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
Oct 21, 2017, 4:02 am
#796
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Paris, France
Programs: AF/KL Flying Blue Platinum for life/Club2000 Ultimate, Accor ALL Diamond
Posts: 21,929
To make AF/KL/FB people aware about competition moves : BA is launching a new service in LHR for all P/J pax and Silver + Gold members of their FFP connecting from a domestic to an international flight. If your connection is in danger because of a delayed incoming flight, you will have a direct airside car transfer between your 2 flights. Nice move.
On AF, this is just for Ultimate pax (and P of course), but is this even consistently applied for Ultimate? In my case yes (2 recent experiences I have reported in this forum).
On AF, this is just for Ultimate pax (and P of course), but is this even consistently applied for Ultimate? In my case yes (2 recent experiences I have reported in this forum).
Oct 21, 2017, 9:46 am
#797
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: UK/FR
Programs: FlyingBlue Platinum, Hertz PC
Posts: 886
That would be nice, I'm always annoyed to arrive sweating at my gate, barely make my connection and find out my checked bag weren't as fast so I have to find a shop if I want to change...
Oct 21, 2017, 10:07 am
#798
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Hong Kong, France
Programs: FB , BA Gold
Posts: 15,567
This amazing. And badlly needed for BA as they have this strict conformance timing.
They lose a lot of money on thes "stranded" pax.
I used to fly BA a lot longhaul as they used to have a J product far superior to competition (e.g. NEV2). But transfer in LHR can be hectic and their product is now somewhat inferior (at least to BEST and others). But this new service is great.
We can trus the British to work hard on implementation. AF would be an execution question mark.
They lose a lot of money on thes "stranded" pax.
I used to fly BA a lot longhaul as they used to have a J product far superior to competition (e.g. NEV2). But transfer in LHR can be hectic and their product is now somewhat inferior (at least to BEST and others). But this new service is great.
We can trus the British to work hard on implementation. AF would be an execution question mark.
Oct 21, 2017, 10:54 am
#799
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: London, UK and Southern France
Posts: 18,364
This amazing. And badlly needed for BA as they have this strict conformance timing.
They lose a lot of money on thes "stranded" pax.
I used to fly BA a lot longhaul as they used to have a J product far superior to competition (e.g. NEV2). But transfer in LHR can be hectic and their product is now somewhat inferior (at least to BEST and others). But this new service is great.
We can trus the British to work hard on implementation. AF would be an execution question mark.
They lose a lot of money on thes "stranded" pax.
I used to fly BA a lot longhaul as they used to have a J product far superior to competition (e.g. NEV2). But transfer in LHR can be hectic and their product is now somewhat inferior (at least to BEST and others). But this new service is great.
We can trus the British to work hard on implementation. AF would be an execution question mark.
I also had a rather sharp intake of breath at the "British Airways continue de choyer ses passagers haute contribution." I am not sure that many BA flyers, whether "haute contribution" or more plebeian, have felt particularly "choyés" with what has been happening at BA in the last 3 years or so (notwithstanding one or two nice changes*).
*:such as the "First Wing" check in area at LHR T5
Oct 21, 2017, 12:23 pm
#800
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Hong Kong, France
Programs: FB , BA Gold
Posts: 15,567
I guess I misunderstood that it would apply to all international connections in LHR. Then my mistake.
My "amazing" had to do with logistics. I feel that is it is difficult to organize reliably.
But if it is only from domestic to international I am both very disappointed and less impressed
My "amazing" had to do with logistics. I feel that is it is difficult to organize reliably.
But if it is only from domestic to international I am both very disappointed and less impressed
Oct 23, 2017, 5:25 am
#801
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Champaign, IL
Programs: AF/KL FB Ultimate Platinum for Life/Club 2000, UA MileagePlus
Posts: 524
Ultimate flight report, PEK to STR via CDG
In a recent post, I recapped the the Ultimate benefits heralded on the Flying Blue website, among which,
Solutions suggested if you miss a flight.
I just had the opportunity to experience what this cryptic description meant. Due to poor weather conditions, I missed the AF morning flight (AF125), arriving at PEK minutes after it had departed.
Conclusion. Very impressive handling of the missed flight at PEK. While I am confident that for most PAXs, the local AFKL team would have tried to do the same (though strictly speaking they are not obliged to when the flight is missed due to an act of God), they really went the extra mile for me, which should be underscored here. On board AF381, the chief purser set the tone. Flawless Ultimate service, which we would like to see on every long-haul flight.
Macaron54
Solutions suggested if you miss a flight.
I just had the opportunity to experience what this cryptic description meant. Due to poor weather conditions, I missed the AF morning flight (AF125), arriving at PEK minutes after it had departed.
- At PEK, AFKL counter. Solutions immediately offered by AFKL supervisor. Rebooking on the morning KL flight with J-to-Y downgrading, or on the AF night flight in J (I picked the latter). No guilt trip. No penalty. No fare readjustment ^^^.
- At PEK, security/immigration. No escort offered, but with 16 hours to kill until the AF night flight, I had plenty of time
. - At PEK, SkyTeam lounge. No Ultimate service, but plenty of space to work in a relatively quiet atmosphere ^.
- At PEK, boarding flight AF381. Pre-boarding requested and granted ^.
- On board flight AF381. Awesome service in J-cabin. Personalized welcome by J-cabin purser, followed shortly after by chief purser. Proactive offer of a full (three-course), yet expedited dinner in order to go to sleep asap. Dinner served when pursers were offering glasses of champagne in the cabin (and tray taken away as they were collecting the glasses roughly 20' later) ^^^. Proactive offer of a wake-up call — declined
. - Arrival at CDG 2E-M. No escort. On the other hand, the 7-hour layover did not justify it. Expedited security check, transfer to CDG 2G and police control.
- At CDG 2G, AF lounge. Warm welcome. Proactive offer to use the shower ^^.
- At CDG 2G, boarding flight AF1508. No pre-boarding. Standard boarding through SkyP line.
- On board flight AF1508. Decent, albeit very impersonal service
(should we expect anything on a Hop! flight?). - Arrival at STR. Nothing , but again, should we expect anything?
Conclusion. Very impressive handling of the missed flight at PEK. While I am confident that for most PAXs, the local AFKL team would have tried to do the same (though strictly speaking they are not obliged to when the flight is missed due to an act of God), they really went the extra mile for me, which should be underscored here. On board AF381, the chief purser set the tone. Flawless Ultimate service, which we would like to see on every long-haul flight.
Macaron54
Oct 24, 2017, 10:55 am
#803
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 191
Qualification
Hi Ultimates, last year I cumulated 93000 qualifying miles on AF only. This year 270000. When I ask AF about the qualification criterion I get the answer below. Isn't that completely wrong ? What is your recommendation? Thank you for your help!
×××××××××
Cher Monsieur Breton,
Nous vous remercions pour votre message du 24 octobre 2017.
Vous souhaitez des informations sur les Conditions pour devenir membre Ultimate .
Tout dabord, la période d'éligibilité, c'est-à-dire du calcul pour devenir membre Ultimate se fait sur le période de janvier 2015 à décembre 2016.
Sur cette période, vous devez avoir cumulé plus de 360000 Miles Statuts hors ceux cumulés grâce à la carte AF KLM American Express et au report de Miles sur ces 2 années civiles et exclusivement sur des vols AF, KLM et Hop.
De janvier 2015 à décembre 2016 vous avez cumulé 232159 miles Statuts au total.
Nous vous remercions de votre fidélité et vous prions d'agréer, Monsieur, l'expression de nos sentiments distingués.
*hors tarif Basic et tarif Basic avec option Miles
L'équipe Flying Blue
Xxxxxxxxx
×××××××××
Cher Monsieur Breton,
Nous vous remercions pour votre message du 24 octobre 2017.
Vous souhaitez des informations sur les Conditions pour devenir membre Ultimate .
Tout dabord, la période d'éligibilité, c'est-à-dire du calcul pour devenir membre Ultimate se fait sur le période de janvier 2015 à décembre 2016.
Sur cette période, vous devez avoir cumulé plus de 360000 Miles Statuts hors ceux cumulés grâce à la carte AF KLM American Express et au report de Miles sur ces 2 années civiles et exclusivement sur des vols AF, KLM et Hop.
De janvier 2015 à décembre 2016 vous avez cumulé 232159 miles Statuts au total.
Nous vous remercions de votre fidélité et vous prions d'agréer, Monsieur, l'expression de nos sentiments distingués.
*hors tarif Basic et tarif Basic avec option Miles
L'équipe Flying Blue
Xxxxxxxxx
Oct 24, 2017, 12:26 pm
#804
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Paris, France
Programs: AF/KL Flying Blue Platinum for life/Club2000 Ultimate, Accor ALL Diamond
Posts: 21,929
Hi Ultimates, last year I cumulated 93000 qualifying miles on AF only. This year 270000. When I ask AF about the qualification criterion I get the answer below. Isn't that completely wrong ? What is your recommendation? Thank you for your help!
×××××××××
Cher Monsieur Breton,
Nous vous remercions pour votre message du 24 octobre 2017.
Vous souhaitez des informations sur les Conditions pour devenir membre Ultimate .
Tout dabord, la période d'éligibilité, c'est-à-dire du calcul pour devenir membre Ultimate se fait sur le période de janvier 2015 à décembre 2016.
Sur cette période, vous devez avoir cumulé plus de 360000 Miles Statuts hors ceux cumulés gr ce à la carte AF KLM American Express et au report de Miles sur ces 2 années civiles et exclusivement sur des vols AF, KLM et Hop.
De janvier 2015 à décembre 2016 vous avez cumulé 232159 miles Statuts au total.
Nous vous remercions de votre fidélité et vous prions d'agréer, Monsieur, l'expression de nos sentiments distingués.
*hors tarif Basic et tarif Basic avec option Miles
L'équipe Flying Blue
Xxxxxxxxx
×××××××××
Cher Monsieur Breton,
Nous vous remercions pour votre message du 24 octobre 2017.
Vous souhaitez des informations sur les Conditions pour devenir membre Ultimate .
Tout dabord, la période d'éligibilité, c'est-à-dire du calcul pour devenir membre Ultimate se fait sur le période de janvier 2015 à décembre 2016.
Sur cette période, vous devez avoir cumulé plus de 360000 Miles Statuts hors ceux cumulés gr ce à la carte AF KLM American Express et au report de Miles sur ces 2 années civiles et exclusivement sur des vols AF, KLM et Hop.
De janvier 2015 à décembre 2016 vous avez cumulé 232159 miles Statuts au total.
Nous vous remercions de votre fidélité et vous prions d'agréer, Monsieur, l'expression de nos sentiments distingués.
*hors tarif Basic et tarif Basic avec option Miles
L'équipe Flying Blue
Xxxxxxxxx
Sincerely I cannot tell you if they are right or wrong, but this seems weird to me. Indeed, it seems to mean that nobody can become Ultimate based on 2016-2017 earnings, but only based on 2015-2016 and then 2017-2018 earnings.
Strange and not customer-oriented rule if true
Oct 24, 2017, 12:56 pm
#805
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 367
I can relate this to how KL used to test whether one qualifies as 'Personal Assistant' client in earlier years. Back then, at year-end, they would by hand run a query to test the threshold.
Knowing that that 'Personal Assistant' developped into Ultimate (at KL side at least) I think I am safe to assume it is still like that. So, whereas the levels (silver, gold, plat) are automatically and 'daily' updated, the 'extra service level' (ULTI) seems still to be a once at year end one.
Knowing that that 'Personal Assistant' developped into Ultimate (at KL side at least) I think I am safe to assume it is still like that. So, whereas the levels (silver, gold, plat) are automatically and 'daily' updated, the 'extra service level' (ULTI) seems still to be a once at year end one.
Oct 24, 2017, 2:13 pm
#806
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Paris, France
Programs: AF/KL Flying Blue Platinum for life/Club2000 Ultimate, Accor ALL Diamond
Posts: 21,929
I can relate this to how KL used to test whether one qualifies as 'Personal Assistant' client in earlier years. Back then, at year-end, they would by hand run a query to test the threshold.
Knowing that that 'Personal Assistant' developped into Ultimate (at KL side at least) I think I am safe to assume it is still like that. So, whereas the levels (silver, gold, plat) are automatically and 'daily' updated, the 'extra service level' (ULTI) seems still to be a once at year end one.
Knowing that that 'Personal Assistant' developped into Ultimate (at KL side at least) I think I am safe to assume it is still like that. So, whereas the levels (silver, gold, plat) are automatically and 'daily' updated, the 'extra service level' (ULTI) seems still to be a once at year end one.
Oct 24, 2017, 2:58 pm
#807
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 367
I read it more positively:
- last check was per 31.12.2016: there he had 232.159 (hence not enough)
- (assume) next check is 31.12.2017: there he would have (at least) 93.000 + 270.000 = 363.000 and would therefor qualify
I think they answered him why he did not qualify as per 'today'.
- last check was per 31.12.2016: there he had 232.159 (hence not enough)
- (assume) next check is 31.12.2017: there he would have (at least) 93.000 + 270.000 = 363.000 and would therefor qualify
I think they answered him why he did not qualify as per 'today'.
Oct 24, 2017, 8:26 pm
#808
Join Date: Sep 2016
Programs: Flying Blue, Accor Le Club, Hilton HHonors, Hertz Gold Plus, Avis Preferred
Posts: 477
I read it more positively:
- last check was per 31.12.2016: there he had 232.159 (hence not enough)
- (assume) next check is 31.12.2017: there he would have (at least) 93.000 + 270.000 = 363.000 and would therefor qualify
I think they answered him why he did not qualify as per 'today'.
- last check was per 31.12.2016: there he had 232.159 (hence not enough)
- (assume) next check is 31.12.2017: there he would have (at least) 93.000 + 270.000 = 363.000 and would therefor qualify
I think they answered him why he did not qualify as per 'today'.
Oct 24, 2017, 11:58 pm
#809
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: DUS, BRU, POA
Programs: Skyteam E+ (FB PfL), Latam Black, LH MM, Iberia plus, HH: Diamond, Marriott Bonvoy: Plat
Posts: 1,124
Oct 25, 2017, 12:33 am
#810
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Paris, France
Programs: AF/KL Flying Blue Platinum for life/Club2000 Ultimate, Accor ALL Diamond
Posts: 21,929
You forgot 2 important words before the ones in bold in your quote« hors ceux cumulés grâce à la carte AF KLM American Express”. The message from FB says that you need 360K status miles earned on AF, KL, A5 flights and that status miles earned with the AF KL Amex card are not eligible.