May 9, 2019, 3:08 pm
Last edit by: Goldorak
FLYING BLUE ULTIMATE
Main facts
Ultimate is the top status in FB. It may be added to Club 2000 – Skipper status.
While other FB status (Silver/Gold/Platinum) are based on experience points earning (XP), Ultimate status is obtained by Ultimate XP (UXP) earning. UXPs are earned exclusively on AF- and KL-coded (= marketed) flights, whatever the operating airline.
Some examples :
- CDG-JFK AF-marketing, AF-operating : eligible to UXP earning
- CDG-JFK DL-marketing, AF-operating : NON-eligible to UXP earning
- AMS-BOS KL-marketing, DL-operating : eligible to UXP earning
- BOS-IND KL-marketing, DL-operating : eligible to UXP earning
- SIN-SYD AF-marketing, QF-operating : eligible to UXP earning
- CDG-FCO AZ-marketing, AZ-operating : NON-eligible to UXP earning
XP earned via AFKL Amex cards are not eligible (those are XP and not UXP).
To qualify for Ultimate, it is needed to have 900 UXP over a year. It is similar to the normal XP counter, resetting as soon as the tier is reached. Ultimate is valid for 1 year once granted. Note 03/2023 : the qualification system just changed from 1800 UXP over 2 years to 900 UXP/1 year. Some transitional measures are in place for the current Ultimate members. See here for details about handling of transition period :
https://www.flyingblue.com/fr/landin...m_content=main
Since 03/2023, a rollover of surplus UXP (over 900) is now possible to the next year and only to the next year (example : year 1, the member earns 2000UXP. At the end of year 1, only 900 UXP will be rolled-over to year 2 and the remaining 1100 UXP earned in Y1 will be lost and not be transferred to year 3. If during year 2, the member earned 1000 new (fresh) UXP, 100 will be rolled-over to year 3.
Hard benefits
- All FB Platinum/Club 2000-Skipper benefits
- Access to a Travel Assistant service 24/7. They are reachable by phone or by email. In practice, from 8 pm to 8 am CET, calls are taken by the Platinum line.
- highest priority on waiting list and in case of irrops
- Possibility to register up to 8 persons who can benefit from Sky Priority services and lounge access when traveling with the Ultimate member and on same PNR (lounge access is only in AFKL lounges here).
- one companion Platinum card
- when the Ultimate member is flying P, 2 guests are allowed in CDG P lounge.
- Zone 1 boarding, irrespective of travel class.
- Access to Hertz Platinum status
- four one-class upgrade certificates per membership year, requiring 1 from W to J, or 2 from Y to J. Upgrades are confirmed instantly at the time of booking (via the Travel Assistant). One voucher = one way. Vouchers can also be used by one of the 8 registered friend/family members travelling by themselves. In case of a long-haul flight with a medium-haul connection/feeder (e.g. CDG-AMS-JFK), the medium-haul segment will be upgraded also with still only one voucher used. In case of 2 long-haul flights in connection (e,g. DXB-CDG-JFK), the use of 2 vouchers is required to upgrade the 2 segments. Upgrade vouchers are usable only on AF- or KL-marketing and operating flights and the PNR must contains only the AFKL flights to be upgraded (if the PNR contains other non-AFKL flights, you cannot upgrade even just the AFKL flights).
The upgrade coupons are valid as soon as you reach Ultimate and is valid for 12 months. The vouchers need to be used within the membership year, but can be applied for travel post expiry date.
Rules for eligible booking classes for the upgrade vouchers are described below :
AF flights, long-haul
Premium Eco to Business
Original booking class : A, S, W
Upgraded booking class : Z, I, D, C (it means that if the flight has only J fare available, one cannot upgrade)
Eco to Business (all flights, except to/from USA, Canada, Mexico)
Original booking class : Y, B, M, U, K, H, L, Q, T, N, R
Upgraded booking class : Z, I, D, C (it means that if the flight has only J fare available, one cannot upgrade)
Eco to Business (flights to/from USA, Canada, Mexico, including LAX-PPT)
Original booking class : Y, B, M, U, K, H, L, Q, T, N
Upgraded booking class : Z, C
KL flights, long-haul
Eco to Business (all flights, except to/from USA, Canada, Mexico and DEL)
Original booking class : Y, B, M, U, K, H, L, Q, T, N, R
Upgraded booking class : Z, I, D, C
Eco to Business (flights to/from USA, Canada, Mexico and DEL)
Original booking class : Y, B, M, U, K, H, L, Q, T, N
Upgraded booking class : Z, I.
Airline-specific soft (unpublished) benefits
- AF, KL and contract staff at airports have a popup message on their computer screen when checking-in an Ultimate pax or when scanning a BP at the lounge (AFKL lounges only) asking them to be attentive at any special request of the Ultimate pax. See also below for airport-specific soft benefits. There is no known official policy for operational upgrades of Ultimates, but Ultimate members have all reported on FT a higher rate of op-up (but those remain rare !).
- AF and KL cabin crews are instructed to provide extra care and attentions on-board. It can take different forms : special greetings, extra amenities (pillow, oshibori, etc), F&B from the upper class, upgrades on board (Y to J medium haul, W to J or Y to W long haul), earlier and quicker meal service. This is not systematic and is up to the appreciation of the crew. Based on the reports of Ultimate members of this forum, AF crews seems to be more compliant than KL crews with those directives, although there has been several reports in this thread of nice attentions provided by KL crews.- Unlimited downloads (any day) in AF PLAY app.
Other Skyteam airlines do not provide any extra service or attentions to FB Ultimate passengers.
Airport-specific soft (unpublished) benefits
All benefits below should be understood for departure, unless otherwise noted. In addition to what is mentioned below, it has been reported several cases of expedited transfers organised by AFKL staff in case of short/endangered connection at various airports.
Please complete/edit this list as needed.
AFKL HUBS
Amsterdam
- AMS : some reserved tables in the Non-Schengen lounges. Reserved area in the Schengen lounge (need to ask staff at long entrance). Pre-boarding sometimes granted at the gate.
Paris CDG
Paris ORY
EUROPE
Austria
- VIE: no special treatment to report
Croatia
- DBV: no special treatment to report
- SPU: no special treatment to report (not even lounge access)
Czech Republic
- PRG: no special treatment to report. Pre-boarding refused.
Denmark
- CPH: no special treatment to report
France (non-hubs)
- AJA: no special treatment to reportMain facts
Ultimate is the top status in FB. It may be added to Club 2000 – Skipper status.
While other FB status (Silver/Gold/Platinum) are based on experience points earning (XP), Ultimate status is obtained by Ultimate XP (UXP) earning. UXPs are earned exclusively on AF- and KL-coded (= marketed) flights, whatever the operating airline.
Some examples :
- CDG-JFK AF-marketing, AF-operating : eligible to UXP earning
- CDG-JFK DL-marketing, AF-operating : NON-eligible to UXP earning
- AMS-BOS KL-marketing, DL-operating : eligible to UXP earning
- BOS-IND KL-marketing, DL-operating : eligible to UXP earning
- SIN-SYD AF-marketing, QF-operating : eligible to UXP earning
- CDG-FCO AZ-marketing, AZ-operating : NON-eligible to UXP earning
XP earned via AFKL Amex cards are not eligible (those are XP and not UXP).
To qualify for Ultimate, it is needed to have 900 UXP over a year. It is similar to the normal XP counter, resetting as soon as the tier is reached. Ultimate is valid for 1 year once granted. Note 03/2023 : the qualification system just changed from 1800 UXP over 2 years to 900 UXP/1 year. Some transitional measures are in place for the current Ultimate members. See here for details about handling of transition period :
https://www.flyingblue.com/fr/landin...m_content=main
Since 03/2023, a rollover of surplus UXP (over 900) is now possible to the next year and only to the next year (example : year 1, the member earns 2000UXP. At the end of year 1, only 900 UXP will be rolled-over to year 2 and the remaining 1100 UXP earned in Y1 will be lost and not be transferred to year 3. If during year 2, the member earned 1000 new (fresh) UXP, 100 will be rolled-over to year 3.
Hard benefits
- All FB Platinum/Club 2000-Skipper benefits
- Access to a Travel Assistant service 24/7. They are reachable by phone or by email. In practice, from 8 pm to 8 am CET, calls are taken by the Platinum line.
- highest priority on waiting list and in case of irrops
- Possibility to register up to 8 persons who can benefit from Sky Priority services and lounge access when traveling with the Ultimate member and on same PNR (lounge access is only in AFKL lounges here).
- one companion Platinum card
- when the Ultimate member is flying P, 2 guests are allowed in CDG P lounge.
- Zone 1 boarding, irrespective of travel class.
- Access to Hertz Platinum status
- four one-class upgrade certificates per membership year, requiring 1 from W to J, or 2 from Y to J. Upgrades are confirmed instantly at the time of booking (via the Travel Assistant). One voucher = one way. Vouchers can also be used by one of the 8 registered friend/family members travelling by themselves. In case of a long-haul flight with a medium-haul connection/feeder (e.g. CDG-AMS-JFK), the medium-haul segment will be upgraded also with still only one voucher used. In case of 2 long-haul flights in connection (e,g. DXB-CDG-JFK), the use of 2 vouchers is required to upgrade the 2 segments. Upgrade vouchers are usable only on AF- or KL-marketing and operating flights and the PNR must contains only the AFKL flights to be upgraded (if the PNR contains other non-AFKL flights, you cannot upgrade even just the AFKL flights).
The upgrade coupons are valid as soon as you reach Ultimate and is valid for 12 months. The vouchers need to be used within the membership year, but can be applied for travel post expiry date.
Rules for eligible booking classes for the upgrade vouchers are described below :
AF flights, long-haul
Premium Eco to Business
Original booking class : A, S, W
Upgraded booking class : Z, I, D, C (it means that if the flight has only J fare available, one cannot upgrade)
Eco to Business (all flights, except to/from USA, Canada, Mexico)
Original booking class : Y, B, M, U, K, H, L, Q, T, N, R
Upgraded booking class : Z, I, D, C (it means that if the flight has only J fare available, one cannot upgrade)
Eco to Business (flights to/from USA, Canada, Mexico, including LAX-PPT)
Original booking class : Y, B, M, U, K, H, L, Q, T, N
Upgraded booking class : Z, C
KL flights, long-haul
Eco to Business (all flights, except to/from USA, Canada, Mexico and DEL)
Original booking class : Y, B, M, U, K, H, L, Q, T, N, R
Upgraded booking class : Z, I, D, C
Eco to Business (flights to/from USA, Canada, Mexico and DEL)
Original booking class : Y, B, M, U, K, H, L, Q, T, N
Upgraded booking class : Z, I.
Airline-specific soft (unpublished) benefits
- AF, KL and contract staff at airports have a popup message on their computer screen when checking-in an Ultimate pax or when scanning a BP at the lounge (AFKL lounges only) asking them to be attentive at any special request of the Ultimate pax. See also below for airport-specific soft benefits. There is no known official policy for operational upgrades of Ultimates, but Ultimate members have all reported on FT a higher rate of op-up (but those remain rare !).
- AF and KL cabin crews are instructed to provide extra care and attentions on-board. It can take different forms : special greetings, extra amenities (pillow, oshibori, etc), F&B from the upper class, upgrades on board (Y to J medium haul, W to J or Y to W long haul), earlier and quicker meal service. This is not systematic and is up to the appreciation of the crew. Based on the reports of Ultimate members of this forum, AF crews seems to be more compliant than KL crews with those directives, although there has been several reports in this thread of nice attentions provided by KL crews.- Unlimited downloads (any day) in AF PLAY app.
Other Skyteam airlines do not provide any extra service or attentions to FB Ultimate passengers.
Airport-specific soft (unpublished) benefits
All benefits below should be understood for departure, unless otherwise noted. In addition to what is mentioned below, it has been reported several cases of expedited transfers organised by AFKL staff in case of short/endangered connection at various airports.
Please complete/edit this list as needed.
AFKL HUBS
Amsterdam
- AMS : some reserved tables in the Non-Schengen lounges. Reserved area in the Schengen lounge (need to ask staff at long entrance). Pre-boarding sometimes granted at the gate.
Paris CDG
- CDG 2E:
- Departure : Escort from check-in to immigration in the morning (super fast track). Reserved space at K/L/M lounges. Pre-boarding upon request at the gate before beginning of general boarding
- Arrival : access to dedicated lane at passport control, all the way to the left, follow the "ULTIMATE" sign.
- Departure : There is a special Ultimate check-in counter in the SkyP zone (on the left of terminal). Reserved room in the lounge. Pre-boarding upon request at the gate before beginning of general boarding. Escort is provided from the counter to security (skipping the line).
- Arrival : no special treatment to report
- Departure : Reserved space in the lounge
- Arrival : no special treatment to report
Paris ORY
- Departure : Reserved space at Schengen and non-Schengen lounges. Pre-boarding upon request at the lounge.
- Arrival : no special treatment to report
EUROPE
Austria
- VIE: no special treatment to report
Croatia
- DBV: no special treatment to report
- SPU: no special treatment to report (not even lounge access)
Czech Republic
- PRG: no special treatment to report. Pre-boarding refused.
Denmark
- CPH: no special treatment to report
France (non-hubs)
- BES: no special treatment to report
- BIQ: no special treatment to report
- BOD: pre-boarding from lounge to plane inconsistently proposed
- CDG: see top of the list in "AFKL hubs".
- LYS: Escort from lounge to plane when flying from B gates provided upon request . Preboarding with escort to the plane consistently provided.
- MPL: pre-boarding with escort from lounge to plane, sometimes proposed (AF agent comes to the contract lounge to meet the Ultimate guest)
- MRS: no special treatment to report
- NCE: Reserved area in Infinity lounge (inconsistently provided : seems to be provided only when lounge crowded). Pre-boarding with escort from lounge to plane, sometimes proposed.
- NTE: no special treatment to report
- ORY: see top of the list in "AFKL hubs".
- PUF: bypass queue at security and pre-boarding provided upon request
- RNS: bypass queue at security and pre-boarding provided upon request
- TLS: Escort from check in to lounge inconsistently provided. Pre-boarding consistently provided
Germany
- BER: no special treatment to report
- DUS: no special treatment to report
- FRA: no special treatment to report
- HAM: no special treatment to report
- HAJ: No special treatment to report.
- MUC: Reserved area in the lounge, escort from lounge to plane with pre-boarding proposed.
- STR: reserved area in the lounge, pre-boarding
Greece
- ATH: no special treatment to report
- HER: no special treatment to report
- JTR: no special treatment to report
Hungary
- BUD: escort through security from check-in to lounge proposed
Ireland
- DUB: no special treatment to report
Italy
- BLQ: escort from check-in to lounge, and through security to plane.
- BRI: no special treatment to report
- CTA: no special treatment to report
- FCO: no special treatment to report
- FLR: no special treatment to report
- LIN: no special treatment to report
- MXP: pre-boarding granted by request
- VCE: escort through security from check-in to lounge, pre-boarding with escort from lounge to plane (not always consistently proposed)
- NAP: no special treatment to report
Netherlands
- AMS: see top of the list in "AFKL hubs".
Norway
- OSL: no special treatment to report
- TRF: no special treatment to report
- KRS: no special treatment to report
- SVG: no special treatment to report
Poland
- WAW: no special treatment to report
- KRK: no special treatment to report
- GDN: no special treatment to report
Portugal
- LIS: pre-boarding proposed upon request
Russia
- SVO: no special treatment to report
- LED: no special treatment to report
Spain
- AGP: no special treatment to report
- BCN: no special treatment to report
- MAD: no special treatment to report
- PMI: no special treatment to report
- SVQ: no special treatment to report
- TFS: no special treatment to report
- VLC: no special treatment to report
Sweden
- ARN: no special treatment to report
- GOT: no special treatment to report
Switzerland
- GVA: pre-boarding upon request. Reserved area in the lounge
- ZRH: no special treatment
United Kingdom
- ABZ: no special treatment to report
- EDI: no special treatment to report
- LHR: no special treatment to report
NORTH AMERICA
Canada
- YUL: Escort from check-in to lounge upon request. Reserved area in lounge, pre-boarding with escort from lounge to plane
- YYZ: escort on arrival through immigration, consistently offered. / Escort from check-in to lounge and from lounge to airplane
- YQB: escort from check-in to lounge proposed
- YVR: no special treatment to report
USA
- ATL: no special treatment to report (in connection)
- BOS: escort through security from check-in to lounge, pre-boarding, all consistently provided mostly spontaneously, sometimes upon request. A separate room in the AF lounge is also proposed.
- DTW: no special treatment to report (starting from DTW or in connection)
- IAD: escort through security from check-in to lounge upon request, but inconsistently provided. Reserved area at the lounge.
- IAH: no special treatment to report
- JFK (AF only / terminal 1) : reserved table in the dining area of the lounge (upstairs),
- JFK (KL only / terminal 4) : no special treatments to report.
- LAX: no special treatment to report
- ORD: On arrival, escort through immigration (not consistently provided). On departure, escort through security to lounge and from lounge to plane (pre-boarding)
- MSP: no special treatment to report, except one case of special DL Elite VIP treatment with expedited immigration and Porsche transfer to/from lounge (not a regular benefit to expect)
- SEA: pre-boarding with escort to plane
- SFO: reserved area in lounge
Mexico
- MEX (Terminal 1): escort through security to lounge with access to dedicated space. Ride from lounge to gate. Sometimes escort on arrival
CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA
- BOG: no special treatment to report
- LIM: escort to lounge, provided spontaneously
- GIG: Pre-boarding upon request.
- GRU: escort in case of short connection upon request, inconsistently provided; as of 02/2024 pre-boarding offered at check-in and provided by gate-staff (inconsistently provided).
- SCL: as of 03/2024 escort to lounge offered at departure check-in, pick-up from lounge and pre-boarding done
- EZE: escort to lounge with special crew lane for immigration provided spontaneously
ASIA / PACIFIC
- BKK: escort through security from check-in to lounge, upon request but inconsistently proposed. In connection : escort in case of short connection (better to request it before departure).
- BLR: escort from lounge to gate, pre-boarding provided
- BOM : escort from plane to immigration, and from checkin to the lounge
- DEL: as of 01/2024 escort upon arrival; proactive pre-departure call to arrange terminal entry via VIP entrance and escort to gate for pre-boarding (if lounge used, offered to pick up for pre-boarding)
- HKG: no special treatment to report.
- HND: Arrival : new 09/2023 = escort through immigration. Departure : escort from check-in desk to private (crew) security, proposed spontaneously
- KIX: Arrival : escort through immigration, wait at baggage claim. Departure : escort from check-in desk to lounge All proposed spontaneously
- SIN: no special treatment to report
CARIBBEAN & INDIAN OCEAN
- CUR: no special treatment to report, there is no (sky)priority lane for security or immigration, but escort/short track is available for 100 $.
- HAV: at departure, escort from check in counters until security checks. Pre-boarding offered. No escort at arrival. No reserved space in Lounge.
- FDF: No reserved space in Lounge. Pre-boarding upon request at the gate.
- MRU: escort on arrival through immigration. Unknown for departures (no data point)
- PTP: Reserved table in lounge. Pre-boarding upon request at the lounge with escort from lounge to plane.
- RUN: Pre-boarding proposed at check-in and in the lounge, with escort from lounge to plane. Reserved seats in lounge
- SXM: Escort for incoming transit pax (from/to AF flight) through passport controls and security, pre-boarding pro-actively offered for AF departure
MIDDLE EAST
- AUH : no special treatment to report
- BEY: no special treatment to report
- DXB: escort from check-in to lounge and from lounge to plane, all upon request, consistently provided. Access to the Ahlan lounge (normally reserved for P pax) instead of Skyteam lounge.
- JED: no special treatment to report
- RUH: no special treatment to report
- IST: no special treatment to report
AFRICA
- AGA: escort from check in to lounge and from lounge to aircraft, provided spontaneously
- CAI: no special treatment to report
- CMN: escort on arrival through immigration (not always consistently provided)
- CPT: escort from counter to lounge, provided spontaneously
- JNB: escort from counter to lounge (no fast track at immigration), provided spontaneously
- LOS: no special treatment to report
- RAK: escort on arrival, upon request (not provided on departure)
- RBA: on departure : escort to lounge and to plane, provided spontaneously.
- TUN: escort on arrival through immigration provided. Escort from check-in to lounge provided
- ZNZ: no special treatment to report (not even lounge access)
Flying Blue Platinum Ultimate Status
Jul 31, 2022, 4:45 am
#5251
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Paris, France
Programs: AF/KL Flying Blue Platinum for life/Club2000 Ultimate, Accor ALL Diamond
Posts: 21,928
Interesting experience at BOS where usually the escort is proposed spontaneously at checkin. The checkin agent at one of the 2 SP counters was a young guy. Formalities very quickly expedited but nothing proposed. I 1st see that he didn't put the priority tag on the bag. Answer "we don't have any" 
. As he just gave me my BP and passport with the usual statement "boarding at XXX, Gate EXX", I asked I could be escorted the lounge. I immediately saw his puzzled face and thought oh oh oh 
. He asked me to repeat, then he said "what do you mean by escort you to the lounge". This is an Ultimate service you are always providing here. He was about to say something when her colleague nearby told him "yes, we do this and you have to do it" 
. He did it bit you could see he was very annoyed 
.
Nice welcome at BOS lounge where, for the 1st time ever, I was proposed to use one of the 2 VIP rooms. I never noticed them before as I rarely seat in this part of the lounge (it's at the back on the left part). It's windowless, but I was happy to be there as the lounge was totally packed (as usual). The lounge agent told me they use those rooms for the crews as waiting rooms, if the incoming aircraft form CDG is late. So it was clearly said to me that I could had to vacate the room if the crew wanted it. But it did not happen.
Knowing the attitude of the checkin agent, I asked the lounge team for pre-boarding and it was done very kindly. Very good crew on-board.
Arrived in CDG zoo : no more Ulti sign visible on arrival
. Immigration room well filled. Took me about 30 min to go through.
. As he just gave me my BP and passport with the usual statement "boarding at XXX, Gate EXX", I asked I could be escorted the lounge. I immediately saw his puzzled face and thought oh oh oh . He asked me to repeat, then he said "what do you mean by escort you to the lounge". This is an Ultimate service you are always providing here. He was about to say something when her colleague nearby told him "yes, we do this and you have to do it" . He did it bit you could see he was very annoyed .Nice welcome at BOS lounge where, for the 1st time ever, I was proposed to use one of the 2 VIP rooms. I never noticed them before as I rarely seat in this part of the lounge (it's at the back on the left part). It's windowless, but I was happy to be there as the lounge was totally packed (as usual). The lounge agent told me they use those rooms for the crews as waiting rooms, if the incoming aircraft form CDG is late. So it was clearly said to me that I could had to vacate the room if the crew wanted it. But it did not happen.
Knowing the attitude of the checkin agent, I asked the lounge team for pre-boarding and it was done very kindly. Very good crew on-board.
Arrived in CDG zoo : no more Ulti sign visible on arrival
. Immigration room well filled. Took me about 30 min to go through.
Jul 31, 2022, 6:31 am
#5253
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Paris, France
Programs: AF/KL Flying Blue Platinum for life/Club2000 Ultimate, Accor ALL Diamond
Posts: 21,928
Jul 31, 2022, 7:33 am
#5254
Join Date: Apr 2005
Programs: Eurostar Carte Blanche, SBB-CFF-FFS GA-AG, SNCF Grand Voyageur LeClub
Posts: 7,836
Jul 31, 2022, 2:15 pm
#5255
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
How AF thinks that FF will keep being loyal with such low benefits ? This lane was very convenient especially these days where immigration is a zoo
My last discussions with sales department makes me feel that FF were interesting during the pandemic as they were more entitled to travel but no that AF is back to almost normal, we're definitely not the priority any longer
Aug 2, 2022, 8:57 am
#5256
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: The Netherlands
Programs: FB Ultimate and PFL & ALL Accor Diamond
Posts: 477
Interesting experience at BOS where usually the escort is proposed spontaneously at checkin. The checkin agent at one of the 2 SP counters was a young guy. Formalities very quickly expedited but nothing proposed. I 1st see that he didn't put the priority tag on the bag. Answer "we don't have any" . As he just gave me my BP and passport with the usual statement "boarding at XXX, Gate EXX", I asked I could be escorted the lounge. I immediately saw his puzzled face and thought oh oh oh . He asked me to repeat, then he said "what do you mean by escort you to the lounge". This is an Ultimate service you are always providing here. He was about to say something when her colleague nearby told him "yes, we do this and you have to do it" . He did it bit you could see he was very annoyed .
Nice welcome at BOS lounge where, for the 1st time ever, I was proposed to use one of the 2 VIP rooms. I never noticed them before as I rarely seat in this part of the lounge (it's at the back on the left part). It's windowless, but I was happy to be there as the lounge was totally packed (as usual). The lounge agent told me they use those rooms for the crews as waiting rooms, if the incoming aircraft form CDG is late. So it was clearly said to me that I could had to vacate the room if the crew wanted it. But it did not happen.
Knowing the attitude of the checkin agent, I asked the lounge team for pre-boarding and it was done very kindly. Very good crew on-board.
Arrived in CDG zoo : no more Ulti sign visible on arrival. Immigration room well filled. Took me about 30 min to go through.
. As he just gave me my BP and passport with the usual statement "boarding at XXX, Gate EXX", I asked I could be escorted the lounge. I immediately saw his puzzled face and thought oh oh oh . He asked me to repeat, then he said "what do you mean by escort you to the lounge". This is an Ultimate service you are always providing here. He was about to say something when her colleague nearby told him "yes, we do this and you have to do it" . He did it bit you could see he was very annoyed .Nice welcome at BOS lounge where, for the 1st time ever, I was proposed to use one of the 2 VIP rooms. I never noticed them before as I rarely seat in this part of the lounge (it's at the back on the left part). It's windowless, but I was happy to be there as the lounge was totally packed (as usual). The lounge agent told me they use those rooms for the crews as waiting rooms, if the incoming aircraft form CDG is late. So it was clearly said to me that I could had to vacate the room if the crew wanted it. But it did not happen.
Knowing the attitude of the checkin agent, I asked the lounge team for pre-boarding and it was done very kindly. Very good crew on-board.
Arrived in CDG zoo : no more Ulti sign visible on arrival
. Immigration room well filled. Took me about 30 min to go through.to me it seems its more about the individual vs policy.
The guy at the lounge was indeed great.
Aug 3, 2022, 1:58 pm
#5257
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: Lyon, FR
Programs: Flying Blue Ultimate
Posts: 27
Hey guys,
My number of posts here is under the minimum requested to be able to update the wiki by myself.
Anyone of you could update the wiki for me with theses informations plzz
France :
PUF : bypass queue at security and pre-boarding provided upon request
Maroc :
CMN : escort on arrival through immigration (not always consistently provided).
Hungary :
BUD : escort through security from check-in to lounge proposed
Spain :
TFS : no special treatment to report
Thanks a lot guys
My number of posts here is under the minimum requested to be able to update the wiki by myself.
Anyone of you could update the wiki for me with theses informations plzz
France :
PUF : bypass queue at security and pre-boarding provided upon request
Maroc :
CMN : escort on arrival through immigration (not always consistently provided).
Hungary :
BUD : escort through security from check-in to lounge proposed
Spain :
TFS : no special treatment to report
Thanks a lot guys
Aug 3, 2022, 11:47 pm
#5258
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Paris, France
Programs: AF/KL Flying Blue Platinum for life/Club2000 Ultimate, Accor ALL Diamond
Posts: 21,928
Hey guys,
My number of posts here is under the minimum requested to be able to update the wiki by myself.
Anyone of you could update the wiki for me with theses informations plzz
France :
PUF : bypass queue at security and pre-boarding provided upon request
Maroc :
CMN : escort on arrival through immigration (not always consistently provided).
Hungary :
BUD : escort through security from check-in to lounge proposed
Spain :
TFS : no special treatment to report
Thanks a lot guys
My number of posts here is under the minimum requested to be able to update the wiki by myself.
Anyone of you could update the wiki for me with theses informations plzz
France :
PUF : bypass queue at security and pre-boarding provided upon request
Maroc :
CMN : escort on arrival through immigration (not always consistently provided).
Hungary :
BUD : escort through security from check-in to lounge proposed
Spain :
TFS : no special treatment to report
Thanks a lot guys
Aug 4, 2022, 6:24 am
#5261
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: Lyon, FR
Programs: Flying Blue Ultimate
Posts: 27
For those of you guys who like to read some feedback, here an interesting story.
On monday, I had one of the worst experiences with a purser on an Air France medium-haul flight.
I bought a LYS-CDG-BUD routing less than 2 hours before departure with an eco flex ticket for the unique reason that the business cabin was full on the second leg.
The LYS-CDG flight took off 45min late... with a 50min connection at CDG, that already seems complicated to me.
In Lyon, which is my home airport, as usual, excellent service, with escort from the lounge to the gate with pre-boarding.
On board, the purser offers me a seat in business cabin. Perfect
Luckily, my flight to BUD is also 15min late.
During the flight the purser inform me that she has just received a message from the travel assistant, an agent will be there at CDG for my connection.
I am actually greeted by a KX agent at the plane door and we head to my plane to Budapest. I ask the KX for the possibility of requesting an aisle seat for the flight rather than my 3F seat. The trip was scheduled so last minute that I didn't have time to manage my seats. However, I had seen on the cabin plan that the 4D and 5D were available.
I'm one of the last to board the flight
The KX agent introduces me to the purser and asks for me if an aisle seat is available.
The purser, who obviously didn't care at all having an Ultimate on board, is clearly annoyed by the request for a seat change.
I see him scroll through the cabin plan on his Ipad before replying that there are none left.
I saw very well that the 4D is available, so I ask him. He replies "Boarding is not over, you have to wait". I therefore reply that I will wait at 4D, and return to my original seat if necessary.
Suffice to say that it started very badly
During the whole flight, the purser was working the minimum interaction with the passengers and without any smile.
During the service, I ask him for a small bottle of water. I see him start serving me a glass of water so I insist for a small bottle of water. He answers me by looking at his tolley "I don't have any here" It is understood that he will not return to the galley to get me one.
My neighbor asks him for a blanket, he replies "I'll see if I have any" but he continues his service...
After 20min, I clearly wanted to push him to his limits. I press the call button and when he arrives ask him "If you finally find a blanket for my neighbor, I'd be happy to have one too.
Finally, he goes to the front of the cabin to bring us blankets.
I ended up telling him that I wanted to take advantage of the remaining flight time to do an "ERC". You know the customer satisfaction questionnaire on their Ipad.
I can assure you that his behavior has changed completely.
He comes back with a big smile with his Ipad calling me by my name, as if he discovered that I was Ultimate and offers me champagne. Bad luck for him, it's in my Ultimate preferences that I don't drink alcohol on board. He apologizes for the water bottle and finally brings me one.
I clearly told him that I preferred to see him like that with a smile but that I find it a shame to have to talk about ERC to make him react. He listened without saying much, looking very embarrassed.
I returned the next day to France, luckily it was not the same crew.
The next day, crew top notch , I had a small bottle of water waiting for me at my seat when boarding. The purser was shocked to hear my story from the day before.
I still hesitate to send the story to the TA
On monday, I had one of the worst experiences with a purser on an Air France medium-haul flight.
I bought a LYS-CDG-BUD routing less than 2 hours before departure with an eco flex ticket for the unique reason that the business cabin was full on the second leg.
The LYS-CDG flight took off 45min late... with a 50min connection at CDG, that already seems complicated to me.
In Lyon, which is my home airport, as usual, excellent service, with escort from the lounge to the gate with pre-boarding.
On board, the purser offers me a seat in business cabin. Perfect
Luckily, my flight to BUD is also 15min late.
During the flight the purser inform me that she has just received a message from the travel assistant, an agent will be there at CDG for my connection.
I am actually greeted by a KX agent at the plane door and we head to my plane to Budapest. I ask the KX for the possibility of requesting an aisle seat for the flight rather than my 3F seat. The trip was scheduled so last minute that I didn't have time to manage my seats. However, I had seen on the cabin plan that the 4D and 5D were available.
I'm one of the last to board the flight
The KX agent introduces me to the purser and asks for me if an aisle seat is available.
The purser, who obviously didn't care at all having an Ultimate on board, is clearly annoyed by the request for a seat change.
I see him scroll through the cabin plan on his Ipad before replying that there are none left.
I saw very well that the 4D is available, so I ask him. He replies "Boarding is not over, you have to wait". I therefore reply that I will wait at 4D, and return to my original seat if necessary.
Suffice to say that it started very badly
During the whole flight, the purser was working the minimum interaction with the passengers and without any smile.
During the service, I ask him for a small bottle of water. I see him start serving me a glass of water so I insist for a small bottle of water. He answers me by looking at his tolley "I don't have any here" It is understood that he will not return to the galley to get me one.
My neighbor asks him for a blanket, he replies "I'll see if I have any" but he continues his service...
After 20min, I clearly wanted to push him to his limits. I press the call button and when he arrives ask him "If you finally find a blanket for my neighbor, I'd be happy to have one too.
Finally, he goes to the front of the cabin to bring us blankets.
I ended up telling him that I wanted to take advantage of the remaining flight time to do an "ERC". You know the customer satisfaction questionnaire on their Ipad.
I can assure you that his behavior has changed completely.
He comes back with a big smile with his Ipad calling me by my name, as if he discovered that I was Ultimate and offers me champagne. Bad luck for him, it's in my Ultimate preferences that I don't drink alcohol on board. He apologizes for the water bottle and finally brings me one.
I clearly told him that I preferred to see him like that with a smile but that I find it a shame to have to talk about ERC to make him react. He listened without saying much, looking very embarrassed.
I returned the next day to France, luckily it was not the same crew.
The next day, crew top notch , I had a small bottle of water waiting for me at my seat when boarding. The purser was shocked to hear my story from the day before.
I still hesitate to send the story to the TA
Last edited by frankontheglobe; Aug 4, 2022 at 7:00 am
Aug 4, 2022, 11:01 am
#5262
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Paris, France
Programs: AF/KL Flying Blue Platinum for life/Club2000 Ultimate, Accor ALL Diamond
Posts: 21,928
).
Aug 4, 2022, 2:26 pm
#5263
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: The Netherlands
Programs: FB Ultimate and PFL & ALL Accor Diamond
Posts: 477
Another 1st world problem… I booked (private) 2 x C class tickets (Adam-JFK) for me and the misses…. I booked 787 for a reason…. As i do not really like the 777 seats and IFE and the 787 has so much less noise and better air pressure.
What do I see just now: they changed the fight to 777 200…. Thanks a lot!
Aug 6, 2022, 8:16 am
#5264
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 39
I have to say a big compliment to the Ulti employees. The Ulti Email Help is efficient and incredibly helpful. So far always received an answer within a maximum of one hour. With the frequent flight postponements & cancellations (unfortunately there have been a few of them lately) I was always offered great alternatives that I would not have chosen better myself. There was also no skyteam obligation when rebooking. thanks
Aug 6, 2022, 10:46 am
#5265
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Paris, France
Programs: AF/KL Flying Blue Platinum for life/Club2000 Ultimate, Accor ALL Diamond
Posts: 21,928
I have to say a big compliment to the Ulti employees. The Ulti Email Help is efficient and incredibly helpful. So far always received an answer within a maximum of one hour. With the frequent flight postponements & cancellations (unfortunately there have been a few of them lately) I was always offered great alternatives that I would not have chosen better myself. There was also no skyteam obligation when rebooking. thanks