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
#1936
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Paris, France
Programs: AF/KL Flying Blue Platinum for life/Club2000 Ultimate, Accor ALL Diamond
Posts: 21,906
#1937
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: FR
Programs: FB Plat
Posts: 298
Has anyone else recently (yesterday for me) received unexpected miles labelled as "Bonus Miles for my trip"? My last flight was early December (credited immediately) and KL-coded so afaik no bonus miles, and I don't even remember having flown on non-AForKL coded flight last year... Isn't it too late for Santa Claus?
A glitch led to an over-credit (lol) so 6 days later I received a "negative bonus" for the 2 credited legs.
#1938
Join Date: Jan 2019
Programs: FB, MM
Posts: 88
Hi everyone,
Long-time lurker here. I have tried to find some replies in the whole forum but I have to admit I am not sure to correctly understand everything.
I understand one needs to fly the equivalent of 1800XP every two years to obtain and maintain that status.
A few theoretical questions:
Thanks a lot!
Long-time lurker here. I have tried to find some replies in the whole forum but I have to admit I am not sure to correctly understand everything.
I understand one needs to fly the equivalent of 1800XP every two years to obtain and maintain that status.
- Is there a kind of Ulti for Life status if one can maintain that status for 10 years?
- Is there a different XP system for Ultimate, e.g. separated from the regular XP scheme?
- Are only flights on AF/KL metal count toward the Ultimate status? Or does it apply as well to AF/KL marketed and ST operated flights? Or any ST marketed and operated flights?
A few theoretical questions:
- If I were to fly around 3000XP in two years, I should have sufficient XP to have Platinum for Life status. Will it be possible to receive this status much earlier or should I have to wait 10 years?
- Given that I am mostly interested to achieve PFL as quickly as possible and not really in Ultimate for now, if I were to accumulate 3000XP, will I be deducted 1800XP automatically to get Ultimate? Or could I keep for the PFL status?
Thanks a lot!
#1939
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Paris, France
Programs: AF/KL Flying Blue Platinum for life/Club2000 Ultimate, Accor ALL Diamond
Posts: 21,906
Hi everyone,
Long-time lurker here. I have tried to find some replies in the whole forum but I have to admit I am not sure to correctly understand everything.
I understand one needs to fly the equivalent of 1800XP every two years to obtain and maintain that status.
Thanks a lot!
Long-time lurker here. I have tried to find some replies in the whole forum but I have to admit I am not sure to correctly understand everything.
I understand one needs to fly the equivalent of 1800XP every two years to obtain and maintain that status.
- Is there a kind of Ulti for Life status if one can maintain that status for 10 years?
- Is there a different XP system for Ultimate, e.g. separated from the regular XP scheme?
- Are only flights on AF/KL metal count toward the Ultimate status? Or does it apply as well to AF/KL marketed and ST operated flights? Or any ST marketed and operated flights?
- If I were to fly around 3000XP in two years, I should have sufficient XP to have Platinum for Life status. Will it be possible to receive this status much earlier or should I have to wait 10 years?
- Given that I am mostly interested to achieve PFL as quickly as possible and not really in Ultimate for now, if I were to accumulate 3000XP, will I be deducted 1800XP automatically to get Ultimate? Or could I keep for the PFL status?
Thanks a lot!
most of the answers to your questions are in the Ultimate-dedicated thread, but it’s now quite long so not always easy to find the answer you’re looking for.
Ultimate is not really an additional status, but a kind of “add-on” to Platinum, Platinum for life or Club2000/Skipper. To obtain Ultimate, you need to earn 1800 UXPs in 2 (calendar) years. UXPs differ from XPs, as only AF-, KL- or A5-coded flights count (operating carrier doesn’t matter, as long as the flight is AF/KL/A5-marketed).
There is no Ulti for life. Ulti is granted for 2 years and renewed as per the conditions I just explained. Ulti doesn’t interfere with Plat for life qualification.
About your 2additional questions:
1) no. Plat Life time status will be granted only after 10 years.
2) Ultimate will not deduct anything. It is a different counter (UXP vs XP).
#1940
Join Date: Jan 2019
Programs: FB, MM
Posts: 88
Thank you for your warm welcome Goldorak! Appreciate your very clear explanation!
I assume you start to earn UXP after you turn Ulti? Or is it like 1 UXP = 1 XP? Is there any tangible benefit to this add-on?
I believe I have read some of the threads here that it is not unheard to get the PFL a few years before the 10 years. I assume it must be at the complete discretion of FF?
Edit: I forgot to ask another question.
During online-checking, AF offers to choose a business seat instead of the usual economy seat for medium hauls sometime. If I choose to pay for the upgrade, will I earn the XP based on my economy fare -e.g. 5XP/segment- or based on the business fare -e.g. 15XP/segment- ?
I assume you start to earn UXP after you turn Ulti? Or is it like 1 UXP = 1 XP? Is there any tangible benefit to this add-on?
I believe I have read some of the threads here that it is not unheard to get the PFL a few years before the 10 years. I assume it must be at the complete discretion of FF?
Edit: I forgot to ask another question.
During online-checking, AF offers to choose a business seat instead of the usual economy seat for medium hauls sometime. If I choose to pay for the upgrade, will I earn the XP based on my economy fare -e.g. 5XP/segment- or based on the business fare -e.g. 15XP/segment- ?
Last edited by thrwwrtlvsn; Jan 21, 2019 at 2:16 pm
#1941
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: HAG
Programs: Der 5* FTL
Posts: 8,006
Only qualifying flights marketed by specific carriers (IIRC it's AF, KL and A5, not sure about KQ and RO) give you a UXP. You can think of it as a wholly separate counter.
For that matter, rules are also different for UXPs for the likes of carryover. As far as I remember, there is no carry over of extra UXP, just a two-year total that has to be over 1800 UXP to qualify or requalify.
You earn UXP at any time, however, they only become relevant after you are Platinum. It isn't possible to attain enough UXP without being Platinum either, even with soft landing, and even under old (miles-based) rules.
People speak of "getting" PFL status earlier, but it really only means that they are assured the status after 10th year. For example, if I earned 3000XP in the next four months, I'd have "earned" PFL, provided that the PFL program is not cancelled in the next ten years, and I maintain the XPs (I don't think it's been confirmed, but the assumption is, that you'd need to earn at least 1XP a year to maintain status and carryover XPs)
Edit: I forgot to ask another question.
During online-checking, AF offers to choose a business seat instead of the usual economy seat for medium hauls sometime. If I choose to pay for the upgrade, will I earn the XP based on my economy fare -e.g. 5XP/segment- or based on the business fare -e.g. 15XP/segment- ?
During online-checking, AF offers to choose a business seat instead of the usual economy seat for medium hauls sometime. If I choose to pay for the upgrade, will I earn the XP based on my economy fare -e.g. 5XP/segment- or based on the business fare -e.g. 15XP/segment- ?
#1942
Join Date: Jan 2019
Programs: FB, MM
Posts: 88
Thanks a lot Fabo.sk for your reply, it is very clear and detailed!
Very interesting detail about the carry-over for UXP, I assumed it would work the way XP do.
This is actually what I am aiming for. I will probably earn 3000XP in a year or two and therefore I was wondering whether PFL would be granted earlier, but you raise a very good point that it might be cancelled in the next ten years!
Very interesting detail about the carry-over for UXP, I assumed it would work the way XP do.
Generally speaking, you have to be Platinum for 10 consecutive qualification years to become a PFL, including, in the past, top levels from predecessor FFPs.
People speak of "getting" PFL status earlier, but it really only means that they are assured the status after 10th year. For example, if I earned 3000XP in the next four months, I'd have "earned" PFL, provided that the PFL program is not cancelled in the next ten years, and I maintain the XPs (I don't think it's been confirmed, but the assumption is, that you'd need to earn at least 1XP a year to maintain status and carryover XPs)
People speak of "getting" PFL status earlier, but it really only means that they are assured the status after 10th year. For example, if I earned 3000XP in the next four months, I'd have "earned" PFL, provided that the PFL program is not cancelled in the next ten years, and I maintain the XPs (I don't think it's been confirmed, but the assumption is, that you'd need to earn at least 1XP a year to maintain status and carryover XPs)
#1943
#1945
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: SE England
Programs: AF-KL Platinum, ALL Platinum
Posts: 755
I phoned the PSL about the minimum distance for the Miles and the lady gave me two examples: VN is 500 miles minimum international and dometic and KQ is 750 miles minimum international and 500 miles minimum domestic. Was not given an answer if each SkyTeam partner airline webpage will be updated with this information but was e-mail the list of minimum miles as below:
- Aeroflot 500 miles for Domestic and International flights
- Aerolineas Argentinas 500 miles for Domestic and International flights
- Aeromexico 625 miles for Domestic and International flights
- Alitalia 500 miles for Domestic and Internationals flights
- China Airlines 500 miles for Domestic and International flights
- China Eastern 310 miles for Domestic and International flights
- China Southern Airlines 500 miles for Domestic and International flights
- Czech airlines 500 miles for Domestic and 750 miles for International flights
- Delta 500 miles for Domestic and International flights
- Garuda Indonesia 500 miles for Domestic and International flights
- Kenya Airways 500 miles for Domestic and 750 miles for International flights
- Korean Air 500 miles for Domestic and International flights
- Middle East Airlines 500 miles for Domestic and International flights
- Saudi Arabian Airlines 500 miles for Domestic and International flights
- Tarom 500 miles for Domestic and 750 miles for International flights
- Vietnam Airlines 500 miles for Domestic and International flights
- Xiamen Airlines 500 miles for Domestic and International flights
#1947
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: CPT,AMS
Posts: 4,410
Double XP for RO/KQ domestic flights?
Have just noticed the following in FB website: (and similar text in the RO page)
https://www.flyingblue.co.za/en/part...s/presentation
So for 1hr domestic flight with KQ/RO you get double the XP as for transcon or very long RU domestic flight... can this become more ridiculous?
https://www.flyingblue.co.za/en/part...s/presentation
On Domestic flights within Kenya, your XP are doubled.
#1948
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: NUE
Programs: *G (TK elite+), OW sapphire (QR), ST elite plus (AF). LA black
Posts: 3,674
Have just noticed the following in FB website: (and similar text in the RO page)
https://www.flyingblue.co.za/en/part...s/presentation
So for 1hr domestic flight with KQ/RO you get double the XP as for transcon or very long RU domestic flight... can this become more ridiculous?
https://www.flyingblue.co.za/en/part...s/presentation
So for 1hr domestic flight with KQ/RO you get double the XP as for transcon or very long RU domestic flight... can this become more ridiculous?
#1950
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
Programs: KL Platinum; A3 Gold
Posts: 28,697
Remember that it is not all that long ago that domestic flights in France counted for nothing as far as French-registered FB members were concerned! (or was there an exception for abonnés?)