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
#1561
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: United Kingdom
Programs: Bonvoy LTTitanium, BAEC Silver
Posts: 591
Is the expectation that the FB lounges at AMS will be less rammed next year? Both the Schengen and non-Schengen ones have been crazy lately and I'm wondering if many gold members will drop to silver due to the rule change.
#1562
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: HAG
Programs: Der 5* FTL
Posts: 8,017
Are you sure your calculations of XP are correct? Assuming all Economy class flights:
2x DXB-PRG roundtrip (RT) = 2 * 2 * 8XP = 32 XP
4x DXB-URC RT = 4 * 2 * 8XP = 64 XP
1x DXB-DMM/JED/RUH RT = 2 * 2 * 5XP * 3 = 60 XP (*3 because I assume this means three separate trips).
So you have just 156 XP. How did you get 318 XP?
2x DXB-PRG roundtrip (RT) = 2 * 2 * 8XP = 32 XP
4x DXB-URC RT = 4 * 2 * 8XP = 64 XP
1x DXB-DMM/JED/RUH RT = 2 * 2 * 5XP * 3 = 60 XP (*3 because I assume this means three separate trips).
So you have just 156 XP. How did you get 318 XP?
That would then be at least 15+24 *2 per trip = 156XP
URC 4 returns per 48 is 192 XP and with that in mind, you could attack Platinum in 2 years.
Looks like you are one of the people that have the right mix of flights to benefit from XP system.
Great - thanks for clarifying. So it seems that there's nothing to be gained by delaying hitting 183.
Is the expectation that the FB lounges at AMS will be less rammed next year? Both the Schengen and non-Schengen ones have been crazy lately and I'm wondering if many gold members will drop to silver due to the rule change.
Is the expectation that the FB lounges at AMS will be less rammed next year? Both the Schengen and non-Schengen ones have been crazy lately and I'm wondering if many gold members will drop to silver due to the rule change.
#1563
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 15
Many glitches on Flying Blue website
I have encountered several glitches on the website since the changeover.
First, it seems impossible to claim missing miles online. Since April I have taken 7 flights on Skyteam partner airlines. Only two of them were credited even though I provided my Flying Blue number when booking and it appeared on my boarding pass. When I've tried to claim the miles, I consistently get an error message: "unknown technical error." I complained about this a couple of weeks ago via the FB Twitter feed on KLM, they said there is a problem with the site but have no information on when it will be fixed.
Second, the simulator that allows you to calculate miles/XP for a planned flight does not seem to work on direct flights, only those with connections.
Finally as a general matter, I find the new website clunky and difficult to use, for example after signing onto the site, it's necessary to sign in a second time with username and password if I want to do anything.
Anyone else having these problems?
First, it seems impossible to claim missing miles online. Since April I have taken 7 flights on Skyteam partner airlines. Only two of them were credited even though I provided my Flying Blue number when booking and it appeared on my boarding pass. When I've tried to claim the miles, I consistently get an error message: "unknown technical error." I complained about this a couple of weeks ago via the FB Twitter feed on KLM, they said there is a problem with the site but have no information on when it will be fixed.
Second, the simulator that allows you to calculate miles/XP for a planned flight does not seem to work on direct flights, only those with connections.
Finally as a general matter, I find the new website clunky and difficult to use, for example after signing onto the site, it's necessary to sign in a second time with username and password if I want to do anything.
Anyone else having these problems?
#1564
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 500
Great - thanks for clarifying. So it seems that there's nothing to be gained by delaying hitting 183.
Is the expectation that the FB lounges at AMS will be less rammed next year? Both the Schengen and non-Schengen ones have been crazy lately and I'm wondering if many gold members will drop to silver due to the rule change.
Is the expectation that the FB lounges at AMS will be less rammed next year? Both the Schengen and non-Schengen ones have been crazy lately and I'm wondering if many gold members will drop to silver due to the rule change.
#1565
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: OTP
Programs: AF/KL platinum, Turkish gold, QR gold
Posts: 1,572
I apologise if this might have been asked before or is posted somewhere else, but I just can't seem to find the information:
1. While the whole XP thing is clear to me - is there some mileage calculator that shows how many award miles I earn on a flight (by entering the route, airline and booking class) - just like it was on the old Flying Blue website?
2. I will hit platinum in August - until when will my plat status last? August 2019? Or New Year 2019-2020?
3.. Does anyone else seem to have any problem with the new Flying Blue website just not remembering your settings/preferences, even when clicking 'save' a thousand of times after putting the language back to English? The first time I accessed the website I was physically located in France - and sacre bleu - the damn website keeps staying in French each time I log in again.
Cheers,
1. While the whole XP thing is clear to me - is there some mileage calculator that shows how many award miles I earn on a flight (by entering the route, airline and booking class) - just like it was on the old Flying Blue website?
2. I will hit platinum in August - until when will my plat status last? August 2019? Or New Year 2019-2020?
3.. Does anyone else seem to have any problem with the new Flying Blue website just not remembering your settings/preferences, even when clicking 'save' a thousand of times after putting the language back to English? The first time I accessed the website I was physically located in France - and sacre bleu - the damn website keeps staying in French each time I log in again.
Cheers,
#1566
Join Date: May 2017
Location: LYS
Programs: FB Plat
Posts: 438
1) Not for flights sold by AF/KL, because it depends on the amount you actually pay related to the flight, minus some of the taxes (including extra luggages, complementary upgrades, etc). Just do price x 0.6 x (multiplier depending on your FB level) for a rough idea.
(The 0.6 is not based on any data, there might be a more accurate multiplier.)
For flights sold by partner airlines, I can't find any calculator. Looks like they removed it.
2) August 19
3) Clear your cookies on the Flying Blue website?
(The 0.6 is not based on any data, there might be a more accurate multiplier.)
For flights sold by partner airlines, I can't find any calculator. Looks like they removed it.
2) August 19
3) Clear your cookies on the Flying Blue website?
Last edited by Zarmakuizz; May 16, 2018 at 2:20 am
#1568
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
Programs: KL Platinum; A3 Gold
Posts: 28,710
That is not new, and you appear to have misinterpreted it.
The status card that is issued is given a validity date of 3 months past the actual membership year. This has ALWAYS been the case. In Flying Blue up til now, everyone had a membership year aligned to the calendar year - but every status card sent out was valid until the end of March of the subsequent year.
Nothing has changed in the current scheme.
If you are operating on the assumption that you have a 15-month membership year, then your assumption is wrong.
In your scenario, where you say you are going DOWN levels, there is no scope for you to move from having an end-of-membership year of December 31 until the next time you go UP a level.
(The only thing that can change your membership year in the new Flying Blue is going up a level. For everyone who maintains their status going forward, or only ever drops in status, or who remains at Ivory/Explorer indefinitely -they will all have membership years than run from 1 January to December 31, and for those having status, each card will be issued with a validty until the end of March of the following year)
The status card that is issued is given a validity date of 3 months past the actual membership year. This has ALWAYS been the case. In Flying Blue up til now, everyone had a membership year aligned to the calendar year - but every status card sent out was valid until the end of March of the subsequent year.
Nothing has changed in the current scheme.
In your scenario, where you say you are going DOWN levels, there is no scope for you to move from having an end-of-membership year of December 31 until the next time you go UP a level.
(The only thing that can change your membership year in the new Flying Blue is going up a level. For everyone who maintains their status going forward, or only ever drops in status, or who remains at Ivory/Explorer indefinitely -they will all have membership years than run from 1 January to December 31, and for those having status, each card will be issued with a validty until the end of March of the following year)
#1569
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
Programs: KL Platinum; A3 Gold
Posts: 28,710
I don't see why you anticipate many people losing Gold.
#1571
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: HAG
Programs: Der 5* FTL
Posts: 8,017
Hi guys,
so a weird thing happened. I have been gold for about 2 weeks now, and just booked a flight for a business trip via Concur on AF and KL.
Seems like the Gold status is not recognized - even on a brand new booking (not even ticketed yet) - it shows me as Silver.
Is there a way these days to force a refresh of status? Didn't find anything on KQ site.
so a weird thing happened. I have been gold for about 2 weeks now, and just booked a flight for a business trip via Concur on AF and KL.
Seems like the Gold status is not recognized - even on a brand new booking (not even ticketed yet) - it shows me as Silver.
Is there a way these days to force a refresh of status? Didn't find anything on KQ site.
#1572
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 500
Hi guys,
so a weird thing happened. I have been gold for about 2 weeks now, and just booked a flight for a business trip via Concur on AF and KL.
Seems like the Gold status is not recognized - even on a brand new booking (not even ticketed yet) - it shows me as Silver.
Is there a way these days to force a refresh of status? Didn't find anything on KQ site.
so a weird thing happened. I have been gold for about 2 weeks now, and just booked a flight for a business trip via Concur on AF and KL.
Seems like the Gold status is not recognized - even on a brand new booking (not even ticketed yet) - it shows me as Silver.
Is there a way these days to force a refresh of status? Didn't find anything on KQ site.
#1573
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: SJJ/AMS
Posts: 4,647
Hi guys,
so a weird thing happened. I have been gold for about 2 weeks now, and just booked a flight for a business trip via Concur on AF and KL.
Seems like the Gold status is not recognized - even on a brand new booking (not even ticketed yet) - it shows me as Silver.
Is there a way these days to force a refresh of status? Didn't find anything on KQ site.
so a weird thing happened. I have been gold for about 2 weeks now, and just booked a flight for a business trip via Concur on AF and KL.
Seems like the Gold status is not recognized - even on a brand new booking (not even ticketed yet) - it shows me as Silver.
Is there a way these days to force a refresh of status? Didn't find anything on KQ site.
G
#1574
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: London, UK and Southern France
Posts: 18,364
I would have thought that the number of people who, under current rules,go straight from no status to Gold to be a minute proportion of the overall number of golds and an even more infinitesimal proportion of lounge users (which, let us not forget, includes elite of other Skyteam FF schemes and business class passengers on AFKL and other skyteam airlines as well as a number of other partners). I would expect the change of rule to have a negligible impact on lounge frequentation. Normal variations in lounge use unrelated to variation in the number of elite members (such as, for instance, lower or higher of passengers linked to changes in economic conjuncture) would, I suspect, tend to have more of an impact on lounge occupancy than this change.
#1575
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: HAG
Programs: Der 5* FTL
Posts: 8,017
Your new status may be showing on the website but it is clearly not feeding through on a 'wider scale' (strange as this would normally be the case with partner airlines). You may want to call customer services in order to get the frequent flyer number removed and manually re-added to see if any joys at all, otherwise Apple Wallet/electronic card are your friends whilst travelling.
G
G
I know I can use the card itself of day of flight (and actually already used virtual card to get limited "skypriority" treatment the last time I flew), but I want to get some better seat game on. Status seems to be a determinant on that.