The Platinum Effect
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Somewhere between BHX and HUY
Programs: Flying Blue Plat, Eurobonus Silver, ALL Gold
Posts: 1,458
The Platinum Effect
So.... I unlocked plat for the first time at some point in March (thanks to covid status freeze and bonus XP!)
On my first Y flight after the new status, which was a BCN-CDG, Whilst still on the ground, the flight attendant came to my seat to greet me by name, ask me how I was, if I needed anything.
I asked for a glass of water if that's alright, and not only she kindly obliged but also extended the offer for a glass of water to my 2 unknown seat mates out of courtesy (which was very kind and made it so i didn't feel awkward). The plane was 100% full.
She came frequently past in mid flight and made sure I had my drink filled up, offered a couple snacks. Then when i tried to squeeze past the cart to go to the rear lav she begged me to use the biz WC instead.
And on exit again a very warm goodbye, asked if flight was alright, greeted me by name as well etc...
I thought to myself: "Wow, what an absolute world of difference between gold and plat. I really could get used to that level of service".
..... have taken maybe 6 Y flights since. Not even a single acknowledgement 🥲
On my first Y flight after the new status, which was a BCN-CDG, Whilst still on the ground, the flight attendant came to my seat to greet me by name, ask me how I was, if I needed anything.
I asked for a glass of water if that's alright, and not only she kindly obliged but also extended the offer for a glass of water to my 2 unknown seat mates out of courtesy (which was very kind and made it so i didn't feel awkward). The plane was 100% full.
She came frequently past in mid flight and made sure I had my drink filled up, offered a couple snacks. Then when i tried to squeeze past the cart to go to the rear lav she begged me to use the biz WC instead.
And on exit again a very warm goodbye, asked if flight was alright, greeted me by name as well etc...
I thought to myself: "Wow, what an absolute world of difference between gold and plat. I really could get used to that level of service".
..... have taken maybe 6 Y flights since. Not even a single acknowledgement 🥲
#2
Join Date: Dec 2015
Programs: FB platinum
Posts: 351
Yes, based on my experience, it seems that when you go up in level, they receive a request to make you feel welcome (I remember this kind of interactions in my TATL flight after becoming Gold in 2015). But after that there is nothing special anymore

#3
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: HAG
Programs: ST E+, *G, some hotel gold...
Posts: 6,819
I got an op-up from Y to J on my first flight after reaching Gold. I haven't gone for Plat so can't comment on that step.
#4
Join Date: Jun 2020
Programs: FlyingBlue
Posts: 2,239
Dont expect them on more than 1% of the flights. Personal greeting and glass of water can be more frequent but shouldnt be taken for granted. Heck, even platinum ultimates can travel as nobodies , with zero recognition whatsoever
#5
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 695
There is no consistency in being upgraded or being recognized as a Platinum member. I have been platinum now for 6 years and op ups happened only when I had a fairly expensive Y ticket but other than that, the op ups are scarce. Funnily enough I got a op up on an relatively empty Y flight to J, albeit short haul on KL. My original Y seat stayed empty so I dont see the reasoning behind it.
I saw yesterday that 2 standby pax (KL staff) got the last 2 remaining J seats while there was space in Y. So if you are on a flight with high amount of KL staff that are flying privately then the chances on op ups are slim.
On long haul AF flights I often (nearly always) get recognition and wine or champagne from J being offered. I think that is truly a wonderful gesture and doesnt cost them anything.
I saw yesterday that 2 standby pax (KL staff) got the last 2 remaining J seats while there was space in Y. So if you are on a flight with high amount of KL staff that are flying privately then the chances on op ups are slim.
On long haul AF flights I often (nearly always) get recognition and wine or champagne from J being offered. I think that is truly a wonderful gesture and doesnt cost them anything.
#6
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: EU
Programs: FB Plat (Y3), All Accor Gold (Y1)
Posts: 584
My last Y flight the FA consistently greeted me by my surname, on board and while leaving the 777. I didn't notice her doing that to anyone else in my vicinity.
But in general, I expect nothing and get nothing.
But in general, I expect nothing and get nothing.
#7
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 145
Before, in the past before the COVID period, AF personnel came to ask if the flight was going well. Not anymore for me.
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Somewhere between BHX and HUY
Programs: Flying Blue Plat, Eurobonus Silver, ALL Gold
Posts: 1,458
I find it a bit cheap that they're doing this on purpose to first time upgraded passengers... Surely that's just setting us up for disappointment? Why deliberately set expectations high when you know you won't be able to keep it up.
I had initially thought that I just happened to be lucky to come across some extra attentive crew on my first flight, but now with your responses I feel cheated
I had initially thought that I just happened to be lucky to come across some extra attentive crew on my first flight, but now with your responses I feel cheated

#10
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: HEL
Programs: SPG LTP, hotels, OWE, STE+, *G, Octopus
Posts: 5,678
Yesterday on a short haul flight in Y an hour prior to arrival one of the FAs came over, greeted me and asked if I wanted a glass of champagne or something else. I thanked her for her great suggestion and asked if I could have the cookie box as well. Another platinum sitting nearby had the same chat. Nice touch!
#12
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Netherlands - AMS
Programs: Flying Blue Platinum; Alaska MVP Gold
Posts: 188
Recently, I quite often get some extra attention on KL in shorthaul Y - drinks or a meal from J, a little chat etc. Also for the person I am traveling with. It's not the norm, and not consistent, but decently often and always appreciated!

#14
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Somewhere between BHX and HUY
Programs: Flying Blue Plat, Eurobonus Silver, ALL Gold
Posts: 1,458
PMI-CDG
2 pax behind me decided to upgrade themselves to J. The FA told them to move to which they said "yeah yeah" and then didn't.
The other FA brought them both a bottle of water.
I got nothing 🥸
2 pax behind me decided to upgrade themselves to J. The FA told them to move to which they said "yeah yeah" and then didn't.
The other FA brought them both a bottle of water.
I got nothing 🥸