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
Feb 17, 2018, 2:48 pm
#1051
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Switzerland
Programs: AFKL Flying Blue Platinum Ultimate, Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador Elite
Posts: 369
Whilst I largely agree with your assessment of the various airlines (with some nuances...) I think the previous post was referring to the fact that striving for ULTI is hardly worth the trouble for the benefits of the status, when compared with what HON offers. If you get the ULTI status anyway by flying airlines that on your route offer the better product, all the better. But that would mean shifting flights to AFKL for their better product (which I fully understand) as opposed to switching flights to AFKL to get ULTI (which I have trouble finding a sufficient motivation).
Ultimate is closer since I'm already Platinum with FB with a significant amount of Level Miles at the moment. I have no reason to switch to LH just to become - at most - senator.
Feb 18, 2018, 3:10 am
#1052
Join Date: Apr 2005
Programs: Eurostar Carte Blanche, SBB-CFF-FFS GA-AG, SNCF Grand Voyageur LeClub
Posts: 7,836
Talking about benefits, HON appears to be definitely better, though the requirements are roughly 50% higher than Ultimate - simply impossible to reach for me. That's all.
Ultimate is closer since I'm already Platinum with FB with a significant amount of Level Miles at the moment. I have no reason to switch to LH just to become - at most - senator.
Ultimate is closer since I'm already Platinum with FB with a significant amount of Level Miles at the moment. I have no reason to switch to LH just to become - at most - senator.
Just one thought: life as a HON on LH/LX is markedly better than that as a SEN, whereas life as an ULTI is not that much greater on AFKL than as a "normal" Plat (as a LPT I now also get the very personal treatment and extra attention, the chit-chat and request for feedback, the first choice from the menu, etc. All I am missing is the TA - not so useful apparently - and the escort at CDG through immigration and security, which I would love to have).
But again, if your tradeoff is status-less AF Best vs. Lufthansa then Air France is clearly the better product (unless you really care about things like WiFi on board or more choice on the menu). If your choice is AF NEV or KL vs. Austrian or Swiss, then OS/LX is the better choice. For you it seems to be the former, so by all means stick with AF. They are getting better by the day on their longhaul premium product, and sometimes I wish they just had more money to roll out their BEST product to more planes, install internet connections, and work a bit on the food, and it would be without competition the best Business product out there West of Baghdad..
Last edited by San Gottardo; Feb 18, 2018 at 4:04 am
Feb 19, 2018, 9:52 am
#1054
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Up in the air
Programs: LH HON, BA LT Gold, AFKL ULTI, WOH Lifetime Globalist, Bonvoy Ambassador
Posts: 385
Finally after four months of being qualified I got my welcome email today.
It did not tell me what benefits this program now entails.
But hey - I will get a new card in April (at which point I am already qualified since six months).
They are such chancers....
"It is our absolute pleasure at AIR FRANCE and KLM to welcome you as a Flying Blue Platinum Ultimate member.
As one of our most valued members, we are offering you a world of exclusive privileges and recognition, including a 24/7 traveller’s concierge service with a personal Travel Assistant. In April you will receive your new card and more information on how to make the most of your new exclusive status.
If you would like to explore your new benefits now, feel free to contact your Travel Assistant at any time.
xxxxxxxxxx[email protected]
+xxxxxxxxxx
To us you are an exceptional traveller, and you deserve the most exceptional attention. "
It did not tell me what benefits this program now entails.
But hey - I will get a new card in April (at which point I am already qualified since six months).
They are such chancers....
"It is our absolute pleasure at AIR FRANCE and KLM to welcome you as a Flying Blue Platinum Ultimate member.
As one of our most valued members, we are offering you a world of exclusive privileges and recognition, including a 24/7 traveller’s concierge service with a personal Travel Assistant. In April you will receive your new card and more information on how to make the most of your new exclusive status.
If you would like to explore your new benefits now, feel free to contact your Travel Assistant at any time.
xxxxxxxxxx[email protected]
+xxxxxxxxxx
To us you are an exceptional traveller, and you deserve the most exceptional attention. "
Feb 19, 2018, 3:36 pm
#1055
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Paris, France
Programs: AF/KL Flying Blue Platinum for life/Club2000 Ultimate, Accor ALL Diamond
Posts: 21,928
Finally after four months of being qualified I got my welcome email today.
It did not tell me what benefits this program now entails.
But hey - I will get a new card in April (at which point I am already qualified since six months).
They are such chancers....
"It is our absolute pleasure at AIR FRANCE and KLM to welcome you as a Flying Blue Platinum Ultimate member.
As one of our most valued members, we are offering you a world of exclusive privileges and recognition, including a 24/7 traveller’s concierge service with a personal Travel Assistant. In April you will receive your new card and more information on how to make the most of your new exclusive status.
If you would like to explore your new benefits now, feel free to contact your Travel Assistant at any time.
xxxxxxxxxx[email protected]
+xxxxxxxxxx
To us you are an exceptional traveller, and you deserve the most exceptional attention. "
It did not tell me what benefits this program now entails.
But hey - I will get a new card in April (at which point I am already qualified since six months).
They are such chancers....
"It is our absolute pleasure at AIR FRANCE and KLM to welcome you as a Flying Blue Platinum Ultimate member.
As one of our most valued members, we are offering you a world of exclusive privileges and recognition, including a 24/7 traveller’s concierge service with a personal Travel Assistant. In April you will receive your new card and more information on how to make the most of your new exclusive status.
If you would like to explore your new benefits now, feel free to contact your Travel Assistant at any time.
xxxxxxxxxx[email protected]
+xxxxxxxxxx
To us you are an exceptional traveller, and you deserve the most exceptional attention. "
Please share your experiences here and do not hesitate to send your feedback (the good and the bad) to the TA team.
Feb 24, 2018, 2:31 am
#1056
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Paris,FR
Programs: AF/KL FBPFL Ultimate, IHG Spire, HERTZ 5 stars
Posts: 82
Platinum for life * ultimate consistency
Hi,
Just received my platinum for life status.^
Will it change something in the consistency of the benefits of the ultimate program ?
FYI, I'm starting to have arrival escort rejected at some location where it was always granted in 2017 = any change ? station manager are not on board anymore ?
Tks
Rgds
Just received my platinum for life status.^
Will it change something in the consistency of the benefits of the ultimate program ?
FYI, I'm starting to have arrival escort rejected at some location where it was always granted in 2017 = any change ? station manager are not on board anymore ?
Tks
Rgds
Feb 24, 2018, 4:49 am
#1057
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Champaign, IL
Programs: AF/KL FB Ultimate Platinum for Life/Club 2000, UA MileagePlus
Posts: 524
Hi,
Just received my platinum for life status.^
Will it change something in the consistency of the benefits of the ultimate program ?
FYI, I'm starting to have arrival escort rejected at some location where it was always granted in 2017 = any change ? station manager are not on board anymore ?
Tks
Rgds
Just received my platinum for life status.^
Will it change something in the consistency of the benefits of the ultimate program ?
FYI, I'm starting to have arrival escort rejected at some location where it was always granted in 2017 = any change ? station manager are not on board anymore ?
Tks
Rgds
Hey chris635,
this is interesting that your PfL status change was notified to you at this time of the year. I would have expected sometime by the end of March. Equally interesting is the logo. Does it mean that you are Ultimate for life, or just that you are PfL with the Ultimate benefits for the current two-year cycle, renewable as a function of your miles accrual (and spending)?
I flew out of SFO on Thursday, and I can tell you that no escort service was spontaneously offered to me. I asked and was denied it. SFO is not my airport, so I was not sure what to expect. At ORD, however, there is a consistent escort service for Ultimate cardholders. It is both flawless and reproducible ^.
Since the TA service has been mentioned recently on this thread, I must once again underscore the added value of this benefit (still the only one worthwhile IMHO). It turns out that unbeknownst to me, AF was on strike last Thursday
, creating havoc in a number of outstations like SFO. The TA team promptly rebooked me on a KL flight, honoring the upgrade that I had purchased for the AF flight ^.Cheers (and congrats on your PfL status),
Macaron54
Last edited by Macaron54; Feb 24, 2018 at 8:05 am
Feb 24, 2018, 6:41 am
#1058
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Paris, France
Programs: AF/KL Flying Blue Platinum for life/Club2000 Ultimate, Accor ALL Diamond
Posts: 21,928
Hi,
Just received my platinum for life status.^
Will it change something in the consistency of the benefits of the ultimate program ?
FYI, I'm starting to have arrival escort rejected at some location where it was always granted in 2017 = any change ? station manager are not on board anymore ?
Tks
Rgds
Just received my platinum for life status.^
Will it change something in the consistency of the benefits of the ultimate program ?
FYI, I'm starting to have arrival escort rejected at some location where it was always granted in 2017 = any change ? station manager are not on board anymore ?
Tks
Rgds
PFL will not change anything in the way Ulti is implemented for you, unfortunately. Can you share with us the stations where escort was previously granted but not anymore . Please make sure you complain about this to the TA team.
Hey chris635,
this is interesting that your PfL status change was notified to you at this time of the year. I would have expected sometime by the end of March. Equally interesting is the logo. Does it mean that you are Ultimate for life, or just that you are PfL with the Ultimate benefits for the current two-year cycle, renewable as a function of your miles accrual (and spending)?
I flew out of SFO on Thursday, and I can tell you that no escort service was spontaneously offered to me. I asked and was denied it. SFO is not my airport, so I was not sure what to expect. At ORD, however, there is a consistent escort service for Ultimate cardholders. It is both flawless and reproducible ^.
Since the TA service has been mentioned recently on this thread, I must once again underscore the added value of this benefit (still the only one worthwhile IMHO). It turns out that unbeknownst to me, AF was on strike last Thursday, creating havoc in a number of outstations like SFO. The TA team promptly me rebooked me on a KL flight, honoring the upgrade that I had purchased for the AF flight ^.
Cheers (and congrats on your PfL status),
Macaron54
this is interesting that your PfL status change was notified to you at this time of the year. I would have expected sometime by the end of March. Equally interesting is the logo. Does it mean that you are Ultimate for life, or just that you are PfL with the Ultimate benefits for the current two-year cycle, renewable as a function of your miles accrual (and spending)?
I flew out of SFO on Thursday, and I can tell you that no escort service was spontaneously offered to me. I asked and was denied it. SFO is not my airport, so I was not sure what to expect. At ORD, however, there is a consistent escort service for Ultimate cardholders. It is both flawless and reproducible ^.
Since the TA service has been mentioned recently on this thread, I must once again underscore the added value of this benefit (still the only one worthwhile IMHO). It turns out that unbeknownst to me, AF was on strike last Thursday
, creating havoc in a number of outstations like SFO. The TA team promptly me rebooked me on a KL flight, honoring the upgrade that I had purchased for the AF flight ^.Cheers (and congrats on your PfL status),
Macaron54
bolded part is the correct part (Ulti for life does not exist).
Otherwise, shame on SFO staff
Is that AF staff or contractors ? Same : please report to TA.
In my case, outside CDG, escort service has never been proposed spontaneously. Always need to ask.
Feb 24, 2018, 6:48 am
#1059
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Paris, France
Programs: AF/KL Flying Blue Platinum for life/Club2000 Ultimate, Accor ALL Diamond
Posts: 21,928
As Ulti, I was treated like a king on a recent flight to SIN (in J). The crew was super with plenty of extra attentions. Champagne from P before and after take-off. They gave me also the P wine list for my meal drinks. Some family members, traveling in Y, got extra attentions as well.
Pre-boarding worked very well also.
Feb 25, 2018, 12:04 am
#1060
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Paris,FR
Programs: AF/KL FBPFL Ultimate, IHG Spire, HERTZ 5 stars
Posts: 82
Hey chris635,
this is interesting that your PfL status change was notified to you at this time of the year. I would have expected sometime by the end of March. Equally interesting is the logo. Does it mean that you are Ultimate for life, or just that you are PfL with the Ultimate benefits for the current two-year cycle, renewable as a function of your miles accrual (and spending)?
I flew out of SFO on Thursday, and I can tell you that no escort service was spontaneously offered to me.
Macaron54
Card will arrive by April but website status changed this week.
As it was said only platinum benefit for life, my Ultimate is set till 03/20 for the moment
Regarding arrival assistance, all the one I got where not spontaneous but though TA request never happen spontaneously ....
The one that was refused recently was GRU (P full = nobody to support), I came back to the TA to challenge the station manager on the sudden drop in attention toward me 2017 vs 2018.... let's see.
Rgds
Feb 25, 2018, 12:53 am
#1061
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Paris,FR
Programs: AF/KL FBPFL Ultimate, IHG Spire, HERTZ 5 stars
Posts: 82
As Ulti, I was treated like a king on a recent flight to SIN (in J). The crew was super with plenty of extra attentions. Champagne from P before and after take-off. They gave me also the P wine list for my meal drinks. Some family members, traveling in Y, got extra attentions as well.
Pre-boarding worked very well also.
P wine list also happen to me nevertheless it need to be requested to PNC chief, thus during a Y trip I asked a glass of P wine and was ignored by PNC till chief step in !
King treatment = how did you trigger it ? you asked or they came spontaneously with the P champagne ? is it in your travelling preference ?
Rgds
Feb 25, 2018, 9:00 am
#1062
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Paris, France
Programs: AF/KL Flying Blue Platinum for life/Club2000 Ultimate, Accor ALL Diamond
Posts: 21,928
Dear Goldorak,
P wine list also happen to me nevertheless it need to be requested to PNC chief, thus during a Y trip I asked a glass of P wine and was ignored by PNC till chief step in !
King treatment = how did you trigger it ? you asked or they came spontaneously with the P champagne ? is it in your travelling preference ?
Rgds
P wine list also happen to me nevertheless it need to be requested to PNC chief, thus during a Y trip I asked a glass of P wine and was ignored by PNC till chief step in !
King treatment = how did you trigger it ? you asked or they came spontaneously with the P champagne ? is it in your travelling preference ?
Rgds
) is indeed in my prefs for drinks.
Feb 25, 2018, 1:25 pm
#1063
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Champaign, IL
Programs: AF/KL FB Ultimate Platinum for Life/Club 2000, UA MileagePlus
Posts: 524
Dear Goldorak,
P wine list also happen to me nevertheless it need to be requested to PNC chief, thus during a Y trip I asked a glass of P wine and was ignored by PNC till chief step in !
King treatment = how did you trigger it ? you asked or they came spontaneously with the P champagne ? is it in your travelling preference ?
Rgds
P wine list also happen to me nevertheless it need to be requested to PNC chief, thus during a Y trip I asked a glass of P wine and was ignored by PNC till chief step in !
King treatment = how did you trigger it ? you asked or they came spontaneously with the P champagne ? is it in your travelling preference ?
Rgds
This is a toss-up, chris635. Sometimes, depending on the chief purser, it comes spontaneously as the meal is being served — would you care for a glass of wine from our first-class cabin? And sometimes, nothing at all. On a recent flight this year, I unabashedly asked the purser whether I could have a glass of wine from P, and to my surprise, he came back from the front of the aircraft with the wine list — which wine would you like? If my memory does not fail me, I believe I picked a Corton ^. Hating double standards, I am inclined to set the standard for Ultimate PAXs to have access to the P wine list on flights with four classes of service
— and invite everyone to do the same. No upgrade coupons, but nice wines and champagnes!Cheers,
Macaron54
Feb 25, 2018, 5:41 pm
#1064
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Paris,FR
Programs: AF/KL FBPFL Ultimate, IHG Spire, HERTZ 5 stars
Posts: 82
Agreed for "P wine list on flights with four classes of service
", I will :- Request TA to put that in my travel preference + comment for trip
- Request it to PNC chief each time they come to me for greeting (if they didn't read the comment)
Rgds
Feb 25, 2018, 7:10 pm
#1065
Join Date: Apr 2005
Programs: Eurostar Carte Blanche, SBB-CFF-FFS GA-AG, SNCF Grand Voyageur LeClub
Posts: 7,836
I start wondering more and more how much difference there is in treatment of ULTIs vs. PFL (not "normal" Plats, but PFL). Sure, there is the TA and sometimes an escort in some airports - but other than that? The chit-chat with the CDC, extra attention, first choice on meals, something brought from P to J... all of that I get as well as a PFL. Consistently (the "extra attention" part is of course a little more variable depending on the crew, but it's never zero). And on top of that I made another observation: on a recent longhaul I saw how on the list that the crew had they had circled in yellow all Plats (for first choice of meal, and maybe also for attention/chit chat), and in orange the (one) ULTI and (two) PFLs. So at least on board they seem to put ULTIs and PFLs in the same bucket.
I don't write this to rub it in to ULTIs that even non-ULTIs get many of the benefits, but to share also how AF seems to differentiate between PFLs and "normal" Plats - and to wonder whether being a PFL ULTI may actually end up better than a P ULTI?
I don't write this to rub it in to ULTIs that even non-ULTIs get many of the benefits, but to share also how AF seems to differentiate between PFLs and "normal" Plats - and to wonder whether being a PFL ULTI may actually end up better than a P ULTI?