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
Dec 12, 2021, 2:52 pm
#4141
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Paris, France
Programs: AF/KL Flying Blue Platinum for life/Club2000 Ultimate, Accor ALL Diamond
Posts: 21,904
Dec 13, 2021, 8:13 am
#4142
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: 1,039
Crazy call with AF today...
I am trying to book a ticket in J for YUL at the end of January
For my flight back, I have a very tight planning with a meeting in downtown Paris and I am exceptionally willing to pay 150€ to make sure that I can skip immigration mess.
However, it's not possible for AF to make only 1 invoice (both for tickets and extra ground service) because their system does not allow it
My company policy would not allow me to have 2 separate invoices so I asked them to find a way (I know they already did it in the past when I booked a ticket + P ground service). However, this time, no solution found so I decided to forget about the extra 150€ ground service
So to summarize :
- AF does not provide Ulti welcome at 2E any longer
- Ulti passengers complain about non existent service
- AF then suggests them to pay extra for a service they should deliver for free
- Despite being pissed, some Ulti pax are willing to pay for it
- AF is still not able to find a way to include this service in the ticket invoice and is not willing to find a solution
In the meantime, I flew back yesterday from GRU in F with LH.
Very smooth arrival yesterday in 2B which pushes me to keep doing it when available
I am trying to book a ticket in J for YUL at the end of January
For my flight back, I have a very tight planning with a meeting in downtown Paris and I am exceptionally willing to pay 150€ to make sure that I can skip immigration mess.
However, it's not possible for AF to make only 1 invoice (both for tickets and extra ground service) because their system does not allow it
My company policy would not allow me to have 2 separate invoices so I asked them to find a way (I know they already did it in the past when I booked a ticket + P ground service). However, this time, no solution found so I decided to forget about the extra 150€ ground service
So to summarize :
- AF does not provide Ulti welcome at 2E any longer
- Ulti passengers complain about non existent service
- AF then suggests them to pay extra for a service they should deliver for free
- Despite being pissed, some Ulti pax are willing to pay for it
- AF is still not able to find a way to include this service in the ticket invoice and is not willing to find a solution
In the meantime, I flew back yesterday from GRU in F with LH.
Very smooth arrival yesterday in 2B which pushes me to keep doing it when available
Dec 13, 2021, 11:47 am
#4143
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,044
Crazy call with AF today...
I am trying to book a ticket in J for YUL at the end of January
For my flight back, I have a very tight planning with a meeting in downtown Paris and I am exceptionally willing to pay 150€ to make sure that I can skip immigration mess.
However, it's not possible for AF to make only 1 invoice (both for tickets and extra ground service) because their system does not allow it
My company policy would not allow me to have 2 separate invoices so I asked them to find a way (I know they already did it in the past when I booked a ticket + P ground service). However, this time, no solution found so I decided to forget about the extra 150€ ground service
So to summarize :
- AF does not provide Ulti welcome at 2E any longer
- Ulti passengers complain about non existent service
- AF then suggests them to pay extra for a service they should deliver for free
- Despite being pissed, some Ulti pax are willing to pay for it
- AF is still not able to find a way to include this service in the ticket invoice and is not willing to find a solution
In the meantime, I flew back yesterday from GRU in F with LH.
Very smooth arrival yesterday in 2B which pushes me to keep doing it when available
I am trying to book a ticket in J for YUL at the end of January
For my flight back, I have a very tight planning with a meeting in downtown Paris and I am exceptionally willing to pay 150€ to make sure that I can skip immigration mess.
However, it's not possible for AF to make only 1 invoice (both for tickets and extra ground service) because their system does not allow it
My company policy would not allow me to have 2 separate invoices so I asked them to find a way (I know they already did it in the past when I booked a ticket + P ground service). However, this time, no solution found so I decided to forget about the extra 150€ ground service
So to summarize :
- AF does not provide Ulti welcome at 2E any longer
- Ulti passengers complain about non existent service
- AF then suggests them to pay extra for a service they should deliver for free
- Despite being pissed, some Ulti pax are willing to pay for it
- AF is still not able to find a way to include this service in the ticket invoice and is not willing to find a solution
In the meantime, I flew back yesterday from GRU in F with LH.
Very smooth arrival yesterday in 2B which pushes me to keep doing it when available
And for YUL, if your fear to be stuck at immigration in Paris, LX offers as well good inflight F service in 333 😉. Arriving in 2B is super smooth compared to 2E. Having a transit in ZRH rather than direct flights landing in 2E is not much more cumbersome.
Dec 13, 2021, 12:35 pm
#4144
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,044
And by the way, AF escort service fee has increased and is now charged at 200€.
——
As well out of curiosity I asked last week to ulti hotline why they cancelled the ULTI service at 2E checkin . The answer was that this benefit has never been included in the welcome leaflet …
——
As well out of curiosity I asked last week to ulti hotline why they cancelled the ULTI service at 2E checkin . The answer was that this benefit has never been included in the welcome leaflet …
Dec 13, 2021, 2:00 pm
#4145
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: 1,039
Perfect conclusion of the impact of their poor service for ULTI clients. You should send them the LH F tickets to demonstrate the consequences of their decisions.
And for YUL, if your fear to be stuck at immigration in Paris, LX offers as well good inflight F service in 333 😉. Arriving in 2B is super smooth compared to 2E. Having a transit in ZRH rather than direct flights landing in 2E is not much more cumbersome.
And for YUL, if your fear to be stuck at immigration in Paris, LX offers as well good inflight F service in 333 😉. Arriving in 2B is super smooth compared to 2E. Having a transit in ZRH rather than direct flights landing in 2E is not much more cumbersome.
Top management is completely disconnected and I feel they're never travelling or at least not in normal conditions.
Customer service staff is generally helpful but they're not empowered to make things happen.
So I lost my hopes for more recognition and now use AF when convenient only while I was exclusively flying with them for almost 10 years.
I spent with LH/LX almost 20k€ in the last 6 months which I could have spent with AF.
The only thing I was asking was to get some help to clear immigration while in CDG arriving from a long haul flight.
Sad...
Dec 14, 2021, 7:59 am
#4146
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: LHR
Programs: BA.GGL/SK.D/AFKL.Ulti
Posts: 115
A bit of a positive experience in comparison...
Arrived at check-in at WAW on Sunday 55 mins before flight, only to find that no BA staff were visible and that they had closed check in completely 1 hour prior to departure (policy for most outports is 45 mins). BA Gold line wouldn't accept calls citing 'tremendous volume'.
I noticed the AF check in counters were still open for their CDG flight departing 15 mins later than the BA flight to LHR... Kind staff kept check in open for me while the ticket was immediately issued by the Ulti team. I was able to make the flight and should have had a 2:55 layover, but a member of ground staff met me at the door upon landing and presented me with a new BP for the 1610 AF1280 to LHR - meaning a very quick 40 min transit
.
Overall things like this matter: An assistance line that is answered nearly immediately and the ability to get home to London when needed; as early as possible.
Appreciative on days like this for surprise assistance of this caliber.
Arrived at check-in at WAW on Sunday 55 mins before flight, only to find that no BA staff were visible and that they had closed check in completely 1 hour prior to departure (policy for most outports is 45 mins). BA Gold line wouldn't accept calls citing 'tremendous volume'.
I noticed the AF check in counters were still open for their CDG flight departing 15 mins later than the BA flight to LHR... Kind staff kept check in open for me while the ticket was immediately issued by the Ulti team. I was able to make the flight and should have had a 2:55 layover, but a member of ground staff met me at the door upon landing and presented me with a new BP for the 1610 AF1280 to LHR - meaning a very quick 40 min transit
.Overall things like this matter: An assistance line that is answered nearly immediately and the ability to get home to London when needed; as early as possible.
Appreciative on days like this for surprise assistance of this caliber.
Dec 14, 2021, 8:03 am
#4147
Join Date: Apr 2005
Programs: Eurostar Carte Blanche, SBB-CFF-FFS GA-AG, SNCF Grand Voyageur LeClub
Posts: 7,832
Dec 14, 2021, 2:38 pm
#4148
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Champaign, IL
Programs: AF/KL FB Ultimate Platinum for Life/Club 2000, UA MileagePlus
Posts: 524
Crazy call with AF today...
I am trying to book a ticket in J for YUL at the end of January
For my flight back, I have a very tight planning with a meeting in downtown Paris and I am exceptionally willing to pay 150€ to make sure that I can skip immigration mess.
However, it's not possible for AF to make only 1 invoice (both for tickets and extra ground service) because their system does not allow it
My company policy would not allow me to have 2 separate invoices so I asked them to find a way (I know they already did it in the past when I booked a ticket + P ground service). However, this time, no solution found so I decided to forget about the extra 150€ ground service
So to summarize :
- AF does not provide Ulti welcome at 2E any longer
- Ulti passengers complain about non existent service
- AF then suggests them to pay extra for a service they should deliver for free
- Despite being pissed, some Ulti pax are willing to pay for it
- AF is still not able to find a way to include this service in the ticket invoice and is not willing to find a solution
In the meantime, I flew back yesterday from GRU in F with LH.
Very smooth arrival yesterday in 2B which pushes me to keep doing it when available
I am trying to book a ticket in J for YUL at the end of January
For my flight back, I have a very tight planning with a meeting in downtown Paris and I am exceptionally willing to pay 150€ to make sure that I can skip immigration mess.
However, it's not possible for AF to make only 1 invoice (both for tickets and extra ground service) because their system does not allow it
My company policy would not allow me to have 2 separate invoices so I asked them to find a way (I know they already did it in the past when I booked a ticket + P ground service). However, this time, no solution found so I decided to forget about the extra 150€ ground service
So to summarize :
- AF does not provide Ulti welcome at 2E any longer
- Ulti passengers complain about non existent service
- AF then suggests them to pay extra for a service they should deliver for free
- Despite being pissed, some Ulti pax are willing to pay for it
- AF is still not able to find a way to include this service in the ticket invoice and is not willing to find a solution
In the meantime, I flew back yesterday from GRU in F with LH.
Very smooth arrival yesterday in 2B which pushes me to keep doing it when available
Dec 22, 2021, 3:24 pm
#4149
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Europe (TLS, MAD)
Programs: BAEC Gold (OWE) -- FB Platinum -- *A Gold
Posts: 24
UXP Qualification
I’m not sure if this has been addressed before, but I was wondering how worked the UXP qualification :
I’m currently holding 1042 UXP with an end of qualification period on 31/12/2021.
Does that mean that I will loose all my UXP on the 1st January, or only those acquired during my first year of qualification period (2020)?
In other terms, is the qualification period "rigid" (2 years per two years) or "rolling"?
I hope my question makes sense. Just trying to figuring out if aiming to Ulti is doable at this stage.
Thanks.
I’m currently holding 1042 UXP with an end of qualification period on 31/12/2021.
Does that mean that I will loose all my UXP on the 1st January, or only those acquired during my first year of qualification period (2020)?
In other terms, is the qualification period "rigid" (2 years per two years) or "rolling"?
I hope my question makes sense. Just trying to figuring out if aiming to Ulti is doable at this stage.
Thanks.
Dec 22, 2021, 3:50 pm
#4150
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Paris, France
Programs: AF/KL Flying Blue Platinum for life/Club2000 Ultimate, Accor ALL Diamond
Posts: 21,904
I’m not sure if this has been addressed before, but I was wondering how worked the UXP qualification :
I’m currently holding 1042 UXP with an end of qualification period on 31/12/2021.
Does that mean that I will loose all my UXP on the 1st January, or only those acquired during my first year of qualification period (2020)?
In other terms, is the qualification period "rigid" (2 years per two years) or "rolling"?
I hope my question makes sense. Just trying to figuring out if aiming to Ulti is doable at this stage.
Thanks.
I’m currently holding 1042 UXP with an end of qualification period on 31/12/2021.
Does that mean that I will loose all my UXP on the 1st January, or only those acquired during my first year of qualification period (2020)?
In other terms, is the qualification period "rigid" (2 years per two years) or "rolling"?
I hope my question makes sense. Just trying to figuring out if aiming to Ulti is doable at this stage.
Thanks.
Dec 22, 2021, 4:06 pm
#4151
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Paris,FR
Programs: AF/KL FBPFL Ultimate, IHG Spire, HERTZ 5 stars
Posts: 82
Travel assistant phone service at night * Hippocampe
Hello,
Since this week my night calls (after 10pm) to travel assistant are landing at Hippocampe service (???)
I'm always calling the same # and night attendent are asking me to call now on+33149880088 which is different from the number at the back of my current card
Is anybody having the same problem ?
Routing issue at AF/FB phone server ?
Tks
Rgds
Since this week my night calls (after 10pm) to travel assistant are landing at Hippocampe service (???)
I'm always calling the same # and night attendent are asking me to call now on+33149880088 which is different from the number at the back of my current card
Is anybody having the same problem ?
Routing issue at AF/FB phone server ?
Tks
Rgds
Dec 22, 2021, 11:31 pm
#4152
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Paris, France
Programs: AF/KL Flying Blue Platinum for life/Club2000 Ultimate, Accor ALL Diamond
Posts: 21,904
Hello,
Since this week my night calls (after 10pm) to travel assistant are landing at Hippocampe service (???)
I'm always calling the same # and night attendent are asking me to call now on+33149880088 which is different from the number at the back of my current card
Is anybody having the same problem ?
Routing issue at AF/FB phone server ?
Tks
Rgds
Since this week my night calls (after 10pm) to travel assistant are landing at Hippocampe service (???)
I'm always calling the same # and night attendent are asking me to call now on+33149880088 which is different from the number at the back of my current card
Is anybody having the same problem ?
Routing issue at AF/FB phone server ?
Tks
Rgds
Dec 23, 2021, 5:00 am
#4153
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Champaign, IL
Programs: AF/KL FB Ultimate Platinum for Life/Club 2000, UA MileagePlus
Posts: 524
I’m not sure if this has been addressed before, but I was wondering how worked the UXP qualification :
I’m currently holding 1042 UXP with an end of qualification period on 31/12/2021.
Does that mean that I will loose all my UXP on the 1st January, or only those acquired during my first year of qualification period (2020)?
In other terms, is the qualification period "rigid" (2 years per two years) or "rolling"?
I hope my question makes sense. Just trying to figuring out if aiming to Ulti is doable at this stage.
Thanks.
I’m currently holding 1042 UXP with an end of qualification period on 31/12/2021.
Does that mean that I will loose all my UXP on the 1st January, or only those acquired during my first year of qualification period (2020)?
In other terms, is the qualification period "rigid" (2 years per two years) or "rolling"?
I hope my question makes sense. Just trying to figuring out if aiming to Ulti is doable at this stage.
Thanks.
Dec 23, 2021, 5:05 am
#4154
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: CDG & ORY
Programs: AF/KL FB Ultimate
Posts: 261
I am afraid, The Young Traveller , that if your qualification period ends on December 31st, come January 1st, your UXP counter will be reset to zero. If by "rolling", you mean a sliding two-year window, then the answer is no—your next qualification period will start on January 1st and end on December 31st of 2023. This is how I understand it, as per the Flying Blue website, which stipulates that "you need to gain 1,800 UXP within two calendar years to be eligible", and the definition of the calendar year, which, based on the Gregorian calendar, is a one-year period that starts on January 1st and ends on December 31st.
Dec 23, 2021, 5:18 am
#4155
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Champaign, IL
Programs: AF/KL FB Ultimate Platinum for Life/Club 2000, UA MileagePlus
Posts: 524
Hello,
Since this week my night calls (after 10pm) to travel assistant are landing at Hippocampe service (???)
I'm always calling the same # and night attendent are asking me to call now on+33149880088 which is different from the number at the back of my current card
Is anybody having the same problem ?
Routing issue at AF/FB phone server ?
Tks
Rgds
Since this week my night calls (after 10pm) to travel assistant are landing at Hippocampe service (???)
I'm always calling the same # and night attendent are asking me to call now on+33149880088 which is different from the number at the back of my current card
Is anybody having the same problem ?
Routing issue at AF/FB phone server ?
Tks
Rgds
