so called « VIP », they ask me to run from 2G to 2E because of the delayed first flight, with the risk to miss my flight. This is my very first requirement to such a VIP program, and it miserably fails. Obvioulsy, the benefits AF are working on, are so far from I would expect from such a program... But again, I am may be spoiled by my HON experience (which should nevertheless be a good reference for AF -and even more KL-).
Oct 20, 2018, 11:15 pm
#1653
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Champaign, IL
Programs: AF/KL FB Ultimate Platinum for Life/Club 2000, UA MileagePlus
Posts: 524
In that case, I must be a very neutral guy: I have never contacted them, either for good nor for bad reports / requests. If I need to write / call them to expect something, then something is principally wrong with that status.
I just landed in Asia and again, after a 12hrs flight without any special attention (but again, I am not asking for), no escort through the crazy long immigration and no speedy service on my luggage (which delivery took even longer than the immigration process).
So, Ultimate = ZERO benefit on that AF trip (domestic + long haul flights, transfer, immigration, luggage, etc etc etc). Will fly back on Wednesday (AF again), wait and see, but I sincerly don’t expect anything from AFKL anymore.
For me it’s over. I cannot believe that being such a so called « VIP », they ask me to run from 2G to 2E because of the delayed first flight, with the risk to miss my flight. This is my very first requirement to such a VIP program, and it miserably fails. Obvioulsy, the benefits AF are working on, are so far from I would expect from such a program... But again, I am may be spoiled by my HON experience (which should nevertheless be a good reference for AF -and even more KL-).
I just landed in Asia and again, after a 12hrs flight without any special attention (but again, I am not asking for), no escort through the crazy long immigration and no speedy service on my luggage (which delivery took even longer than the immigration process).
So, Ultimate = ZERO benefit on that AF trip (domestic + long haul flights, transfer, immigration, luggage, etc etc etc). Will fly back on Wednesday (AF again), wait and see, but I sincerly don’t expect anything from AFKL anymore.
For me it’s over. I cannot believe that being such a so called « VIP », they ask me to run from 2G to 2E because of the delayed first flight, with the risk to miss my flight. This is my very first requirement to such a VIP program, and it miserably fails. Obvioulsy, the benefits AF are working on, are so far from I would expect from such a program... But again, I am may be spoiled by my HON experience (which should nevertheless be a good reference for AF -and even more KL-).
- At some European outstations (e.g., STR): Reserved table at the lounge, pre- or post-boarding consistently offered, minivan service to the aircraft if the latter is parked away from the terminal. There are unfortunately so many airports (e.g., BSL, LUX), where there is clearly zero advantage of being Ultimate.
- At some non-European outstations (e.g., ORD): Full Ultimate service from check-in to boarding (expedited TSA and security filters, reserved table at the lounge, pre- or post-boarding), flawless and consistent. Most importantly, this service is offered proactively (as opposed to having to ask for it, e.g., BOS). Many, if not most outstations, however, only offer partial service (e.g., PEK, HKG, CAN, SFO).
- At CDG: Reserved room (2E/L/M) or reserved space (2E/K, 2F, 2G), priority shower, selection of journals handed upon arrival, pre- or post-boarding (sometimes offered proactively, and sometimes not), occasional escort to the gate (very unsystematic). Perks and extra attentions greatly depend upon who is running the lounge. At 2E/L, the dedicated room being far from the buffets, I have been offered to have some food brought to me (which I declined; I prefer to pick my own stuff). At 2E/M, they brought me freshly baked Madeleine cakes once.
- At KLM: Well.. We all know what to expect there (perhaps priority shower).
- On board AF metal: Flying in Y or W, the additional care is extremely limited and markedly varies as a function of the chief purser. I have had dishes and glasses of wine from J proactively brought to me, and I have also had simply nothing (there have been raising eyebrows from neighbors when I was brought a plate from the front of the aircraft, even though flight attendants try to be not too ostentatious). Greetings by the purser, possibly the chief purser, is nearly systematic. Flying in J is whole different story. If there is a P cabin, I now almost always get something from there. Meal preorder is not systematic, but happens regularly. In general, the crew is both considerate and affable, and pays regular visits to ask whether everything is okay (they sometimes overdo it, which is annoying when you are trying to follow a movie).
- On board KL metal: Flying in Y, the additional care is again ultra-limited. Greetings by the purser is not systematic. Flying in J has always been an enjoyable experience, with a very distinctive Ultimate treatment. Greetings by the purser and the chief purser is systematic. Upon request, they will expedite the meal service and clear the table before attending to the other PAXs. I was bluffed on my last flight by the question as to whether I had special requests. Nice touch.
- Opup's: This has already been discussed at length on this thread, and as an Ultimate (probably just like everyone else), I have been opup'ed both from W to J and from J to P a number of times within the two-year cycle.
- Upgrades: I praise the Travel Assistant team for having arranged several upgrades, dealing directly with the Revenue Management people. On so many occasions, the first (and possibly the second, and the third...) answer was negative, but eventually (sometimes only a day before departure), a seat in J became available, and I was able to purchase it with miles. Who knows, however, how this advantage will evolve, as upgrades will become easier to get for everyone, with a dynamic-pricing scheme (after chatting with the TA team, it remains unclear how this works).
- Irregularities: This is where the Travel Assistant team has proven particularly valuable, assuming they could anticipate and prevent havoc. The best case scenario was over a year ago at BSL, waiting for a flight to CDG, with a continuation to ORD. That day, both morning flights to CDG and ORY got canceled. I got immediately rebooked on an LH flight via MUC, in the J cabin, no less. Another time, with a four-hour delay at XMN, I only had 45 minutes to catch my connecting flight at CAN, and, again, the TA team had coordinated with the ground staff to expedite transfer between terminals. Unfortunately, it does not always work so smoothly, and there have been instances where the TA team proved incapable of dealing with major disruptions, like a seven-hour delay at BOS, last summer, causing me to miss my connection at CDG.
Macaron54
Oct 21, 2018, 5:03 am
#1655
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Champaign, IL
Programs: AF/KL FB Ultimate Platinum for Life/Club 2000, UA MileagePlus
Posts: 524
- Dedicated Travel Assistant
- Exclusive services for family members
- Priority status in case of flight disruptions
- 2 free upgrades to Business Class per year
- 1 Flying Blue Platinum card for a family member
- Earn 8 Miles for each euro spent
- Enjoy all Platinum benefits, including free lounge access with a guest, SkyPriority, extra check-in baggage allowance on SkyTeam flights, free access to seat options and much more
Oct 21, 2018, 6:53 am
#1656
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: France
Programs: LH Senator, AF/KL Platinum Ultimate, Le Club Accor Hotels Diamond, Nordic Choice Hotels Platinum
Posts: 60
To me, the situation is somehow easier to describe: what AFKL is willing to offer is not in accordance to what Ultimate customers are looking for. It’s as simple as that...
Oct 21, 2018, 10:33 am
#1657
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Champaign, IL
Programs: AF/KL FB Ultimate Platinum for Life/Club 2000, UA MileagePlus
Posts: 524
- A personal assistant on the ground, which has been hitherto a hit or miss. In practice, due to a notoriously understaffed ground personnel, notably at CDG and AMS, the offer is subservient to the availability of agents and possibly of a vehicle (as is the case for DL Diamond/360 PAXs). When it exists, this service does not always address the needs of Ultimate PAXs. It would be useful if it involved an expeditious immigration and security clearance.
- Travel assistant. The first feedbacks are overall positive, with a genuine willingness to help PAXs to resolve travel mishaps as efficiently as possible.
- Reserved access to lounges. This offer could be of great value, but at some AF lounges, is limited to a mere reservation (not even always) of a seat, possibly two, and a table, in a section of the lounge that can be extremely noisy at times, when the lounge features working areas that are usually quieter.
- On-board recognition. It has been hitherto a hit or miss, with the entire range of behaviors, from the total absence of recognition to an enhanced service, irrespective of the class of service.
- A consistent and reproducible personal assistant service on the ground, offering, just like for P PAXs, an expedited immigration and security clearance. Toward this end, Ultimate PAXs should be escorted consistently by a dedicated staff. AFKL should also make sure that the Ultimate Platinum card is recognized by airport agents, who will let the PAXs go through dedicated fast lines.
- Access to dedicated, possibly isolated areas of the lounges, offering a peaceful and serene atmosphere, appropriate to work or relax prior to a long-haul flight.
- Domestic and global upgrade coupons to be at par with the other airlines. The resistance of AFKL to offer complimentary upgrades to its top-tier PAXs should stop with the Ultimate program. Top revenue-generating PAXs cannot simply rely on their good fortune in the form of op’ups or play Russian roulette in the hope that a DOD upgrade is available when they fly. Upgrades should be open for reservation more than 24 hours ahead of time.
- Priority for courtesy op’ups and DOD upgrades, with precedence over both Club2000/Skipper and lower-status PAXs.
- A bonus greater than that given to standard Platinum PAXs.
Oct 21, 2018, 11:09 am
#1658
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: France
Programs: LH Senator, AF/KL Platinum Ultimate, Le Club Accor Hotels Diamond, Nordic Choice Hotels Platinum
Posts: 60
Hi Macaron54, while we almost agree on what we would like to ask for (even if to me, travel assistant and on-board recognition would be on the very end of the list, compared to getting the limousine service when parking at outside position, a dedicated area in a more quite lounge, fast track lane at immigration, and getting my luggage in the first 10 passengers on a 400 people flight), my frustration is simply coming from my experience: I understand that you post regular good experiences and improvements, but in my personal case, I simply don’t feel it. Of course not at KL, but as per today experience also not at AF.
Anyway, no need to debate on it anymore. The inconsistency of the program simply generates these frustrations. Different service level between the different hubs, and different service level between the different flights / passengers.
Anyway, no need to debate on it anymore. The inconsistency of the program simply generates these frustrations. Different service level between the different hubs, and different service level between the different flights / passengers.
Oct 22, 2018, 4:34 am
#1659
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 33
Consistency, consistency....
My flight to GRU last night is a perfect illustration of this lack of consistency we may experience as Ultimate passengers :
- Warm welcome at the 2E/K lounge e.g. “We were waiting for you Mr Zebulon”, escort to reserved area, etc...
- Very efficient pre-boarding upon request as boarding area was really crowded....
- And... ZERO recognition on board.... Nada !
Before the end of the flight, I decided to chat with the chief purser and questioned this lack of consistency and shared my “poor customer experience” during the flight... He acknowledged the issue but did not provide any meaningful explanations... Really?....
What a contrast with the experience on KL flight back from ICN last week !... Quite amazing actually. But as we said before, we get used to it unfortunately....
- Warm welcome at the 2E/K lounge e.g. “We were waiting for you Mr Zebulon”, escort to reserved area, etc...
- Very efficient pre-boarding upon request as boarding area was really crowded....
- And... ZERO recognition on board.... Nada !
Before the end of the flight, I decided to chat with the chief purser and questioned this lack of consistency and shared my “poor customer experience” during the flight... He acknowledged the issue but did not provide any meaningful explanations... Really?....
What a contrast with the experience on KL flight back from ICN last week !... Quite amazing actually. But as we said before, we get used to it unfortunately....
Oct 22, 2018, 4:41 am
#1660
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 33
Consistency, consistency....
My flight to GRU last night is a perfect illustration of this lack of consistency we may experience as Ultimate passengers :
- Warm welcome at the 2E/K lounge e.g. “We were waiting for you Mr Zebulon”, escort to reserved area, etc...
- Very efficient pre-boarding upon request as boarding area was really crowded....
- And... ZERO recognition on board.... Nada !
Before the end of the flight, I decided to chat with the chief purser and questioned this lack of consistency and shared my “poor customer experience” during the flight... He acknowledged the issue but did not provide any meaningful explanations... Really?....
What a contrast with the experience on KL flight back from ICN last week !... Quite amazing actually. But as we said before, we get used to it unfortunately....
- Warm welcome at the 2E/K lounge e.g. “We were waiting for you Mr Zebulon”, escort to reserved area, etc...
- Very efficient pre-boarding upon request as boarding area was really crowded....
- And... ZERO recognition on board.... Nada !
Before the end of the flight, I decided to chat with the chief purser and questioned this lack of consistency and shared my “poor customer experience” during the flight... He acknowledged the issue but did not provide any meaningful explanations... Really?....
What a contrast with the experience on KL flight back from ICN last week !... Quite amazing actually. But as we said before, we get used to it unfortunately....
Oct 22, 2018, 5:53 am
#1661
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Champaign, IL
Programs: AF/KL FB Ultimate Platinum for Life/Club 2000, UA MileagePlus
Posts: 524
My flight to GRU last night is a perfect illustration of this lack of consistency we may experience as Ultimate passengers :
- Warm welcome at the 2E/K lounge e.g. “We were waiting for you Mr Zebulon”, escort to reserved area, etc...
- Very efficient pre-boarding upon request as boarding area was really crowded....
- And... ZERO recognition on board.... Nada !
Before the end of the flight, I decided to chat with the chief purser and questioned this lack of consistency and shared my “poor customer experience” during the flight... He acknowledged the issue but did not provide any meaningful explanations... Really?....
What a contrast with the experience on KL flight back from ICN last week !... Quite amazing actually. But as we said before, we get used to it unfortunately....
- Warm welcome at the 2E/K lounge e.g. “We were waiting for you Mr Zebulon”, escort to reserved area, etc...
- Very efficient pre-boarding upon request as boarding area was really crowded....
- And... ZERO recognition on board.... Nada !
Before the end of the flight, I decided to chat with the chief purser and questioned this lack of consistency and shared my “poor customer experience” during the flight... He acknowledged the issue but did not provide any meaningful explanations... Really?....
What a contrast with the experience on KL flight back from ICN last week !... Quite amazing actually. But as we said before, we get used to it unfortunately....
Oct 22, 2018, 8:31 am
#1662
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,049
My flight to GRU last night is a perfect illustration of this lack of consistency we may experience as Ultimate passengers :
- Warm welcome at the 2E/K lounge e.g. “We were waiting for you Mr Zebulon”, escort to reserved area, etc...
- Very efficient pre-boarding upon request as boarding area was really crowded....
- And... ZERO recognition on board.... Nada !
Before the end of the flight, I decided to chat with the chief purser and questioned this lack of consistency and shared my “poor customer experience” during the flight... He acknowledged the issue but did not provide any meaningful explanations... Really?....
What a contrast with the experience on KL flight back from ICN last week !... Quite amazing actually. But as we said before, we get used to it unfortunately....
- Warm welcome at the 2E/K lounge e.g. “We were waiting for you Mr Zebulon”, escort to reserved area, etc...
- Very efficient pre-boarding upon request as boarding area was really crowded....
- And... ZERO recognition on board.... Nada !
Before the end of the flight, I decided to chat with the chief purser and questioned this lack of consistency and shared my “poor customer experience” during the flight... He acknowledged the issue but did not provide any meaningful explanations... Really?....
What a contrast with the experience on KL flight back from ICN last week !... Quite amazing actually. But as we said before, we get used to it unfortunately....
Being underway every week as most of you guys, i would rate the number of my European and International flights with a recognition on board at 15% only !!! The others 85% flights happen with absolutely ZERO extra attention on board.
Oct 22, 2018, 3:00 pm
#1663
Join Date: Apr 2005
Programs: Eurostar Carte Blanche, SBB-CFF-FFS GA-AG, SNCF Grand Voyageur LeClub
Posts: 7,836
Which is odd. I am *not* Ultimate, but since about 1.5 years or so I get some personal attention on board in about 80% of cases (Air France flights). CDC comes to greet me, addressed by name, first to choose meal...
Oct 22, 2018, 3:18 pm
#1664
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Champaign, IL
Programs: AF/KL FB Ultimate Platinum for Life/Club 2000, UA MileagePlus
Posts: 524
. 80% sounds about accurate. I am being ignored on most short-hauls and commuter flights, but on long hauls, recognition and additional care have been nearly systematic in the past 12 months or so.