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
#61
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: CPT,AMS
Posts: 4,412
#62
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
Programs: KL Platinum; A3 Gold
Posts: 28,750
#63
Join Date: May 2017
Location: MAN
Programs: FB Platinum
Posts: 313
I am currently Plat March 18 - March 19 (I qualified in April 17). If I interpret the new rules correctly, I should re-qualify for Plat in June 18.
As a possible downside, would this mean that Plat will last June 18 - June 19 (rather than March 19 - March 20, as would have happened under the old system)? Or will the new Plat period start Jan 19?
As a possible downside, would this mean that Plat will last June 18 - June 19 (rather than March 19 - March 20, as would have happened under the old system)? Or will the new Plat period start Jan 19?
#64
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: HAG
Programs: Der 5* FTL
Posts: 8,089
Under old rules, it was still same segments, but at least more level miles.
somewhat sad but understandable. Still remains to see how will it actually work out in long term.
#65
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: SJC / SFO
Programs: Flying Blue Platinum; Marriott Bonvoy Platinum; Hilton Gold
Posts: 785
Still kind-of missing information on XP earning on partner flights like Delta. Extrapolating the chart on US flights as "Domestic < 500 miles", what took me 70000 level miles (Delta + AF/KL TATL) would yield 404 XP. W bookings on AF would get less award miles though (even for a W fare) .
#66
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
Programs: KL Platinum; A3 Gold
Posts: 28,750
People who previously only ever qualified on segments will now have to sit down and see if an FB Amex - presumably the Platinum - will be worth the extra cost [and extra Miles] - otherwise segment-runners will all migrate to LCCs or other programmes/alliances.
#67
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
Programs: KL Platinum; A3 Gold
Posts: 28,750
Still kind-of missing information on XP earning on partner flights like Delta. Extrapolating the chart on US flights as "Domestic < 500 miles", what took me 70000 level miles (Delta + AF/KL TATL) would yield 404 XP. W bookings on AF would get less award miles though (even for a W fare) .
They are hardly going to give XPs for fares that don't earn currently.
#68
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: NUE
Programs: *G (TK elite+), OW sapphire (QR), ST elite plus (AF). LA black
Posts: 3,690
As stated before, segment-running is now a thing of the past in Flying Blue.
People who previously only ever qualified on segments will now have to sit down and see if an FB Amex - presumably the Platinum - will be worth the extra cost [and extra Miles] - otherwise segment-runners will all migrate to LCCs or other programmes/alliances.
People who previously only ever qualified on segments will now have to sit down and see if an FB Amex - presumably the Platinum - will be worth the extra cost [and extra Miles] - otherwise segment-runners will all migrate to LCCs or other programmes/alliances.
#69
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
Programs: KL Platinum; A3 Gold
Posts: 28,750
I am currently Plat March 18 - March 19 (I qualified in April 17). If I interpret the new rules correctly, I should re-qualify for Plat in June 18.
As a possible downside, would this mean that Plat will last June 18 - June 19 (rather than March 19 - March 20, as would have happened under the old system)? Or will the new Plat period start Jan 19?
As a possible downside, would this mean that Plat will last June 18 - June 19 (rather than March 19 - March 20, as would have happened under the old system)? Or will the new Plat period start Jan 19?
We don't know if a soft landing is still granted, but if you should ever miss your Platinum target in the new programme, you would presumably drop to Gold, again with an anniversary date of 31 December. If and when you go back up to Platinum, that would become your new anniversary date.
In short, everyone who currently has status, or has status at at the date of changeover to the new programme, should see their "anniversary date" unchanged, i.e. remain tied to the calendar year. For Platinums, this gives greater scope to keep that anniversary aligned to the calendar year. For anyone else, as soon as they increase in status, that date becomes their new anniversary/year-end date.
#70
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
Programs: KL Platinum; A3 Gold
Posts: 28,750
#71
Join Date: May 2009
Location: AMS
Posts: 2,064
Yeap, works fine when you want to do it year by year. But what they make veeery difficult is jumping from zero to hero in one year. And for me this is the way I prefer to earn the status on any alliance - I pretty much decide on my traveling patterns for the upcoming year and if I can't achieve at least mid-tier during that year I shift to another alliance.
#72
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 13
As stated before, segment-running is now a thing of the past in Flying Blue.
People who previously only ever qualified on segments will now have to sit down and see if an FB Amex - presumably the Platinum - will be worth the extra cost [and extra Miles] - otherwise segment-runners will all migrate to LCCs or other programmes/alliances.
People who previously only ever qualified on segments will now have to sit down and see if an FB Amex - presumably the Platinum - will be worth the extra cost [and extra Miles] - otherwise segment-runners will all migrate to LCCs or other programmes/alliances.
Do not fully agree.
With 5XP per flight (assuming most segments are international ones within Europe). one would need 36 segments. That is definitely achievable with some planning and use of smart routings.
#73
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: SJC / SFO
Programs: Flying Blue Platinum; Marriott Bonvoy Platinum; Hilton Gold
Posts: 785
404 XP for me was when I counted business class earnings, but if it's first class, then it's 620 XP
#75
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: London
Programs: SK Gold, ITA Executive, Sixt Diamond, Hertz PC, Avis PC, IHG Platinum
Posts: 5,164
Given that you are currently at the top tier, and assuming you never drop down a level, then your anniversary/year end date will remain aligned to the calendar year.
We don't know if a soft landing is still granted, but if you should ever miss your Platinum target in the new programme, you would presumably drop to Gold, again with an anniversary date of 31 December. If and when you go back up to Platinum, that would become your new anniversary date.
In short, everyone who currently has status, or has status at at the date of changeover to the new programme, should see their "anniversary date" unchanged, i.e. remain tied to the calendar year. For Platinums, this gives greater scope to keep that anniversary aligned to the calendar year. For anyone else, as soon as they increase in status, that date becomes their new anniversary/year-end date.
We don't know if a soft landing is still granted, but if you should ever miss your Platinum target in the new programme, you would presumably drop to Gold, again with an anniversary date of 31 December. If and when you go back up to Platinum, that would become your new anniversary date.
In short, everyone who currently has status, or has status at at the date of changeover to the new programme, should see their "anniversary date" unchanged, i.e. remain tied to the calendar year. For Platinums, this gives greater scope to keep that anniversary aligned to the calendar year. For anyone else, as soon as they increase in status, that date becomes their new anniversary/year-end date.
And going back to my question about the status earned during the first three months of 2018, under the current rules - what happens to that?