I’ve written extensively about Air France-KLM Flying Blue elite status, given that it’s a program I’m increasingly interested in, and that I’ve pursued status with.
Flying Blue’s “standard” elite tiers are Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Then there’s Flying Blue Ultimate status, which has published elite requirements, but is super difficult to earn, as it requires three times more activity than Platinum. Think of it as being comparable to British Airways Executive Club Gold Guest List and Lufthansa Miles & More HON Circle.
What many people don’t realize is that Air France has an even more exclusive elite tier, which is invitation-only. However, this is a really special elite tier, with membership numbers in the dozens or low hundreds.
Air France’s invitation-only Hippocampe status
Hippocampe (abbreviated “HIPP”) is the name of Air France’s invitation-only elite status. Let me emphasize that public details about this status are very limited, so for the most part, all we can do is speculate and go off what the rumors are. You won’t see this mentioned anywhere on Air France’s website, and there’s no airport signage for the elite tier.
For those curious about the name, Hippocampe is the French word for seahorse, and Air France heavily uses the winged seahorse for its branding, especially on planes.
Here’s my understanding about Air France Hippocampe status:
- Hippocampe status was launched in 2019, and it’s believed that there are at most 200 members, but probably significantly fewer than that
- This isn’t a Flying Blue elite tier, and isn’t even for Air France-KLM, but rather the status is specifically awarded through Air France
- Hippocampe is exclusively awarded to CEOs of major companies, and those with a lot of influence over the travels of others; as you can see based on the membership numbers, you need to be really important to the airline in order to earn this
- Hippocampe status is awarded on an annual basis, so it’s not a lifetime membership
- Hippocampe status automatically comes with Flying Blue Ultimate status, plus all La Premiere (first class) ground services
Air France is known for its incredible first class ground services, both in Paris and at outstations. So Hippocampe members are escorted every step of the way from check-in to the plane at most outstations, and also have access to the amazing La Premiere Lounge in Paris. That applies regardless of the route they’re flying, or the class of service they’re in.
Obviously this is on a completely different level than the invitation-only elite tiers we see in the United States, like American Concierge Key, Delta 360, and United Global Services. Those programs all have many thousands of members (or even tens of thousands), and they’re on virtually every flight. Meanwhile a vast majority of Air France flights don’t have Hippocampe members.
Air France’s old Club 2000 program
Air France actually has another invitation-only elite program, named Club 2000. However, it’s not really used anymore, so let me explain:
- You’ll see reference to Club 2000 at airports; for example, Air France check-in signage often lists Club 2000
- This used to be Air France’s invitation-only program before 2019, when Hippocampe was introduced
- Club 2000 isn’t nearly as exclusive as Hippocampe, and it’s believed that there are (or where 10,000 to 15,000 members)
- Club 2000 is no longer being awarded to passengers, though those who have earned it in the past largely still have it; it’s not a status you have to qualify for annually
- The benefits of Club 2000 aren’t necessarily that huge; it has historically offered Platinum perks with better soft treatment, like improved recognition and more complimentary and operational upgrades
- Club 2000 is also separate from Flying Blue, so you could have Platinum or Ultimate status, along with Club 2000 status
Why does Air France have both Hippocampe and Club 2000? My understanding is that several years back, Air France wanted to introduce a truly exclusive tier for its VVIPs, while also not annoying those who had earned Club 2000.
As you can tell, one tier has a couple of hundred members at most, while another potentially has over 10,000 members. So rather than just telling everyone with Club 2000 status “tough luck,” the company instead created a new program.
Bottom line
Air France has two invitation-only elite tiers, which are very different. Hippocampe is by far the most premium tier — it has at most a couple of hundred members, and offers Flying Blue Ultimate benefits with La Premiere ground services.
Meanwhile Club 2000 is Air France’s invitation-only program from the past, which has (or at least had) over 10,000 members, and offered perks marginally better than Platinum status. However, Club 2000 is kind of being sunsetted, but the airline hasn’t kicked out many existing members.
A vast majority of us will never have any firsthand experience with this, but if you’re flying Air France and notice any reference to Hippocampe or Club 2000, now you know the basics.
What’s your take on Air France’s Hippocampe and Club 2000 tiers?
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