Air France-KLM Flying Blue Elite Status: My Strategy

Air France-KLM Flying Blue Elite Status: My Strategy

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Nowadays I don’t seek out airline elite status as 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 — upgrades are tougher to come by, premium cabins are often priced more reasonably in cash, and all the while airlines have (mostly) made status harder to earn.

That being said, I’m quite intrigued by the Air France-KLM Flying Blue program, and now have plans to go for Platinum status with the program. In this post I wanted to go over the basics of elite status in the Flying Blue program, and then share my strategy.

Flying Blue elite status requirements

What does it take to earn elite status in the Flying Blue program? Flying Blue uses “XP” (which stands for “experience points”) as the metric for earning status. That’s the only metric by which you earn status, so there’s no minimum number of segments that you have to fly on Air France-KLM in order to earn status.

The system of qualifying for status works a bit differently than with other programs:

  • 100 XPs gets you Flying Blue Silver status
  • You then need 180 additional XPs to earn Flying Blue Gold status
  • You then need 300 additional XPs to earn Flying Blue Platinum status

However, there’s a bit more nuance to this, which also makes it easier to earn status. For example, you don’t need 580 XPs in a year to earn Platinum status:

  • Once you earn 100 XPs in a membership year, you’ll earn Silver status
  • Your status will then be reset, and you’ll need to earn 180 XPs over the next 12 months to earn Gold status
  • Your status will then be reset, and you’ll need to earn 300 XPs over the next 12 months to earn Platinum status
  • Maintaining status on an ongoing basis simply requires 100 XPs for Silver, 180 XPs for Gold, and 300 XPs for Platinum
The Flying Blue membership tiers

There are a few other things that I wanted to point out:

  • If you earn Flying Blue Platinum status for 10 years in a row, then you receive Flying Blue Platinum status for life
  • Flying Blue offers rollover XPs if you exceed the elite requirements for a particular tier, though nowadays you’re limited to 300 rollover XPs at a time, which is the equivalent of extending Platinum status for a year
  • Flying Blue also has Ultimate status, which requires 900 XPs in a year, rather than the 300 required for Platinum; not only that, but the XPs need for Ultimate need to all come from travel on Air France-KLM, and not from travel on partner airlines
  • Flying Blue elite status membership doesn’t follow the calendar year, but rather is based on when you reach a particular threshold, and then you have 12 months to requalify (really it’s through the end of the 12th month)
Flying Blue has four elite membership tiers

How to earn XPs in the Flying Blue program

Above I talked about how many XPs you need to earn elite status with Flying Blue. But how do you actually earn XPs in the program? You can earn XPs for travel on Air France and partner airlines, and the earnings structure is actually pretty straightforward.

Below is the chart showing how many XPs you earn per segment on Air France-KLM, or on SkyTeam partner airlines (non-SkyTeam partner airlines can earn you miles, but not XPs).

The rate at which you earn XPs with Flying Blue

It’s definitely easiest to rack up XPs with short haul international flights. Just to give a few examples:

  • A roundtrip nonstop Delta business class ticket from Tampa to New York would earn you 12 XPs
  • A roundtrip Air France business class ticket from Frankfurt to London via Paris would earn you 60 XPs
  • A roundtrip Aeromexico business class ticket from Miami to Lima via Mexico City would earn you 78 XPs
  • A roundtrip Aeromexico business class ticket from New York to Sao Paulo via Mexico City would earn you 108 XPs

While flying is of course the primary way to earn XPs, it’s not the only way. Flying Blue awards members with XPs for buying carbon offsets, purchasing sustainable aviation fuel, and donating to charity, and you can generate XPs that way.

These can typically be purchased in conjunction with a flight ticket (even if you’re booking an award). For example, looking at a New York to Paris business class award, you could purchase sustainable aviation fuel for $899.90, and earn 84 XPs. Generally you can expect XPs will cost around €10 each using this method.

Purchase sustainable aviation fuel to acquire XPs

You can also earn XPs on Flying Blue’s co-branded credit card in the United States. The card often offers up to 100 XPs as part of the welcome bonus, and also offers an anniversary bonus of up to 60 XPs (20 automatically, plus 40 more if you spend $15,000 on the card during the year).

Rack up Flying Blue XPs on partner airlines

Flying Blue elite status perks & benefits

So, what are the perks of Flying Blue elite status? Let’s go over the incremental perks offered at each tier.

Flying Blue Silver status offers:

  • The ability to earn 6x miles per € spent on airfare
  • Priority check-in, baggage drop off, and boarding, on Air France and KLM
  • Free selection of standard seats at time of booking
  • Some free premium seat options 24 hours before departure
  • One free extra checked bag on SkyTeam flights

Flying Blue Gold status incrementally offers:

  • The ability to earn 7x miles per € spent on airfare
  • SkyTeam Elite Plus status, which offers priority check-in, priority security, priority boarding, extra baggage, lounge access, and much more, whether flying with Air France, KLM, or a SkyTeam partner
  • Some free premium seat options 72 hours before departure

Flying Blue Platinum status incrementally offers:

  • The ability to earn 8x miles per € spent on airfare
  • The ability to redeem Flying Blue miles for Air France first class (La Premiere)
  • Free premium seat options at the time of booking; you can even pre-reserve the bulkhead seats in Air France’s new Airbus A350 and Boeing 777 business class, which I’d consider to be the world’s best business class seats
  • Access to a dedicated Platinum phone service line
  • Waived change & cancelation fees on Flying Blue awards
Air France bulkhead business class on the Airbus A350-900

I think for many, the most exciting aspect of Flying Blue Platinum status is the ability to redeem miles for Air France first class. I rank Air France as having one of the best first class products in the world (and the ground experience is the best in the world), though you can only redeem miles for it if you have Flying Blue Platinum status or above.

Admittedly even if you have elite status, these awards aren’t cheap. For example, flying from the United States to Europe will generally cost you 220,000-230,000 miles one-way in first class, though in some cases pricing is more affordable than that.

While the cost is steep, I’d argue that there are cases where this could be a good option:

Air France first class (La Premiere) on the Boeing 777-300ER

My strategy going for Flying Blue elite status

Last week, I explained how I had an easy pathway to Flying Blue Gold status, and asked y’all if I should go for Flying Blue Platinum status. Most people encouraged me to, so I’m giving it a shot, and am well on my way. I figured it would be fun to report back on my experience with a new loyalty program, and my goal is to rack up as many XPs as possible by reviewing SkyTeam airlines, which should make for good content.

I’ve already earned Flying Blue Gold status and should soon have earned 100 of the 300 XPs needed for Platinum status, so let me explain my strategy.

How I easily earned Gold status

Recently, Bilt Rewards and Flying Blue expanded their partnership. With this, Bilt Platinum members can receive Flying Blue Gold status. The status is valid for 12 months, and you just need to transfer 10,000 points from Bilt Rewards in order to activate this.

In theory, this isn’t necessarily a one-time match, as this is an ongoing perk, though it could be pulled in the future. Being able to earn Flying Blue Gold status so easily is awesome, as it gives you a pathway to SkyTeam Elite Plus status, and to being able to select the best seats on Air France and KLM.

I just took advantage of this several days ago, and my Flying Blue Gold status posted within three days. That couldn’t have been easier, so now I just need 300 XPs by March 31, 2025.

I’ve earned Flying Blue Gold status!

Earning my first 100 XPs toward Platinum status

At the moment, the Flying Blue credit card in the United States has a welcome offer that includes up to 100 XPs — you can earn 60 XPs upon approval, plus 40 XPs after spending $3,000 within the first 90 days.

I decided to apply for the card, and was instantly approved, so that should earn me 100 of the 300 XPs that I need for Flying Blue Platinum status.

That’s an easy 100 XPs with Flying Blue

How I plan to earn the remaining 200 XPs for Platinum status

In order to earn Flying Blue Platinum status, I now have about a year to earn 200 XPs, which is easy enough. So, what’s my strategy? My goal is to primarily earn these XPs through actual flying.

For one, I’ll simply credit the Delta flights that I’d take anyway to Air France-KLM Flying Blue instead of to Delta SkyMiles. Beyond that, though, this is a great incentive to actually review some SkyTeam products that I’ve been meaning to check out:

  • I’ve been wanting to review Aeromexico’s Boeing 787-9 and Boeing 737 MAX business class, and I see some attractive fares to and from South America
  • I’d love to review Aerolineas Argentinas business class, but does the airline ever have reasonable long haul fares? I just don’t get the carrier’s business model
  • This is also a good opportunity to review Delta’s long haul business class products, as I see reasonable fares to and from South America
  • I’d also like to review Air France’s short haul product, in particular on the Airbus A220, which seems to offer a nice experience
  • I’d also consider reviewing Saudia’s products that I haven’t yet experienced, etc.

I’m going to try to earn Flying Blue elite status primarily through actually booking revenue tickets, though if that doesn’t quite do it, then I’ll buy XPs for around €10 each through the carbon offset and sustainable aviation fuel schemes.

This is a good opportunity to review Delta

Bottom line

I tend to think that Air France-KLM Flying Blue is the most valuable SkyTeam frequent flyer program. It’s one that I use all the time for redemptions, and now I’m pursuing elite status.

In reality, I have a bit of a shortcut. I’ve been able to get instant Flying Blue Gold status, thanks to the Bilt Rewards status match opportunity for Platinum members. Now I just need 300 XPs to earn Flying Blue Platinum status — I’ll soon earn 100 XPs from the co-branded credit card, meaning I need to earn another 200 XPs.

I’ve been coasting when it comes to elite status for so long, so it’s kind of fun to try something new, if nothing else. The biggest benefit of Flying Blue Platinum status is SkyTeam Elite Plus perks, plus access to Air France first class awards. I’m not expecting this status to be life changing, but I’m excited for the adventure nonetheless.

What do you make of Flying Blue elite status? Any SkyTeam flight review requests?

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  1. tipsyinmadras Diamond

    Based on the level tracker don't you have to earn 480xp - 180xp to keep Gold, reset, and then an additional 300xp to make Platinum?

  2. Levi Diamond

    I haven't had the need to use it, but I do understand that AFKL has an actual competent Platinum service team (at least in the Netherlands and France) that is good about waivers/favors etc.

    AF's A220 J in an A seat is a good product. 2 seats for yourself instead of a shared empty middle and tasty food.

  3. Manny Guest

    Do they allow stopovers on their flights ?

  4. Todd Guest

    You gotta plan out a good european mileage run!

  5. petervonpije Guest

    You won’t be able to credit ITA’s flight into XP unless it’s ticketed through AF/ KLM.
    It a huge mess for us based in Europe.
    ITA Airways has not been integrated fully to Skyteam

    1. Martin Guest

      This is not correct anymore. You get XPs on AZ tickets since a few months

  6. Mika Guest

    As a FB Platinum who "earned" it (I don't like earn, so let's say payed full price for it), I am kind of frustrated that AFKLM is just handing status out so easily to US and UK members? Clearly they are wanting to pull on that market and they have my business as a CDG based flyer regardless but I hope this is not the beginning of the end of FB and the programme moves...

    As a FB Platinum who "earned" it (I don't like earn, so let's say payed full price for it), I am kind of frustrated that AFKLM is just handing status out so easily to US and UK members? Clearly they are wanting to pull on that market and they have my business as a CDG based flyer regardless but I hope this is not the beginning of the end of FB and the programme moves towards Delta's system of MQD (MQEuros?) when there is an abundance of FB elites and limited lounge space.

    1. TravelinWilly Diamond

      "As a FB Platinum who "earned" it (I don't like earn, so let's say payed full price for it), I am kind of frustrated that AFKLM is just handing status out so easily to US and UK members?"

      There will be a devaluation, it's just that nobody knows when. FB is already making it more difficult to rollover XPs starting next year, so that will separate some of the wheat from the chaff...

    2. William Guest

      I could not agree more as I firmly believe loyalty is built and earned through 'ass in seat' paid for tickets.
      The inflationary pressure resulting from handed out free XP's on credit cards disgusts me.
      Obviously I do not blame those who benefit from it as I am pragmatic enough to do the same.

    3. BobV Guest

      @Mika

      " ... AFKLM is just handing status out so easily to US and UK members"

      SOME U.K. members, maybe - only @flying_foxy (March 22, 2024, 8:54 pm) mentions such a thing but doesn't say what the paid status match is from. There is certainly no mention of any such thing on FlyingBlue's U.K. website.

    4. BobV Guest

      Oh, OK ... found it on www.statusmatch.com

  7. AlanT98 Guest

    I didn't know Aeromexico flew to South Africa

  8. Jason Guest

    Looks like a good goal. I just flew Air France La Premier making use of an upgrade offer from a biz class award ticket. It was the best!
    Anyway, you mention the following:
    "I’ve been wanting to review Aeromexico’s Boeing 787-9 and Boeing 737 MAX business class, and I see some attractive fares to and from South Africa"

    Do you mean South America? Aeromexico doesnt fly to South Africa.

  9. danfromsanfran Guest

    Two things: I tried the multiple cards play to get status and it did not work.
    Escalated case and got told only one CC bonus XP per person not per card though YMMV.
    Second when flying La Premiere the last time they allowed a traveling companion who was in Y and not on same ticket to join myself and P2 in F lounge at SFO and when we landed in CDG they allowed...

    Two things: I tried the multiple cards play to get status and it did not work.
    Escalated case and got told only one CC bonus XP per person not per card though YMMV.
    Second when flying La Premiere the last time they allowed a traveling companion who was in Y and not on same ticket to join myself and P2 in F lounge at SFO and when we landed in CDG they allowed her to come with us to F lounge via car. In short she had all the same ground experience as us just a worse seat on the plane. This seems to not be well known or maybe it was a one off but if it is a benefit would make flying separate cabins a better experience.
    Flying from SF I really enjoyed all the trips myself and P2 took in La Premiere but now I'm a lowly gold and don't want to fly with myself in F and P2 in J (or vice versa!) so those days are done for me. That said it's a great way to cross the Atlantic!

  10. Florida Sunshine Guest

    You do not need to chase status if you constantly pay for business or first. You get even better service from the airline when you actively spend money. I am HON member and delta 360. Wrapping up 2 years of travel almost weekly to Paris, Dubai, Johannesburg and Zurich from Miami. 80 round trips which is lots time in air. Dubai was on Emirates and Zurich / Paris was Air France and Johannesburg was on...

    You do not need to chase status if you constantly pay for business or first. You get even better service from the airline when you actively spend money. I am HON member and delta 360. Wrapping up 2 years of travel almost weekly to Paris, Dubai, Johannesburg and Zurich from Miami. 80 round trips which is lots time in air. Dubai was on Emirates and Zurich / Paris was Air France and Johannesburg was on Delta. All is in First…. La P is by far the best and sadly this BILT will devalue its exclusivity. Sorry, leave La P for people that pay cash and please Air France, double the points required. Last thing I want are travel bloggers taking pictures and hurting my down time. I get treated great in La P and in Delta. Again, all trips are in first except when on delta in business. Stop chasing status if you can actually afford to travel nicely. And I wish they would increase all point redemptions by 5-10x bc it would keep photo shoots out of a cabin in paying 5-15k per ticket. Times my wife or our daughter coming. And it is completely intrusive to my family. We just came back from Maldives on Emirates in first. after a week ( was great vacation ) and had 3 paid seats and a person taking pictures, not respecting privacy and being loud / obnoxious as bragging how he/she used points and berated the crew.

    1. Alec Member

      And those who fly private are laughing at you thinking you’re so high and mighty and better than travel bloggers

    2. UncleRonnie Guest

      There’s about 8 people not heads of state in the world who fly private from USA to South Africa. All the other rich people fly F.

  11. Luis Mad Guest

    First of all , all the examples about how many XP's can gain each flight, ALL IS WRONG! You can check in flying blue site and they have simulator. Secondly GOLD status in FB stil have to pay (with discount) to pre-select seats in Eco Comfort or emergency exits seats. Only PLATINUM status is completely free of charge.
    It's true that between GOLD and PLATINUM hardly have difference in privilege but the unique thing...

    First of all , all the examples about how many XP's can gain each flight, ALL IS WRONG! You can check in flying blue site and they have simulator. Secondly GOLD status in FB stil have to pay (with discount) to pre-select seats in Eco Comfort or emergency exits seats. Only PLATINUM status is completely free of charge.
    It's true that between GOLD and PLATINUM hardly have difference in privilege but the unique thing is if you reach 10 years in the row as PLATINUM pax , you will have PLATINUM FOR LIFE. That's I think it's the best of flying blue. No other frecuent flyer program have that.

  12. Chris Guest

    I tried to understand the Flying Blue scheme and I can't, for the life of me, figure out how you get from 0 XP to Platinum with the credit card and XP deductions along the way...

  13. Arbee Guest

    If I already have Skyteam Elite Plus status via Delta, can I use it when flying a KLM/AF ticketed Flight as a Flying Blue Member? If YES, how do I prove/display/enter it to the KLM/AF systems and personnel?

    1. Lee Guest

      Unless someone knows a better way, it's a manual process. After ticketing, you talk to an agent (on the phone or at the airport) and ask that your Delta SkyMiles number be added to the ticket. This is an issue across all airline alliances. When I've received feedback surveys, I've included the suggestion that secondary frequent flyer accounts numbers be offered on tickets for benefit purposes. Perhaps someday.

    2. Samo Guest

      This apparently exists, the underlying system has different fields for FFP to credit and FFP to use benefits from. But it's not available to users on most airlines (both fields are populated from a single field in the web form) - I assume it's deemed to complicated and confusing for most users, with very few users who'd actually use it. And not all airlines like users crediting to one programme and using benefits from another...

      This apparently exists, the underlying system has different fields for FFP to credit and FFP to use benefits from. But it's not available to users on most airlines (both fields are populated from a single field in the web form) - I assume it's deemed to complicated and confusing for most users, with very few users who'd actually use it. And not all airlines like users crediting to one programme and using benefits from another anyway. But allegedly it's available to handling agents in certain systems.

  14. Mika Guest

    There is a platinum benefit not mentioned - Award cancellation and changes fees are waived. Minor benefit but I take advantage of it.

    FlyingBlue is useless for any partners (potentially VS, but availability is not good). It's really only good if you want to fly AFKLM and are flexible enough to get the flights at the "base" fare.

    1. TravelinWilly Diamond

      “There is a platinum benefit not mentioned - Award cancellation and changes fees are waived.”

      This was previously noted by “No,” below. I just took advantage of this last night, nice benefit enhancement.

  15. iamhere Guest

    I'm not sure why you care about status. You even said on many of the blog posts that credit card points are more valuable than airline or hotel because fewer devaluations and reasonable choice of redemptions. As you pretty much fly business class or first, then you would get the extra benefits anyway such as the lounge access, checked bags, etc basically the benefits for having the premium level membership.

  16. Morgan Diamond

    Do AF not have a requirement for status that you have to take a certain amount of flights on their metal?

    1. Lee Guest

      No. Only Platinum Ultimate -- which is like AA CK, DL D360, and UA GS -- requires a certain number of Ultimate-qualified XPs.

  17. flying_foxy Guest

    Those of us in the UK currently have a paid status match opportunity to FlyingBlue for €99 to Gold and €399 for Plat. I did the Platinum status match a couple of weeks ago and am shocked at how much La Premiere award availability there is, in some cases up to three seats per flight (eg GRU). NYC much harder to find. The Platinum Service Line has also been excellent.

    1. Lee Guest

      As FB Platinum, can you book an F award seat for another person? (You are not flying in this scenario.) Thanks.

    2. Vinny H Guest

      Yes, you can. FB Platinum can book a ticket for themselves or another person. Officially however, there should be only 1 seat in La Première per flight (only 1 seat available per flight, not 1 seat per FB Platinum making the reservation – there are only 4 seats per flight anyway), as AF tightened the rules to make this product ultra exclusive (along with allowing only Platinum to redeem miles for a La Première seat).

      ...

      Yes, you can. FB Platinum can book a ticket for themselves or another person. Officially however, there should be only 1 seat in La Première per flight (only 1 seat available per flight, not 1 seat per FB Platinum making the reservation – there are only 4 seats per flight anyway), as AF tightened the rules to make this product ultra exclusive (along with allowing only Platinum to redeem miles for a La Première seat).

      However, it seems in practice that on some routes, Platinum members can book 2 seats, and sometimes 3 seats on some routes with low demand/sales.

  18. AdrienH Guest

    Hi Ben,
    You don't need "additional" XP to go up ... as soon as you reach 300 XP in one year you become Platinum ... and do it 10 years in a row ... you'll reach Platinum For Life

    1. Levi Diamond

      As soon as you reach 300 XP as a Gold (which entails 180 XP being deducted), you become Platinum; alternatively, if you're already Platinum, you only need 300 XP to retain.

      If you start a status year as something less than Gold, you first need to clear the Gold hurdle (and, if no status, Silver hurdle, which will likewise deduct 100 XP). Moving up in status starts a new year early, so it's not like...

      As soon as you reach 300 XP as a Gold (which entails 180 XP being deducted), you become Platinum; alternatively, if you're already Platinum, you only need 300 XP to retain.

      If you start a status year as something less than Gold, you first need to clear the Gold hurdle (and, if no status, Silver hurdle, which will likewise deduct 100 XP). Moving up in status starts a new year early, so it's not like you need 580 XP in a year (580 XP in a rolling 36 month period ensures 12 months of Platinum, though you would end up needing to substantially boost your earn rate to retain Platinum, paradoxically).

  19. JustSaying Guest

    I have never understood Frequent bloggers infatuation with airline status over focusing on the hotel stay........it's such a waste of effort for so little return...........more ego than the reality of the experience............

    1. Samo Guest

      Airline status is imho much more valuable. Priority checkin, fast track & lounge make a significant difference. You can arrive to the airport much later, and the time you spend there is much less miserable. What does a hotel status provide on the other hand? A bit more space in the room to dance?

  20. sbams Guest

    You're all forgetting the 10 years in a row Platinum = Platinum for Life status. Worth it's weight in Gold (sorry for the pun)

  21. Lee Guest

    Ben, I did the same analysis as you. Look, a business class ticket gives you every benefit SkyTeam tier status affords. SkyTeam tier status is worthless. And, for practical purposes, Air France Platinum's incremental benefit is access to first class award inventory. If you're a solo traveler, fine. If you travel as a couple, forget it. All Bilt has done is to make it easier to order a poop sandwich.

    1. Throwawayname Guest

      Status does have value when flying Y, particularly for short haul.

      Spending €700 to fly 4 segments on KLM cityhopper in a 2-2 configuration is about as effective as setting one's money on fire, and using miles isn't very good value either. On the other hand easyJet prices and getting checked in baggage, priority check in/security/baggage delivery, lounge access etc makes a lot of sense.

      Of course, Gold comes with all those benefits, so...

      Status does have value when flying Y, particularly for short haul.

      Spending €700 to fly 4 segments on KLM cityhopper in a 2-2 configuration is about as effective as setting one's money on fire, and using miles isn't very good value either. On the other hand easyJet prices and getting checked in baggage, priority check in/security/baggage delivery, lounge access etc makes a lot of sense.

      Of course, Gold comes with all those benefits, so chasing Platinum is only worthwhile for those really wanting to redeem miles for P or aiming to do it for ten years and obtain Platinum for Life status.

      I do agree that anyone who [for whatever reason] only ever flies in business class doesn't need to bother with any sort of shiny cards.

  22. Mick Guest

    Seems like great viewing material for the blog so I’m all for it!

    (Noting that it’s a lot of spend and effort just to get to the point where you can spend 200k miles to fly on la premiere).

    How does flying blue work in terms of being able to book on behalf of other people? Eg if I’m platinum who can I book into F using my miles?

    1. TravelinWilly Diamond

      “Eg if I’m platinum who can I book into F using my miles?“

      Anyone you want.

    2. Mick Guest

      Thanks!

      So why not just find a chum with FB platinum status and swap mileage awards.

    3. TravelinWilly Diamond

      You can do whatever you want. If your friend wants to get you a LP award ticket, have at it. If you want to gift your friend a couple (or several) business tickets in return, that's fair game, too.

  23. aj Guest

    Longtime reader, first-time commenter here. For what it's worth, I've had Gold status for a few years now, and get more value out of it than I would have with Delta status. If you really see a need to pursue those La Premiere awards with points and/or travel with a large entourage needing lounge access, etc. then sure, go for Platinum. But there's so much overlap between Gold and Platinum for the more average traveler...

    Longtime reader, first-time commenter here. For what it's worth, I've had Gold status for a few years now, and get more value out of it than I would have with Delta status. If you really see a need to pursue those La Premiere awards with points and/or travel with a large entourage needing lounge access, etc. then sure, go for Platinum. But there's so much overlap between Gold and Platinum for the more average traveler like me — same lounge access even on the most basic economy ticket, same Sky Priority privileges, same or similar increased baggage allowance, the free seat selection, almost all of which carries over to Delta when you fly them (except for lounge access on purely domestic Delta itineraries) — that it's not worth the stretch to accrue the extra 300 XP a year.

    I'm within striking distance of hitting Platinum this year thanks to some well-timed intra-Europe flights in KLM business class, but I don't see the value (for me!) in sweating the last dozen XP for basically the same benefits I'll already have at Gold. About the only potentially interesting perk of Platinum to me is if you can maintain it for ten years straight, you'll be granted it for life. Ben, that could be a potential plus for you, if you plan on flying more SkyTeam products...

    As Ben mentions, the opportunity to "buy" XP by purchasing carbon/renewable fuel offsets and/or donating to charities is a great side-door way to boost your status qualification too. It's a shame the XP accrual on Delta is so lousy domestically, but you can't win 'em all...

  24. Euro Gold

    Thanks for explaining/clarifying the "resetting of the elite status" timeline. I just got the Flying Blue credit card and am going to pursue airline elite status for the first time ever. And thanks for letting me know of being able to buy/donate miles in exchange for XP- it now begs the question of whether I can keep said elite status for a second year or not based on how my travel schedule and how much...

    Thanks for explaining/clarifying the "resetting of the elite status" timeline. I just got the Flying Blue credit card and am going to pursue airline elite status for the first time ever. And thanks for letting me know of being able to buy/donate miles in exchange for XP- it now begs the question of whether I can keep said elite status for a second year or not based on how my travel schedule and how much I would have to spend to keep it.

    It seems gameable, going for elite status like this (esp for gold/platinum). But I can't seem to figure it out in my head. Pass the pen and paper.

  25. Celbrian Guest

    Am a France based member. Counter doesn't reset for us at each level. All I needed to go straight to Platinum was 300 points in a year. You might want to factor that in your decision.

    1. Vinny Guest

      Whaaat???? How is that even possible? Never heard of a France-based residence exception to go straight to Platinum. It was possible before the XP scheme, where getting 70,000 Status Miles (90,000 Status Miles for Frence-based residents) within a calendar year to go straight to Platinum, but your case, never heard of.

      Can you please elaborate? Thanks

    2. Mika Guest

      Also based in France and this is not the case. Counter does reset at each level.

    3. Celbrian Guest

      Apologies: my account is actually based in NYC. I confirm, I was able to sail straight with no resets. Don't know why...

  26. Ben Holz Guest

    Another good excuse to fly UX and AR (for as long as it's alive) ;)

  27. Daniel from Finland Guest

    I believe I read somewhere that as of April, only KLM and AF flights would earn XPs and other airlines wouldn't.

    1. Euro Gold

      I read somewhere that pretty soon, XPs will no longer be granted for non-Skyteam flights.

      Whether they will still earn Flying Blue points or not I don't know. The website's language is vague.

    2. Lee Guest

      Incorrect. Read the program rules again.

    3. Seven NL Guest

      I'm pretty sure you are confusing XPs with UXPs (for FB ultimate status), which, indeed, are only earned with flights on AF and KLM.

    4. Vinny Guest

      Lots of confusion here...

      1. Flights marketed AND operated by a SkyTeam member airline will always earn XP and miles.

      2. Only flights marketed by AF or KL will earn UXP (Ultimate XP) that is a special/separate type of tier points counting towards the "Ultimate" status specific to AF/KL.

      3. Until now, Flying Blue (the loyalty program of AF, KL and some other airlines) used to have bilateral agreements with some outside airline partners (WestJet,...

      Lots of confusion here...

      1. Flights marketed AND operated by a SkyTeam member airline will always earn XP and miles.

      2. Only flights marketed by AF or KL will earn UXP (Ultimate XP) that is a special/separate type of tier points counting towards the "Ultimate" status specific to AF/KL.

      3. Until now, Flying Blue (the loyalty program of AF, KL and some other airlines) used to have bilateral agreements with some outside airline partners (WestJet, China Southern, Japan Airlines, Qantas etc...) where you could also earn XP and miles.

      Those (case 3) are the ones affected by the April 1 2024 change, whereby XP earnings will no longer be possible. Cases 1 and 2 still apply.

    5. Mika Guest

      As of april 1st, only Skyteam operated flights will earn flights AND all AFKLM Marketed flights. So for instance, CDG-AUH-SYD on Etihad ticket stock would earn 0XP but miles, but if you book with Air France, even the AUH-SYD will earn XP. UXP (for ultimate tier, which is dumb) is only earned on AFKLM marketed and operated flights.

  28. A220HubandSpoke Member

    I don't fly Delta, but if I did I would crediting flights to Flying Blue.

    I don't understand why more people don't do this.

    1. Euro Gold

      Most likely because those people already have existing Skymiles or have some sort of status with Skymiles so they want to maintain said status or keep accruing the miles in hopes they get enough to redeem for something.

    2. tipsyinmadras Diamond

      Domestic Delta flights credit really poorly to FB - at least from an XP perspective. Transcon in D1 and you'll get, what, 6XP out of it?

  29. Levi Diamond

    For the US-based flyer, buying XP via SAF is the most cost-effective way to accumulate XP. It can even be done on award tickets and will typically earn more XP than you get from the flight itself (e.g. 150+ XP on a J roundtrip across the Atlantic).

    It's not that uncommon for AF to price F awards below J awards.

    1. aj Guest

      Also: you can cash out surplus FlyingBlue miles for the SAF if you're getting to the end of your qualifying year and need a little boost.

    2. Bubba Guest

      I'd just point out that SAF is genius marketing. While press and politicians grumble that frequent flyer programs are generating tons of CO2 via pointless "mileage runs", AFKL makes the most efficient "run" one of "give us money, and we swear we'll use it to reduce your carbon footprint".

      Platinum for many years now here. It's as the others say. Gold has almost the same benefits, but if you fly a lot in Y, Platinum...

      I'd just point out that SAF is genius marketing. While press and politicians grumble that frequent flyer programs are generating tons of CO2 via pointless "mileage runs", AFKL makes the most efficient "run" one of "give us money, and we swear we'll use it to reduce your carbon footprint".

      Platinum for many years now here. It's as the others say. Gold has almost the same benefits, but if you fly a lot in Y, Platinum helps. The phone line has saved my bacon many times. I've gotten op-ups on the average of once a year.
      In the front, the difference is more subtle, as you'd expect. But if you're looking to spend miles, that's a good strategy.
      Also, a public service announcement: if you plan to transfer and spend miles to a FB account, it helps to have some activity on that account first. Remember that points fraud and theft is a thing.

  30. TKL Guest

    Don’t forget that offsetting your carbon footprint also gains XPs on both AF/KL. The amount varies per flight and attracts a fair number of XPs when you choose to pay for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), so that can often help should you be trying to do an XP run to gain Platinum status.

  31. Copper Guest

    How much real spend do you put on Bilt to get platinum?

  32. Super Diamond

    I'd argue going for Platinum is very much in the spirit of this blog. Remember the "good ol days" where we'd all yearn to use our hard earned Hyatt points at Park Hyatt Paris? There's still some fun in learning an entirely new program so that one can redeem points for the aspirational AF First Class. It's not like AA cares about your loyalty any more... so go for Flying Blue.

    1. Super Diamond

      Sorry to double-post but forgot to say: I'm increasingly becoming interested in "alternative" loyalty program strategies since the big US 3 are only chasing CC spenders now. I'd be interested to see your tips on how and why you should chase loyalty in non-American programs. For example, I'm very interested in JAL because I've heard that once you get OneWorld Sapphire, it's very easy to maintain that status. Also, would love the perk of having...

      Sorry to double-post but forgot to say: I'm increasingly becoming interested in "alternative" loyalty program strategies since the big US 3 are only chasing CC spenders now. I'd be interested to see your tips on how and why you should chase loyalty in non-American programs. For example, I'm very interested in JAL because I've heard that once you get OneWorld Sapphire, it's very easy to maintain that status. Also, would love the perk of having JAL status to access AA lounges on domestic flights + their fantastic redemption opportunities.

    2. 305 Guest

      +1 for being curious about alternatives to get alliance status, especially Oneworld. I had OW Sapphire with another program a few years back and having Flagship access at MIA/other hubs was infinitely more valuable than the slim chance of an upgrade.

      I'm looking at Royal Air Maroc. For just $800 between airfare and status boost fee, I can be around 75% of the way to OW Sapphire with just one RT to CMN/Southern Europe...

      +1 for being curious about alternatives to get alliance status, especially Oneworld. I had OW Sapphire with another program a few years back and having Flagship access at MIA/other hubs was infinitely more valuable than the slim chance of an upgrade.

      I'm looking at Royal Air Maroc. For just $800 between airfare and status boost fee, I can be around 75% of the way to OW Sapphire with just one RT to CMN/Southern Europe on their metal. Credit an additional 10k worth of AA flying and that's it! I don't think I know of an easier way through a different program

  33. Ken Guest

    Left Delta this year to get to FB platinum. Still prefer Delta over UA or AA domestically but Delta really made it difficult to stay in that programme since last year.

    1. ZTravel Member

      The more we talk about this the more the Delta overlords will hear us and put an end to US residents getting FB credits on Delta flights. They are watching and they are not nice ;)

    2. Jim Lovejoy Guest

      Maybe they've already heard. I've been trying to add my Virgin Atlantic # to a Delta flight for a month, and it's always said 'unable to save your request now'

      I'd like my free baggage thank you very much.

  34. BobTL Guest

    In practice , there is not much difference between Platinum and Gold. There used to be the benefit of choosing economy comfort seats for free being Platinum but these seats are now also available for Gold members 72 hrs before departure.
    There is a Platinum service line that is the biggest benefit of Platinum. Very valuable in case of irrops.
    Just FYI, there is good availability for IAD-CDG-xxx flights for as little as...

    In practice , there is not much difference between Platinum and Gold. There used to be the benefit of choosing economy comfort seats for free being Platinum but these seats are now also available for Gold members 72 hrs before departure.
    There is a Platinum service line that is the biggest benefit of Platinum. Very valuable in case of irrops.
    Just FYI, there is good availability for IAD-CDG-xxx flights for as little as 160.000 miles in La Premiere. A good alternative when choosing to fly F ex-East coast.

    1. TravelinWilly Diamond

      100% agree.

      The only material difference between gold and plat is that plats get to fly LP on award tix, plus the plat phone line.

  35. Marc Guest

    I have been Flying Blue Platinum for several years now. It was never my intention to reach that level as Gold is solid. I hit Platinum unintentionally due to a lot of flying in 2019 and it was easy to keep given status extensions and double XP during the pandemic. The main difference between Gold and Platinum is having access to the platinum service line. This is an invaluable benefit I have used a lot...

    I have been Flying Blue Platinum for several years now. It was never my intention to reach that level as Gold is solid. I hit Platinum unintentionally due to a lot of flying in 2019 and it was easy to keep given status extensions and double XP during the pandemic. The main difference between Gold and Platinum is having access to the platinum service line. This is an invaluable benefit I have used a lot and is great when things don’t go to plan.

    I also just booked my first miles upgrade to La Première and am looking forward to it. It was 75,000 miles which I thought was a steal (flying on a cash business class ticket). This is out of Dulles in July. That route seems to consistently also have award seats for around 150,000 miles over the coming months. Which is still great value compared to the advertised minimum redemption rate. If you do reach Platinum and are eyeing up La Première I would keep an eye on this route. Good luck!

  36. No Guest

    Platinum members also have the ability to avoid award cancel/redeposit fees.

    1. TravelinWilly Diamond

      Really?

      This plat has had to pay €50 for every cancelled award redeposit.

    2. TravelinWilly Diamond

      Ah! Got it, thank you, No.

    3. Levi Diamond

      On February 1, they raised the award cancel fee to 70 euro and added the Platinum waiver.

  37. eli Guest

    Great post. Ben does Bild approve easy?

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Alec Member

And those who fly private are laughing at you thinking you’re so high and mighty and better than travel bloggers

2
Super Diamond

I'd argue going for Platinum is very much in the spirit of this blog. Remember the "good ol days" where we'd all yearn to use our hard earned Hyatt points at Park Hyatt Paris? There's still some fun in learning an entirely new program so that one can redeem points for the aspirational AF First Class. It's not like AA cares about your loyalty any more... so go for Flying Blue.

2
BobTL Guest

In practice , there is not much difference between Platinum and Gold. There used to be the benefit of choosing economy comfort seats for free being Platinum but these seats are now also available for Gold members 72 hrs before departure. There is a Platinum service line that is the biggest benefit of Platinum. Very valuable in case of irrops. Just FYI, there is good availability for IAD-CDG-xxx flights for as little as 160.000 miles in La Premiere. A good alternative when choosing to fly F ex-East coast.

2
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