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
Mar 13, 2020, 1:29 am
#2746
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
Mar 13, 2020, 1:37 am
#2747
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 761
How can you know that ? It's not your specific case + the one of a small group of Ulti posting on this forum which make the whole picture.
In my case, I am at 1250 UXP in year 2. All my work travels are now cancelled and all my next holidays (paid J too) will be cancelled for sure as the French are blacklisted in more & more countries (including some Schengen MS !). With 0 visibility on how long this will last, I cannot be sure to renew Ulti by end 2020, while it was sure I would a few weeks ago.
In my case, I am at 1250 UXP in year 2. All my work travels are now cancelled and all my next holidays (paid J too) will be cancelled for sure as the French are blacklisted in more & more countries (including some Schengen MS !). With 0 visibility on how long this will last, I cannot be sure to renew Ulti by end 2020, while it was sure I would a few weeks ago.
I don’t understand at all that people are still doing business trips or holidays at the moment.
Now is a moment to face reality and stay at home, use other communication options to keep business running.
Mar 13, 2020, 7:14 am
#2748
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 we will all, sooner or later, be forced to stop which is a must to avoid propagation.
In addition, most of companies are, now, taking strict measures to prevent employees from traveling.
On my side, I am flying back to CDG from MEX tonight and will be staying home for the coming weeks
Trip to BCN & SAO planned for end of March & mid-April, will probably be postponed
Honeymoon to MRU beginning of May, hope it will be OK till then...
In addition, most of companies are, now, taking strict measures to prevent employees from traveling.
On my side, I am flying back to CDG from MEX tonight and will be staying home for the coming weeks
Trip to BCN & SAO planned for end of March & mid-April, will probably be postponed
Honeymoon to MRU beginning of May, hope it will be OK till then...
Mar 13, 2020, 12:42 pm
#2749
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 14,352
I traveled by ferry, train, plane and taxi yesterday (plus bicycle, but that's irrelevant in this context). The ferry was business as usual, the train rather quiet, and the plane far fuller than I had expected. A lot of people are still traveling, and quite a few of those who are not would have done so if they had not been restrained by company policy, official bans and restrictions, or canceled flights.
Almost everybody I have spoken to in the last few days was very relaxed about this whole corona thing, their attitude often bordering on the cavalier. They were of course all people who were still traveling, so obviously not a representative sample.
Johan
Mar 13, 2020, 5:20 pm
#2750
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: HAG
Programs: Der 5* FTL
Posts: 8,084
I traveled by ferry, train, plane and taxi yesterday (plus bicycle, but that's irrelevant in this context). The ferry was business as usual, the train rather quiet, and the plane far fuller than I had expected. A lot of people are still traveling, and quite a few of those who are not would have done so if they had not been restrained by company policy, official bans and restrictions, or canceled flights.
Of course also all the various conferences and events that were supposed to be taking place and now aren't would draw some business travel...
Mar 17, 2020, 1:01 am
#2751
Moderator: Flying Blue (Air France & KLM)
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Rotterdam, NL
Programs: Flying Blue (AF/KL)
Posts: 4,711
Cross posted from the COVID 19 and status thread:
For Ultimates Flying Blue realises that they are strongly impacted as well. As their qualification period ends in December and we still don't know what will be the full scale of impact and the new reality we will decide and communicate later on adjustments for them.
Mar 17, 2020, 1:47 am
#2752
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 14,352
In all honesty, I do not know either.
I'm a part-time hick, rube, hayseed, yokel, bumpkin and hillbilly (minus the hills). It would be by far the easiest for me to go sit at home. I would not have to physically meet a single person for many weeks, nor would I have to go shopping. I'm fully stocked. I would not have to hide indoors either, what with acres of garden and forest at my disposal. Needless to say, this would be my preferred option, and no doubt the most rational thing to do. But . . .
The world economy is grinding to a halt, and we are playing our bit part to keep the wheels turning. That has become a real struggle, but there is still demand for some personal travel, and a quite a lot for freight, much of which is essential. For some we are now an option of last resort.
This past weekend three colleagues ran away. They fled back home. I'm not going to judge them, what with children at home and travel options dwindling by the minute. Some office staff are now refusing to come to work, calling in sick and giving acute anxiety as the reason. I won't judge them either, some people are more fearful than others. This may well be widespread. I visited a Dutch supermarket yesterday, they had signs up apologizing for staff shortages. Perhaps not surprising given that everybody with a sniffle has been told to stay at home, but it would not surprise me either if the number of snifflers has suddenly increased dramatically.
I've crossed seven borders since Thursday, and have one more coming up this morning. Yes, I would much rather be at home, I'm no hero. On the contrary, I'm as big a coward as the next guy. Yet I have a job to do. Sense of duty may vaguely come into it somewhere, but there's also the very practical realization that given the job market in this crisis, resigning is perhaps not the smartest thing to do. Many colleagues have been sent home on almost full pay, but so far I'm not one of them, so I'm going to try to stick it out for a few more weeks. That should also give me time to figure out how to get home. Could be a challenge.
Apologies for going completely OT here.
Johan
I'm a part-time hick, rube, hayseed, yokel, bumpkin and hillbilly (minus the hills). It would be by far the easiest for me to go sit at home. I would not have to physically meet a single person for many weeks, nor would I have to go shopping. I'm fully stocked. I would not have to hide indoors either, what with acres of garden and forest at my disposal. Needless to say, this would be my preferred option, and no doubt the most rational thing to do. But . . .
The world economy is grinding to a halt, and we are playing our bit part to keep the wheels turning. That has become a real struggle, but there is still demand for some personal travel, and a quite a lot for freight, much of which is essential. For some we are now an option of last resort.
This past weekend three colleagues ran away. They fled back home. I'm not going to judge them, what with children at home and travel options dwindling by the minute. Some office staff are now refusing to come to work, calling in sick and giving acute anxiety as the reason. I won't judge them either, some people are more fearful than others. This may well be widespread. I visited a Dutch supermarket yesterday, they had signs up apologizing for staff shortages. Perhaps not surprising given that everybody with a sniffle has been told to stay at home, but it would not surprise me either if the number of snifflers has suddenly increased dramatically.
I've crossed seven borders since Thursday, and have one more coming up this morning. Yes, I would much rather be at home, I'm no hero. On the contrary, I'm as big a coward as the next guy. Yet I have a job to do. Sense of duty may vaguely come into it somewhere, but there's also the very practical realization that given the job market in this crisis, resigning is perhaps not the smartest thing to do. Many colleagues have been sent home on almost full pay, but so far I'm not one of them, so I'm going to try to stick it out for a few more weeks. That should also give me time to figure out how to get home. Could be a challenge.
Apologies for going completely OT here.
Johan
Mar 17, 2020, 5:05 am
#2753
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 367
For Ultimates Flying Blue realises that they are strongly impacted as well. As their qualification period ends in December and we still don't know what will be the full scale of impact and the new reality we will decide and communicate later on adjustments for them.
Maybe OT as well, but here the thoughts of someone that is (if I may say myself) a professional & renouned international Crisismanager:
Maybe OT as well, but here the thoughts of someone that is (if I may say myself) a professional & renouned international Crisismanager:
- hardly anyone here can imagine what the airlines currenlty go through, only a few here have ever handled such situations (in a non-airline environment)
- everything you read, hear, etc is super-simplified - in real life it is exponentially more complex
- if your biggest concern at the moment is your airline status, I can tell you it should not be
- you currently rely on professionals that solve problems that you have no idea that ever existed > this is the prime focus at companies at the moment
- with a lot of effort and some luck those professionals will solve those problems and the other 90% (?) of people can continue living in their simplified perception of reality
- nonewithstanding this crowd/customer management is one piece of the puzzle that helps to calm the environment those professionals are currently working in > hence the reaching out regarding the SIlver/Gold/Platinum thresholds
- I think as the (paying? intellectual? managerial? ethical?) top of all passagers we have to stand strong with the airline, let them handle the situation now and talk/pressure later once it makes sense.
Mar 17, 2020, 6:22 am
#2754
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 158
In all honesty, I do not know either.
I'm a part-time hick, rube, hayseed, yokel, bumpkin and hillbilly (minus the hills). It would be by far the easiest for me to go sit at home. I would not have to physically meet a single person for many weeks, nor would I have to go shopping. I'm fully stocked. I would not have to hide indoors either, what with acres of garden and forest at my disposal. Needless to say, this would be my preferred option, and no doubt the most rational thing to do. But . . .
The world economy is grinding to a halt, and we are playing our bit part to keep the wheels turning. That has become a real struggle, but there is still demand for some personal travel, and a quite a lot for freight, much of which is essential. For some we are now an option of last resort.
This past weekend three colleagues ran away. They fled back home. I'm not going to judge them, what with children at home and travel options dwindling by the minute. Some office staff are now refusing to come to work, calling in sick and giving acute anxiety as the reason. I won't judge them either, some people are more fearful than others. This may well be widespread. I visited a Dutch supermarket yesterday, they had signs up apologizing for staff shortages. Perhaps not surprising given that everybody with a sniffle has been told to stay at home, but it would not surprise me either if the number of snifflers has suddenly increased dramatically.
I've crossed seven borders since Thursday, and have one more coming up this morning. Yes, I would much rather be at home, I'm no hero. On the contrary, I'm as big a coward as the next guy. Yet I have a job to do. Sense of duty may vaguely come into it somewhere, but there's also the very practical realization that given the job market in this crisis, resigning is perhaps not the smartest thing to do. Many colleagues have been sent home on almost full pay, but so far I'm not one of them, so I'm going to try to stick it out for a few more weeks. That should also give me time to figure out how to get home. Could be a challenge.
Apologies for going completely OT here.
Johan
I'm a part-time hick, rube, hayseed, yokel, bumpkin and hillbilly (minus the hills). It would be by far the easiest for me to go sit at home. I would not have to physically meet a single person for many weeks, nor would I have to go shopping. I'm fully stocked. I would not have to hide indoors either, what with acres of garden and forest at my disposal. Needless to say, this would be my preferred option, and no doubt the most rational thing to do. But . . .
The world economy is grinding to a halt, and we are playing our bit part to keep the wheels turning. That has become a real struggle, but there is still demand for some personal travel, and a quite a lot for freight, much of which is essential. For some we are now an option of last resort.
This past weekend three colleagues ran away. They fled back home. I'm not going to judge them, what with children at home and travel options dwindling by the minute. Some office staff are now refusing to come to work, calling in sick and giving acute anxiety as the reason. I won't judge them either, some people are more fearful than others. This may well be widespread. I visited a Dutch supermarket yesterday, they had signs up apologizing for staff shortages. Perhaps not surprising given that everybody with a sniffle has been told to stay at home, but it would not surprise me either if the number of snifflers has suddenly increased dramatically.
I've crossed seven borders since Thursday, and have one more coming up this morning. Yes, I would much rather be at home, I'm no hero. On the contrary, I'm as big a coward as the next guy. Yet I have a job to do. Sense of duty may vaguely come into it somewhere, but there's also the very practical realization that given the job market in this crisis, resigning is perhaps not the smartest thing to do. Many colleagues have been sent home on almost full pay, but so far I'm not one of them, so I'm going to try to stick it out for a few more weeks. That should also give me time to figure out how to get home. Could be a challenge.
Apologies for going completely OT here.
Johan
Mar 17, 2020, 8:05 am
#2756
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Zanzibar
Programs: Flying Blue
Posts: 1,319
Haha!
But I have the same. If I do not fly, I do not make money in the end and I am not a pilot. I currently have 4 zpp'ers (freelancers) working for my but the work will dry up soon. We make decent money but not to worry in the short run. My clients have stopped all work. When it is all over, the work will not come back overnight. I think a lot of people in my business (media) will have a hard 2020.
My chance of becoming a ULTI now... are 0. So perhaps I should not post in this forum anymore.
Thursday night I am going to probably ride my last 747 upper deck flight... back to AMS from MEX.
And then I think my flying is over for 2020...
But I have the same. If I do not fly, I do not make money in the end and I am not a pilot. I currently have 4 zpp'ers (freelancers) working for my but the work will dry up soon. We make decent money but not to worry in the short run. My clients have stopped all work. When it is all over, the work will not come back overnight. I think a lot of people in my business (media) will have a hard 2020.
My chance of becoming a ULTI now... are 0. So perhaps I should not post in this forum anymore.
Thursday night I am going to probably ride my last 747 upper deck flight... back to AMS from MEX.
And then I think my flying is over for 2020...
Mar 17, 2020, 9:02 am
#2757
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 14,352
The freight business is holding up nicely, which is hardly surprising given that I can't think of a single country that's economically or agriculturally self-sufficient anymore in this global world. If transport and logisitics were to grind to a halt, societal collapse would quickly ensue. Passenger numbers are way down of course, but they only represent 15% of our turnover.
Johan
Mar 17, 2020, 9:22 am
#2758
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 39
Sorry to contradict you. Plenty of countries are food self sufficient: Australia, France, Canada, USA, Argentina, China, India, Kazakhstan... and even Ukraine, and some countries in Africa
Mar 17, 2020, 12:21 pm
#2759
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 14,352
Johan
Mar 17, 2020, 2:35 pm
#2760
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: HAG
Programs: Der 5* FTL
Posts: 8,084
As a side note, it's interesting what range of professions gather on FlyerTalk. I was also wondering what industry it might be that still keeps people flying - and indeed, shipping maked total sense... And there is a person from media and financial technology here. On LH forums, I've had the pleasure of interacting with people in pharma or teachers... Lovely.
As another side note and to comment on future travel... I am also wondering what the impact will be. No doubt, many of the eco minded people are hoping that this outage will make businesses consider how much more work could be done remotely, and with that in mind, I wonder about my future in this career. Considering I specifically join this career path due to the fact that it would have me travel a decent bit. Though recent experiences with trying to make do in the office show more of the idea that remote doesn't quite work the same as personal contact in customer location does...