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 23, 2018, 5:43 am
#1666
Join Date: Apr 2005
Programs: Eurostar Carte Blanche, SBB-CFF-FFS GA-AG, SNCF Grand Voyageur LeClub
Posts: 7,836
There still is is a lot of variability, but despite getting different degrees of extra attention, there is something on most flights. Ranging from the « Hello San Gottardo » to on-board upgrades (short haul, twice in 2 years).
So, in my experience :
Yes, the promised benefits for ULTI are extremely poor (actually not my experience but from what I read here)
Yes, AF has a consistency problem with much more variability than other airlines I know (the best of AF is better than other airlines’ best, and the worst is worse than other airlines’ worst - but you never know what you’ll get and it can be anywhere on that range)
No, they don’t systematically ignore status pax, unless they do less for ULTIs than for normal people like me - which would be surprising and, if true, outright commercially stupid
Oct 23, 2018, 6:57 am
#1667
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 23, 2018, 11:04 am
#1668
Join Date: Apr 2005
Programs: Eurostar Carte Blanche, SBB-CFF-FFS GA-AG, SNCF Grand Voyageur LeClub
Posts: 7,836
The Gordian knot here is that the only benefits we have been promised are spelled out on our Flying Blue space,and nowhere is it stated that flight attendants should greet us by name, ask for meal preorder, get us dishes and beverages from P, clear our table before everyone else's aboard, and offer us a courtesy upgrade to the next class of service, nor that the ground staff should escort us by car between terminals, usher us to a reserved, quiet space, and expedite passport control and security check. In short, the benefits that many of us consider as direly needed not being listed above (as has been discussed previously, they exist as loose directives, which the AFKL personnel, on the ground or in the air, may or may not follow), it is difficult to complain when they are not delivered.
- 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
Having said that, programs like that should have certain service protocols, i.e. things which are not listed but which are delivered to customers, consistently. From the numerous posts here those service protocols either do not exist, or they do exist and are simply not executed on by staff consistently. Both of which I would also label as « poor ».
Oct 25, 2018, 12:32 am
#1669
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Paris, France
Programs: AF/KL Flying Blue Platinum for life/Club2000 Ultimate, Accor ALL Diamond
Posts: 21,939
Regarding Ultimate experience, many stations could take example on my LYS-CDG trip yesterday. The LYS station has some of the best AF staff IMO.
- at check-in : spontaneous offer to be escorted through security to the lounge
- lounge : was introduced to lounge staff and was directed to a reserved area for P/C2000/Ulti pax. You know how crap, small and crowded this lounge is but it was nice to be in this small area with more comfy chairs. They asked me if I would be interested for pre-boarding (of course I was). Then they bring me a plate of mini sandwiches and after a plate of macarons (this was at meal time). All that with staff who was obviously happy and proud to do their job well.
- boarding : escort from lounge to gate, skipping all the line
- in flight : special greeting from chief purser who called me by my name as soon as I put a foot in the plane. He bring me a glass of Champagne during the flight (this is a domestic flight).
Que du bonheur ! Clearly examples to follow.
- at check-in : spontaneous offer to be escorted through security to the lounge
- lounge : was introduced to lounge staff and was directed to a reserved area for P/C2000/Ulti pax. You know how crap, small and crowded this lounge is but it was nice to be in this small area with more comfy chairs. They asked me if I would be interested for pre-boarding (of course I was). Then they bring me a plate of mini sandwiches and after a plate of macarons (this was at meal time). All that with staff who was obviously happy and proud to do their job well.
- boarding : escort from lounge to gate, skipping all the line
- in flight : special greeting from chief purser who called me by my name as soon as I put a foot in the plane. He bring me a glass of Champagne during the flight (this is a domestic flight).
Que du bonheur ! Clearly examples to follow.
Oct 25, 2018, 4:02 am
#1670
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Champaign, IL
Programs: AF/KL FB Ultimate Platinum for Life/Club 2000, UA MileagePlus
Posts: 524
Regarding Ultimate experience, many stations could take example on my LYS-CDG trip yesterday. The LYS station has some of the best AF staff IMO.
- at check-in : spontaneous offer to be escorted through security to the lounge
- lounge : was introduced to lounge staff and was directed to a reserved area for P/C2000/Ulti pax. You know how crap, small and crowded this lounge is but it was nice to be in this small area with more comfy chairs. They asked me if I would be interested for pre-boarding (of course I was). Then they bring me a plate of mini sandwiches and after a plate of macarons (this was at meal time). All that with staff who was obviously happy and proud to do their job well.
- boarding : escort from lounge to gate, skipping all the line
- in flight : special greeting from chief purser who called me by my name as soon as I put a foot in the plane. He bring me a glass of Champagne during the flight (this is a domestic flight).
Que du bonheur ! Clearly examples to follow.
- at check-in : spontaneous offer to be escorted through security to the lounge
- lounge : was introduced to lounge staff and was directed to a reserved area for P/C2000/Ulti pax. You know how crap, small and crowded this lounge is but it was nice to be in this small area with more comfy chairs. They asked me if I would be interested for pre-boarding (of course I was). Then they bring me a plate of mini sandwiches and after a plate of macarons (this was at meal time). All that with staff who was obviously happy and proud to do their job well.
- boarding : escort from lounge to gate, skipping all the line
- in flight : special greeting from chief purser who called me by my name as soon as I put a foot in the plane. He bring me a glass of Champagne during the flight (this is a domestic flight).
Que du bonheur ! Clearly examples to follow.
- At STR, last evening, welcome at check-in and at the lounge, where a table had been reserved. Proactive offer of a pre- or post-boarding on the HOP! flight. ^
- At the gate, warm welcome by the AF agent, who accompanied me to the door of the aircraft and introduced me to the purser. ^
- Warm welcome by the purser, who ushered me to my seat. Two additional cushions had been placed there. Spontaneous offer of a drink before takeoff, which never happened to me before. ^
- Very pleasant HOP! flight. The purser came a couple of times to ask me whether I needed something else. ^
- At CDG 2G, I had a prearranged motorized transfer to 2E in anticipation of passport control closing early, which has happened repeatedly in the past, forcing PAXs to exit the terminal, wait for an airport bus bound to 2F, walk to 2E, before eventually going through passport control and security check. Very nice folks in the car, and a smooth, fast ride from 2G to 2E. ^
- At CDG 2E, the AF agent escorted me through security, going through the P channel, and, thus, cutting the long line of PAXs (I was surprised by the crowd at this time of the day). At the 2E/K lounge, I was introduced to the other agents, some of whom I already knew, and was shown to the reserved shower. ^
- Prior to the official boarding time, I was offered to be escorted to the aircraft, where I was introduced to the purser of the J cabin. ^
- And then... Zero. Nada. Diddly squat
. As soon as I set foot on the aircraft, I was essentially ignored by the crew, or shall I say in all fairness, I had a very standard, mundane service. During the entire flight, I never saw the chief purser, let alone interacted with her. Needless to say that I have not been offered anything from P. And at PEK, as the aircraft parked on the tarmac (which has become common practice as of late), far from the international terminal earlier this afternoon, I was of course not invited to hop on the minivan reserved for the P PAXs. 
PS/ So, Goldorak, you like macarons
?
Oct 25, 2018, 2:49 pm
#1671
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Paris, France
Programs: AF/KL Flying Blue Platinum for life/Club2000 Ultimate, Accor ALL Diamond
Posts: 21,939
Oct 28, 2018, 12:16 pm
#1672
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 4,287
Hi,
Though not an Ulti myself, I've been reading this thread for fun. Just came off a flight from ORD flying in PE. I've heard a lot about family and friends getting special treatment, but on my flight yesterday, I've never seen so many being in what I am assuming were friends/family of the crew.
Out of the whole PE cabin of 24 seats, 60% seems to be filled with someone who knew the crew. There was especially a couple that basically received the whole business class treatment from the crew except for the cabin,
- J champagne
- J wine
- J food
- J pillows and amenities
Another couple behind me after being told by a pax from the J cabin, started to receive champagne and wine from J too later, but did not notice them getting food.
Later, saw the same crew speaking to another 2 passengers further front of the PE cabin quite often, but did not see them getting any J-class items...
There was also a teenager (maybe 12 or 13 y/o) that suddenly came to take up one of the PE seat, while the mother was in J. But at the end of the flight, just before landing, the mother came and sat next to him.
All in all, me as a passenger, especially after getting the normal Plat greeting from the CSD, seeing all this happening was actually not very professional in my opinion. I mean a glass or two of champagne or wine is ok, but coming so often back and serving basically all J-items so openly, I find it a bit too much. Saw the other passengers looking every time especially that particular couple receiving all the special treatment and we the normal passengers seem invisible to them besides the normal services.
Also a lot of the passengers in J and PE seemed to know each other.
Therefore I am wondering, if they can be so "nice" to their friend and family, it's a pity that they don't put such effort to improve the service for their ULTI level status passenger or even a slightly more effort than just greeting for their Plat status pax.
Cheers!
ps: I had wanted to upgrade to J for this flight, but it was crazy for the asking price at the airport, 44k or 360Euro (ok for the paid option it was not really too bad) for the A330 J-class (and a rather short flight). I lucked out as the seat next to me was free, so it was ok - but as usual the same PE complains.
Though not an Ulti myself, I've been reading this thread for fun. Just came off a flight from ORD flying in PE. I've heard a lot about family and friends getting special treatment, but on my flight yesterday, I've never seen so many being in what I am assuming were friends/family of the crew.
Out of the whole PE cabin of 24 seats, 60% seems to be filled with someone who knew the crew. There was especially a couple that basically received the whole business class treatment from the crew except for the cabin,
- J champagne
- J wine
- J food
- J pillows and amenities
Another couple behind me after being told by a pax from the J cabin, started to receive champagne and wine from J too later, but did not notice them getting food.
Later, saw the same crew speaking to another 2 passengers further front of the PE cabin quite often, but did not see them getting any J-class items...
There was also a teenager (maybe 12 or 13 y/o) that suddenly came to take up one of the PE seat, while the mother was in J. But at the end of the flight, just before landing, the mother came and sat next to him.
All in all, me as a passenger, especially after getting the normal Plat greeting from the CSD, seeing all this happening was actually not very professional in my opinion. I mean a glass or two of champagne or wine is ok, but coming so often back and serving basically all J-items so openly, I find it a bit too much. Saw the other passengers looking every time especially that particular couple receiving all the special treatment and we the normal passengers seem invisible to them besides the normal services.
Also a lot of the passengers in J and PE seemed to know each other.
Therefore I am wondering, if they can be so "nice" to their friend and family, it's a pity that they don't put such effort to improve the service for their ULTI level status passenger or even a slightly more effort than just greeting for their Plat status pax.
Cheers!
ps: I had wanted to upgrade to J for this flight, but it was crazy for the asking price at the airport, 44k or 360Euro (ok for the paid option it was not really too bad) for the A330 J-class (and a rather short flight). I lucked out as the seat next to me was free, so it was ok - but as usual the same PE complains.
Oct 28, 2018, 2:09 pm
#1673
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 761
Hi,
Though not an Ulti myself, I've been reading this thread for fun. Just came off a flight from ORD flying in PE. I've heard a lot about family and friends getting special treatment, but on my flight yesterday, I've never seen so many being in what I am assuming were friends/family of the crew.
Out of the whole PE cabin of 24 seats, 60% seems to be filled with someone who knew the crew. There was especially a couple that basically received the whole business class treatment from the crew except for the cabin,
- J champagne
- J wine
- J food
- J pillows and amenities
Another couple behind me after being told by a pax from the J cabin, started to receive champagne and wine from J too later, but did not notice them getting food.
Later, saw the same crew speaking to another 2 passengers further front of the PE cabin quite often, but did not see them getting any J-class items...
There was also a teenager (maybe 12 or 13 y/o) that suddenly came to take up one of the PE seat, while the mother was in J. But at the end of the flight, just before landing, the mother came and sat next to him.
All in all, me as a passenger, especially after getting the normal Plat greeting from the CSD, seeing all this happening was actually not very professional in my opinion. I mean a glass or two of champagne or wine is ok, but coming so often back and serving basically all J-items so openly, I find it a bit too much. Saw the other passengers looking every time especially that particular couple receiving all the special treatment and we the normal passengers seem invisible to them besides the normal services.
Also a lot of the passengers in J and PE seemed to know each other.
Therefore I am wondering, if they can be so "nice" to their friend and family, it's a pity that they don't put such effort to improve the service for their ULTI level status passenger or even a slightly more effort than just greeting for their Plat status pax.
Cheers!
ps: I had wanted to upgrade to J for this flight, but it was crazy for the asking price at the airport, 44k or 360Euro (ok for the paid option it was not really too bad) for the A330 J-class (and a rather short flight). I lucked out as the seat next to me was free, so it was ok - but as usual the same PE complains.
Though not an Ulti myself, I've been reading this thread for fun. Just came off a flight from ORD flying in PE. I've heard a lot about family and friends getting special treatment, but on my flight yesterday, I've never seen so many being in what I am assuming were friends/family of the crew.
Out of the whole PE cabin of 24 seats, 60% seems to be filled with someone who knew the crew. There was especially a couple that basically received the whole business class treatment from the crew except for the cabin,
- J champagne
- J wine
- J food
- J pillows and amenities
Another couple behind me after being told by a pax from the J cabin, started to receive champagne and wine from J too later, but did not notice them getting food.
Later, saw the same crew speaking to another 2 passengers further front of the PE cabin quite often, but did not see them getting any J-class items...
There was also a teenager (maybe 12 or 13 y/o) that suddenly came to take up one of the PE seat, while the mother was in J. But at the end of the flight, just before landing, the mother came and sat next to him.
All in all, me as a passenger, especially after getting the normal Plat greeting from the CSD, seeing all this happening was actually not very professional in my opinion. I mean a glass or two of champagne or wine is ok, but coming so often back and serving basically all J-items so openly, I find it a bit too much. Saw the other passengers looking every time especially that particular couple receiving all the special treatment and we the normal passengers seem invisible to them besides the normal services.
Also a lot of the passengers in J and PE seemed to know each other.
Therefore I am wondering, if they can be so "nice" to their friend and family, it's a pity that they don't put such effort to improve the service for their ULTI level status passenger or even a slightly more effort than just greeting for their Plat status pax.
Cheers!
ps: I had wanted to upgrade to J for this flight, but it was crazy for the asking price at the airport, 44k or 360Euro (ok for the paid option it was not really too bad) for the A330 J-class (and a rather short flight). I lucked out as the seat next to me was free, so it was ok - but as usual the same PE complains.
The cabin crew in on this flight don’t do what’s best for the customer but what is best for themselves.
It shows a lack of professionality but maybe more importantly, no genuine love for the company.
The management has to train the staff to put a revenueing customer on spot nr 1 and most importantly their Ulti’s and top tier frequent flyers.
There is really a long way to go here.
I fly really often with KLM but never experienced anything in this extent.
Oct 29, 2018, 9:25 am
#1675
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Champaign, IL
Programs: AF/KL FB Ultimate Platinum for Life/Club 2000, UA MileagePlus
Posts: 524
Very well said, BobTL and nldogbert. This is absolutely pathetic, and it makes me sick to my stomach. Whichever good excuse they might come with, this is totally unacceptable and shows lack of professionalism.
Oct 29, 2018, 9:31 am
#1676
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Champaign, IL
Programs: AF/KL FB Ultimate Platinum for Life/Club 2000, UA MileagePlus
Posts: 524
! Ah, ah, ah! Criticize all you want. This old 330 has been in service for as long as I can remember. I vividly recall when it got retrofitted, and the W cabin was introduced... about ten years ago. The 330's will be retrofitted again, starting 1/2019. We will see whether or not the Chicago route gets prioritized. I have a bad feeling about it 
. Just a hunch.
Oct 29, 2018, 9:36 am
#1677
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Paris and around the WW
Programs: AF/KLM Club2000 Ultimate / M&M HON Circle / ALL Diamond / Hertz President Circle
Posts: 1,040
I think my worst experience was with Joon... I was flying from BCN to GRU (through CDG) in J while my wife was flying with me in Y (stopping in CDG though).
I asked one of the flight attendant if there was some available seat in J (flight from BCN to CDG) so my wife could sit next to me; which would have been nice as I was leaving for 1 week in Sao Paulo. She confirmed me that this would be OK as 2 remaining seats were available (she even showed me the cabin map in their Ipad).
Unfortunately, 2 guys arrived at the end of the boarding (AF employees) and they took the 2 remaining seats without asking anything.
I reported the situation to the purser which did not care at all and explained me that these guys had their tickets (which obviously was false...)
When I asked to look at them, I was asked to sit immediately as I was delaying the flight...
. She clearly told me that she did not care that was Plat as it was AF membership and they were a different company... Worst experience with Joon
Oct 29, 2018, 12:41 pm
#1678
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 367
Oct 29, 2018, 2:26 pm
#1679
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Paris, France
Programs: AF/KL Flying Blue Platinum for life/Club2000 Ultimate, Accor ALL Diamond
Posts: 21,939
I asked one of the flight attendant if there was some available seat in J (flight from BCN to CDG) so my wife could sit next to me; which would have been nice as I was leaving for 1 week in Sao Paulo. She confirmed me that this would be OK as 2 remaining seats were available (she even showed me the cabin map in their Ipad).
Unfortunately, 2 guys arrived at the end of the boarding (AF employees) and they took the 2 remaining seats without asking anything.
I reported the situation to the purser which did not care at all and explained me that these guys had their tickets (which obviously was false...)
When I asked to look at them, I was asked to sit immediately as I was delaying the flight... . She clearly told me that she did not care that was Plat as it was AF membership and they were a different company...
Unfortunately, 2 guys arrived at the end of the boarding (AF employees) and they took the 2 remaining seats without asking anything.
I reported the situation to the purser which did not care at all and explained me that these guys had their tickets (which obviously was false...)
When I asked to look at them, I was asked to sit immediately as I was delaying the flight...
. She clearly told me that she did not care that was Plat as it was AF membership and they were a different company... This being said, I have of course no proof that they were indeed seated in J by ground staff and that it was not a kind of auto-upgrade...
Oct 30, 2018, 4:28 pm
#1680
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Up in the air
Programs: LH HON, BA LT Gold, AFKL ULTI, WOH Lifetime Globalist, Bonvoy Ambassador
Posts: 385
Hi,
Though not an Ulti myself, I've been reading this thread for fun. Just came off a flight from ORD flying in PE. I've heard a lot about family and friends getting special treatment, but on my flight yesterday, I've never seen so many being in what I am assuming were friends/family of the crew.
Out of the whole PE cabin of 24 seats, 60% seems to be filled with someone who knew the crew. There was especially a couple that basically received the whole business class treatment from the crew except for the cabin,
- J champagne
- J wine
- J food
- J pillows and amenities
Another couple behind me after being told by a pax from the J cabin, started to receive champagne and wine from J too later, but did not notice them getting food.
Later, saw the same crew speaking to another 2 passengers further front of the PE cabin quite often, but did not see them getting any J-class items...
There was also a teenager (maybe 12 or 13 y/o) that suddenly came to take up one of the PE seat, while the mother was in J. But at the end of the flight, just before landing, the mother came and sat next to him.
All in all, me as a passenger, especially after getting the normal Plat greeting from the CSD, seeing all this happening was actually not very professional in my opinion. I mean a glass or two of champagne or wine is ok, but coming so often back and serving basically all J-items so openly, I find it a bit too much. Saw the other passengers looking every time especially that particular couple receiving all the special treatment and we the normal passengers seem invisible to them besides the normal services.
Also a lot of the passengers in J and PE seemed to know each other.
Therefore I am wondering, if they can be so "nice" to their friend and family, it's a pity that they don't put such effort to improve the service for their ULTI level status passenger or even a slightly more effort than just greeting for their Plat status pax.
Cheers!
ps: I had wanted to upgrade to J for this flight, but it was crazy for the asking price at the airport, 44k or 360Euro (ok for the paid option it was not really too bad) for the A330 J-class (and a rather short flight). I lucked out as the seat next to me was free, so it was ok - but as usual the same PE complains.
Though not an Ulti myself, I've been reading this thread for fun. Just came off a flight from ORD flying in PE. I've heard a lot about family and friends getting special treatment, but on my flight yesterday, I've never seen so many being in what I am assuming were friends/family of the crew.
Out of the whole PE cabin of 24 seats, 60% seems to be filled with someone who knew the crew. There was especially a couple that basically received the whole business class treatment from the crew except for the cabin,
- J champagne
- J wine
- J food
- J pillows and amenities
Another couple behind me after being told by a pax from the J cabin, started to receive champagne and wine from J too later, but did not notice them getting food.
Later, saw the same crew speaking to another 2 passengers further front of the PE cabin quite often, but did not see them getting any J-class items...
There was also a teenager (maybe 12 or 13 y/o) that suddenly came to take up one of the PE seat, while the mother was in J. But at the end of the flight, just before landing, the mother came and sat next to him.
All in all, me as a passenger, especially after getting the normal Plat greeting from the CSD, seeing all this happening was actually not very professional in my opinion. I mean a glass or two of champagne or wine is ok, but coming so often back and serving basically all J-items so openly, I find it a bit too much. Saw the other passengers looking every time especially that particular couple receiving all the special treatment and we the normal passengers seem invisible to them besides the normal services.
Also a lot of the passengers in J and PE seemed to know each other.
Therefore I am wondering, if they can be so "nice" to their friend and family, it's a pity that they don't put such effort to improve the service for their ULTI level status passenger or even a slightly more effort than just greeting for their Plat status pax.
Cheers!
ps: I had wanted to upgrade to J for this flight, but it was crazy for the asking price at the airport, 44k or 360Euro (ok for the paid option it was not really too bad) for the A330 J-class (and a rather short flight). I lucked out as the seat next to me was free, so it was ok - but as usual the same PE complains.
Once in my seat another passenger took the other window seat (a young lady). I inquired with the FA whether they were mistaken at the Gate when they told me I would be the only F passenger that night. She told me it was the daughter of the captain and his wife and son would move over from J once the doors would be closed. At that time she also gave me the Menu and said I should chose my favourites so the other passengers could chose from the meals I did not wish to have. I was not plnning to eat anything, but go straight to sleep.
Then the purser came by to say hello and again I inquired why they were mistaken at the gate. She brushed me off and said sometimes Business would be full and they had to move passengers to P. By coincidence (being bored in the Lounge at a four hour stop) I had checked the seat maps and J was not even half full. Which I confronted her with. At that point the captain came to say hello. They had an intense chat on French (a language I don't speak well, but can understand basics). They discussed that I had inquired and would be "in the know". The captain introduced himself and said "I am sure you don't mind that my wife, daughter and son join you in P tonight, you know the stupid rules of the company that I can these days only get tickets in C for my family to join me on trips".
I told him that I don't mind, but that I would report it in CDG. I was looking forward to a quiet flight and a full family chatting all night was not something I felt joyful about. I told him "the stupid rules of my company make me work all week and then I am supposed to sleep on planes...". He inquired "you will report this, really?" "Yes of course I will" I replied. Now a full blown argument with the purser and him started. The purser trying to persuade him there will be no problem. He asked me again "you really will report my family joining you in Premiere?" "yes I will - I was looking forward to sleep on the middle seat and have the peace of the cabin on my own".
At this point the captain spoke to the young lady, apparently his daughter, and she moved away. Two minutes later he came back with his wife and made her introduce herself to me. He said "she will sit on the other window and she will also sleep and the cabin will be quiet, do you mind?" "No, I don't - that is ok" I said to him.
And this is how we ended up. I had a very quiet flight, slept all the way and got well rested to Paris. All I consumed was an espresso before landing and a few Evian. He came out of the cockpit straight at the Gate and thanked me. He asked "will you report this?" "no" I replied. He smiled with relief in his face.
It must have been a dreadful night for him. His kids probably upset to "only be in J", his wife separated from his kids and the sword over his head to be reported.
Not easy to be an AF Captain "these days".