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
#901
Not sure if you mean "Y" to indicate Economy or "Y" booking class. This is what I have noticed in the last 2 months, previously when I had a long haul connection in Prem Economy, it was always assigned a "W" sub-booking class. For current mileage earning, the full-Y class earns more (1500 miles) compared to the W (only 750 miles) which I am not complaining. However with the XP earning, you earn less even with the full flex Y ticket (which in all cases I hate with the new system where high revenue tickets are not factored in).
Cheers! (and best wishes for the New Year to all!)
Cheers! (and best wishes for the New Year to all!)
#902
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Boston, MA, USA
Programs: FB LTPE, BAEC GGL, EK Blue, SK Gold, Marriott Amb+LTT, IHG Diamond Amb, Accorhotels Silver
Posts: 1,960
I would assume Economy only. Like for a La Première ticket, which gives you a J-class segment in Medium Haul
#903
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
Programs: KLM Flying Blue, Singapore Airlines Kris Flyer, British Airways Executive Club
Posts: 106
Does anyone knows if I fly AMS to CMB via either DOHA (the second leg will be on Etihad) or India (the second leg will be on Sri Lankan or Jet airways), will I still earn XP points on the second leg?? From what I understand, you can only earn XP points by flying SkyTeam airlines. Etihad/Sri Lankan/Jet Airways are just code-share partners so I assume there will be no XP points awarded on their flights?
#904
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
Programs: KL Platinum; A3 Gold
Posts: 28,744
Does anyone knows if I fly AMS to CMB via either DOHA (the second leg will be on Etihad) or India (the second leg will be on Sri Lankan or Jet airways), will I still earn XP points on the second leg?? From what I understand, you can only earn XP points by flying SkyTeam airlines. Etihad/Sri Lankan/Jet Airways are just code-share partners so I assume there will be no XP points awarded on their flights?
You can only earn XP on Skyteam airlines, and on certain flights operated by Flying Blue partners. Etihad is neither, so you will earn nothing unless the flight is AF or KL coded (which I doubt such a flight would be). Ditto for Qatar. Ditto for Sri Lankan.
Jet Airways is a Flying Blue partner, so you should check the Jet Airways partner page for earning details on 9W flights.
#905
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
Programs: KLM Flying Blue, Singapore Airlines Kris Flyer, British Airways Executive Club
Posts: 106
You cannot be on Etihad on the stated itinerary, as Etihad no longer serves Doha. I suspect you mean Qatar Airways.
You can only earn XP on Skyteam airlines, and on certain flights operated by Flying Blue partners. Etihad is neither, so you will earn nothing unless the flight is AF or KL coded (which I doubt such a flight would be). Ditto for Qatar. Ditto for Sri Lankan.
Jet Airways is a Flying Blue partner, so you should check the Jet Airways partner page for earning details on 9W flights.
You can only earn XP on Skyteam airlines, and on certain flights operated by Flying Blue partners. Etihad is neither, so you will earn nothing unless the flight is AF or KL coded (which I doubt such a flight would be). Ditto for Qatar. Ditto for Sri Lankan.
Jet Airways is a Flying Blue partner, so you should check the Jet Airways partner page for earning details on 9W flights.
#907
Join Date: May 2017
Location: London
Programs: FB Platinum
Posts: 11
Hi!
Just booked a LHR-CDG-HKG,
2 first flights are on 28 March, and 2 returns flights are on 3 April. I am currently Platinum with 12.5k miles from 1st January.
On my booking for HKG, it's write I will earn 38k miles. I will earn for this trip miles, or XP ?
Regards,
(Sorry for bad english)
Just booked a LHR-CDG-HKG,
2 first flights are on 28 March, and 2 returns flights are on 3 April. I am currently Platinum with 12.5k miles from 1st January.
On my booking for HKG, it's write I will earn 38k miles. I will earn for this trip miles, or XP ?
Regards,
(Sorry for bad english)
#908
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
Hi!
Just booked a LHR-CDG-HKG,
2 first flights are on 28 March, and 2 returns flights are on 3 April. I am currently Platinum with 12.5k miles from 1st January.
On my booking for HKG, it's write I will earn 38k miles. I will earn for this trip miles, or XP ?
Regards,
(Sorry for bad english)
Just booked a LHR-CDG-HKG,
2 first flights are on 28 March, and 2 returns flights are on 3 April. I am currently Platinum with 12.5k miles from 1st January.
On my booking for HKG, it's write I will earn 38k miles. I will earn for this trip miles, or XP ?
Regards,
(Sorry for bad english)
#910
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
#913
Join Date: May 2009
Location: AMS
Posts: 2,064
I'm sure I'm not the only one making sure to maximise my usage of that. I just booked a return through CDG on Joon instead of a non-stop to AMS a few minutes later so as to turn 3 segments into 21XP instead of 2 into 14. I'd have done the outbound too but that wouldn't get me there on time.
#914
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: MAN
Programs: FB Platinum
Posts: 500
Something I hadn't thought of: I am intending to return to the UK from the far east at the end of March (location/dates not firmed up yet) which may mean I board a plane in, say HKG, at 22:50 on 31/03, land at CDG at 5.55 on 01/04 then transfer to MAN later that day.
The CDG->MAN leg will gain XP, this is known, but what will the HKG-CDG leg return? The question then is: does the boarding date/time determine earning or the landing date/time? Sorry if this has already been discussed...
Edit: Just been on the calculator. Interestingly for 31/03 it behaves like it would when choosing 01/04 (i.e. it doesn't let me select sub-class) but then displays the earning in miles. Selecting 30/03 still has the sub-class selection (obviously) then 01/04 doesn't. So, 31/03 sort of sits in the middle, i.e. new style behaviour, old style results.
The CDG->MAN leg will gain XP, this is known, but what will the HKG-CDG leg return? The question then is: does the boarding date/time determine earning or the landing date/time? Sorry if this has already been discussed...
Edit: Just been on the calculator. Interestingly for 31/03 it behaves like it would when choosing 01/04 (i.e. it doesn't let me select sub-class) but then displays the earning in miles. Selecting 30/03 still has the sub-class selection (obviously) then 01/04 doesn't. So, 31/03 sort of sits in the middle, i.e. new style behaviour, old style results.
Last edited by rosensfole; Jan 11, 2018 at 2:11 am Reason: More confusion
#915
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
Programs: KL Platinum; A3 Gold
Posts: 28,744
If your flight was delayed and didn't actually depart until 01:00 on 1 April, it would still count as a 31 March flight, and earn level miles/segments.