I am trying to recall when FD was launched ?

I think it must have been about 1992/3 but I cannot recall for sure ?

It was launched in the UK in June 1992. I had my first flight credited on 12 June 1992, STN-FRA on UK904 (those were the days!). And yes, I have got both our statements going back to Day 1 - sad or what?

There was an earlier FD scheme, available to residents of the Netherlands only. Despite having the same name as the current scheme wasn't a Frequent Flyer scheme as we know them (no miles/points) - in fact I can't really remember what it was all about, the only thing I remember was a wallet that new members were sent as a welcoming present (my other half was working in the Netherlands in the mid-80s and was a member at the time)

I believe the scheme was called 'Courtesy Club' or something along that line. They specialised in gifts like wallets, suitcases etc.

I thought the question was "why was FD launched"

More pertinently, at the end of this month, is it going to stay afloat or will it sink?

Exraf

It will make Steve's New Year if it sinks

What would be even better will be back in Newcastle for a real pint after DEc 10 ???

Anybody could join, as long as you remembered to correctly answer the question on the application form about the number of flights taken annually, which had to be at least four. The welcome gift was a wallet or a set of adapter plugs. I still have two sets of the latter in a drawer, but no wallets any more.

The program was not restricted to residents of the Netherlands, it operated worldwide. Members in the Netherlands did receive a Flying Dutchman magazine in Dutch. An English edition was sent to overseas members. Holland Herald was also mailed to certain members, but not all.

The old scheme was really only an attempt by KLM to build a database of of frequent flyers, or at least those who claimed to be.


KL offered Courtesy Cards to people they felt were important to the airline for some reason. Prince Bernhard was a member. It was an invitation only scheme. The only benefit I can remember is the wardrobe at Schiphol where members could leave their winter coat when traveling to warmer climes. There were plenty of other nice perks.

johan

The courtesy card holder had waitlist priority - use of lounges and royal class check in facilities. the usual gift was a wall calender, wallet and/or agenda each year. Spouses were given the same status. Courtesy card holders were given RW gold status when the programme ended.