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
Mar 9, 2018, 12:16 pm
#1126
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: GOT
Programs: KL Plat
Posts: 484
I've fared quite well in my limited time as FB Elite+ on shorthaul.
The first time in November, think it was one of my first flights as Gold, with my partner who was still Silver at the time. She was actually sandwiched between myself and another Gold, the purser came along and greeted us Golds by name, asking if everything was OK, ignoring my lowly Silver partner
Our last flight of the year in December, we both were Platinum although the BP refused to update my status from Gold. The purser came along, had a chat and offered us drinks from J despite being in Y.
Last weekend the purser was looking for Platinums to offer them space in the 4 empty rows of J. She greeted me by name and explained what she was doing, but since I already had an EC seat with empty middle seat agreed with me I was quite happy staying put.
Actually looking back, all 3 of those KLM recognitions were on the late evening AMS-GOT flight.
At a guess my recent flights since becoming Elite+ have been around 30-40% AF, the rest KLM. Only recognition I've had from AF was a surprise personal pre-boarding call in LYS last week... At a guess i was the only SkyP there
The first time in November, think it was one of my first flights as Gold, with my partner who was still Silver at the time. She was actually sandwiched between myself and another Gold, the purser came along and greeted us Golds by name, asking if everything was OK, ignoring my lowly Silver partner
Our last flight of the year in December, we both were Platinum although the BP refused to update my status from Gold. The purser came along, had a chat and offered us drinks from J despite being in Y.
Last weekend the purser was looking for Platinums to offer them space in the 4 empty rows of J. She greeted me by name and explained what she was doing, but since I already had an EC seat with empty middle seat agreed with me I was quite happy staying put.
Actually looking back, all 3 of those KLM recognitions were on the late evening AMS-GOT flight.
At a guess my recent flights since becoming Elite+ have been around 30-40% AF, the rest KLM. Only recognition I've had from AF was a surprise personal pre-boarding call in LYS last week... At a guess i was the only SkyP there
Mar 9, 2018, 1:24 pm
#1127
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
yesterday morning, there was no AF escort at 2E arrivals for immigration. It was 7:15 am, and the service is normally in place already at that time. But, fortunately, the ADP agent (those wearing the orange jackets) let me use the Ulti/P/Diplomatic passport lane after I showed my Ulti card to her.
Mar 9, 2018, 10:21 pm
#1129
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Champaign, IL
Programs: AF/KL FB Ultimate Platinum for Life/Club 2000, UA MileagePlus
Posts: 524
Mar 10, 2018, 2:12 am
#1130
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
with an AF escort, yes. This service is available in the morning at departure and arrival until 2pm. I used it this morning again (departure).
The other day, on arrival, the AF agent was not there. So I asked the ADP agent and showed my Ulti card and she let me go by myself. My card was re-checked by another agent just before the police booths.
The other day, on arrival, the AF agent was not there. So I asked the ADP agent and showed my Ulti card and she let me go by myself. My card was re-checked by another agent just before the police booths.
Last edited by Goldorak; Mar 10, 2018 at 2:19 am
Mar 10, 2018, 2:18 am
#1131
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 again, posting from an AF plane I just boarded in 2E-K. I missed the pre-boarding window because I had some work to finish at the lounge, so I arrived at the gate 10 min after beginning of boarding, hoping to see the SkyP lane empty or almost. But in fact, it seems that someone had the crazy idea to let everyone in the SKyP lane and nobody in the regular lane so when I reached the gate there were hundreds of people in 
But I showed my Ulti card to one of the gate agent and was kindly bring to the BP scanner and escorted up to my seat within seconds, bypassing any line even in the crowded jetway.
But I showed my Ulti card to one of the gate agent and was kindly bring to the BP scanner and escorted up to my seat within seconds, bypassing any line even in the crowded jetway.
Mar 10, 2018, 2:40 am
#1132
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Champaign, IL
Programs: AF/KL FB Ultimate Platinum for Life/Club 2000, UA MileagePlus
Posts: 524
Mar 10, 2018, 3:18 pm
#1133
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
. And, while I always had smooth experiences in ATL, an Ulti service would have been appreciated today in ATL:- International arrival area was very crowded with very disorganized lanes at immigration and security
. Overall it took me 1hr from AF plane to SkyClub- priority bags delivered last
- ugly SkyClub (concourse A), hyper crowded, full of noisy pax and kids screaming and running around
Mar 11, 2018, 1:35 am
#1134
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Paris,FR
Programs: AF/KL FBPFL Ultimate, IHG Spire, HERTZ 5 stars
Posts: 82
Definitely nothing again in ATL for me . And, while I always had smooth experiences in ATL, an Ulti service would have been appreciated today in ATL:
- International arrival area was very crowded with very disorganized lanes at immigration and security. Overall it took me 1hr from AF plane to SkyClub
- priority bags delivered last
- ugly SkyClub (concourse A), hyper crowded, full of noisy pax and kids screaming and running around
. And, while I always had smooth experiences in ATL, an Ulti service would have been appreciated today in ATL:- International arrival area was very crowded with very disorganized lanes at immigration and security
. Overall it took me 1hr from AF plane to SkyClub- priority bags delivered last
- ugly SkyClub (concourse A), hyper crowded, full of noisy pax and kids screaming and running around
I check my records last ATL escort was confirmed Oct/17 by TA, please see hereunder
Rgds
Cher Monsieur X,
Bonjour Monsieur,
Nous venons d'être informés que vous serez escorté a l'aéroport d'Atlanta pour prendre votre vol en direction de Z aujourd'hui.
Bon voyage.
Cordialement
Y
VOTRE TRAVEL ASSISTANT
Last edited by chris635; Mar 11, 2018 at 3:21 am
Mar 11, 2018, 3:16 am
#1135
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Champaign, IL
Programs: AF/KL FB Ultimate Platinum for Life/Club 2000, UA MileagePlus
Posts: 524
Definitely nothing again in ATL for me . And, while I always had smooth experiences in ATL, an Ulti service would have been appreciated today in ATL:
- International arrival area was very crowded with very disorganized lanes at immigration and security. Overall it took me 1hr from AF plane to SkyClub
- priority bags delivered last
- ugly SkyClub (concourse A), hyper crowded, full of noisy pax and kids screaming and running around
. And, while I always had smooth experiences in ATL, an Ulti service would have been appreciated today in ATL:- International arrival area was very crowded with very disorganized lanes at immigration and security
. Overall it took me 1hr from AF plane to SkyClub- priority bags delivered last
- ugly SkyClub (concourse A), hyper crowded, full of noisy pax and kids screaming and running around
this yo-yo in the consistency of service is not only disappointing, but it is also disturbing: What can we really expect at outstations? As you know, I have been raving about ORD, but never benefited from any assistance on inbound flights (on the other hand, this is my final destination); only on outbound flights, with a comprehensive escort service through TSA/ProVision scanners, all the way to the lounge, and, of course, escort from the lounge to the gate for pre-boarding. In reference to chris635's message, I never had to request this service to be arranged by the TA team; it is proactively offered. Perhaps does it work differently at ATL, where they won't lift a finger unless being asked by the TA team, which seems to be what chris635 alludes to. Be that as it may, this should not be the case, and you should be able to count for assistance without having to beg for it. I have not gone through ATL for a while since AF reinstated the ORD route that it had relinquished for many years to DL during the winter months (^), but I recall that they have a full-fledged station manager to whose attention you should bring this mishap. As for the SkyClub's, ah, ah! What a joke! I still cannot fathom that some people still complain about the AF lounges at CDG. I would happily trade a visit to most SkyClub's in the US for one at CDG's s3 or s4 (and even K), which are light years ahead in terms of service and quality.
Cheers,
Macaron54
Mar 11, 2018, 9:22 am
#1136
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
Goldorak,
I check my records last ATL escort was confirmed Oct/17 by TA, please see hereunder
Rgds
Cher Monsieur X,
Bonjour Monsieur,
Nous venons d'être informés que vous serez escorté a l'aéroport d'Atlanta pour prendre votre vol en direction de Z aujourd'hui.
Bon voyage.
Cordialement
Y
VOTRE TRAVEL ASSISTANT
I check my records last ATL escort was confirmed Oct/17 by TA, please see hereunder
Rgds
Cher Monsieur X,
Bonjour Monsieur,
Nous venons d'être informés que vous serez escorté a l'aéroport d'Atlanta pour prendre votre vol en direction de Z aujourd'hui.
Bon voyage.
Cordialement
Y
VOTRE TRAVEL ASSISTANT
Hello, Goldorak,
this yo-yo in the consistency of service is not only disappointing, but it is also disturbing: What can we really expect at outstations? As you know, I have been raving about ORD, but never benefited from any assistance on inbound flights (on the other hand, this is my final destination); only on outbound flights, with a comprehensive escort service through TSA/ProVision scanners, all the way to the lounge, and, of course, escort from the lounge to the gate for pre-boarding. In reference to chris635's message, I never had to request this service to be arranged by the TA team; it is proactively offered. Perhaps does it work differently at ATL, where they won't lift a finger unless being asked by the TA team, which seems to be what chris635 alludes to. Be that as it may, this should not be the case, and you should be able to count for assistance without having to beg for it. I have not gone through ATL for a while since AF reinstated the ORD route that it had relinquished for many years to DL during the winter months (^), but I recall that they have a full-fledged station manager to whose attention you should bring this mishap.
this yo-yo in the consistency of service is not only disappointing, but it is also disturbing: What can we really expect at outstations? As you know, I have been raving about ORD, but never benefited from any assistance on inbound flights (on the other hand, this is my final destination); only on outbound flights, with a comprehensive escort service through TSA/ProVision scanners, all the way to the lounge, and, of course, escort from the lounge to the gate for pre-boarding. In reference to chris635's message, I never had to request this service to be arranged by the TA team; it is proactively offered. Perhaps does it work differently at ATL, where they won't lift a finger unless being asked by the TA team, which seems to be what chris635 alludes to. Be that as it may, this should not be the case, and you should be able to count for assistance without having to beg for it. I have not gone through ATL for a while since AF reinstated the ORD route that it had relinquished for many years to DL during the winter months (^), but I recall that they have a full-fledged station manager to whose attention you should bring this mishap.
).On my way back, I have a 1hr connection in ATL (which is never a problem if your inbound flight is on-time), so I may contact proactively the TA in case my inbound runs late...
As for the SkyClub's, ah, ah! What a joke! I still cannot fathom that some people still complain about the AF lounges at CDG. I would happily trade a visit to most SkyClub's in the US for one at CDG's s3 or s4 (and even K), which are light years ahead in terms of service and quality.
Mar 21, 2018, 4:01 pm
#1137
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
Based on my recent AF flights (a significant numbers), I have noticed the following positive trend for Ultimate :
- the on-board extra recognition is now quasi-systematic
- More and more often you are now proposed the beverages of the upper class (if there is one of course)
- Ultimates seems to be at the top of the op-up algorithm (after F&F of course
) in case of full/overbooked cabins
- pre-boarding works well at CDG (at least in my experience)
But for ground escort, it is still hit & miss: It was declined (politely) by the AF supervisor in BEY (she was called for rescue after I asked the ME clueless agent). She didn't even know it was done in CDG and (some) stations. I insist on the fact it was declined nicely and politely, as this was very different from what I experienced twice in JFK where it was very poor. In BEY, escort would be appreciable as there is no fast track neither at immigration, nor at security.
:- the on-board extra recognition is now quasi-systematic
- More and more often you are now proposed the beverages of the upper class (if there is one of course)
- Ultimates seems to be at the top of the op-up algorithm (after F&F of course
) in case of full/overbooked cabins- pre-boarding works well at CDG (at least in my experience)
But for ground escort, it is still hit & miss: It was declined (politely) by the AF supervisor in BEY (she was called for rescue after I asked the ME clueless agent)
. She didn't even know it was done in CDG and (some) stations. I insist on the fact it was declined nicely and politely, as this was very different from what I experienced twice in JFK where it was very poor. In BEY, escort would be appreciable as there is no fast track neither at immigration, nor at security.
Last edited by Goldorak; Mar 21, 2018 at 4:07 pm
Mar 23, 2018, 8:48 am
#1138
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
Still, I am impressed by the quiet areas, the spa, and, most importantly, the private room for Ultimates, far from the ruckus of the open space. There, we have comfortable chairs and sofas, a round table and an open bar — just for us . I was able to work for a couple of hours without being bothered prior to (post) boarding. Overall, a very nice experience, and kudos to AF.
. I was able to work for a couple of hours without being bothered prior to (post) boarding. Overall, a very nice experience, and kudos to AF.
Mar 23, 2018, 1:49 pm
#1139
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: UK/FR
Programs: FlyingBlue Platinum, Hertz PC
Posts: 886
Looks nice with the necessary. I find the M lounge to be always quite full and the desk area very exposed so I would welcome a table there to work. My favourite so far is the K lounge with its quiet separated desk area.
Mar 23, 2018, 4:15 pm
#1140
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
My favorite is now the new L lounge. Really nice. Can't wait for the full opening in June. K looks now outdated.