In recent years, the quest for airline elite status has changed, with numerous travelers perceiving diminished value in conventional programs. Nevertheless, the Air France-KLM Flying Blue program distinguishes itself as a distinctive and captivating choice for individuals aspiring to achieve elite status. This article examines the prerequisites, advantages, and tactics for attaining Flying Blue elite status, with a particular emphasis on the Platinum tier.
**Flying Blue Elite Status Requirements**
Flying Blue utilizes “XP” (experience points) as the exclusive measure for attaining status, removing the necessity for a minimum flight count on Air France-KLM. The tier criteria are as follows:
– 100 XPs for Silver status
– 180 additional XPs for Gold status
– 300 additional XPs for Platinum status
The program offers a more refined approach, resetting your XP total upon reaching each status tier, thereby simplifying advancement. To retain status, the same XP totals are required each year.
Additional features comprise:
– Lifetime Platinum status after a decade of consecutive membership
– Rollover XPs up to 300, prolonging Platinum status for one additional year
– Ultimate status needing 900 UXPs, obtainable solely through Air France-KLM flights
**How to Earn XPs**
XPs can be accrued via flights on Air France-KLM and SkyTeam affiliates. Short-haul international flights provide a significant XP return. For instance:
– Delta business class from Tampa to New York: 12 XPs
– Air France business class from Frankfurt to London via Paris: 60 XPs
XPs can also be obtained through the purchase of sustainable aviation fuel, carbon offsets, and donations. The Flying Blue credit card grants up to 160 XPs yearly through expenditures.
**Flying Blue Elite Status Perks**
Each tier delivers additional benefits:
– **Silver:** 6x miles for every € spent, priority services, free standard seat selection, additional checked baggage
– **Gold:** 7x miles per €, SkyTeam Elite Plus status with lounge access, premium seating options
– **Platinum:** Access to Air France first class awards (at high mileage costs), increased business class award availability
**My Flying Blue Elite Status Strategy**
Starting from scratch, I utilized Bilt Rewards to obtain Gold status, needing merely 300 XPs for Platinum. I applied for the Flying Blue credit card to secure an initial 100 XPs and accumulated the remainder through flights and sustainable fuel purchases. Moving forward, my plan is to earn 160 XPs annually via the credit card and enhance that with SkyTeam flights.
**Conclusion**
Flying Blue presents a significant SkyTeam program with advantages such as greater business class award accessibility and SkyTeam Elite Plus benefits. Although first class awards require substantial mileage, the program’s flexibility and earning opportunities render it an appealing option for frequent travelers.