Nowadays I don’t seek out airline elite status the same way that I used to in the past. While I still think there’s huge value to earning airline miles, the value of status simply isn’t there in the way that it used to be, at least not consistently — upgrades are tougher to come by,…
Continue reading: Air France-KLM Flying Blue Elite Status: Best Strategy To Earn Platinum Or Gold
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
The chart related to the XP is not the latest version. FB introduced a small change: you would earn only 2XP (and not 5) in the Medium threshold if you buy an Economy Basic Fare ticket. On the other hand you would get 2XP more on Eco Flex fare.
I agree the Flying Blue Programme is one of the best and being Platinum member gives you many perks and always a recognition. They are quite good in identifying the Platinum members on board and if things go south like loosing luggage they were super generous and fast to refund extra costs.
Actually, UXP can be on any airline marketed by AFKLM. It doesn’t need to be on AFKL metal.
What do you mean by "always a recognition"? As a Platinum for over two years now, with some 60 flights/year on AFKL metal, I've been "recognised" maybe 3-4 times. I'm not saying it's negative, it's just not a perk that is consistently provided or should be expected.
That said, the Platinum Service Line is a life-saver and the main reason why I keep maintaining the status.
400 uxp in a year will give you a other non-published perk. You get access to a dedicated Personal Assistance hotline comparable to Ultimate. Personal number that you can call. Only on weekdays, but still a big improvement over the regular Platinum desk that i find to be understaffed.
How much expanded availability is there? For example- can you find availability for a family of four from nyc to par most days in the summer? occasionally days? Or almost never?
Thanks
Just trying to decide if it’s worth it to go for platinum
I just opened the credit card and I already spend 25k, will I only get the 160 XPs next year?
According to the fine print in the cardmember agreement, the bonus XP is awarded “on the account anniversary.” So yes, you’ll have to wait til next year.
if anyone has a data point on whether 100xp for the SUB is granted "upon approval" vs when you complete the 3k spend, that would be much appreciated. have seen verbiage for both, so trying to figure out which is correct
Aye. Platinum for Life here. Usually, but not always, on the long haul the chief purser, the head of the cabin, or both stop by to say hi. On the intra-Europe flights, it's not so often.
The XP system has its quirks: premium eco gets you 2/3 the XP of business. A round-trip connecting flight in Europe costs less than non-stop with the competitors, and gets you 20 XP. A round-trip non-stop transatlantic flight in eco can earn you 20 XP as well.
The PSL, at least in my country, has been my magic phone number during irrops. Having done without, it's great to have.
So, in short, surprise! Status is great to have if you fly a lot. If you don't, don't chase status.
It seems to have been reduced this summer. Not seeing as much availability as there was towards the end of last year. Curious if others have noticed this as well.
On the status match point, I matched my Aeroplan Gold status (S.A. Gold) to Flying Blue Gold status in December; valid through December 31, 2026. I can't recall how much I paid, but let's say ~$200-300.
This use case is very narrow. People seem to overlook the fact that Flying Blue devalued business class awards overnight through an unannounced 70% increase on the vast majority of AFKL intercontinental routes (from/to places as near Europe as DSS). SkyTeam elite status can be had more cheaply/easily through Air Europa, so this approach only really works for those who expect to mostly redeem transferrable points without ever building/holding a serious mileage balance on FB.
Having said that, I'm writing this comment from the Sala Condor at EZE after being told that my SK silver status was the only thing that allowed me to move to a semi-respectable seat in the Aerolíneas 2-2-2 configuration as apparently a large cohort of AR business class passengers (awards, paid upgrades, 'promotional' tickets) are no longer able to choose their seats at check in!
Even whilst understaffed, the platinum desk has given me massive benefits over the years.
Helped expedite rebookings and general support a lot easier with people who do treat you better than the ''average'' customer.
Very well put as a fellow PfL member.
More recognition on intercontinental and crew dependent.
Find the recognition better on AF compared to KL generally.
PSL has been a massive help on more than a few occasions.
Agree that the use case is narrow. If you are trying to get Platinum or high status on Skyteam there are more effective ways with better perks.
they didnt give any recognition nor special treatment for platinum level. the lounges are mediocre, cantine style offerings that us poseurs perhaps enjoy.
Anyone know how a Gold status will "stack"?
I start with Gold from a paid match - then I hit my Bilt spend and get Gold again ... does this translate into 280XP on Top (100XP for Silver and 180XP for Gold) so I would just need 20XP to reach Platinum?