Last edit by: irishguy28
Introduction
As you have been following the past thread, the Flying Blue programme will change as of 1 April 2018. In order to split the discussion from the earlier thread, we have created a new thread.
On 6 November Flying Blue has organised a press conference to inform the public about the changes to the programme. In addition, a mailing will be sent out to all members on the 6th and 7th of November and more information can be found on the designated website (link: https://explorefurther.flyingblue.com).
As an introduction, please find a summary of the changes below.
Please note that at the current time there is no difference expected to the benefits of the current tier.
Change 1: no more level miles, no more segments, but Experience Points
As of 1 April 2018 you will no longer earn level miles and segments per flight, but you will earn Experience Points (XP). The number of XP earned per flight depends on your cabin (multiplier times 2 for Premium Economy, 3 for business, 5 for La Premiere) and the type of flight (distinction between domestic, medium haul, long-haul 1/2/3).
For flights between 1 January – 31 March 2018 all earned level miles and segments will be converted into XP (1 segment = 7 XP; 1,000 level miles = 5 XP for members outside France). Please note that the highest conversion applies (it is not cumulative).
The number of XP required per tiers is:
- 100 for Silver;
- 180 for Gold;
- 300 for Platinum;
- 1,800 for Platinum Ultimate (in 2 years).
Please note that for current flyers who qualify on segments based on only intra-EU flights this could see an increase in the number of flights required. However, if you fly a mix if intra-EU and intercontinental (but qualify on segments), this will most likely see a reduction in the number of flights required to qualify.
For elite members, there is a roll-over of all XP above your tier threshold.
The rules for soft-landing have been extended. It is now no longer required to make at least 1 qualifying flight and in case you do not meet your threshold you will only drop one tier.
Change 2: number of miles earned dependent on fare paid (including fuel surcharge)
The number of award miles (for AF/KL/A5) earned is now depending on the fare paid (including fuel surcharge). Ivory members earn 4 miles per Euro, Silver 6, Gold 7 and Platinum 8.
Also earn award miles on AF/KL purchases (relating to seats, baggage and meals) according to the above schedule.
Earnings on partners remains as-is (based on fare class and distance flown).
Change 3: dynamic pricing of award tickets (on AF/KL/HV)
Another change will be that award tickets will have dynamic pricing, e.g. an award AMS-JFK could be more expensive than an award DUS-AMS-JFK. This is also in line with change 2, as flights from AMS are also more expensive than flights from DUS (you also earn more miles).
This also implies that we will see a difference in the number of miles required per flight. For example, an award from continental Europe to continental USA will currently set you back 25,000 miles for a one-way in economy. It does not matter if you fly to LAX or NYC, the number of miles is currently fixed. Under the new proposition, this will change. The cheaper flight (in this example: NYC) will see a slight reduction in the number of miles required, whilst LAX will see a slight increase in the number of miles required.
Furthermore, there will be a standard base level for the number of miles required per destination. As the standard revenue price increases, so does the number of award miles.
Change 4: status valid for 12 months (+ 3 months), personal membership year
FB will be moving away from membership year = calendar year (in case of upgrade of tier). Instead, FB will have an individual membership year. This means that after obtaining the higher tier, you will have 12 months to requalify. Benefit of this is that members are not bound by the calendar year (e.g. members who earn 20,000 level miles in a December of a given year and 20,000 level miles in January of the next year, do not have any benefit of their flights in case limited flights before/after).
I know some will feel that this is a significant downgrade compared to the current – at maximum – 27 months. Please note that based on FB information the majority of members (re)qualify in the last quarter of the year.
In addition, please note that for an Ivory member would like to go obtain Platinum in one year, as it will become more difficult, as (s)he will have to earn each threshold (so not 300 XP in the first year, but (100 + 180 + 300 = 580 XP).This is only applicable in the first year.
Change 5: changes to the co-branded American Express credit cards (FR/NL)
Currently you earn segments and level miles (on AF/KL purchases for Gold and Platinum card holders). This will change that you will receive additional XP when reaching your membership anniversary each year.
As you have been following the past thread, the Flying Blue programme will change as of 1 April 2018. In order to split the discussion from the earlier thread, we have created a new thread.
On 6 November Flying Blue has organised a press conference to inform the public about the changes to the programme. In addition, a mailing will be sent out to all members on the 6th and 7th of November and more information can be found on the designated website (link: https://explorefurther.flyingblue.com).
As an introduction, please find a summary of the changes below.
Please note that at the current time there is no difference expected to the benefits of the current tier.
Change 1: no more level miles, no more segments, but Experience Points
As of 1 April 2018 you will no longer earn level miles and segments per flight, but you will earn Experience Points (XP). The number of XP earned per flight depends on your cabin (multiplier times 2 for Premium Economy, 3 for business, 5 for La Premiere) and the type of flight (distinction between domestic, medium haul, long-haul 1/2/3).
For flights between 1 January – 31 March 2018 all earned level miles and segments will be converted into XP (1 segment = 7 XP; 1,000 level miles = 5 XP for members outside France). Please note that the highest conversion applies (it is not cumulative).
The number of XP required per tiers is:
- 100 for Silver;
- 180 for Gold;
- 300 for Platinum;
- 1,800 for Platinum Ultimate (in 2 years).
Please note that for current flyers who qualify on segments based on only intra-EU flights this could see an increase in the number of flights required. However, if you fly a mix if intra-EU and intercontinental (but qualify on segments), this will most likely see a reduction in the number of flights required to qualify.
For elite members, there is a roll-over of all XP above your tier threshold.
The rules for soft-landing have been extended. It is now no longer required to make at least 1 qualifying flight and in case you do not meet your threshold you will only drop one tier.
Change 2: number of miles earned dependent on fare paid (including fuel surcharge)
The number of award miles (for AF/KL/A5) earned is now depending on the fare paid (including fuel surcharge). Ivory members earn 4 miles per Euro, Silver 6, Gold 7 and Platinum 8.
Also earn award miles on AF/KL purchases (relating to seats, baggage and meals) according to the above schedule.
Earnings on partners remains as-is (based on fare class and distance flown).
Change 3: dynamic pricing of award tickets (on AF/KL/HV)
Another change will be that award tickets will have dynamic pricing, e.g. an award AMS-JFK could be more expensive than an award DUS-AMS-JFK. This is also in line with change 2, as flights from AMS are also more expensive than flights from DUS (you also earn more miles).
This also implies that we will see a difference in the number of miles required per flight. For example, an award from continental Europe to continental USA will currently set you back 25,000 miles for a one-way in economy. It does not matter if you fly to LAX or NYC, the number of miles is currently fixed. Under the new proposition, this will change. The cheaper flight (in this example: NYC) will see a slight reduction in the number of miles required, whilst LAX will see a slight increase in the number of miles required.
Furthermore, there will be a standard base level for the number of miles required per destination. As the standard revenue price increases, so does the number of award miles.
Change 4: status valid for 12 months (+ 3 months), personal membership year
FB will be moving away from membership year = calendar year (in case of upgrade of tier). Instead, FB will have an individual membership year. This means that after obtaining the higher tier, you will have 12 months to requalify. Benefit of this is that members are not bound by the calendar year (e.g. members who earn 20,000 level miles in a December of a given year and 20,000 level miles in January of the next year, do not have any benefit of their flights in case limited flights before/after).
I know some will feel that this is a significant downgrade compared to the current – at maximum – 27 months. Please note that based on FB information the majority of members (re)qualify in the last quarter of the year.
In addition, please note that for an Ivory member would like to go obtain Platinum in one year, as it will become more difficult, as (s)he will have to earn each threshold (so not 300 XP in the first year, but (100 + 180 + 300 = 580 XP).
Change 5: changes to the co-branded American Express credit cards (FR/NL)
Currently you earn segments and level miles (on AF/KL purchases for Gold and Platinum card holders). This will change that you will receive additional XP when reaching your membership anniversary each year.
Upcoming changes to Flying Blue in 2018
#1951
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: HAG
Programs: Der 5* FTL
Posts: 8,006
Definitely nothing for basic French members, and actually I am not sure about foreign members either (maybe only if part of intl itinerary?)
French members also had higher mileage requirements.
#1952
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: HAG
Programs: Der 5* FTL
Posts: 8,006
Have just noticed the following in FB website: (and similar text in the RO page)
https://www.flyingblue.co.za/en/part...s/presentation
So for 1hr domestic flight with KQ/RO you get double the XP as for transcon or very long RU domestic flight... can this become more ridiculous?
https://www.flyingblue.co.za/en/part...s/presentation
So for 1hr domestic flight with KQ/RO you get double the XP as for transcon or very long RU domestic flight... can this become more ridiculous?
1. AF wants to keep domestics as low earning as possible, due to fare structure and/or the fact many are PSO routes
2. other partner domestic earning low XP is a collateral benefit as it makes flying AFKL closer to final destination more desirable
3. RO and KQ on the other hand don't want to penalise domestic flyers as much, esp. as on the old system, their domestics were normal segments, so they get an exception.
#1953
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
Programs: KL Platinum; A3 Gold
Posts: 28,697
#1954
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
Programs: KL Platinum; A3 Gold
Posts: 28,697
If we stick to the domestic PSO routes operated in Metropolitan France, HOP! operates 6 routes exclusively (ORY to/from Agen, Aurillac, Brive-La-Gaillarde, Castres, Tarbes; LYS to/from La Rochelle via Poitiers) while it operates another 4 in conjunction with Air Corsica.
To round out the remaining 12 routes of the 22 PSO routes in operation in Metropolitan France as of 27.9.2018, Air Corsica operates another 8 routes exclusively, with Finist'air (1), Flybe (1), TwinJet (2) operating another 4 routes.
(source: LIST OF PUBLIC SERVICE OBLIGATIONS - 176 ROUTES (as of 27.9.2018))
That's also a tiny fraction of their domestic network:
#1956
Join Date: May 2015
Location: RBA / TBS
Programs: AF Gold / Accor Gold / Hilton Diamond / TP Silver / A3 Gold
Posts: 2,741
Hi
two questions , just to be sure i understood everything correctly
- About this 12+3 months , if you are downgraded you can stil ''enjoy'' any benefits during these 3 extra months ?
- if my FB card says that my status is valid until March 2020 , is it until March 1st or March 31st ?
thanks
two questions , just to be sure i understood everything correctly
- About this 12+3 months , if you are downgraded you can stil ''enjoy'' any benefits during these 3 extra months ?
- if my FB card says that my status is valid until March 2020 , is it until March 1st or March 31st ?
thanks
#1957
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: CPT,AMS
Posts: 4,410
Hi
two questions , just to be sure i understood everything correctly
- About this 12+3 months , if you are downgraded you can stil ''enjoy'' any benefits during these 3 extra months ?
- if my FB card says that my status is valid until March 2020 , is it until March 1st or March 31st ?
thanks
two questions , just to be sure i understood everything correctly
- About this 12+3 months , if you are downgraded you can stil ''enjoy'' any benefits during these 3 extra months ?
- if my FB card says that my status is valid until March 2020 , is it until March 1st or March 31st ?
thanks
#1958
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Paris, France
Programs: AFKL Platinum/Club 2000, UA Gold, Marriott Bonvoy Platinum
Posts: 79
#1959
#1960
Mileage earnings - changes
Hi,
Not sure how bad changes are going to be, but it seems I missed some news on this front about upcoming changes to mileage earning for some partners from April 1st. I came to discover this when recently I noticed a flight I took after April 1st having less miles than I expected. This was with Delta in Premium Select (a full fare ticket).
Before April 1st, earning for the full fare P class was 200%, but my flight after April 1st, earned only 125%. Therefore I wrote in to question about it (the webpage was still showing 200%) and I was told that it was correcly credited. I responded with a screenshot of the page, and was told that indeed this information is not correct anymore as they have revised the earnings after April 1st.
I for one am not very happy with this as redemption rates are already crazy with the fees/taxes, now even less earning for really expensive ticket, not very happy with the situation. Main reason I am sticking with the program now is that I have 4 more years to go for PFL and some decent customer recovery responses.
Therefore since I either missed it or it was not informed, be prepared for some changes in the earning tables for partner airlines - just in case you forgot about it, or missed it or....
Cheers!
Not sure how bad changes are going to be, but it seems I missed some news on this front about upcoming changes to mileage earning for some partners from April 1st. I came to discover this when recently I noticed a flight I took after April 1st having less miles than I expected. This was with Delta in Premium Select (a full fare ticket).
Before April 1st, earning for the full fare P class was 200%, but my flight after April 1st, earned only 125%. Therefore I wrote in to question about it (the webpage was still showing 200%) and I was told that it was correcly credited. I responded with a screenshot of the page, and was told that indeed this information is not correct anymore as they have revised the earnings after April 1st.
I for one am not very happy with this as redemption rates are already crazy with the fees/taxes, now even less earning for really expensive ticket, not very happy with the situation. Main reason I am sticking with the program now is that I have 4 more years to go for PFL and some decent customer recovery responses.
Therefore since I either missed it or it was not informed, be prepared for some changes in the earning tables for partner airlines - just in case you forgot about it, or missed it or....
Cheers!
#1961
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: CPT,AMS
Posts: 4,410
You need to consider that before FB moved to be based on on € paid, even the most expensive J fare would earn only 175%... and same is true for delta if the info in FB website is correct.
Earning 200% for PE fare is not realistic IMHO.
Earning 200% for PE fare is not realistic IMHO.
#1962
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: SJC / SFO
Programs: Flying Blue Platinum; Marriott Bonvoy Platinum; Hilton Gold
Posts: 783
Hi,
Not sure how bad changes are going to be, but it seems I missed some news on this front about upcoming changes to mileage earning for some partners from April 1st. I came to discover this when recently I noticed a flight I took after April 1st having less miles than I expected. This was with Delta in Premium Select (a full fare ticket).
Before April 1st, earning for the full fare P class was 200%, but my flight after April 1st, earned only 125%. Therefore I wrote in to question about it (the webpage was still showing 200%) and I was told that it was correcly credited. I responded with a screenshot of the page, and was told that indeed this information is not correct anymore as they have revised the earnings after April 1st.
I for one am not very happy with this as redemption rates are already crazy with the fees/taxes, now even less earning for really expensive ticket, not very happy with the situation. Main reason I am sticking with the program now is that I have 4 more years to go for PFL and some decent customer recovery responses.
Therefore since I either missed it or it was not informed, be prepared for some changes in the earning tables for partner airlines - just in case you forgot about it, or missed it or....
Cheers!
Not sure how bad changes are going to be, but it seems I missed some news on this front about upcoming changes to mileage earning for some partners from April 1st. I came to discover this when recently I noticed a flight I took after April 1st having less miles than I expected. This was with Delta in Premium Select (a full fare ticket).
Before April 1st, earning for the full fare P class was 200%, but my flight after April 1st, earned only 125%. Therefore I wrote in to question about it (the webpage was still showing 200%) and I was told that it was correcly credited. I responded with a screenshot of the page, and was told that indeed this information is not correct anymore as they have revised the earnings after April 1st.
I for one am not very happy with this as redemption rates are already crazy with the fees/taxes, now even less earning for really expensive ticket, not very happy with the situation. Main reason I am sticking with the program now is that I have 4 more years to go for PFL and some decent customer recovery responses.
Therefore since I either missed it or it was not informed, be prepared for some changes in the earning tables for partner airlines - just in case you forgot about it, or missed it or....
Cheers!
Last edited by Sjondorn; Apr 11, 2019 at 4:30 pm
#1963
Well, it makes some sense that PE earns less than J now, but I wonder if there's somewhere any information about the changes as I couldn't find anything myself either. I looked up my SFO-AMS-PRG booking with DL codes in Z fare, and now the estimation there is more like Z class = 100% instead of 125%.
Not sure when they will update it...but should be pretty soon.
Cheers!
#1964
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: SE England
Programs: AF-KL Platinum, ALL Platinum
Posts: 755
referencing my post: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/30691215-post1945.html
KE minimum distance for FB Miles calc. been reduced back to 500 mi.
KE minimum distance for FB Miles calc. been reduced back to 500 mi.