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
#1186
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Paris, France
Programs: AFKL Platinum/Club 2000, UA Gold, Marriott Bonvoy Platinum
Posts: 79
I guess the idea was to make you earn miles for every euro spent within the AF/KL website or on their airplanes so I'd also say yes but we probably won't know until the system is implemented on April 1st. (And we'll most likely have some surprises )
I also have a question:
When upgrading with cash or miles at check in, do you receive the XP based on the upgrade or is it still the old scheme based on the travel class bought at booking ?
#1187
#1188
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: VPS
Programs: IHG Diamond, Delta PM, Hilton Gold, Accor Gold, Marriott Silver
Posts: 7,268
Miles validity: other partners
In addition, if you take a flight with any of the other Flying Blue airline partners, or stay with, rent a car with, or make use of any service from our commercial partners, you’ll extend the validity of Miles earned with our other airline and commercial partners to 2 years.
In addition, if you take a flight with any of the other Flying Blue airline partners, or stay with, rent a car with, or make use of any service from our commercial partners, you’ll extend the validity of Miles earned with our other airline and commercial partners to 2 years.
#1189
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
Programs: KL Platinum; A3 Gold
Posts: 28,740
The only thing that extends mileage validity is the taking of a level-mileage/XP-earning flight.
#1190
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: VPS
Programs: IHG Diamond, Delta PM, Hilton Gold, Accor Gold, Marriott Silver
Posts: 7,268
https://explorefurther.flyingblue.co...n=fbreinvented
Click on 'Explore Now"
Click on "Get New Opportunities"
Click on "Read More"
And there's a heading on "Miles validity: other partners"
Where the text about commercial partners and expiration comes from. I'm trying to figure out how to correctly parse that in relation to the part about one flight every 24 months to prevent expiration.
#1191
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
Programs: KL Platinum; A3 Gold
Posts: 28,740
The April issue of Holland Herald reveals that Ivory has been renamed " Explorer ". The colour has also changed - to purple.
Silver, Gold and Platinum are not renamed but are also similarly redesigned.
Silver, Gold and Platinum are not renamed but are also similarly redesigned.
Last edited by irishguy28; Mar 29, 2018 at 7:52 am
#1192
Join Date: May 2012
Location: AMS
Programs: BA KL LH Hilton Marriott
Posts: 1,233
https://explorefurther.flyingblue.com/?FB_Tier_Code=A&FB_Language=EN&FB_Country=US&utm_s ource=fbcom&utm_medium=navlink1&utm_campaign=fbrei nvented
Click on 'Explore Now"
Click on "Get New Opportunities"
Click on "Read More"
And there's a heading on "Miles validity: other partners"
Where the text about commercial partners and expiration comes from. I'm trying to figure out how to correctly parse that in relation to the part about one flight every 24 months to prevent expiration.
I would think that the last line is also relevant and important, which you did not quote.
In addition, if you take a flight with any of the other Flying Blue airline partners, or stay with, rent a car with, or make use of any service from our commercial partners, you’ll extend the validity of Miles earned with our other airline and commercial partners to 2 years.
Please note that only the validity date for Miles earned with commercial and other partners is extended, and not the validity date for other Miles.
Please note that only the validity date for Miles earned with commercial and other partners is extended, and not the validity date for other Miles.
Last edited by sbams; Mar 30, 2018 at 9:20 am
#1194
#1195
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: MAN
Programs: FB Platinum
Posts: 500
I should imagine so.
Incidentally, miles are being posted in just a couple of hours today. My flight back from SIN landed at 6am CET and the miles are already up. Requalified for a further year of platinum as a result
Incidentally, miles are being posted in just a couple of hours today. My flight back from SIN landed at 6am CET and the miles are already up. Requalified for a further year of platinum as a result
#1196
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 2
Dear All,
This is my first post at flyertalk, so please excuse me if I am not posting in the right thread.
I booked my flight with Air France and I have my last leg from CDG to BOM AF0218 on 5 Sep. But unfortunately, Air France changed my flight to its low cost airline "Joon". I am not comfortable in flying with Joon, do I have rights to ask Air France to cancel and refund my ticket?
When I contacted them over phone, they denied to accept that Joon is a low cost airline, and they informed that fare rules will apply if I cancel my flight, meaning I will not get any refund.
Any solution?
Vignesh
This is my first post at flyertalk, so please excuse me if I am not posting in the right thread.
I booked my flight with Air France and I have my last leg from CDG to BOM AF0218 on 5 Sep. But unfortunately, Air France changed my flight to its low cost airline "Joon". I am not comfortable in flying with Joon, do I have rights to ask Air France to cancel and refund my ticket?
When I contacted them over phone, they denied to accept that Joon is a low cost airline, and they informed that fare rules will apply if I cancel my flight, meaning I will not get any refund.
Any solution?
Vignesh
#1197
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: AMS
Programs: Hilton Diamond, FB Plat
Posts: 312
Dear All,
This is my first post at flyertalk, so please excuse me if I am not posting in the right thread.
I booked my flight with Air France and I have my last leg from CDG to BOM AF0218 on 5 Sep. But unfortunately, Air France changed my flight to its low cost airline "Joon". I am not comfortable in flying with Joon, do I have rights to ask Air France to cancel and refund my ticket?
When I contacted them over phone, they denied to accept that Joon is a low cost airline, and they informed that fare rules will apply if I cancel my flight, meaning I will not get any refund.
Any solution?
Vignesh
This is my first post at flyertalk, so please excuse me if I am not posting in the right thread.
I booked my flight with Air France and I have my last leg from CDG to BOM AF0218 on 5 Sep. But unfortunately, Air France changed my flight to its low cost airline "Joon". I am not comfortable in flying with Joon, do I have rights to ask Air France to cancel and refund my ticket?
When I contacted them over phone, they denied to accept that Joon is a low cost airline, and they informed that fare rules will apply if I cancel my flight, meaning I will not get any refund.
Any solution?
Vignesh
But when you booked your flight, you should've gotten an overview/ticket which lists the fare rules for cancelling and listing your full your itinerary in the official way.
Now Joon isn't a low cost airline, but it is a 'lower cost' airline then AirFrance is (they say it themselves in their yearly report of 2017), I quote 'the lower cost base of the new airline Joon' in their Q4 2017 press release.
Main question is, did Airfrance change your itinerary AFTER you booked it? Or was Joon a part of the route and you did not notice beforehand. Also: did the flight number change when they changed it?
An airline can give you a 14 day heads-up on any schedule changes and you have to basically suck it up. You might be able push it to a 'cancelled' flight if the flight number for the Joon segment changed AFTER you booked and ask for an alternate rebooking/route as you don't agree with this one. But it's all a very grey area on what they have to do for you, especially if nothing really changed in your flight times.
#1198
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Switzerland
Programs: AFKL Flying Blue Platinum Ultimate, Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador Elite
Posts: 369
This early morning, the KLM app on my iPhone was already showing my converted XPs, the correct qualification period, and the new card design;-)
The AF app still shows the old stuff.
The AF app still shows the old stuff.
#1199
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: NUE
Programs: *G (TK elite+), OW sapphire (QR), ST elite plus (AF). LA black
Posts: 3,678
I had 45214 status miles on my account. They were transformed into 227XP - so they rounded up the XP - 45,214 *5 = 226,07 => 227XP. Available only in the KLM app, AF app, AF, KL and FB website still in maintenance mode.
#1200
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Switzerland
Programs: AFKL Flying Blue Platinum Ultimate, Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador Elite
Posts: 369
Another thing I noticed is that transactions are now grouped by trip, and not just listed at segments. This has been retrofitted to old trips as well, though the calculations do not show level miles anymore.