Several weeks ago, the Air France-KLM Flying Blue program announced plans to improve its mileage expiration policy, in a way that most members will certainly appreciate. This change is now live, so members should see their accounts properly updated to reflect this.
In this post:
Flying Blue updates 24-month mileage expiration policy
Prior to today (through May 3, 2026), the mileage expiration policy for Air France-KLM Flying Blue was as follows:
- Miles expired after 24 months of inactivity (though this didn’t apply to Flying Blue elite members, for as long as they maintained their status)
- Only select activity could reset the expiration of miles, including crediting a flight to the program, or earning miles with a co-branded card
- Other mileage earning activity, like moving over points from a transferable points currency, wouldn’t reset the expiration of miles
This policy has finally changed. As of today (May 4, 2026), Flying Blue is using the same 24-month mileage expiration policy for all miles earned. In other words, all miles have one expiration date, and any activity that involves earning miles resets that expiration. These new rules apply to miles earned both before and after that date, and accounts should be updated to now show the correct expiration date.
For what it’s worth, this is the first time that Flying Blue has meaningfully updated its mileage expiration policy since 2017. At that time, we saw the period of inactivity before miles expire increase from 20 months to 24 months.
This is a sensible policy change from Flying Blue
I’m very happy to see Flying Blue update its policy, since it means that you can now extend the expiration of your miles simply by moving over a small number of points from a transferable currency. This new policy isn’t only more generous, but it’s also just more straightforward, as I know the old policy confused a lot of people.
It’s nice to see positive changes from a program, without a catch. For that matter, I’ll add that I think a two-year mileage expiration policy is perfectly fair. Personally, I don’t care much if programs have miles that don’t expire, since ultimately I’d rather they invest more in other areas, for engaged members (keeping in mind that every perk comes with a tradeoff and opportunity cost).
Bottom line
The Air France-KLM Flying Blue program has improved its mileage expiration policy. Effective immediately (as of May 4, 2026), all Flying Blue miles no longer expire as long as there’s some earning activity every 24 months.
Under the old policy, only select earning activity (including crediting flights and spending on a Flying Blue credit card) could extend the expiration of miles, while miles earned through other means couldn’t be used to extend the expiration of miles.
What do you make of this Flying Blue mileage expiration policy change?
I don't see how this is an improvement, it will just make more cc miles hang around the system, at the expense of actual frequent flyers. It only took one flight in two years to extend miles under the old policy...
you are on the wrong blog if you want to appeal to people who pay cash for tickets
While the exp policy is a major improvement
Ive noticed a number of things 500k and 600 k one way awards in business class with 800 plus dollar fees and taxes
A deal with these crooks is 200k and up
And SAS if you can find an award is always in coach I used to book business class when they were with Star Alliance
I'm not sure what all the positive...
While the exp policy is a major improvement
Ive noticed a number of things 500k and 600 k one way awards in business class with 800 plus dollar fees and taxes
A deal with these crooks is 200k and up
And SAS if you can find an award is always in coach I used to book business class when they were with Star Alliance
I'm not sure what all the positive feedback is on this program
I booked a business class award on United for 88,000 miles and a BA business award on AA for 57k on an a350 back from Europe
Flying Blue Customer service typically sucks and they are an absolute rip off on redemption unless flying in the dead of winter
They didn't seem criminal years ago but now?KLM is good but not 500 k one way good (roll eyes).Sorry Flying Blue I'm out
This is awesome. I wish all airlines would make frequent changes to mileage programs. Why not? Why join a program unless frequent changes are made?
My eco date hadn’t changed and it’s 10 days shy of 2 years since my last flight (and no subsequent transfers).
Great news, now I see my miles expiring date extended by 24 months.
You have not explained correctly. There are two types of FB miles: 1) miles from flights and AF/KLM credit card activity, and 2) miles from transfers from credit card programs. 1) miles could be extended by flights and credit card activity, whereas 2) miles can be extended by transfers. If you transfer miles from credit card programs and also credit a flight, all your miles become type 1) miles.
Apparently this has changed now,...
You have not explained correctly. There are two types of FB miles: 1) miles from flights and AF/KLM credit card activity, and 2) miles from transfers from credit card programs. 1) miles could be extended by flights and credit card activity, whereas 2) miles can be extended by transfers. If you transfer miles from credit card programs and also credit a flight, all your miles become type 1) miles.
Apparently this has changed now, but you have not clearly explained the change
I believe Flying Blue (or Air France specifically) has a relatively new EVP for customer experience. Just a few years in the saddle. He has really done good things for members. Puts British Airways to shame. To the extent that I'll endure a connection over a direct flight.
Flying blue kindly gave me the opportunity to renew 196k flying blue miles that expired 6 months before (I know, I’m an idiot). I credited a Qantas flight to them (they gave me 6 months to achieve it).
Absolute legends (all done via WhatsApp).
Enough points for my family of five to fly Sydney to Bali return in economy, as well as a solo return trip in business (with a 5k top up).
Great to see. Man, I wish some of these Asian airlines would pay attention, ESPECIALLY Singapore.
Hard expiration dates with no way to renew, is just ridiculous. Basically, on the people with the credit card (which they don't even offer in most of the West) or their highest Elites, can build mileage with them. What a stupid program!
Yay. Good update.