KLM's most incredible offer
 

It is matching mileage balance as well as status for any airline. You need to have a non-U.S. address and fly qualifing segments on KLM or Partners.

"We will adopt and match the service level and award points you have earned in any other airline loyalty program when you enroll for this special action in KLM's Flying Dutchman program."

"Besides matching the level and privileges you have grown accustomed to, we also give you free award points, up to a 100% of the points or miles you now hold with your other airline loyalty program. And depending on the number of flights or service points you accumulate over the first 6 months, you will receive either a Flying Dutchman SilverWing or RoyalWing membership card for an entire new year."

See:

http://www.klm.be/new_members/frame/new_members.asp

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum28/HTML/000250.html

Sorry to double post this but this is an amazing offer.

You need to have a non-U.S. address ! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

AND, give them your current FF statement-- presumably showing your actual, current address.

Does the overseas address (if real) need to be on the existing FF statement?

I would think so!

The application specifically says you must use the same address as the FF statement you are submitting to be matched.

Could someone open up a FF account and add miles to it via Diners or AMEX and supply a foreign address of an office that their company may maintain, and then submit that to KLM?????

Might that not work?

As I said in the CO forum thread on this subject: I have no doubt that someone living in the US will find a way to scam KLM out of some miles under this promotion. But since they are basically giving away money (in the form of miles) I would imagine that they reserve the right to audit any application they deem to be suspicious-- including FF accounts that were opened less than a month before the expiration of their offer-- and containing no flight activity.

You need to have status with the airline as well. I am Aeroplan Elite(Air Canada) and lives in Sweden and I will take advantage of this offer.

My question is, my family has a house in England so the address is not a big deal. But do will they take E statements. Because my that's all I get from CO

Does anyone else find KLM's qualifications standards confusing?

It doesn't seem like there are set mileage/segment levels for specific status, the way US airlines do it. It also seems like you can be downgraded at KLM's pleasure.

Seems a bit strange.

Umm.. is there a reason why they don't extend this to US residents (giving a matching tier without an actual mileage award)? I'm a lot more likely to try KLM if I can board at an elite level. (shrug)

Regards,
-Bouncer-

A few years ago, KLM and NW took a joint decision about how to manage their FF programs.

NW Worldperks members with European addresses were transferred to the KLM program; similarly, KLM members with US addresses were transferred to the NW Worldperks program. It is my understanding that KLM now deals with all global customers, NW deals with US customers.



------------------
Please visit The Mileage Runner's Toolkit and Unofficial United Airlines Guide

No. I think that something has gotten lost in the translation from Dutch. Here's my interpretation, reading between the lines:

Your Service Level depends on the amount of points you earn or the number of times you fly on qualifying flights.

Translation: You can qualify for elite status with KLM either on "points" or on "segments". There are a number of different ways to find out how many points a flight accrues, if you choose to quality based on points. If you choose to qualify based on segments, this info is irrelevant.

You can find out your 'Service Level' from the Points Statement that is sent to you, from the website (PIN needed) or by calling the FD Phone.

Translation: If you don't know whether you've qualified for elite status with KLM, you can check by looking at your statement, checking the website, or calling KLM. They neglect to mention that you can look at your card! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Your Service Level is reviewed every week to see whether you qualify for a higher level.

Translation: We run a weekly sweep to determine whether you've crossed the elite-qualification (Silverwing or Royalwing) level. If you've crossed, we'll upgrade your card. In other words, your new status will not take more than one week to come into effect after your qualifying flight/segment posts.

After 12 months of membership we review you Service Level to see whether your current membership should be renewed or possibly downgraded to a lower level.

Translation: Your elite status with KLM lasts for a year. After a year, we'll evaluate your account. If you've maintained enough flights to retain your status, you'll retain your status. If you've not met the threshold for your elite level over the past year, we'll drop your status to one that is appropriate.

There are set mileage/segment levels for the specific levels (and similarly, for the promotion). They're available in the KLM program guidebook or on the (members only) area of the website. I don't have my guide to hand, but I'll look it up when I get home.

Hope this clarifies matters.

------------------
Please visit The Mileage Runner's Toolkit and Unofficial United Airlines Guide

[This message has been edited by MatthewClement (edited 11-28-2001).]

[This message has been edited by MatthewClement (edited 11-28-2001).]

Just picked this up on the KLM UK website:

This seems to be at odds with what is printed on the form. Please see this thread on the KLM website for further information.

------------------
Please visit The Mileage Runner's Toolkit and Unofficial United Airlines Guide

Also from the KLM UK website:

------------------
Please visit The Mileage Runner's Toolkit and Unofficial United Airlines Guide

[This message has been edited by MatthewClement (edited 11-28-2001).]

The following question was posed:

The following answer was provided:

Thought it was worthy of inclusion over here. If anyone has more definite clarification of policies and eligibility, please post here.


------------------
Please visit The Mileage Runner's Toolkit and Unofficial United Airlines Guide

[This message has been edited by MatthewClement (edited 11-28-2001).]

Here's the nitty-gritty from KLM's Terms and Conditions

2.2. Service Level

There are three different Service Levels, each with its own Membership Card. These levels are BlueWing, SilverWing, and RoyalWing.

General items concerning Service Levels:

The Service Level to which a Member is entitled is determined by the number of Service Points accumulated, as indicated in the Points Tables, or the number of one-way flights taken by the Member in a Card Year with KLM and/or Airline Partners (extra points from special offers do not count). These points are printed on the Points Statement under Service Level.

The only exception to the preceding clause is renewal of BlueWing membership, for which all points earned during a year are taken into account.

Flying Dutchman BlueWing Members

Upgrading to SilverWing:
BlueWing Members who have accumulated 17.000 Service Points or more, or 20 one-way flights toward the Service Level during the 12 months after issuance of the Card, (for the purpose of this section, this validity period is further referred to as Card Year), will receive a SilverWing Card.

When the SilverWing Card is issued, a maximum of 17.000 Service Points and a maximum of 20 one-way flights will be subtracted from the Service Level.

Renewal:
If a BlueWing Member accumulates less than 10.000 Service Points or 10 one-way flights, the BlueWing membership will be continued automatically. When the new BlueWing membership is granted, a maximum of 10.000 Service Points and a maximum of 10 one-way flights will be subtracted from the Service Level.

Flying Dutchman SilverWing Members

Upgrading to RoyalWing:
SilverWing Members who have accumulated 30.000 Service Points or more, or 40 one-way flights toward the Service Level during a Card Year, will receive a RoyalWing Card. When the RoyalWing Card is issued, a maximum of 30.000 Service Points and a maximum of 40 one-way flights will be subtracted from the Service Level.

Renewal:
If a SilverWing Member accumulates between 17.000 and 30.000 Service Points or 20 one-way flights toward the Service Balance during a Card Year, Member will receive a new SilverWing Card at the end of the Card Year. When the new SilverWing Card is issued, a maximum of 17.000 Service Points and a maximum of 20 one-way flights will be subtracted from the Service Level.

Downgrading to BlueWing:
If a SilverWing Member has not reached 17.000 Service Points or 20 one-way flights on the Service Level after a Card Year, Member will be issued a BlueWing Card and a maximum of 10.000 Service Points and a maximum of 10 one-way flights will be subtracted from the Service Level.

Flying Dutchman RoyalWing Members

Renewal:
If a RoyalWing Member accumulates 30.000 Service Points or more, or 40 one-way flights on the Service Level during a Card Year, Member will receive a new RoyalWing Card at the end of the Card Year. When the new RoyalWing Card is issued, a maximum of 30.000 Service Points and a maximum of 40 one-way flights will be subtracted from the Service Level.

Downgrading to SilverWing:
If a RoyalWing Member has not reached 30.000 Service Points or 40 one-way flights on the Service Level after a Card Year, Member will be issued a SilverWing Card. When the SilverWing Card is issued, a maximum of 17.000 Service Points and a maximum of 20 one-way flights will be subtracted from the Service Level.

The extent of extra services provided by KLM and the benefits arranged with other organizations depend on the Member’s Service Level. Members can find details about these services and benefits in the Flying Dutchman Program Brochure.

All extra services and benefits are subject to change and availability, and local restrictions and alterations may apply.




------------------
Please visit The Mileage Runner's Toolkit and Unofficial United Airlines Guide

No, it doesn't say that. Where did you get that?

Surely there must be some mail forwarding services in Europe. One could easily purchase an account, and then have them forward your mail to your U.S. address. Thus, you could "move" to Europe and change your FF account address. After the KLM special is over, you could "move" back home and cancel the mail service.

Any FT'ers in England? If someone knows of a mail forwarding service, I think many over here would appreciate the info....

Keep in mind that the residence restriction is not specific to this promo, but is a general requirement of membership in KLM's FD program (US residents can't be members).

You could try Mail Boxes Etc in the UK, as they're pretty reputable.

Standard disclaimer -- no connection or experience. I just know how to use a search engine.



------------------
Please visit The Mileage Runner's Toolkit and Unofficial United Airlines Guide

The only problem I can see with this is the limited time (just over 6 weeks) available for geographically-non-eligible enrollees to 1) get a non-N. American mailing address, 2) switch the frequent flyer account to that address, 3) get an updated statement, and 4) get it to KL in time.

My AA and US statements are running at least 6-8 weeks behind.

It will cost $20 per month, with $50 to start up fee, but it can be done. Tricky is having too many people at the same address, but you can change your address pretty quickly and get a print out over the internet.

One business letter to the U.S. per month is included. Courier at normal rates (not double).

Other options on request (bank accounts, etc.)

You should also get a phone number (where possible) - but this is extra.

mailto:[email protected][email protected]</A>


[This message has been edited by msn (edited 11-28-2001).]

I'm still a bit confused if this offer is only open to members with an address in Belgium. My address is in Poland and when I spoke to the FD help desk the agent never mentioned this promo was for Belgium members.

Anyone know the facts?

I've been searching the KLM site for the real benifits of their program. Their web site only gives very general information - no specifics on upgrades and award travel.

Anyone know where to find this information.

Bottom line....
I have a home in Europe
I am an AA EXP with over 1 Million unused miles in my account (don't worry ...my kids line up for my miles every year....)
KLM serves most of the cities I need, and CO covers the rest.
However..... what are the real benifits besides a lounge, extra weight, and dedicated check in?
Please free free to E mail me.... Thanks...
WT

------------------
Askworldtraveler, EXP,4 million AA miles+++Hilton Gold (thanks to EXP)

I think what's getting people excited is the possibility of having your points in another program matched.

You're right, it's the free miles that are creating all the buzz. As a program, Flying Dutchman isn't terrible. KLM is one of the (very) few European FF programs which offer upgrades as rewards, and at a reasonable level. If you fly international business class, particularly within Europe, KLM will let you accrue mileage faster than most other programs.


------------------
Please visit The Mileage Runner's Toolkit and Unofficial United Airlines Guide

KLM gets an F (failed) for providing info on web. Lots missing + refs to h/c brochures!!
In all the FT posting and web references I didnt see the real important info. Can somebody answer the following questions:
1. On their web KLM refer to 2 kinds of points: Award points & Service points. What is the difference.
2. Segments are understood concept, but how do you earn the Service Points. Are they equivalent to miles or depend on class like AAdvantage points? What is the formula?

Award points are points which can be redeemed for awards. They represent [Total "base" points] + [Total "bonus" points] - [Points for awards redeemed], and they never expire.

Service points are used for calculating status level within Flying Dutchman. You receive service points only for flights. These expire after a year.

The "service point" award chart is a complicated thing, but the formula is loosely based on distance and class of travel. For example, an inter-US flight on NW earns 450 points in coach, 900 in business, and 1800 in first. A JFK-AMS flight on KL earns 1950 points in coach, 3900 points in business, and 7800 points in first.

Give KLM Flying Dutchman a call (+31 20 430 9325 for English-speakesr) and request a copy of their "Program Brochure", which provides a comprehensive overview of the FD program.

Clear as mud, eh?

------------------
Please visit The Mileage Runner's Toolkit and Unofficial United Airlines Guide

Where did I "get" that? Try here:

http://nederland.klm.com/html/elements/4377.pdf

And if you don't see it there, I suggest you consult an optometrist-- or a remedial reading comprehension teacher.

Just got an email invitation to the offer, making it "internationally official" if you wish:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum28/HTML/000271.html

Compared to the other FF-Prog I know, I compare both as follows:

KLM FD Service-Points: Status Miles. Normaly you need 15K Service Points to get SilverWing. If you are Silverwing, you can get Royalwing after another 24K Service Points.
They don't expire, but if you get Silverwing they take away 15K Service-Miles off your account and for Royalwing 24K. This happens every year. So they don't expire but be taken away for Elite level (and requalification).

Bonus-Points: Bonus Mileage. This is the same amount as for Service-Points but additional Promos (e.g. double) or Points earned not by flying KLM/Wings can come into your Bonus-Points account. Those are good for rewards/upgrades.

Your tone is completely uncalled for. Hope you'll have enough decency to edit your post accordingly.

See http://nederland.klm.com/html/elements/4368.pdf .

One can sign up for the membership in KLM's FD first (and it's advisable anyway, as you can receive your FD membership # instantly online and not wait for receiving your number and card in the mail from Amsterdam), then fill the transfer form for existing FD members. There isn't even a place to put your mailing address for another FF program there!

Does your current FF statement not contain your US address? They do insist on a recent statement-- quite clearly.

Do you honestly not understand that this program is not intended for US residents and that people attempting to scam them into giving away thousands of miles might not be something that they would be on the lookout for?



[This message has been edited by JonNYC (edited 11-29-2001).]

You seem to have missed my point, so let me repeat:
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
No, it doesn't say that. Where did you get that?


_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Nowhere did I pass a judgement or even make a comment on ethical implications, as it is personal choice how to deal with his/her conscience and conducting business with airlines. Besides, many FT members do have residencies on both sides of the pond, and do receive mail in both locations. I know at least two FT members who currently are in the process of physically relocating from the US to Europe.

Naturally, you are entitled to your opinion on the matter, and I'm sure you'll act accordingly.

But once again, the simple reality is that the way this promo is legally worded, there is no requirement on having mailing addresses match in both programs.

A few things. First, I assume that a booked round-trip counts as two one-ways. Can anyone confirm this? Second, does a round-trip with a stop each way (4 segments total) count as 4 one-ways? I can't tell merely by reference to the KLM rules.

On the transfer form located here:
http://nederland.klm.com/html/elements/4377.pdf

It says:
That doesn't read to you as such?


[This message has been edited by JonNYC (edited 11-29-2001).]

Here you go again... I'll repeat one more time, and please do pay attention:

There is more than one way to skin a cat. The link you are referring to is not the one I'm referring to!

See http://nederland.klm.com/html/elements/4368.pdf .

One can sign up for the membership in KLM's FD first (and it's advisable anyway, as you can receive your FD membership # instantly online and not wait for receiving your number and card in the mail from Amsterdam), then fill the transfer form for existing FD members.

In the stated legal rules of this promo, there is no requirement on having mailing addresses match in both programs.

I'm pretty sure that everyone else understood it. If you still have trouble with it, my e-mail is listed in my profile.

&lt;Edited for a typo&gt;



[This message has been edited by Eugene (edited 11-29-2001).]

Hi Jon,

each segment with an own flight-number counts as one segment.