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
#556
Join Date: Oct 2017
Programs: Flying Blue Platinum
Posts: 3
Assuming that the 70k is the combination of roll-over + earning in jan-mar, that will convert to about 350XP on April 1. Your 70k miles will qualify you for 2019 already under the old rules and the converted XP should thus qualify you for Platinum again for 2020 using the roll-over mechanism.
FB has not said exactly how the conversion will work with regards to people who (re-)qualify before april of 2018, but the consensus among people here is as I described above. In the worst case you will indeed qualify for 2019 (so until March 2020), but we expect it should be 2020 (until March 2021).
FB has not said exactly how the conversion will work with regards to people who (re-)qualify before april of 2018, but the consensus among people here is as I described above. In the worst case you will indeed qualify for 2019 (so until March 2020), but we expect it should be 2020 (until March 2021).
#558
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: mostly not far from AMS, otherwise NUE
Programs: FB Silver, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,381
Absolutely - I have no intention of cancelling right away, but of course I'd like to take any retention offer I can get only to cancel the card in April.
#559
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
Programs: KL Platinum; A3 Gold
Posts: 28,749
Anyone with a large stock of rollover level miles that should see them extend platinum for at least a year could find themselves getting more years than under the current system. Currently, they need to lose 70k of those level miles each year-end (or is it even more for French residents? If so, they benefit even more), where on 1 April next, their balance is converted at a rate that only takes 60K for each 300XP equivalent to a year of Platinum.
So, someone with a level mile balance of, say, 120K on 31 March 2018 was only guaranteed one more year of Platinum rollover under the current scheme, but under the conversion will receive 600XP, which means they get 2 years of Platinum rollover.
Some people who may not quite have enough under the current rules to keep extending them all the way to the 10th consecutive year of Platinum may find that, with this conversion rate, they suddenly already do have enough to have LTPE locked down.
(of course, the 300XP could be changed at any time in the future!)
#560
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
Programs: KL Platinum; A3 Gold
Posts: 28,749
Originally Posted by Delta's SkyTeam Elite Plus (Delta Diamond, Platinum, or Gold Medallion Members) lounge access policy
SkyTeam Elite Plus® (including Delta Diamond, Platinum or Gold Medallion® Members) traveling in any cabin on a SkyTeam international flight* or a SkyTeam domestic flight connecting to/from a same-day international flight (includes same-day travel on a Delta domestic flight connecting to an international Delta—or any other SkyTeam partner—flight). If traveling on an international itinerary, please show a frequent flyer credential for lounge access.
*International Travel includes: Customers traveling to/from Europe, Asia, South America, Central America, Africa, Canada and Mexico (excludes travel to/from the Caribbean, Guam, Palau and Saipan).
Yes, that is the "accepted" definition of the word, but don't forget that large companies will redefine when it suits them - as they clearly do for lounge access purposes. (Not ALL of the Caribbean belongs to the US!!)
#561
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
Programs: KL Platinum; A3 Gold
Posts: 28,749
Dear all,
Maybe already discussed in one of the hundreds of post in this thread, sorry for any repetition of the following question:
I am Platinum and have already qualified for platinum until March 2019. My roll over per 1 January 2018 will be about 64K level miles and will have 70K level miles before 31 March 2018, which would qualify me to extend Platinum until March 2020 under the current scheme.
Would this also automatically be the case under the new XP scheme?
Appreciate your thoughts!
Maybe already discussed in one of the hundreds of post in this thread, sorry for any repetition of the following question:
I am Platinum and have already qualified for platinum until March 2019. My roll over per 1 January 2018 will be about 64K level miles and will have 70K level miles before 31 March 2018, which would qualify me to extend Platinum until March 2020 under the current scheme.
Would this also automatically be the case under the new XP scheme?
Appreciate your thoughts!
The process is relatively straight forward and can all be found on the "Experience & Explore" page of the minisite. No "thoughts" necessary!
#562
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
Programs: KL Platinum; A3 Gold
Posts: 28,749
AMEX NL have published the new card rules - https://www.americanexpress.com/nl/c...img-flyingblue
#563
Join Date: Nov 2017
Programs: Flying Blue
Posts: 1
I've scrolled through this thread but haven't found the answer to my situation yet (everybody only talks about maintaining Platinum level).
Anyways, I've achieved Gold status this year. With currently about 55k level miles.
My KLM app says I'm gold until 31 March 2019.
On January 2018, I'll still be gold with about 15k roll-over miles left. When I start to accrue level miles and later XP, do I first need to collect 180XP to re-certify for Gold, or am I immediately starting to collecting the 300 XP required for Platinum?
TLDR: does somebody with gold status need 300 or 480XP in 2018 to achieve Platinum status?
Anyways, I've achieved Gold status this year. With currently about 55k level miles.
My KLM app says I'm gold until 31 March 2019.
On January 2018, I'll still be gold with about 15k roll-over miles left. When I start to accrue level miles and later XP, do I first need to collect 180XP to re-certify for Gold, or am I immediately starting to collecting the 300 XP required for Platinum?
TLDR: does somebody with gold status need 300 or 480XP in 2018 to achieve Platinum status?
#565
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
Programs: KL Platinum; A3 Gold
Posts: 28,749
In the new scheme (and as it is today), your advertised target will always be for the next rung up.
As you are Gold, this means your target will be to get 300XP for Platinum.
(As Platinums have no "next rung up" [there is an Ultimate Platinum status, but that exists outside the normal scheme of things, and is an "add on" rather than an actual new level], their target will also be the same as that presented to Golds - namely 300XP, but in their case to merely "maintain").
A Platinum failing to make 300XP, but exceeding 180XP, will be softlanded to Gold, with a rollover of the amount in excess of 180XP.
A Platinum failing to make even 180XP will be softlanded to Gold, with no rollover.
A Gold failing to make 300XP, but exceeding 180XP, will maintain Gold, with a rollover of the amount in excess of 180XP.
A Gold who fails to even collect 180XP but exceeds 100XP, will be soft-landed to Silver, with a rollover of the amount in excess of 100XP.
A Gold who fails even to collect 100XP will be soft-landed to Silver, and starts their new Silver year with 0XP.
#566
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Paris, France
Programs: AF/KL Flying Blue Platinum for life/Club2000 Ultimate, Accor ALL Diamond
Posts: 21,935
I might be wrong, but as you are talking about an award ticket, there won’t be any XP granted and no miles given on the cash paid part. The cash option is just a convenience proposed in the new system, but the ticket remains an award and not a revenue one. And that’s why the cash part is capped at 25%.
#567
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: DUS, BRU, POA
Programs: Skyteam E+ (FB PfL), Latam Black, LH MM, Iberia plus, HH: Diamond, Marriott Bonvoy: Plat
Posts: 1,124
Level checks for LTPE's
The scheme as explained by siw in #538 could be good or bad news for LTPE’s en route. Those who used to be consistently above qualification thresholds will become LTPE much quicker; the “virtual” LTPE would be gone and the years-to-LTPE counter updates once another 300 XP's are reached.
Those however who did not fly enough every calendar year but qualified anyway due to c/o level miles will be at risk, as they will now have less time to generate sufficient XP’s, due to the new PLC scheme (personal level check).
Those however who did not fly enough every calendar year but qualified anyway due to c/o level miles will be at risk, as they will now have less time to generate sufficient XP’s, due to the new PLC scheme (personal level check).
Last edited by wuzziduzziman; Nov 8, 2017 at 2:02 am Reason: typo
#568
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: SJC / SFO
Programs: Flying Blue Platinum; Marriott Bonvoy Platinum; Hilton Gold
Posts: 785
Domestic flight: within USA and between USA and Canada
#570
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
Programs: KL Platinum; A3 Gold
Posts: 28,749
I might be wrong, but as you are talking about an award ticket, there won’t be any XP granted and no miles given on the cash paid part. The cash option is just a convenience proposed in the new system, but the ticket remains an award and not a revenue one. And that’s why the cash part is capped at 25%.
A "Cash and Miles" is just a reward ticket, for which you substitute part of the mileage required with a cash top-up (think of it as "buying the missing miles" as part of the process)
(The mileage element may be as low as 25% of the "real" mileage cost. But it's still a mileage ticket).
TIP: If the ticket is issued by Flying Blue, it won't earn miles. Only if it is issued by a Travel Agent or on the airline's regular paid website booking tool, can you stand to earn Miles/XPs