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
Aug 27, 2017, 7:09 am
#706
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Paris, France
Programs: AF/KL Flying Blue Platinum for life/Club2000 Ultimate, Accor ALL Diamond
Posts: 21,918
Aug 29, 2017, 7:17 am
#707
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Boston, MA, USA
Programs: FB LTPE, BAEC GGL, EK Blue, SK Gold, Marriott Amb+LTT, IHG Diamond Amb, Accorhotels Silver
Posts: 1,953
I would even dispute that the arrangement that Goldorak rightly mentions about CDG immigration is a 'hard perk' per se. For me it is still a soft perk, but where the airline confirmed a transitory and case specific systematic implementation. There is a big nuance here. It's the same as, say, and airline which might say 'we might occasionally suspend the rules for our top tier customers but there is no guarantee' but in the context of a major disruption (strike, weather disruption, etc) would tell those top tier members "Please, don't worry, during the strike we'll definitely suspend the rules for all of your planned travel even if it is not covered by our regular IRROP policy."
Sep 2, 2017, 12:35 pm
#708
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Paris, France
Programs: AF/KL Flying Blue Platinum for life/Club2000 Ultimate, Accor ALL Diamond
Posts: 21,918
I can report an excellent Ultimate service in VCE :
- on arrival (from CDG) : greeted in the jetway by the AF station manager on-duty and escorted to the exit with plenty of advices how to reach our final address in Venice (bus, boat, water taxi) and where to buy the tickets.
- on departure : at check-in, as soon as the agent (subcontractant) saw the Ultimate card, she gave a call and immediately the AF station manager on duty was here to welcome very nicely my party and me. She escorted us through security to the lounge (she took care of lounge formalities, we went directly to the seating area). She asked whether we preferred to board before anyone else or at the end. We said before anyone. 5 minutes before the agreed time for being picked-up in the lounge, the AZ lounge attendant came to see us saying that the AF lady just called and will be here in 5 minutes for our pre-boarding, so we can be ready. At the said time, she was here and made us board just before the general boarding and introduced us to the crew ^.
I give 19.9/20 to the VCE AF staff and they put at shame some other stations fully staffed with AF employees who always use the excuse of being understaffed to do nothing (Allo SCL, JFK ??). The lady who took care of us departing VCE was called very often on her cell phone when she was with us to deal with various problems and at one point she apologized to us being called so frequently and not "being fully with us" because she was alone as an AF employee on-duty. But she was just perfect and very nice. So it is possible. Just some goodwill and professionalism.
My family was also very impressed. A big thank you to the 2 AF employees of the VCE station who took care of us "Ultimately" during this trip
- on arrival (from CDG) : greeted in the jetway by the AF station manager on-duty and escorted to the exit with plenty of advices how to reach our final address in Venice (bus, boat, water taxi) and where to buy the tickets.
- on departure : at check-in, as soon as the agent (subcontractant) saw the Ultimate card, she gave a call and immediately the AF station manager on duty was here to welcome very nicely my party and me. She escorted us through security to the lounge (she took care of lounge formalities, we went directly to the seating area). She asked whether we preferred to board before anyone else or at the end. We said before anyone. 5 minutes before the agreed time for being picked-up in the lounge, the AZ lounge attendant came to see us saying that the AF lady just called and will be here in 5 minutes for our pre-boarding, so we can be ready. At the said time, she was here and made us board just before the general boarding and introduced us to the crew ^.
I give 19.9/20 to the VCE AF staff and they put at shame some other stations fully staffed with AF employees who always use the excuse of being understaffed to do nothing (Allo SCL, JFK ??). The lady who took care of us departing VCE was called very often on her cell phone when she was with us to deal with various problems and at one point she apologized to us being called so frequently and not "being fully with us" because she was alone as an AF employee on-duty. But she was just perfect and very nice. So it is possible. Just some goodwill and professionalism.
My family was also very impressed. A big thank you to the 2 AF employees of the VCE station who took care of us "Ultimately" during this trip
Sep 9, 2017, 11:35 am
#709
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Paris, France
Programs: AF/KL Flying Blue Platinum for life/Club2000 Ultimate, Accor ALL Diamond
Posts: 21,918
IAD
Experience to/from IAD (in J) with colleagues:
- reserved area at CDG (M) and IAD lounges well organized by the TA team. As we were 6 or 7 people, we had access to an area I have never seen before in the M lounge (at the extreme right of the lounge) : perfect to be with some colleagues, we had a special bar for us (but for the food, you have to go to the regular counters of the lounge - not a problem of course). ^
- usual escort through immigration at CDG both at departure and arrival. On departure, as I was checking a bag, the "AF Ultimate agent" kindly made me skip all the line to check-in ^
- As you know, there is no escort through security at CDG and that was a big minus this time. Only one lane in the SkyP lane with 50 persons in, moving very slowly. A complete joke for a priority lane
. This is not the 1st time I notice that and this is especially prominent at L and M (but not at K where you have always 2 lanes and they often allow people to go to a 3rd lane). So it took me 20-25 min to go through 
- I was escorted on departure from IAD through security to the lounge ^ But I have to precise that I had to ask for it, otherwise nothing was proposed. And after I asked, it was not so spontaneous and was somewhat rather unpleasant to witness from my perspective. In fact they were looking for the "poor victim" within the AF staff who would have to take care of this boring task. So OK, they did the job (contrarily to JFK), but it could have been done better.
- very good service on-board the 2 flights. On the return flight (flight time was very short, only 6h20 !), the cabin crew asked me if I wanted to have an expedited but full dinner. I said yes of course : I was served the tray with the appetizer at the scheduled time but received my 1st course much earlier than anyone else (choice asked by the crew minutes after the menu was distributed). Result was that I had finished my whole tray at the time they were serving the main course to other pax ^
- reserved area at CDG (M) and IAD lounges well organized by the TA team. As we were 6 or 7 people, we had access to an area I have never seen before in the M lounge (at the extreme right of the lounge) : perfect to be with some colleagues, we had a special bar for us (but for the food, you have to go to the regular counters of the lounge - not a problem of course). ^
- usual escort through immigration at CDG both at departure and arrival. On departure, as I was checking a bag, the "AF Ultimate agent" kindly made me skip all the line to check-in ^
- As you know, there is no escort through security at CDG and that was a big minus this time. Only one lane in the SkyP lane with 50 persons in, moving very slowly. A complete joke for a priority lane
. This is not the 1st time I notice that and this is especially prominent at L and M (but not at K where you have always 2 lanes and they often allow people to go to a 3rd lane). So it took me 20-25 min to go through - I was escorted on departure from IAD through security to the lounge ^ But I have to precise that I had to ask for it, otherwise nothing was proposed. And after I asked, it was not so spontaneous and was somewhat rather unpleasant to witness from my perspective. In fact they were looking for the "poor victim" within the AF staff who would have to take care of this boring task. So OK, they did the job (contrarily to JFK), but it could have been done better.
- very good service on-board the 2 flights. On the return flight (flight time was very short, only 6h20 !), the cabin crew asked me if I wanted to have an expedited but full dinner. I said yes of course : I was served the tray with the appetizer at the scheduled time but received my 1st course much earlier than anyone else (choice asked by the crew minutes after the menu was distributed). Result was that I had finished my whole tray at the time they were serving the main course to other pax ^
Sep 9, 2017, 3:05 pm
#710
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: New York
Posts: 453
- I was escorted on departure from IAD through security to the lounge ^ But I have to precise that I had to ask for it, otherwise nothing was proposed. And after I asked, it was not so spontaneous and was somewhat rather unpleasant to witness from my perspective. In fact they were looking for the "poor victim" within the AF staff who would have to take care of this boring task. So OK, they did the job (contrarily to JFK), but it could have been done better.
), and I guess it's kinda nice but the only benefit I could see -besides making me feel "special" - is to cut the lines. Is there more to it that would make you request it? I'm asking because I think I'd feel a bit awkward asking for it, let alone if they are reluctant to provide that service... I'd rather walk alone than walking with someone who hates me
.
Sep 9, 2017, 9:04 pm
#711
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Champaign, IL
Programs: AF/KL FB Ultimate Platinum for Life/Club 2000, UA MileagePlus
Posts: 524
BSL to ORD flight report
I will skip the BSL part, which is definitely not worth mentioning.
All in all, neither a good flight, nor a bad one. For the nth time, I have been told that the old A330 serving ORD will soon be retrofitted with the Best & Beyond cabin (in replacement of the current, outdated Zodiac seats). Top-notch service at the CDG 2E-K lounge. However understaffed, the team on duty yesterday did an amazing job. On board, a preselection of the meal would have been nice (to avoid finding out that my choice was no longer available).
I have a few more flights on this route in the coming weeks, which should help improve my statistics.
- Arrival at CDG 2G. 30-minute line to clear police control. No escort, no AF staff in sight. Lame 👎.
- At CDG 2E-K. Warm welcome at lounge. Upon arriving, the AF staff on duty handed me my favorite news magazine. Reserved area. Proactive reservation of a Clarins massage. 👍👍
- On board AF144. At first, no special recognition from chief purser, or crew. The chief purser subsequently came to ask me about my impression of the Ultimate program, taking notes. No special treatment, e.g., advanced meal selection.
- Arrival at ORD. Nothing.
All in all, neither a good flight, nor a bad one. For the nth time, I have been told that the old A330 serving ORD will soon be retrofitted with the Best & Beyond cabin (in replacement of the current, outdated Zodiac seats). Top-notch service at the CDG 2E-K lounge. However understaffed, the team on duty yesterday did an amazing job. On board, a preselection of the meal would have been nice (to avoid finding out that my choice was no longer available).
I have a few more flights on this route in the coming weeks, which should help improve my statistics
.
Sep 9, 2017, 10:30 pm
#712
Join Date: Apr 2005
Programs: Eurostar Carte Blanche, SBB-CFF-FFS GA-AG, SNCF Grand Voyageur LeClub
Posts: 7,834
Just a side question here: I have limited experience with escorts (in fact, only one time ), and I guess it's kinda nice but the only benefit I could see -
besides making me feel "special" - is to cut the lines. Is there more to it that would make you request it? I'm asking because I think I'd feel a bit awkward asking for it, let alone if they are reluctant to provide that service... I'd rather walk alone than walking with someone who hates me.
), and I guess it's kinda nice but the only benefit I could see -besides making me feel "special" - is to cut the lines. Is there more to it that would make you request it? I'm asking because I think I'd feel a bit awkward asking for it, let alone if they are reluctant to provide that service... I'd rather walk alone than walking with someone who hates me
.If AF got that *consistently* right for their ULTIs then one major comparative disadvantage of flying with them would be removed and I'd fly them much more often (there are two other things which make me not choose them systematically for my long hauls from/to Paris). But from the post about ORD it seems that they still don't deliver on their service promise in a consistent and reliable fashion.
Sep 10, 2017, 12:17 am
#713
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: New York
Posts: 453
In the case of an unfriendly agent, I would just ask the person to leave me at the front of the line at security, and not having him/her going all the way to the lounge haha
.
Sep 10, 2017, 1:04 am
#714
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Paris, France
Programs: AF/KL Flying Blue Platinum for life/Club2000 Ultimate, Accor ALL Diamond
Posts: 21,918
Just a side question here: I have limited experience with escorts (in fact, only one time ), and I guess it's kinda nice but the only benefit I could see -
besides making me feel "special" - is to cut the lines. Is there more to it that would make you request it? I'm asking because I think I'd feel a bit awkward asking for it, let alone if they are reluctant to provide that service... I'd rather walk alone than walking with someone who hates me.
), and I guess it's kinda nice but the only benefit I could see -besides making me feel "special" - is to cut the lines. Is there more to it that would make you request it? I'm asking because I think I'd feel a bit awkward asking for it, let alone if they are reluctant to provide that service... I'd rather walk alone than walking with someone who hates me
.Cutting the line is a major benefit when the line is very long! Personally I'd rather save a lot of time for not standing in line but doing something pleasant or useful, even if the person doing it hates doing his/her job.
If AF got that *consistently* right for their ULTIs then one major comparative disadvantage of flying with them would be removed and I'd fly them much more often (there are two other things which make me not choose them systematically for my long hauls from/to Paris). But from the post about ORD it seems that they still don't deliver on their service promise in a consistent and reliable fashion.
If AF got that *consistently* right for their ULTIs then one major comparative disadvantage of flying with them would be removed and I'd fly them much more often (there are two other things which make me not choose them systematically for my long hauls from/to Paris). But from the post about ORD it seems that they still don't deliver on their service promise in a consistent and reliable fashion.
) she was hating me !
Sep 10, 2017, 1:07 am
#715
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Paris, France
Programs: AF/KL Flying Blue Platinum for life/Club2000 Ultimate, Accor ALL Diamond
Posts: 21,918
.http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/air-f...formation.html
Sep 10, 2017, 2:30 am
#716
Join Date: Apr 2005
Programs: Eurostar Carte Blanche, SBB-CFF-FFS GA-AG, SNCF Grand Voyageur LeClub
Posts: 7,834
You'll find here some info about the retrofit of the A332. I think you'll still have to wait a bit to have a new J cabin, but at least the A332 are next in line .
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/air-f...formation.html
.http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/air-f...formation.html
Which brings us back to the main topic of this thread: inconsistency.
Sep 10, 2017, 9:48 am
#717
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Champaign, IL
Programs: AF/KL FB Ultimate Platinum for Life/Club 2000, UA MileagePlus
Posts: 524
You'll find here some info about the retrofit of the A332. I think you'll still have to wait a bit to have a new J cabin, but at least the A332 are next in line .
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/air-f...formation.html
.http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/air-f...formation.html
Cheers,
Macaron54
Sep 10, 2017, 10:16 am
#718
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: France
Programs: FB Plat for Life, UAMP, BAEC, Accor ALL Platinum, Marriott silver, Hilton, Meliá silver.
Posts: 3,118
You'll find here some info about the retrofit of the A332. I think you'll still have to wait a bit to have a new J cabin, but at least the A332 are next in line .
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/air-f...formation.html
.http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/air-f...formation.html
Last edited by carnarvon; Sep 10, 2017 at 2:05 pm
Sep 11, 2017, 7:20 am
#719
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Paris, France
Programs: AF/KL Flying Blue Platinum for life/Club2000 Ultimate, Accor ALL Diamond
Posts: 21,918
Heavy travelers like us know better the stations, the network, the aircraft configurations, the ways trough the airports, etc ^
you have reached my level of incompetence
Sep 11, 2017, 7:24 am
#720
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Champaign, IL
Programs: AF/KL FB Ultimate Platinum for Life/Club 2000, UA MileagePlus
Posts: 524
In both 2D's and 3D's, you have two seats side by side, but in the former, the seats are pointing inwards, whereas in the latter, they are point outwards. No clue what distinguishes the 2Dv from the other two.
Macaron54
Macaron54