May 9, 2019, 3:08 pm
Last edit by: Goldorak
FLYING BLUE ULTIMATE
Main facts
Ultimate is the top status in FB.
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-ARN SK-marketing, SK-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, passengers need to earn 900 UXP during a membership 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.
Since 03/2023, a rollover of surplus UXP is possible. A maximum of 900 UXP is possible, and UXP are carried forward only to the next year. For example, an ULTI member earning 2,000 UXP in a membership year will see the following happening at the end of year 1:
- 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
- unlimited downloads of newspapers & magazines on AF Play (any day, not only on day of travelling).
- Miles overdraft : Ultimate members can redeem Miles for a reward ticket worth up to 100,000 Miles more than their current Miles balance. No limit on how many times this can be used, but requires that the FB account have a positive miles balance. Need to ask the Ulti TA team to make the bookings. After account is in negative, borrowed miles will be reimbursed later with newly earned Miles (transfers from partners can be used to cover these, or even purchased miles).
- When travelling in Y class, if the adjacent seat of Ulti flyer is still free 72hrs before flight, it is automatically blocked by the system, unless flight is fully booked or if a pax needs to be re-seated on-board due to a broken seat or other reason. The seat of the Ultimate pax needs to be pre-booked and not changed starting from 72hrs before flight.
- Additional baggage allowance : +2 free bags on top of the ticket allowance
-New 05/2025 : there is an on-going F&B Buy-on-Board (BOB) test on a few AF medium-haul routes (HEL, NAP) : Ultimate members benefit from a 23 credit for food and beverages on concerned flights. Note : test is ended and BOB won't happen with AF.
- Free same-day change of flight, to an earlier or later departure on the day of departure. This benefit only applies on flights marketed and operated by AF or KLM, providing there are still seats available in the new desired flight (but the change is not dependent on availability of certain fare classes). New flight should be within 14hrs of original flight. Change can be done by the AF/KL app, kiosk or by the Ulti TA team, until 1hr before original flight time. Free same day changes only apply at segment level, one direction at a time, and cannot be used to change the itinerary (e.g. if original itinerary contains CDG-AMS-JFK, this benefit cannot be used to change to a CDG-JFK direct flight). Change of flight is not possible if a bag has already been checked. In case of flight changed, added extras e.g. pre-selected seats or meals, cannot be guaranteed on the new flight.
- Free wifi on-board (Stream pass). To benefit form it, once on the wifi logon page, you need to first connect using your booking ref + name. Then the Stream pass will appear as free and you can connect to it.
- four one-class upgrade certificates per membership year, requiring for one-way upgrade : 1 from Y to W, 1 from W to J, 2 from Y to J. Upgrades are confirmed instantly at the time of booking (via the Travel Assistant). 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 the same number of vouchers used. In case of 2 long-haul flights in connection (e,g. DXB-CDG-JFK), the use of additional 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). Upgrade vouchers can also be used to upgrade from J to P. Two vouchers are required for one way upgrade. The originally-booked J ticket must be a revenue ticket (= not an award ticket). Upgrade to P can only be processed during the check-in window, i.e. 30hrs before flight (conditions of a classical paid upgrade option apply). If at least 2 P seats are still available for sale, the upgrade can be processed upfront. If only 1 P seat is available, the voucher upgrade can be confirmed only 4 hrs before departure, as this single seat remains in priority available for sale or for a paid upgrade.
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 :
- Eco to Premium Eco : availability in S is required to upgrade.
- Premium Eco to Business : availability in D is required to upgrade.
- Eco to Business : availability in D is required to upgrade.
- Business to la Premire (AF only) : OLCI paid upgrade conditions apply.
For Y to J and W to J upgrades, vouchers can be applied to award tickets. Same rules as revenue tickets apply.
For J to P upgrades (AF only) : upgrades cannot be applied to award ticket. The originally-booked J ticket must be an AF revenue ticket.
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.
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 note that, for contract lounges, it is not unusual that the lounge agent doesn't know about Ultimate and tells that you need Gold or Platinum to enter. A simple discussion explaining that Ulti is the highest FB status usually solves the issue with the agent looking into the system to check.
Please complete/edit this list as needed.
AFKL HUBS
Amsterdam
- AMS:
Paris CDG
Paris ORY
EUROPE
Austria
- VIE: no special treatment to report, except pre-boarding.
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
Finland
- HEL: no special treatment to report.
France (non-hubs)
- AJA: no special treatment to reportMain facts
Ultimate is the top status in FB.
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-ARN SK-marketing, SK-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, passengers need to earn 900 UXP during a membership 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.
Since 03/2023, a rollover of surplus UXP is possible. A maximum of 900 UXP is possible, and UXP are carried forward only to the next year. For example, an ULTI member earning 2,000 UXP in a membership year will see the following happening at the end of year 1:
- 900 UXP will be deducted to extend ULTI for one year (=year 2)
- 900 UXP will be rolled over to year 2. The member will start year 2 with 900 UXP already on his account. He will end year 2 with 900 UXP+any new UXP that will have been earned during year 2. If the member earns no new UXP in year 2, he will have exactly 900 UXP at the end of year 2, and his ULTI status will be extended to the end of year 3. His opening balance in year 3 will be zero. If he has earned new UXP in year 2, those will be carried over to year 3, and his opening balance in year 3 will be those newly earned UXP from year 2
- 200 UXP (=what is left over of the 2,000 UXP after 900 UXP have been used to maintain status in year 2 and 900 UXP have been rolled over to year 2) will be lost
- 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
- unlimited downloads of newspapers & magazines on AF Play (any day, not only on day of travelling).
- Miles overdraft : Ultimate members can redeem Miles for a reward ticket worth up to 100,000 Miles more than their current Miles balance. No limit on how many times this can be used, but requires that the FB account have a positive miles balance. Need to ask the Ulti TA team to make the bookings. After account is in negative, borrowed miles will be reimbursed later with newly earned Miles (transfers from partners can be used to cover these, or even purchased miles).
- When travelling in Y class, if the adjacent seat of Ulti flyer is still free 72hrs before flight, it is automatically blocked by the system, unless flight is fully booked or if a pax needs to be re-seated on-board due to a broken seat or other reason. The seat of the Ultimate pax needs to be pre-booked and not changed starting from 72hrs before flight.
- Additional baggage allowance : +2 free bags on top of the ticket allowance
-
- Free same-day change of flight, to an earlier or later departure on the day of departure. This benefit only applies on flights marketed and operated by AF or KLM, providing there are still seats available in the new desired flight (but the change is not dependent on availability of certain fare classes). New flight should be within 14hrs of original flight. Change can be done by the AF/KL app, kiosk or by the Ulti TA team, until 1hr before original flight time. Free same day changes only apply at segment level, one direction at a time, and cannot be used to change the itinerary (e.g. if original itinerary contains CDG-AMS-JFK, this benefit cannot be used to change to a CDG-JFK direct flight). Change of flight is not possible if a bag has already been checked. In case of flight changed, added extras e.g. pre-selected seats or meals, cannot be guaranteed on the new flight.
- Free wifi on-board (Stream pass). To benefit form it, once on the wifi logon page, you need to first connect using your booking ref + name. Then the Stream pass will appear as free and you can connect to it.
- four one-class upgrade certificates per membership year, requiring for one-way upgrade : 1 from Y to W, 1 from W to J, 2 from Y to J. Upgrades are confirmed instantly at the time of booking (via the Travel Assistant). 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 the same number of vouchers used. In case of 2 long-haul flights in connection (e,g. DXB-CDG-JFK), the use of additional 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). Upgrade vouchers can also be used to upgrade from J to P. Two vouchers are required for one way upgrade. The originally-booked J ticket must be a revenue ticket (= not an award ticket). Upgrade to P can only be processed during the check-in window, i.e. 30hrs before flight (conditions of a classical paid upgrade option apply). If at least 2 P seats are still available for sale, the upgrade can be processed upfront. If only 1 P seat is available, the voucher upgrade can be confirmed only 4 hrs before departure, as this single seat remains in priority available for sale or for a paid upgrade.
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 :
- Eco to Premium Eco : availability in S is required to upgrade.
- Premium Eco to Business : availability in D is required to upgrade.
- Eco to Business : availability in D is required to upgrade.
- Business to la Premire (AF only) : OLCI paid upgrade conditions apply.
For Y to J and W to J upgrades, vouchers can be applied to award tickets. Same rules as revenue tickets apply.
For J to P upgrades (AF only) : upgrades cannot be applied to award ticket. The originally-booked J ticket must be an AF revenue ticket.
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.
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 note that, for contract lounges, it is not unusual that the lounge agent doesn't know about Ultimate and tells that you need Gold or Platinum to enter. A simple discussion explaining that Ulti is the highest FB status usually solves the issue with the agent looking into the system to check.
Please complete/edit this list as needed.
AFKL HUBS
Amsterdam
- AMS:
- Dedicated check-in desk in SkyPriority area, but not always manned. You can request someone to come there if other lines are long.
- Pre-boarding available upon request in all Non-Schengen gates. Pre-boarding at B-gates in Schengen usually denied (staff seems to be unaware of Ulti in general there). Sometimes there is an announcement welcoming Ulti passengers before boarding starts.
- Lounge 25 (Schengen)
- Reserved space in the ex-smoking area. Light turns blue upon scanning boarding pass, but staff very rarely escorts to reserved area.
- Lounge 52 (Non-Schengen):
- Light turns blue upon scanning boarding pass, but very inconsistent escort to reserved area.
- Reserved space in the ex-rest area. Turn left from the escalators, walk all the way to the end, and then a small curve to the right after climbing the few stairs. The reserved area has a blue rope and sign for Ulti passengers.
- Shower cabin made available immediately upon request, if staff knows you are Ulti (datapoint from 01/2025).
- Spa in Lounge 52 (Non-Schengen) has some free 5 and 10 minute treatments for Ulti passengers - no sign posted anywhere - but informed about it by lounge staff (datapoint from 01/2025). Not personally tested.
- It is possible to call a phone number to order items from the Blue restaurant and bar (located upstairs in the lounge). Items still need to be paid for. But, a note in the reserved Ulti space suggests there are complimentary items upstairs, if one were to go there. Not personally tested.
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, except pre-boarding.
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
Finland
- HEL: 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: Preboarding 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: at the lounge, proposal to pre-board (the lounge agent is informing the gate agent and informing you 10 min in advance of boarding time so you can go to the gate and pre-board).
- NCE: Reserved area in Infinity lounge for LP & Ulti. Pre-boarding upon request.
- 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 (not consistently provided) and pre-boarding proposed.
- TLS: Escort from check in to lounge inconsistently provided. Pre-boarding consistently provided
Germany
- BER: no special treatment to report
- BRE: pre-boarding requested during check-in, agent offered to collect us from lounge (turned-down), pre-boarding done - but pre-boarding request made only once
- DUS: no special treatment to report
- FRA: no special treatment to report
- HAM: no special treatment to report, except pre-boarding
- 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; Data point from 22 Dec: escort proposed spontaneously during check in (but turned down), pre-boarding done.
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: New 01/2026 : access to special lounge (Plaza Premium First Lounge)
- 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: pre-boarding if requested at the gate (you may need to insist as SK staff who is hanfdling AFKL in OSL is not knowledgeable about Ulti).
- 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
- BIO: escort from lounge to plane & pre-boarding granted after request
- 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: pre-boarding upon request.
United Kingdom
- ABZ: no special treatment to report
- BRS : no special treatment to report
- EDI: no special treatment to report
- LHR: reserved seat/table in the lounge; pre-boarding upon request..
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:
- YQB: escort from check-in to lounge proposed
- YVR: pre-boarding proposed
USA
- ATL: no special treatment to report (in connection)
- AUS: Escort provided through security, pre-boarding offered, declined escort from lounge to gate. Great team at AUS.
- BOS: Escort on arrival (NEW 09/2025, confirmed 10/2025). Departure : 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)
- EWR: escort through security to lounge (inconsistently provided), VIP room in SAS lounge, pre-boarding.
- 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), Some kind of priority at the La Prairie spa (after P pax).
- JFK (KL only / terminal 4) : no special treatments to report.
- LAX: reserved area in AF lounge.
- MIA: on departure, escort through security and to lounge proactively offered
- 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)
- ORD: On arrival, escort through immigration. On departure, escort through security to lounge and from lounge to plane (pre-boarding). Reserved space in AF lounge.
- PHX : no special treatments to report.
- SEA: pre-boarding with escort to plane
- SFO: reserved area in lounge
CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA
- BOG: escort through immigration on arrival.
- LIM:
- GIG: Pre-boarding upon request.
- GRU: escort in case of short connection upon request, inconsistently provided. Pre-boarding at the gate (upon request).
- MEX (Terminal 1):
- 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). Small Ulti area in lounge. Escort to plane & pre-boarding.
- BLR: on arrival: awaited in jetway and escorted through immigration, wait with you at baggage claim and accompanied to taxi. On departure : escort from check-in counter to lounge and then to plane as per your boarding preference.
- BOM : on arrival: awaited in jetway and escorted through immigration, wait with you at baggage claim and accompanied to taxi. On departure : escort from check-in counter to lounge and then to plane as per your boarding preference.
- CGK : escort on arrival through immigration.
- DEL: on arrival: awaited in jetway and escorted through immigration, wait with you at baggage claim and accompanied to taxi. On departure : escort from check-in counter to lounge and then to plane as per your boarding preference.
- DPS : escort from check-in to lounge and to plane (upon request). Reserved space in GA lounge.
- 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
- ICN : no special treatment to report.
- KIX: Arrival : escort through immigration, wait at baggage claim. Departure : escort from check-in desk to lounge All proposed spontaneously
- MNL : Arrival : escort from plane to exit, fast track at immigration. Departure : escort from check-in counter to lounge, fast track at immigration and security, escort from lounge to plane, pre-boarding.
- PEK :
- PVG : pre-boarding agreed to upon request during check-in and boarding staff delivered on request (datapoint 07/2024)
- SIN: no special treatment to report
CARIBBEAN & INDIAN OCEAN
- CUR: on arrival, met at the gate and walked through immigration. On departure : escort from check-in through immigration and security; escort from the lounge to plane/pre-boarding.
- 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. Departures (12/2025): escort from check-in to lounge. Pre-boarding upon request incl. pick-up from lounge (Air Mauritius lounge).
- 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:
- JED: no special treatment to report
- RUH: no special treatment to report
- IST: no special treatment to report
- TBS : no special treatment to report
AFRICA
- AGA: escort from check in to lounge and from lounge to aircraft, provided spontaneously
- CAI: Pre-boarding offered spontaneously during check-in. Datapoint 01/2025: pre-boarding done.
- CMN: escort on arrival through immigration (not always consistently provided). Datapoint 11/2024 : no special treatment to report.
- CPT: escort from counter to lounge, provided spontaneously
- JNB:
- JNO: no special treatment to report.
- KGL : no special treatment to report
- LBV : escort from lounge to plane
- LOS: dedicated space in lounge (only in the one used by AF, not in KL one). Pre-boarding possible but not so easy.
- NBO : Departure : escort from check-in counter through immigration (fast track) to lounge and then to plane with pre-boarding (confirmed in 03/2025 as well).
- NSI : Departure : escort from check-in counter through immigration (fast track) to lounge and then to plane with pre-boarding.
- RAK: escort on departure to entrance of security, escort from lounge to plane for pre-boarding.
- RBA: on departure : escort to lounge and to plane, provided spontaneously. Datapoint 05/2024 : no special treatment to report.
- 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 Ultimate Status
Nov 2, 2025 | 6:27 am
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2010
Programs: AF Ultimate & Plat 4 life/AY LUMO/SK EBD/LH SEN/HYATT Globalist/MR LTP/A3 *G/HH Dia/IHG DIA
Posts: 11,297
Status matches are handy for this reason. Flying without status can be crap, though other then the first 20min onboard KL844 I couldnt tell the difference 🤣🤣
its not easy to keep all 3 alliance statuses
its not easy to keep all 3 alliance statuses
Nov 2, 2025 | 6:29 am
Join Date: Apr 2025
Posts: 113
Did you tell them so?
Some people (myself included) are like you and generally prefer to stick with the original airline/alliance, but others want to get there ASAP. The agent can't see inside your head. I got auto-rebooked from KL to OS few months ago - I gave them a call, told them it won't work for me and asked to be rebooked on SK/AF combo. They obliged with no issues.
Some people (myself included) are like you and generally prefer to stick with the original airline/alliance, but others want to get there ASAP. The agent can't see inside your head. I got auto-rebooked from KL to OS few months ago - I gave them a call, told them it won't work for me and asked to be rebooked on SK/AF combo. They obliged with no issues.
Nov 2, 2025 | 7:58 am
Join Date: Jul 2022
Location: Inside the (ITA) Matrix
Programs: A plethora of Platinum
Posts: 1,002
Sounds like an unfortunate one-off to me. I've been previously rebooked by AF as well as KL on Lufthansa Group, and the tickets have been issued without issues. The same has applied vice-versa, Lufthansa once cancelled their flight and rebooked me on Air France without issues.
Nov 2, 2025 | 8:17 am
Join Date: Apr 2025
Posts: 113
Sounds like an unfortunate one-off to me. I've been previously rebooked by AF as well as KL on Lufthansa Group, and the tickets have been issued without issues. The same has applied vice-versa, Lufthansa once cancelled their flight and rebooked me on Air France without issues.
Nov 2, 2025 | 11:09 am
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2010
Programs: AF Ultimate & Plat 4 life/AY LUMO/SK EBD/LH SEN/HYATT Globalist/MR LTP/A3 *G/HH Dia/IHG DIA
Posts: 11,297
So I just landed from KL844 BKK-AMS Ulti in W, so far the worst KLM long haul flight for ulti recognition, perhaps this route is tainted for me 😁🤣
Gate staff walked me to the plane and introduced me as a Ultimate to the purser and her response was excuse me? So what? Great start
Purser never came to my seat to introduce herself, none of my requests in my profile were given except ONE glass of champagne prior to departure. Not even my sparkling water...
Suprisingly no meal from J was offered or suggested nor a amenety kit from J nor a Delft house and before someone says anything YES I KNOW those ate not given benefits. Even if common.
The food in W was very poor IMO, not sure who designed the KLM W seats inseat power but what a poor design to put USB ports on the inside of the seat, mine snapped right off 😁
Oh well, I will favor more longhaul flight on AF and OW going forward and use AF and KLM for european hops as the ultimate benefits are stronger there. Long haul just doesnt offer consistent benefits. Atleast I flew the cabin I had booked so no worries.
Intrestingly enough purser did come chat with 5 friends/family of KLM, they also were provided amenety kits from J, and a couple got meals from J as well this of course i nothing new on KLM... the same F&F also kept going into J all through the flight not very relaxing. I AM suprised managment is okay with this practice
Gate staff walked me to the plane and introduced me as a Ultimate to the purser and her response was excuse me? So what? Great start
Purser never came to my seat to introduce herself, none of my requests in my profile were given except ONE glass of champagne prior to departure. Not even my sparkling water...
Suprisingly no meal from J was offered or suggested nor a amenety kit from J nor a Delft house and before someone says anything YES I KNOW those ate not given benefits. Even if common.
The food in W was very poor IMO, not sure who designed the KLM W seats inseat power but what a poor design to put USB ports on the inside of the seat, mine snapped right off 😁
Oh well, I will favor more longhaul flight on AF and OW going forward and use AF and KLM for european hops as the ultimate benefits are stronger there. Long haul just doesnt offer consistent benefits. Atleast I flew the cabin I had booked so no worries.
Intrestingly enough purser did come chat with 5 friends/family of KLM, they also were provided amenety kits from J, and a couple got meals from J as well
this of course i nothing new on KLM... the same F&F also kept going into J all through the flight not very relaxing. I AM suprised managment is okay with this practice
Nov 2, 2025 | 11:12 am
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2010
Programs: AF Ultimate & Plat 4 life/AY LUMO/SK EBD/LH SEN/HYATT Globalist/MR LTP/A3 *G/HH Dia/IHG DIA
Posts: 11,297
Beef tataki from the Ultimate lounge menu in AMS is very tasty, has a intresting smell to it but very tasty
Very happy to see they have it in the lounge in AMS now too
Very happy to see they have it in the lounge in AMS now too
Nov 3, 2025 | 2:53 am
Join Date: Feb 2024
Location: CFE
Programs: FB ultimate
Posts: 67
I’ve had the chance to experience the driver-to/from-bus-gate perk (CDG) a few times now, I seem to be quite unlucky with bus gate assignments (or maybe lucky now, I guess?).
Across my limited sample, the consistency has been excellent: there was always a driver assigned to me, both on departure and arrival. I met three of the four or five drivers they have, and all were extremely professional, making each ride an enjoyable experience.
On boarding, I was sometimes able to get on the aircraft several minutes before the passengers from the buses and had a few minutes to chat with the crew. In other cases, when the plane wasn’t ready yet, the buses were released first, meaning you board after the first 10–15 passengers, which can be an inconvenience if overhead storage is tight (though it wasn’t an issue in my case).
Currently, if there are multiple Ultimates on the flight, the car can’t leave the gate area until everyone has been accounted for. So if one person decides to board later or no-shows, you have to wait, that’s really the only downside I’ve found so far.
Overall, it’s a fantastic addition to the Ultimate programme. It’s still in trial until mid-November, so if you’ve enjoyed the service like I have, make sure to share your feedback before the end of the trial to help make it permanent.
Across my limited sample, the consistency has been excellent: there was always a driver assigned to me, both on departure and arrival. I met three of the four or five drivers they have, and all were extremely professional, making each ride an enjoyable experience.
On boarding, I was sometimes able to get on the aircraft several minutes before the passengers from the buses and had a few minutes to chat with the crew. In other cases, when the plane wasn’t ready yet, the buses were released first, meaning you board after the first 10–15 passengers, which can be an inconvenience if overhead storage is tight (though it wasn’t an issue in my case).
Currently, if there are multiple Ultimates on the flight, the car can’t leave the gate area until everyone has been accounted for. So if one person decides to board later or no-shows, you have to wait, that’s really the only downside I’ve found so far.
Overall, it’s a fantastic addition to the Ultimate programme. It’s still in trial until mid-November, so if you’ve enjoyed the service like I have, make sure to share your feedback before the end of the trial to help make it permanent.
Nov 3, 2025 | 3:21 am
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: BRE
Programs: Flying Blue Ultimate, LATAM Black, Accor/IHG Platinum, Marriott/Hilton Gold
Posts: 1,996
I've not had the chance to experience it myself, but if there's somewhere I can send a feedback anyway (besides the regular ones), I'd be more than glad to. This is 100% a great addition to the Ultimate program. Would be amazing to get anything in this direction at AMS as well.
Nov 3, 2025 | 3:38 am
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Paris and around the WW
Programs: AF/KLM Club2000 Ultimate / M&M HON Circle / ALL Limitless / Hertz President Circle
Posts: 1,326
On my way to YUL in J
CDG was crowded this morning (80 min expected to clear immigration and to M hall)
Escort to immigration was expedited in less than 5 min despite the fight between ADP agent and AF staff. ADP agent did not want Ulti pax to go before PMR pax
Theres now a dedicated lane for security check at M hall (different than the SP one)
CDG was crowded this morning (80 min expected to clear immigration and to M hall)
Escort to immigration was expedited in less than 5 min despite the fight between ADP agent and AF staff. ADP agent did not want Ulti pax to go before PMR pax
Theres now a dedicated lane for security check at M hall (different than the SP one)
Nov 3, 2025 | 3:48 am
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: BRE
Programs: Flying Blue Ultimate, LATAM Black, Accor/IHG Platinum, Marriott/Hilton Gold
Posts: 1,996
Nov 3, 2025 | 4:39 pm
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Paris, France
Programs: AF/KL Flying Blue Ultimate/Platinum for life/Club2000, Accor ALL Diamond
Posts: 24,956
Lot of people in Ulti area of CDG L lounge this evening. It was almost a constant flow of people escorted by AF staff. They had to use other area nearby, which they had prevently blocked. Very good service as usual.
Nov 4, 2025 | 3:49 am
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 77
There seem to be problems again with seat changes online; once again, I can only do this for a fee as an Ulti member. I've had this problem before. Platinum members traveling on the same flight can change their seats free of charge. At the moment, I have to send every request to the TA.
Nov 7, 2025 | 12:55 am
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Switzerland
Programs: AFKL Flying Blue Platinum Ultimate, Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador Elite
Posts: 437
Not sure if it was reported, but the Ultimate area in the Non-schengen KLM lounge 52 is now locked, and requires a code to enter. The pad is placed in the door handle.
Nov 7, 2025 | 2:59 am
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Paris, France
Programs: AF/KL Flying Blue Ultimate/Platinum for life/Club2000, Accor ALL Diamond
Posts: 24,956
The SP check-in area of CDG 2E is again being remodeled to add an automated gate at the Ulti entrance (where you will scan your BP).
Nov 7, 2025 | 3:22 am
Join Date: Apr 2005
Programs: Eurostar Carte Etoile, SBB-CFF-FFS GA-AG, SNCF Grand Voyageur LeClub
Posts: 8,903
- If you dont have a boarding pass because you couldnt check in before coming to the airport >> no access?
- If youre travelling with people who are not ULTI customers >> no access because they cannot scan an ULTI boarding pass?
Also, I dont mind the absence of staff the ULTI check in counter is only used by ULTI customers. But more often than not this is not the case and the AF staff have usually been great at directing passenger to another open counter or even opening a new one whilst the ULTI counter deals with the non-ULTI Gabonese family of five negotiating lengthily and loudly why their 24 pieces of luggage should fit into the allowance (a slight caricature, but everybody knows where it comes from).