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
Jun 29, 2022, 2:08 am
#5146
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Switzerland
Programs: AFKL Flying Blue Platinum Ultimate, Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador Elite
Posts: 369
Slightly off-topic but ITA has its own 'Ultimate' level now 
New Volare tier - LIMITLESS
Quoting one of the posts:
New Volare tier - LIMITLESS
Quoting one of the posts:
I asked ITA what is the status good for and they gave me upgrade to Limitless valid till 01/24 straight away. Just for asking (by phone via the Volare special hotline for elite members...) !! I previously applied for status match too and had Executive status, now when I log in I see newly Club Limitless. It comes with 4 business class vouchers per year, which I got also in email version too upon upgrade, 2x50% discount coupons, lounge access even when not flying ITA airways or their partners, some free valet parking at Fiumicino airport, personal meet and greet upon arrival at FCO, limousine transfers up to 30 km. I have been awarded also 100 000 bonus points. Someone must really like me at ITA 
Jun 29, 2022, 5:22 am
#5147
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: The Netherlands
Programs: FB Ultimate and PFL & ALL Accor Diamond
Posts: 477
I would like to give high credits to KLM City Hopper for the consistent top-notch services they have been providing to me as Ulti over the past few months. Out of my average 8 flight legs per month with them (the joys of traveling in Europe connecting in AMS) since october last year, my rate of upgrade to Biz is close to 80% ! Actually, when not upgraded upon boarding, whenever there is a seat available in C class, they will offer it after boarding is closed. And if/when there is no C seat available, they always provide some kind of attention (bottle of water, pillow, …). A real outstanding service that deserves to be outlined. Big UP to KL CH !
But that still makes me wonder why there is such a big difference to KLM or AF.
No mgt attention? No willingness... no motivation? Or?
90% of my KL CH flights are very good as stated above.
90% of my KLM AF flights are just ordinair...
Jun 29, 2022, 1:53 pm
#5148
Join Date: Mar 2018
Programs: FB Plat, *A Gold
Posts: 369
I'm not Ultimate, but I have the same experience: KLC gives more often an upgrade and the crew is far more attentive that KL crew
Jul 1, 2022, 1:34 pm
#5149
Join Date: Jun 2020
Programs: FlyingBlue
Posts: 2,424
"Funny" Ulti experience on AF metal today.
It all started as your usual 0.0 flight. Pre-boarding was denied ("Sir you are SkyPriority, that's preboarding"). Zero attention on-board even though boarding happened about 1h late and we waited 45 more minutes on the apron - the Ulti bottle of water would have been a lifesaver.
When preparing the cabin for landing however, the purser rushed to me with a "goodbyebarf snack bag", apologizing for the lack of service.
Fair enough, it's still a nice gesture. Lo and behold, in the bag were J snacks, the (now useless) water bottle... and a "Welcome Onboard" card that was obviously written for someone else since it referred to the aircraft's previous leg.
Not bringing perks when they could actually be useful; obvious lack of training of some staff; a willingness to go the extra mile for those who try their best... with no consideration to details: that sums the Ulti perks quite well
That said, the review would not be complete without mentioning that CDG ground staff was stellar during yesterday's SNAFU. Working out solutions with the ground team while on the phone with the Ulti TA is a killer combo. Now that traffic - and irrops - are picking up dramatically, I'm starting to find that this is where the value of the program actually lies... and in these situations, it does bring tremendous value
It all started as your usual 0.0 flight. Pre-boarding was denied ("Sir you are SkyPriority, that's preboarding"). Zero attention on-board even though boarding happened about 1h late and we waited 45 more minutes on the apron - the Ulti bottle of water would have been a lifesaver.
When preparing the cabin for landing however, the purser rushed to me with a "goodbye
Fair enough, it's still a nice gesture. Lo and behold, in the bag were J snacks, the (now useless) water bottle... and a "Welcome Onboard" card that was obviously written for someone else since it referred to the aircraft's previous leg.
Not bringing perks when they could actually be useful; obvious lack of training of some staff; a willingness to go the extra mile for those who try their best... with no consideration to details: that sums the Ulti perks quite well
That said, the review would not be complete without mentioning that CDG ground staff was stellar during yesterday's SNAFU. Working out solutions with the ground team while on the phone with the Ulti TA is a killer combo. Now that traffic - and irrops - are picking up dramatically, I'm starting to find that this is where the value of the program actually lies... and in these situations, it does bring tremendous value
Jul 1, 2022, 5:20 pm
#5151
Join Date: Apr 2005
Programs: Eurostar Carte Blanche, SBB-CFF-FFS GA-AG, SNCF Grand Voyageur LeClub
Posts: 7,836
These words come from a convinced and serial cutting-it-short artist obsessed with minimising time in airports (unless lounges are stellar) and in lines, i.e. me: these days at CDG, do really come earlier than usual.
Ulti helps a bit, but still. Experience on Thursday: loooong lines for access to SP check-in area at 2E. I went to the security agent (no AF person whose attention I could catch) and explained that I wanted to go to the ULTI counter - and was really surprised that she knew about Utli, she asked my name, and brought me to a counter. Not the one that says ULTI on the screen, but another one, where indeed an AF person was helping me after having dealt with a family of 5 non-Ultis. He escorted me to passport control, passing a loooong line that was forming even before the BP check of SP immigration lane. Could not cut the line, but at least managed to get me behind the shortest line. At security, on my own.
Surely, the ULTI status helped tremendously reducing wait time at passport controls, without it I would have missed the flight. But even with ULTI, hadn‘t the plane had some delay I would not have made it. Simply too many people at security, at passport control, and this even with all counters open (except SP PARAFE).
So, even if you have everything on your side - no luggage, ULTI status, know where you go, fast walker - take some extra time. I‘ll build in an extra 15 minutes next time. 2F is a bit easier because the AF staff there usually cut the line at security with ULTI pax, and there is no immigration. At 2E you might be lucky as well, but just as well might not be lucky.
Ulti helps a bit, but still. Experience on Thursday: loooong lines for access to SP check-in area at 2E. I went to the security agent (no AF person whose attention I could catch) and explained that I wanted to go to the ULTI counter - and was really surprised that she knew about Utli, she asked my name, and brought me to a counter. Not the one that says ULTI on the screen, but another one, where indeed an AF person was helping me after having dealt with a family of 5 non-Ultis. He escorted me to passport control, passing a loooong line that was forming even before the BP check of SP immigration lane. Could not cut the line, but at least managed to get me behind the shortest line. At security, on my own.
Surely, the ULTI status helped tremendously reducing wait time at passport controls, without it I would have missed the flight. But even with ULTI, hadn‘t the plane had some delay I would not have made it. Simply too many people at security, at passport control, and this even with all counters open (except SP PARAFE).
So, even if you have everything on your side - no luggage, ULTI status, know where you go, fast walker - take some extra time. I‘ll build in an extra 15 minutes next time. 2F is a bit easier because the AF staff there usually cut the line at security with ULTI pax, and there is no immigration. At 2E you might be lucky as well, but just as well might not be lucky.
Jul 4, 2022, 10:27 am
#5153
Join Date: Sep 2021
Posts: 95
Jul 4, 2022, 10:35 am
#5154
Join Date: May 2022
Posts: 30
Answers to questions we asked KLM management
During the KLM at Dutch Open 2022, we asked the KLM Management detailed questions about the ULTIMATE program. Here are the answers:
Luggage drop-off and check-in counters
Idea: separate desk with recognizable logo for Ulti's
At SPL, we are starting a pilot this year (planning is after the summer due to current pressure on SPL) where a dedicated Ultimates desk (incl signage) will be created in the SkyPriority check-in area.
At CDG, a dedicated desk at the SkyPriority check-in area is already in place.
At Outstations, only one SkyPriority desk is available.
Lounge
(When) will there be an Ultimate part in Schengen Lounge?
Plans are underway to set up a separate room for the Ultimates in the Schengen Lounge. Budget not requested yet, timing is pending.
Idea: Priority for Ulti's when booking showers
There are no plans for this yet. The idea is taken on the backlog by CX.
Pre-boarding
Boarding does not fit in iPhone App, but on Android
For Android it is now a joint AFKL app, for iOS it will be at the end of June. With that, we hope to have solved this problem. This specific issue is not recognized by the Mobile team. The expectation is that with the joint app the problem will no longer occur.
Boarding pass is sometimes not in the KLM Apple wallet, but in AF.
This issue has now been resolved.
Boarding does not fit in KLM app, but in AF app
This is not recognized, regression testing does not address this issue. To further investigate the issue, we should have more information about the device.
Why are not all staff familiar with "pre-boarding"?
There has been training on the passage staff for the Lounges. For the staff in the departure hall and at the gates, this training will also be planned so that the rights of the Ultimates are better known. Given the current pressure on SPL, this is likely to occur after the summer.
An Ultimate Family member does not always have "ULTIF" on the boarding pass. Not in print and not digital.
We are not familiar with that problem
On board
Offer water? Always wash bottle Spa, plastic can no longer, but still bring minimal glass of water.
On ICA flights, both WBC and M-class passengers are offered a bottle of water after take-off. On EUR flights, a bottle of Spa is offered to passengers in EBC after take-off. This is not the case for M-class passengers, they are only offered something in a glass during the service.
Idea: Free WiFi for Ultimate customers.
This topic is on the backlog at CX.
Upgrade to Business when places are free. (as with Delta (almost always) customers)
Ultimates currently has 2 free upgrades per year. With the introduction of Premium Comfort, this will be increased to 4 free upgrades (in case of economy class to business class) per year. There are currently no plans to increase this number further
Luggage
Priority label luggage does not come first 50% of the time. Why?
This is known to us. There are many dependencies in the process which unfortunately makes it difficult to ensure that the unloading of priority luggage can be performed properly by default. We will continue to draw attention to this.
After the flight
Complaints procedure (refund cost, delay)
What exactly is being asked here? Please get more detail to provide the question with a correct answer.
No reply possible if there are errors in a complaint (no response)
If the passenger has been given a reference number, he can reply to the e-mail sent by customer care. There is no more no reply inbox in the new claim handling application. In order to give a more detailed answer, more information is needed about the platform to which the complaint is sent, together with FB number or a reference number, we can then further search for what is going on.
Luggage drop-off and check-in counters
Idea: separate desk with recognizable logo for Ulti's
At SPL, we are starting a pilot this year (planning is after the summer due to current pressure on SPL) where a dedicated Ultimates desk (incl signage) will be created in the SkyPriority check-in area.
At CDG, a dedicated desk at the SkyPriority check-in area is already in place.
At Outstations, only one SkyPriority desk is available.
Lounge
(When) will there be an Ultimate part in Schengen Lounge?
Plans are underway to set up a separate room for the Ultimates in the Schengen Lounge. Budget not requested yet, timing is pending.
Idea: Priority for Ulti's when booking showers
There are no plans for this yet. The idea is taken on the backlog by CX.
Pre-boarding
Boarding does not fit in iPhone App, but on Android
For Android it is now a joint AFKL app, for iOS it will be at the end of June. With that, we hope to have solved this problem. This specific issue is not recognized by the Mobile team. The expectation is that with the joint app the problem will no longer occur.
Boarding pass is sometimes not in the KLM Apple wallet, but in AF.
This issue has now been resolved.
Boarding does not fit in KLM app, but in AF app
This is not recognized, regression testing does not address this issue. To further investigate the issue, we should have more information about the device.
Why are not all staff familiar with "pre-boarding"?
There has been training on the passage staff for the Lounges. For the staff in the departure hall and at the gates, this training will also be planned so that the rights of the Ultimates are better known. Given the current pressure on SPL, this is likely to occur after the summer.
An Ultimate Family member does not always have "ULTIF" on the boarding pass. Not in print and not digital.
We are not familiar with that problem
On board
Offer water? Always wash bottle Spa, plastic can no longer, but still bring minimal glass of water.
On ICA flights, both WBC and M-class passengers are offered a bottle of water after take-off. On EUR flights, a bottle of Spa is offered to passengers in EBC after take-off. This is not the case for M-class passengers, they are only offered something in a glass during the service.
Idea: Free WiFi for Ultimate customers.
This topic is on the backlog at CX.
Upgrade to Business when places are free. (as with Delta (almost always) customers)
Ultimates currently has 2 free upgrades per year. With the introduction of Premium Comfort, this will be increased to 4 free upgrades (in case of economy class to business class) per year. There are currently no plans to increase this number further
Luggage
Priority label luggage does not come first 50% of the time. Why?
This is known to us. There are many dependencies in the process which unfortunately makes it difficult to ensure that the unloading of priority luggage can be performed properly by default. We will continue to draw attention to this.
After the flight
Complaints procedure (refund cost, delay)
What exactly is being asked here? Please get more detail to provide the question with a correct answer.
No reply possible if there are errors in a complaint (no response)
If the passenger has been given a reference number, he can reply to the e-mail sent by customer care. There is no more no reply inbox in the new claim handling application. In order to give a more detailed answer, more information is needed about the platform to which the complaint is sent, together with FB number or a reference number, we can then further search for what is going on.
Jul 4, 2022, 10:42 am
#5155
Join Date: May 2022
Posts: 30
I had a great experience last week from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam. Friendly guy in red suit informed me of each step of small delay and when plane was ready, walked with me into the cabin, even before the elderly and those who are in the Army.
Jul 4, 2022, 12:41 pm
#5156
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
Excellent experience as well in my 2 last flights 2 weeks ago
However, still struggling for the past 8 days to book a ticket in P to MEX as they don't want to apply the negotiated conditions I have on this route (while they did it on my last booking).
Called the commercial department that deals with my bookings : Sorry we can't do that, you have to call your LP contact
Called my LP contact : Send me the details and I'll make it work
Received a call this morning from commercial department : We got the confirmation that we can't apply your negotiated discount %. You have to deal with the person in charge of your contract
Called the person in charge of my contract : I don't understand, I will have a look...
Basically, public price is 7,5 k€ (F fare) on website but they want to apply my discount on a 9 k€ fare which makes it even more expensive that public fare
I escalated again (and again) to make it work but I am really tired to struggle and fight all the time as AF departments don't talk to each other and no one wants to go the extra mile to find a solution as it's out of their scope.
In parallel, I just landed this morning to GRU with LX in F.
Almost no one in 2B
Very short connection in ZRH, S class limo waiting for me at the plane to help me clear the immigration and drive me to the gate.
Welcome card at my seat and chief pilot that came to welcome me & thank me for my loyalty (will be HON in September, maybe they can see it...)
Stellar experience !
I forced myself for many years to only stick to AF and I am sad to see that it does not make any sense any longer
However, still struggling for the past 8 days to book a ticket in P to MEX as they don't want to apply the negotiated conditions I have on this route (while they did it on my last booking).
Called the commercial department that deals with my bookings : Sorry we can't do that, you have to call your LP contact
Called my LP contact : Send me the details and I'll make it work
Received a call this morning from commercial department : We got the confirmation that we can't apply your negotiated discount %. You have to deal with the person in charge of your contract
Called the person in charge of my contract : I don't understand, I will have a look...
Basically, public price is 7,5 k€ (F fare) on website but they want to apply my discount on a 9 k€ fare which makes it even more expensive that public fare
I escalated again (and again) to make it work but I am really tired to struggle and fight all the time as AF departments don't talk to each other and no one wants to go the extra mile to find a solution as it's out of their scope.
In parallel, I just landed this morning to GRU with LX in F.
Almost no one in 2B
Very short connection in ZRH, S class limo waiting for me at the plane to help me clear the immigration and drive me to the gate.
Welcome card at my seat and chief pilot that came to welcome me & thank me for my loyalty (will be HON in September, maybe they can see it...)
Stellar experience !
I forced myself for many years to only stick to AF and I am sad to see that it does not make any sense any longer
Jul 4, 2022, 1:31 pm
#5157
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,051
Excellent experience as well in my 2 last flights 2 weeks ago
However, still struggling for the past 8 days to book a ticket in P to MEX as they don't want to apply the negotiated conditions I have on this route (while they did it on my last booking).
Called the commercial department that deals with my bookings : Sorry we can't do that, you have to call your LP contact
Called my LP contact : Send me the details and I'll make it work
Received a call this morning from commercial department : We got the confirmation that we can't apply your negotiated discount %. You have to deal with the person in charge of your contract
Called the person in charge of my contract : I don't understand, I will have a look...
Basically, public price is 7,5 k€ (F fare) on website but they want to apply my discount on a 9 k€ fare which makes it even more expensive that public fare
I escalated again (and again) to make it work but I am really tired to struggle and fight all the time as AF departments don't talk to each other and no one wants to go the extra mile to find a solution as it's out of their scope.
In parallel, I just landed this morning to GRU with LX in F.
Almost no one in 2B
Very short connection in ZRH, S class limo waiting for me at the plane to help me clear the immigration and drive me to the gate.
Welcome card at my seat and chief pilot that came to welcome me & thank me for my loyalty (will be HON in September, maybe they can see it...)
Stellar experience !
I forced myself for many years to only stick to AF and I am sad to see that it does not make any sense any longer
However, still struggling for the past 8 days to book a ticket in P to MEX as they don't want to apply the negotiated conditions I have on this route (while they did it on my last booking).
Called the commercial department that deals with my bookings : Sorry we can't do that, you have to call your LP contact
Called my LP contact : Send me the details and I'll make it work
Received a call this morning from commercial department : We got the confirmation that we can't apply your negotiated discount %. You have to deal with the person in charge of your contract
Called the person in charge of my contract : I don't understand, I will have a look...
Basically, public price is 7,5 k€ (F fare) on website but they want to apply my discount on a 9 k€ fare which makes it even more expensive that public fare
I escalated again (and again) to make it work but I am really tired to struggle and fight all the time as AF departments don't talk to each other and no one wants to go the extra mile to find a solution as it's out of their scope.
In parallel, I just landed this morning to GRU with LX in F.
Almost no one in 2B
Very short connection in ZRH, S class limo waiting for me at the plane to help me clear the immigration and drive me to the gate.
Welcome card at my seat and chief pilot that came to welcome me & thank me for my loyalty (will be HON in September, maybe they can see it...)
Stellar experience !
I forced myself for many years to only stick to AF and I am sad to see that it does not make any sense any longer
Last edited by Bullspread; Jul 4, 2022 at 11:09 pm
Jul 5, 2022, 1:00 am
#5158
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: The Netherlands
Programs: FB Ultimate and PFL & ALL Accor Diamond
Posts: 477
Excellent experience as well in my 2 last flights 2 weeks ago
However, still struggling for the past 8 days to book a ticket in P to MEX as they don't want to apply the negotiated conditions I have on this route (while they did it on my last booking).
Called the commercial department that deals with my bookings : Sorry we can't do that, you have to call your LP contact
Called my LP contact : Send me the details and I'll make it work
Received a call this morning from commercial department : We got the confirmation that we can't apply your negotiated discount %. You have to deal with the person in charge of your contract
Called the person in charge of my contract : I don't understand, I will have a look...
Basically, public price is 7,5 k€ (F fare) on website but they want to apply my discount on a 9 k€ fare which makes it even more expensive that public fare
I escalated again (and again) to make it work but I am really tired to struggle and fight all the time as AF departments don't talk to each other and no one wants to go the extra mile to find a solution as it's out of their scope.
In parallel, I just landed this morning to GRU with LX in F.
Almost no one in 2B
Very short connection in ZRH, S class limo waiting for me at the plane to help me clear the immigration and drive me to the gate.
Welcome card at my seat and chief pilot that came to welcome me & thank me for my loyalty (will be HON in September, maybe they can see it...)
Stellar experience !
I forced myself for many years to only stick to AF and I am sad to see that it does not make any sense any longer
However, still struggling for the past 8 days to book a ticket in P to MEX as they don't want to apply the negotiated conditions I have on this route (while they did it on my last booking).
Called the commercial department that deals with my bookings : Sorry we can't do that, you have to call your LP contact
Called my LP contact : Send me the details and I'll make it work
Received a call this morning from commercial department : We got the confirmation that we can't apply your negotiated discount %. You have to deal with the person in charge of your contract
Called the person in charge of my contract : I don't understand, I will have a look...
Basically, public price is 7,5 k€ (F fare) on website but they want to apply my discount on a 9 k€ fare which makes it even more expensive that public fare
I escalated again (and again) to make it work but I am really tired to struggle and fight all the time as AF departments don't talk to each other and no one wants to go the extra mile to find a solution as it's out of their scope.
In parallel, I just landed this morning to GRU with LX in F.
Almost no one in 2B
Very short connection in ZRH, S class limo waiting for me at the plane to help me clear the immigration and drive me to the gate.
Welcome card at my seat and chief pilot that came to welcome me & thank me for my loyalty (will be HON in September, maybe they can see it...)
Stellar experience !
I forced myself for many years to only stick to AF and I am sad to see that it does not make any sense any longer
Jul 6, 2022, 5:30 am
#5159
Join Date: Aug 2019
Posts: 25
Very good experience flying back home from Seattle with Air France on Monday. After check-in we were offered to be brought to the lounge in person. By making use of this we bypassed the crowds and were brought directly to the front of the security lines and passport control. Very much appreciated of course.
Our flight happened to be delayed with more than an hour which risked making our 1h20min connection in Paris. However, the purser on board arranged for another pick-up at CDG, ensuring that we could skip all the lines again (a purser who also offered enough personal attention during the flight to Paris). We were subsequently brought to the lounge and could still make our connection. All-in-all, a very positive ulti-recognition experience!
Our flight happened to be delayed with more than an hour which risked making our 1h20min connection in Paris. However, the purser on board arranged for another pick-up at CDG, ensuring that we could skip all the lines again (a purser who also offered enough personal attention during the flight to Paris). We were subsequently brought to the lounge and could still make our connection. All-in-all, a very positive ulti-recognition experience!
Jul 6, 2022, 8:47 am
#5160
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: The Netherlands
Programs: FB Ultimate and PFL & ALL Accor Diamond
Posts: 477
Last CDG Ulti experience 2 weeks ago was great.
Today again lost… I went to Ulti desk, which was empty.
Another lady waived so I went there.
Had some issues with my BP on the new KLM app, so asked her to print.
Then I asked for an escort as there was a queue…
Yes the SP is there…
But can I get an escort as there is a queue…
Huh? No we don't do this….
So stupid they can not bring in any consistency… better to just say no all the time vs this weak performance….
Getting tired of asking and debating as well…
P.S. Flight Adam CDG (KLM Legacy) Monday: Needless to state: nothing on ground and nothing on board…. Not even taking time to report that as its business as usual.
Today again lost… I went to Ulti desk, which was empty.
Another lady waived so I went there.
Had some issues with my BP on the new KLM app, so asked her to print.
Then I asked for an escort as there was a queue…
Yes the SP is there…
But can I get an escort as there is a queue…
Huh? No we don't do this….
So stupid they can not bring in any consistency… better to just say no all the time vs this weak performance….
Getting tired of asking and debating as well…
P.S. Flight Adam CDG (KLM Legacy) Monday: Needless to state: nothing on ground and nothing on board…. Not even taking time to report that as its business as usual.