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
Nov 9, 2017, 5:46 am
#856
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 367
Recent Ulti experiences:
- an excellent trip in P to HKG. None of the treatment received during this trip was linked to Ultimate but was the "regular" top notch P treatment.
- very good round trip in Y to LHR with escort at CDG through immigration and security to the lounge despite this being out of the regular escort times, a lot of recognition on-board. First time for me, returning from LHR : the captain in his welcome pre-departure announcement with the public address said at the end "we'd like to especially welcome on-board Mr Goldorak". I have to say I was very surprised to hear that as I was not "prepared". This was certainly a kind attention, but I felt a bit uncomfortable with it. I was by myself, so not a problem, but would I have been travelling with colleagues, I would have felt somewhat embarrassed.
- an excellent trip in P to HKG. None of the treatment received during this trip was linked to Ultimate but was the "regular" top notch P treatment.
- very good round trip in Y to LHR with escort at CDG through immigration and security to the lounge despite this being out of the regular escort times, a lot of recognition on-board. First time for me, returning from LHR : the captain in his welcome pre-departure announcement with the public address said at the end "we'd like to especially welcome on-board Mr Goldorak". I have to say I was very surprised to hear that as I was not "prepared". This was certainly a kind attention, but I felt a bit uncomfortable with it. I was by myself, so not a problem, but would I have been travelling with colleagues, I would have felt somewhat embarrassed.
Nov 9, 2017, 6:33 am
#857
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Champaign, IL
Programs: AF/KL FB Ultimate Platinum for Life/Club 2000, UA MileagePlus
Posts: 524
Recent Ulti experiences:
- an excellent trip in P to HKG. None of the treatment received during this trip was linked to Ultimate but was the "regular" top notch P treatment.
- very good round trip in Y to LHR with escort at CDG through immigration and security to the lounge despite this being out of the regular escort times, a lot of recognition on-board. First time for me, returning from LHR : the captain in his welcome pre-departure announcement with the public address said at the end "we'd like to especially welcome on-board Mr Goldorak". I have to say I was very surprised to hear that as I was not "prepared". This was certainly a kind attention, but I felt a bit uncomfortable with it. I was by myself, so not a problem, but would I have been travelling with colleagues, I would have felt somewhat embarrassed.
- an excellent trip in P to HKG. None of the treatment received during this trip was linked to Ultimate but was the "regular" top notch P treatment.
- very good round trip in Y to LHR with escort at CDG through immigration and security to the lounge despite this being out of the regular escort times, a lot of recognition on-board. First time for me, returning from LHR : the captain in his welcome pre-departure announcement with the public address said at the end "we'd like to especially welcome on-board Mr Goldorak". I have to say I was very surprised to hear that as I was not "prepared". This was certainly a kind attention, but I felt a bit uncomfortable with it. I was by myself, so not a problem, but would I have been travelling with colleagues, I would have felt somewhat embarrassed.
How did it feel to be like George Clooney in Up in the air
? I agree that this message from the cockpit was a tiny bit over the top.Macaron54
Nov 9, 2017, 7:34 am
#858
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Paris, France
Programs: AF/KL Flying Blue Platinum for life/Club2000 Ultimate, Accor ALL Diamond
Posts: 21,939
We can like it or not, but it was certainly not a joke. The entire crew was on a « total care » mode with me !
Nov 9, 2017, 7:37 am
#859
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Paris, France
Programs: AF/KL Flying Blue Platinum for life/Club2000 Ultimate, Accor ALL Diamond
Posts: 21,939
I just like this movie
Nov 9, 2017, 9:10 am
#860
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: New York
Posts: 453
Recent Ulti experiences:
I have to say I was very surprised to hear that as I was not "prepared". This was certainly a kind attention, but I felt a bit uncomfortable with it. I was by myself, so not a problem, but would I have been travelling with colleagues, I would have felt somewhat embarrassed.
I have to say I was very surprised to hear that as I was not "prepared". This was certainly a kind attention, but I felt a bit uncomfortable with it. I was by myself, so not a problem, but would I have been travelling with colleagues, I would have felt somewhat embarrassed.
, did he mention your seat as well?? I gotta say, I don't really understand why he would do that to start with, even as a "special treatment" I think it would make TONS of people feel very uncomfortable to be put under the spot like this...
Ugh... what kind of magical company do you work for that allows for long haul travel in P
?
Nov 9, 2017, 11:06 am
#861
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Paris, France
Programs: AF/KL Flying Blue Platinum for life/Club2000 Ultimate, Accor ALL Diamond
Posts: 21,939
I was reading something on my iPad and listening at the same time to the captain announcement and I literally froze for one second when I heard my name. I had the feeling that everyone around was looking at me while of course no one was looking at me because they didn’t know it was me .
Funny
Noooo
while of course no one was looking at me because they didn’t know it was me .Funny
Noooo
Nov 10, 2017, 3:07 am
#863
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 179
Nov 10, 2017, 9:35 am
#864
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: New York
Posts: 453
Nov 10, 2017, 3:25 pm
#865
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 367
For those interested: the service from KLM / AMS has not improved: had two major disappointments this week:
1> the lounge (Europe) at SPL is just too packed, especially at the eveningtimes; no place to sit (for two that want to sit next to each other) and the queue for the food went from the caroussel back to the toilet. When talking to a friendly staff member she apologized and even said that she would love to offer a reserves space, but that it was forbidden to reserve spaces (sic!). So - in case what she said is correct - it is not neglicence by KL mgmt but a concious choice NOT to reserve space.
2> KL flight a bit delayed, 20 mins waiting while sitting in the plane already (C): crew is chatting with each other but not a single sign of welcome or caring for pax, let alone ULTI; when asking for a waterbottle water I heard that she cannot do it. First excuse: safety, second: "I cannot only give it to you, but have to give it to all the pax then" - you could read that with her entire body she just rejected the idea to do any effort, especially not for ULTI.
In summary: no food and no water: welcome to your new ULTI benefits! oh, and btw - soon you will be credited less awardmiles for this special service!
shame, shame on you old blue lady!
1> the lounge (Europe) at SPL is just too packed, especially at the eveningtimes; no place to sit (for two that want to sit next to each other) and the queue for the food went from the caroussel back to the toilet. When talking to a friendly staff member she apologized and even said that she would love to offer a reserves space, but that it was forbidden to reserve spaces (sic!). So - in case what she said is correct - it is not neglicence by KL mgmt but a concious choice NOT to reserve space.
2> KL flight a bit delayed, 20 mins waiting while sitting in the plane already (C): crew is chatting with each other but not a single sign of welcome or caring for pax, let alone ULTI; when asking for a waterbottle water I heard that she cannot do it. First excuse: safety, second: "I cannot only give it to you, but have to give it to all the pax then" - you could read that with her entire body she just rejected the idea to do any effort, especially not for ULTI.
In summary: no food and no water: welcome to your new ULTI benefits! oh, and btw - soon you will be credited less awardmiles for this special service!
shame, shame on you old blue lady!
Nov 10, 2017, 9:39 pm
#866
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 1,589
Recent Ulti experiences:
- an excellent trip in P to HKG. None of the treatment received during this trip was linked to Ultimate but was the "regular" top notch P treatment.
- very good round trip in Y to LHR with escort at CDG through immigration and security to the lounge despite this being out of the regular escort times, a lot of recognition on-board. First time for me, returning from LHR : the captain in his welcome pre-departure announcement with the public address said at the end "we'd like to especially welcome on-board Mr Goldorak". I have to say I was very surprised to hear that as I was not "prepared". This was certainly a kind attention, but I felt a bit uncomfortable with it. I was by myself, so not a problem, but would I have been travelling with colleagues, I would have felt somewhat embarrassed.
- an excellent trip in P to HKG. None of the treatment received during this trip was linked to Ultimate but was the "regular" top notch P treatment.
- very good round trip in Y to LHR with escort at CDG through immigration and security to the lounge despite this being out of the regular escort times, a lot of recognition on-board. First time for me, returning from LHR : the captain in his welcome pre-departure announcement with the public address said at the end "we'd like to especially welcome on-board Mr Goldorak". I have to say I was very surprised to hear that as I was not "prepared". This was certainly a kind attention, but I felt a bit uncomfortable with it. I was by myself, so not a problem, but would I have been travelling with colleagues, I would have felt somewhat embarrassed.
Everybody stared at me and I too was not prepared... But we laughed.
Nov 10, 2017, 11:26 pm
#867
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: San Francisco, CA
Programs: Flying Blue Platinum, JetBlue Mosaic, Hyatt Globalist, Alaska MVP Gold.
Posts: 1,962
Once on a domestic flight my husband and I were seated together and the purser came to him saying welcome Mr AF FP, we are happy to have you onboard as a platinum member and so on... my husband pointed at me and said « that’s the guy, I only have plastic status ». Then the purser very loudly and half-jokingly said something like « Mr AF FP is the most important person on this flight ».
Everybody stared at me and I too was not prepared... But we laughed.
Everybody stared at me and I too was not prepared... But we laughed.
Nov 11, 2017, 1:49 am
#868
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Paris, France
Programs: AF/KL Flying Blue Platinum for life/Club2000 Ultimate, Accor ALL Diamond
Posts: 21,939
For those interested: the service from KLM / AMS has not improved: had two major disappointments this week:
1> the lounge (Europe) at SPL is just too packed, especially at the eveningtimes; no place to sit (for two that want to sit next to each other) and the queue for the food went from the caroussel back to the toilet. When talking to a friendly staff member she apologized and even said that she would love to offer a reserves space, but that it was forbidden to reserve spaces (sic!). So - in case what she said is correct - it is not neglicence by KL mgmt but a concious choice NOT to reserve space.
2> KL flight a bit delayed, 20 mins waiting while sitting in the plane already (C): crew is chatting with each other but not a single sign of welcome or caring for pax, let alone ULTI; when asking for a waterbottle water I heard that she cannot do it. First excuse: safety, second: "I cannot only give it to you, but have to give it to all the pax then" - you could read that with her entire body she just rejected the idea to do any effort, especially not for ULTI.
In summary: no food and no water: welcome to your new ULTI benefits! oh, and btw - soon you will be credited less awardmiles for this special service!
shame, shame on you old blue lady!
1> the lounge (Europe) at SPL is just too packed, especially at the eveningtimes; no place to sit (for two that want to sit next to each other) and the queue for the food went from the caroussel back to the toilet. When talking to a friendly staff member she apologized and even said that she would love to offer a reserves space, but that it was forbidden to reserve spaces (sic!). So - in case what she said is correct - it is not neglicence by KL mgmt but a concious choice NOT to reserve space.
2> KL flight a bit delayed, 20 mins waiting while sitting in the plane already (C): crew is chatting with each other but not a single sign of welcome or caring for pax, let alone ULTI; when asking for a waterbottle water I heard that she cannot do it. First excuse: safety, second: "I cannot only give it to you, but have to give it to all the pax then" - you could read that with her entire body she just rejected the idea to do any effort, especially not for ULTI.
In summary: no food and no water: welcome to your new ULTI benefits! oh, and btw - soon you will be credited less awardmiles for this special service!
shame, shame on you old blue lady!
Do you report that to the PA team ?
Nov 11, 2017, 10:54 am
#870
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Champaign, IL
Programs: AF/KL FB Ultimate Platinum for Life/Club 2000, UA MileagePlus
Posts: 524
Reflecting on the Ultimate program
For those interested: the service from KLM / AMS has not improved: had two major disappointments this week:
1> the lounge (Europe) at SPL is just too packed, especially at the eveningtimes; no place to sit (for two that want to sit next to each other) and the queue for the food went from the caroussel back to the toilet. When talking to a friendly staff member she apologized and even said that she would love to offer a reserves space, but that it was forbidden to reserve spaces (sic!). So - in case what she said is correct - it is not neglicence by KL mgmt but a concious choice NOT to reserve space.
2> KL flight a bit delayed, 20 mins waiting while sitting in the plane already (C): crew is chatting with each other but not a single sign of welcome or caring for pax, let alone ULTI; when asking for a waterbottle water I heard that she cannot do it. First excuse: safety, second: "I cannot only give it to you, but have to give it to all the pax then" - you could read that with her entire body she just rejected the idea to do any effort, especially not for ULTI.
In summary: no food and no water: welcome to your new ULTI benefits! oh, and btw - soon you will be credited less awardmiles for this special service!
shame, shame on you old blue lady!
1> the lounge (Europe) at SPL is just too packed, especially at the eveningtimes; no place to sit (for two that want to sit next to each other) and the queue for the food went from the caroussel back to the toilet. When talking to a friendly staff member she apologized and even said that she would love to offer a reserves space, but that it was forbidden to reserve spaces (sic!). So - in case what she said is correct - it is not neglicence by KL mgmt but a concious choice NOT to reserve space.
2> KL flight a bit delayed, 20 mins waiting while sitting in the plane already (C): crew is chatting with each other but not a single sign of welcome or caring for pax, let alone ULTI; when asking for a waterbottle water I heard that she cannot do it. First excuse: safety, second: "I cannot only give it to you, but have to give it to all the pax then" - you could read that with her entire body she just rejected the idea to do any effort, especially not for ULTI.
In summary: no food and no water: welcome to your new ULTI benefits! oh, and btw - soon you will be credited less awardmiles for this special service!
shame, shame on you old blue lady!
To hyper-frequent fliers aspiring to become a member, before giving your loyalty to the airline, ask yourself whether you want to join a program that can only be best described as from the sublime to the ridiculous (and for some of us, like travelbits, it has apparently been more often ridiculous than sublime). In all fairness, based on a survey done within a group of five Ultimate's, the picture is not as black as one would think. It is neither all white. It is rather grayish, and in stark contrast with the glittery, colorful announcement heralded by AFKL CEO, Janaillac, no less, last spring. The program is at best a hit or miss, which has taken many of us on an emotional roller-coaster, with the most amazing, but also the lousiest, aggravating service on board and on the ground. It never ceases to amaze me that while the program is still unstable, in a herky-jerky motion, the Flying Blue management unabashedly revamps the program and demands a higher amount of miles to reach the Ultimate level (when one could legitimately argue that 360kmiles/2-year-cycle is already a major rip off for what one gets in return).
If the Flying Blue powers-that-be read these lines, they will surely think that we are ingrate and unappreciative of their efforts to improve the Ultimate program. Quite on the contrary, we appreciate any effort made towards making the Ultimate experience a smooth, enjoyable one, but these efforts are admittedly thwarted by loose cogs in the mechanism. And let's face it, however determined the Flying Blue management may be to have a flawless, impeccable program, Ultimate members will remain at the mercy of the weakest link in the chain of command (and on some occasions, at certain airports, like Schiphol, loose cogs and weakest links are legion).
Macaron54
Last edited by Macaron54; Nov 11, 2017 at 2:09 pm