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
Jul 4, 2019, 12:27 pm
#2146
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
Concorde was noisy, very noisy, and at the time noise-cancelling headphones weren't really as ubiquitous yet. And SSC lost its class (with BA) when they used plastic cutlery.
Unfortunately I was too young/too junior in my profession at the time to justify using it very often. If it existed today, I'd use it extensively between NYC and LHR/CDG (well, maybe not as often as I would like if prices would still be so much higher than First Class)
Unfortunately I was too young/too junior in my profession at the time to justify using it very often. If it existed today, I'd use it extensively between NYC and LHR/CDG (well, maybe not as often as I would like if prices would still be so much higher than First Class)
I did fly Concorde.
it was an interesting experience. But seats where awful, food limited. Regulars knew half of the pax and it had the reputation to be better for business contacts than golf games.
I loved UTA (flew several times SFO-CDG. I also enjoyed when they were flying ORY-NCE with a real business class with meal. And a free liquor bottle for everyone. I once got a DC10 on that route with sleeper seats. Air Liberte was not bad either.
it was an interesting experience. But seats where awful, food limited. Regulars knew half of the pax and it had the reputation to be better for business contacts than golf games.
I loved UTA (flew several times SFO-CDG. I also enjoyed when they were flying ORY-NCE with a real business class with meal. And a free liquor bottle for everyone. I once got a DC10 on that route with sleeper seats. Air Liberte was not bad either.
Jul 4, 2019, 12:37 pm
#2147
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 14,352
Firstly, and most importantly, flying was simply a far more relaxing and civilized experience back then. Smaller airports, smaller aircraft, no security hassles, fewer passengers, and the lucky few who could afford to travel by air almost without fail had a sense of decorum appropriate to the occasion. Not that they were more civilized than anybody else per se, but the veneer was thick enough to make it feel that way.
Secondly, although seats did not go flat, planes were really noisy, you had to bring your own IFE (e.g. a book) etc., First Class (no such thing as business class back then) was nevertheless truly a luxury experience, also on shorthaul flights. Food and drink was excellent, as were the other amenities. Are there any airlines out there that still offer passengers top-quality Havana cigars after dinner?
Flight attendant was still a pretty high status profession, airlines were picky about whom they hired. Quite a few KLM pursers, for example, had graduated from prestigious hotel schools. In-flight service was impeccable. Well, maybe not on Aeroflot or Interflug, but standards were very high on all proper airlines.
Airports with lounges were very few and far between, but that didn't really matter, as most public spaces at airports were far quieter and more spacious that any airline lounge is now.
So . . . was flying a lot more fun back in the days? Yes it was, in my opinion.
Johan
Jul 8, 2019, 6:35 pm
#2148
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: 🇸🇬 🇭🇰 🇫🇷
Programs: Many
Posts: 4,749
That's a good question and I'm curious as well
I am sad not having been able to fly Concord at least once and this plane is always teasing me each time I am flying from/to CDG
My parents used to live in Gabon (I did with them as well) and they were flying very frequently with UTA / Air France - they both keep an amazing feedback of these times on which on-board service was excellent with a special atmosphere
I am sad not having been able to fly Concord at least once and this plane is always teasing me each time I am flying from/to CDG
My parents used to live in Gabon (I did with them as well) and they were flying very frequently with UTA / Air France - they both keep an amazing feedback of these times on which on-board service was excellent with a special atmosphere
I did fly Concorde.
it was an interesting experience. But seats where awful, food limited. Regulars knew half of the pax and it had the reputation to be better for business contacts than golf games.
I loved UTA (flew several times SFO-CDG. I also enjoyed when they were flying ORY-NCE with a real business class with meal. And a free liquor bottle for everyone. I once got a DC10 on that route with sleeper seats. Air Liberte was not bad either.
it was an interesting experience. But seats where awful, food limited. Regulars knew half of the pax and it had the reputation to be better for business contacts than golf games.
I loved UTA (flew several times SFO-CDG. I also enjoyed when they were flying ORY-NCE with a real business class with meal. And a free liquor bottle for everyone. I once got a DC10 on that route with sleeper seats. Air Liberte was not bad either.
Concorde was noisy, very noisy, and at the time noise-cancelling headphones weren't really as ubiquitous yet. And SSC lost its class (with BA) when they used plastic cutlery.
Unfortunately I was too young/too junior in my profession at the time to justify using it very often. If it existed today, I'd use it extensively between NYC and LHR/CDG (well, maybe not as often as I would like if prices would still be so much higher than First Class)
Unfortunately I was too young/too junior in my profession at the time to justify using it very often. If it existed today, I'd use it extensively between NYC and LHR/CDG (well, maybe not as often as I would like if prices would still be so much higher than First Class)
Jul 9, 2019, 5:40 am
#2149
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2000
Posts: 15,351
I flew UTA in Bus several times, they did not have "sleeper seats" in the modern way, they were just big/wider seats that reclined maybe 140 degrees. As for the "plastic cutlery" comment, for the year after 9/11 every single airline instituted a minimum of plastic knives, if not all cutlery, so this is comment is in no way relevant to just the Concorde.
Jul 30, 2019, 3:45 am
#2150
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Switzerland
Programs: AFKL Flying Blue Platinum Ultimate, Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador Elite
Posts: 369
Nice Ultimate Experience
After a few long haul flights from when I've become Ultimate, I finally experienced the expected treatment on a flight from HND to CDG tonight. Perfect crew from any aspect, my preferences read and executed, and some extra mile like wine from La Premiere.
Last edited by Andy82; Jul 30, 2019 at 6:46 am
Aug 3, 2019, 5:42 am
#2151
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
After a few recent flights to GRU, BCN, NTE, YUL with nothing special, I got a very nice experience yesterday in JFK (was travelling in J)
Table reserved at the lounge for dinner, wine from P offered without asking and a very welcome Lounge manager.
Asked pre-boarding in the lounge and I got exceptionally escorted to the gate (offered based on ground staff availabilities).
Last but not least, got upgraded in P at boarding gate (1st one since I'm Ulti)^
Table reserved at the lounge for dinner, wine from P offered without asking and a very welcome Lounge manager.
Asked pre-boarding in the lounge and I got exceptionally escorted to the gate (offered based on ground staff availabilities).
Last but not least, got upgraded in P at boarding gate (1st one since I'm Ulti)
^
Aug 3, 2019, 6:12 am
#2152
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
After a few recent flights to GRU, BCN, NTE, YUL with nothing special, I got a very nice experience yesterday in JFK (was travelling in J)
Table reserved at the lounge for dinner, wine from P offered without asking and a very welcome Lounge manager.
Asked pre-boarding in the lounge and I got exceptionally escorted to the gate (offered based on ground staff availabilities).
Last but not least, got upgraded in P at boarding gate (1st one since I'm Ulti)^
Table reserved at the lounge for dinner, wine from P offered without asking and a very welcome Lounge manager.
Asked pre-boarding in the lounge and I got exceptionally escorted to the gate (offered based on ground staff availabilities).
Last but not least, got upgraded in P at boarding gate (1st one since I'm Ulti)
^
Aug 3, 2019, 2:17 pm
#2153
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 33
As far as I am concerned, overall positive Ulti experience on recent flight to ATL, BOG, CAN, IAH, PVG, SFO and BOS in the last 3 months, although nothing exceptional... Having said that, on each of these flights the chief pursuer was keen to get my feedback on the program and my (blunt) messages have been documented... I sense there is a desire to gather more data points as it can’t be a coincidence... Fingers crossed!
Aug 4, 2019, 2:57 am
#2154
Join Date: Apr 2005
Programs: Eurostar Carte Blanche, SBB-CFF-FFS GA-AG, SNCF Grand Voyageur LeClub
Posts: 7,836
Had a long chat with the CDC on a flight two days ago, who had seen my British Airways FFP luggage tag. So we started talking about FFPs and what they offer to very frequent flyers, I asked him about ULTI, and he said that it would be fantastic and he showed me his iPad with the ULTI information page (no news there for me thanks to this forum). He then confirmed that for him as CDC there was no clear protocol for ULTIs. He would look them up on his iPad, check if they have certain preferences, and then if time allows deliver on that (he was using the example of a pax preferring whiskey about ten times...). But he said that there was clearly no protocol. And he also showed me his iPad on which there was an "ERC" score (or was it ECM?) which ranked people by who the CDC should engage with. Interesting to note that #1 on that list was a PFL in J class, the ULTI came much lower down the list. The CDC also confirmed that in his book C2000 ranked above PFL, and PFL ranked above Plat.It wasn't quite clear where he ranked ULTI in all of this.
I played back to him some of the echoes I was aware of - basically again this forum, plus two other ULTIs that I know in "real life" - and he was super interested to hear about it. He was then even more interested in hearing about what competitors do, I explained to him HON as "they have taken out all the irritating things and all uncertainty by i) providing what AF provides for P pax on the ground to all HONs (lounge access, a variation of car transfer at hubs) ii) certainty to be on a flight and be the most looked-after pax on that flight (booking guarantee, top of upgrade list, protocol for cabin staff). He took many notes.
I played back to him some of the echoes I was aware of - basically again this forum, plus two other ULTIs that I know in "real life" - and he was super interested to hear about it. He was then even more interested in hearing about what competitors do, I explained to him HON as "they have taken out all the irritating things and all uncertainty by i) providing what AF provides for P pax on the ground to all HONs (lounge access, a variation of car transfer at hubs) ii) certainty to be on a flight and be the most looked-after pax on that flight (booking guarantee, top of upgrade list, protocol for cabin staff). He took many notes.
Aug 4, 2019, 3:49 am
#2155
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 761
Had a long chat with the CDC on a flight two days ago, who had seen my British Airways FFP luggage tag. So we started talking about FFPs and what they offer to very frequent flyers, I asked him about ULTI, and he said that it would be fantastic and he showed me his iPad with the ULTI information page (no news there for me thanks to this forum). He then confirmed that for him as CDC there was no clear protocol for ULTIs. He would look them up on his iPad, check if they have certain preferences, and then if time allows deliver on that (he was using the example of a pax preferring whiskey about ten times...). But he said that there was clearly no protocol. And he also showed me his iPad on which there was an "ERC" score (or was it ECM?) which ranked people by who the CDC should engage with. Interesting to note that #1 on that list was a PFL in J class, the ULTI came much lower down the list. The CDC also confirmed that in his book C2000 ranked above PFL, and PFL ranked above Plat.It wasn't quite clear where he ranked ULTI in all of this.
I played back to him some of the echoes I was aware of - basically again this forum, plus two other ULTIs that I know in "real life" - and he was super interested to hear about it. He was then even more interested in hearing about what competitors do, I explained to him HON as "they have taken out all the irritating things and all uncertainty by i) providing what AF provides for P pax on the ground to all HONs (lounge access, a variation of car transfer at hubs) ii) certainty to be on a flight and be the most looked-after pax on that flight (booking guarantee, top of upgrade list, protocol for cabin staff). He took many notes.
I played back to him some of the echoes I was aware of - basically again this forum, plus two other ULTIs that I know in "real life" - and he was super interested to hear about it. He was then even more interested in hearing about what competitors do, I explained to him HON as "they have taken out all the irritating things and all uncertainty by i) providing what AF provides for P pax on the ground to all HONs (lounge access, a variation of car transfer at hubs) ii) certainty to be on a flight and be the most looked-after pax on that flight (booking guarantee, top of upgrade list, protocol for cabin staff). He took many notes.
Could be an interesting concept to invite some ulti’s and listen to their feedback, plus built the Ultimate program based on that. And afterwards continuously improving that.
Looking at the forum, there are many ulti’s who are giving useful and constructive feedback.
Aug 4, 2019, 8:21 am
#2156
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
And he also showed me his iPad on which there was an "ERC" score (or was it ECM?) which ranked people by who the CDC should engage with. Interesting to note that #1 on that list was a PFL in J class, the ULTI came much lower down the list. The CDC also confirmed that in his book C2000 ranked above PFL, and PFL ranked above Plat.It wasn't quite clear where he ranked ULTI in all of this.
Ulti’s are not only most valued customers from a turnover point of view but also in regards in getting feedback.
Could be an interesting concept to invite some ulti’s and listen to their feedback, plus built the Ultimate program based on that. And afterwards continuously improving that.
Looking at the forum, there are many ulti’s who are giving useful and constructive feedback.
Looking at the forum, there are many ulti’s who are giving useful and constructive feedback.
It’s important to continue to provide constructive feedback on what’s right and wrong and what we do need and don’t need.
Aug 4, 2019, 12:23 pm
#2157
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,051
[QUOTE=BobTL;31376948]
Ulti’s are not only most valued customers from a turnover point of view but also in regards in getting feedback.
Could be an interesting concept to invite some ulti’s and listen to their feedback, plus built the Ultimate program based on that. And afterwards continuously improving that.
I am running a business and like all industries, customers are in heart of all devisons. Group clients focus are mandatory to succeed. I find it more than a non sense if AF does not have it ....
Ulti’s are not only most valued customers from a turnover point of view but also in regards in getting feedback.
Could be an interesting concept to invite some ulti’s and listen to their feedback, plus built the Ultimate program based on that. And afterwards continuously improving that.
I am running a business and like all industries, customers are in heart of all devisons. Group clients focus are mandatory to succeed. I find it more than a non sense if AF does not have it ....
Aug 4, 2019, 12:26 pm
#2158
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,051
Had a long chat with the CDC on a flight two days ago, who had seen my British Airways FFP luggage tag. So we started talking about FFPs and what they offer to very frequent flyers, I asked him about ULTI, and he said that it would be fantastic and he showed me his iPad with the ULTI information page (no news there for me thanks to this forum). He then confirmed that for him as CDC there was no clear protocol for ULTIs. He would look them up on his iPad, check if they have certain preferences, and then if time allows deliver on that (he was using the example of a pax preferring whiskey about ten times...). But he said that there was clearly no protocol. And he also showed me his iPad on which there was an "ERC" score (or was it ECM?) which ranked people by who the CDC should engage with. Interesting to note that #1 on that list was a PFL in J class, the ULTI came much lower down the list. The CDC also confirmed that in his book C2000 ranked above PFL, and PFL ranked above Plat.It wasn't quite clear where he ranked ULTI in all of this.
I played back to him some of the echoes I was aware of - basically again this forum, plus two other ULTIs that I know in "real life" - and he was super interested to hear about it. He was then even more interested in hearing about what competitors do, I explained to him HON as "they have taken out all the irritating things and all uncertainty by i) providing what AF provides for P pax on the ground to all HONs (lounge access, a variation of car transfer at hubs) ii) certainty to be on a flight and be the most looked-after pax on that flight (booking guarantee, top of upgrade list, protocol for cabin staff). He took many notes.
I played back to him some of the echoes I was aware of - basically again this forum, plus two other ULTIs that I know in "real life" - and he was super interested to hear about it. He was then even more interested in hearing about what competitors do, I explained to him HON as "they have taken out all the irritating things and all uncertainty by i) providing what AF provides for P pax on the ground to all HONs (lounge access, a variation of car transfer at hubs) ii) certainty to be on a flight and be the most looked-after pax on that flight (booking guarantee, top of upgrade list, protocol for cabin staff). He took many notes.
Aug 4, 2019, 3:35 pm
#2159
Join Date: Apr 2005
Programs: Eurostar Carte Blanche, SBB-CFF-FFS GA-AG, SNCF Grand Voyageur LeClub
Posts: 7,836
What I find a joke is what I have heard / read several times on this forum / experienced myself once: the people designing the products did not have any idea about what their competitors offer. That is a job not well done.