KLM PLUS- does this make sense?
 

On my last flight in KLM I noticed a brochure advertising KLM PLUS. As I make it out, you have to join KLM FD (free) and then can pay E139 annual fee and have access to KLM lounges at Schipol (and presumably other destinations) as well as gWorld Clubs and get Business Class security and checkin for both KLM and NW. Part of the reason I stay on NW is the checkin priv. and lounges- it seems so hard to upgrade on any reasonable basis internatioanlly any more it really isn't worth it and I have lots of direct non-NW connections (eg AF Bos-CDG) which I have been passing up for the business chekcin and lounge privileges. There is probably lots here in the small print that I haven't noticed but has any one else given this any thought? Perhaps something for our revered Webmasters to think about as it seems to have important implications for all NW flyers.

Looking forward to enlightment - or at least some more information

Joe

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I believe that to join KLM FD you have to have a non-US address.....so that might prohibit someone from the US signing up for this.

You are basically correct, I think that if you have a European address you must join FD, if you have a North American address you must join WP, I don't know the rules for Asain and South/Central American addresses. So this would exclude every North American that does not have a European mailing address.

So since I have addredsses both places- basically split my time between Paris and Boston- I could in principle join. Then the questions of whether it makes sense. Just on the top, it seems essier than keeping the NW milaeage qualifications to get expedidited boarding, seating etc and clubs. But doesn any one have experience with the "small pring" Thansk in advance

Joe

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There aren't any catches I am aware of for KLM FD members. This product is mostly aimed at Silvers who will be losing lounge access as part of a program change in 2004, and to base level members who would like some elite privileges on the ground. Keep in mind KLM FD is not a generous program once the elite bonuses (not included in FD Plus) are taken away.

NW WP members trying to accrue WP miles may however run into trouble when their KL/NW dual membership is noticed. There is no overlap between FD and WP worldwide, and explaining that one has two residences may be more trouble than it is worth.

Why don't you try asking in the KLM forum since it is a FD program and not a NW program.

I am moving this topic to the KLM forum which is actually the place it should have originally been posted.

Radiocycle
Northwest Moderator