Air France-KLM Flying Blue: 242 questions answered
Everything members ask about Air France-KLM Flying Blue, answered from Air France and KLM's own program pages, terms and help centre. Each answer names its source; 57 answers rely on a secondary source where the airline's page could not be read, and say so.
Written and reviewed by the Points Plug team. Last reviewed .
Joining and managing your account
Signing up, membership numbers, logins, profiles and closing an account.
How do I join Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
Create a free Flying Blue account online at airfrance.us or klm.com (the "Create an account" link opens the enrolment form) or in the Air France or KLM app. You start at Explorer level and can earn from your first flight.
Source: KLM: Discover Flying Blue
Does it cost anything to join Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
No. KLM describes Flying Blue as a free loyalty programme, and there is no enrolment or annual fee.
Source: KLM: Flying Blue overview
Is there a minimum age to join Air France-KLM Flying Blue, and can children have their own account?
The terms (art. 1.3.1) open Flying Blue to anyone aged two or older, subject to parental or guardian approval for minors, so children can hold their own account. Companies and other legal entities cannot join.
Source: Air France: Flying Blue general terms and conditions
Where do I find my Air France-KLM Flying Blue membership number?
Your Flying Blue number is issued the moment your application is accepted, together with a password for the online services (art. 1.3.6). It shows in your profile on klm.com or airfrance.us and in the app, and it is what you add to every booking so Miles credit automatically.
Source: Air France: Flying Blue general terms and conditions
Does Air France-KLM Flying Blue issue a physical membership card, and do I need one?
The terms refer to a Membership Card "including the digital card", which is what you see in the Air France and KLM apps; a lost, stolen or damaged card must be reported to the Customer Service Centre and is replaced (art. 1.4.5). You do not need it to earn: KLM says all you have to do is give your Flying Blue number when booking.
Source: Air France: Flying Blue general terms and conditions
Does Air France and KLM have an app for managing Air France-KLM Flying Blue, and what can it do?
Yes. Both the Air France and KLM apps (iOS, Android and Huawei AppGallery) let you log in to your Flying Blue account, see your Miles and XP counters and book with Miles.
Source: Air France: Discover Flying Blue
I accidentally created two Air France-KLM Flying Blue accounts. Can they be merged?
The terms allow only one account per person (art. 1.3.2). If Flying Blue finds duplicates it terminates the account with fewer accumulated benefits and transfers its balance to the account it keeps, so contact customer service to have them merged.
Source: Air France: Flying Blue general terms and conditions
How do I close my Air France-KLM Flying Blue account, and what happens to my miles?
Either you or Flying Blue can terminate membership (art. 1.2.2). After a termination notice you have six months, or until your Miles would have expired if sooner, to use the Miles; anything left is cancelled.
Source: Air France: Flying Blue general terms and conditions
Can I join Air France-KLM Flying Blue if I live outside the airline's home country?
Yes. Membership is open to anyone with a mailing address in a country where the programme is offered (art. 1.3.1), and Air France and KLM run country-specific sites for enrolment.
Source: Air France: Flying Blue general terms and conditions
How do I update my email, address or phone number with Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
Update your details in your online Flying Blue profile (klm.com/profile or the Air France site). The terms require you to notify Flying Blue of any change of address without undue delay (art. 1.3.3).
Source: Air France: Flying Blue general terms and conditions
What do I do if I am locked out of my Air France-KLM Flying Blue account?
Use the "I forgot my Flying Blue password" route on flyingblue.com (contact-us/forgot_password) or the password reset on airfrance.us or klm.com to get a reset link by e-mail. If the account was blocked because Air France-KLM spotted suspicious logins, their account terms say they block it immediately and contact you at your registered e-mail address, so check that inbox and follow up with customer service.
Source: KLM: Terms and conditions for Air France-KLM accounts
If I join Air France-KLM Flying Blue after a flight, can I still claim miles for it?
Yes. Flying Blue accepts retroactive claims for XP and Miles up to six months after the flight (art. 2.6), filed through the online retro claim form once you have a membership number.
Source: Air France: Flying Blue general terms and conditions
Does Air France and KLM have a separate program for small businesses, and can I earn in both?
Yes: BlueBiz is the free Air France-KLM programme for companies (legally registered businesses, not travel agencies). Once the company passes EUR 5,000 of eligible spend in a calendar year it earns 3 blue credits per EUR 100 of fare on Air France, KLM, Transavia, Delta and partner tickets, each credit worth about USD 1 towards tickets and upgrades. The traveller still earns their own Flying Blue Miles on a ticket paid with blue credits, though a ticket paid with Miles earns no blue credits.
Earning on Air France and KLM flights
What a ticket earns, which fares are excluded, elite bonuses and posting times.
How are miles calculated on Air France and KLM flights: by fare paid, by distance, or by a fixed amount?
By fare paid. On Air France and KLM flights you earn a fixed number of Miles per euro of ticket price (carrier surcharge included, other taxes and fees excluded): 4 Miles per euro as Explorer, 6 Silver, 7 Gold, 8 Platinum and 9 Ultimate. XP for status are fixed per flight by cabin and distance.
How many miles do I earn per dollar (or per mile flown) on Air France and KLM?
Explorer members earn 4 Miles per euro of fare, Silver 6, Gold 7, Platinum 8 and Ultimate 9. Air France gives the example of a 150 euro fare earning 1,050 Miles for a Gold member.
Do basic economy or light fares on Air France and KLM earn miles?
Yes, Light and Basic fares earn Miles on the fare paid at your normal per-euro rate. For XP, medium-haul Light and Standard Economy earn 5 XP, Economy Basic earns 2 XP and Economy Flex earns 7 XP.
What elite bonus do status members earn on Air France and KLM flights?
Status raises the per-euro rate on Air France, KLM and Transavia flights: 6 Miles per euro at Silver, 7 at Gold, 8 at Platinum and 9 at Ultimate, against 4 for Explorer. On SkyTeam and other partner flights elites earn 20% (Silver), 30% (Gold), 40% (Platinum) or 50% (Ultimate) more Miles.
How long after a flight do miles post to my Air France-KLM Flying Blue account?
KLM says Miles are added to your counter within 24 hours after your flight. If they do not appear, file a retroactive claim within six months.
Do award tickets earn miles or status credit on Air France and KLM?
No. Reward Tickets are excluded from Miles and XP accrual under art. 2.4 of the terms.
Source: Air France: Flying Blue general terms and conditions
Which Air France and KLM tickets earn no miles at all?
Reward Tickets, travel-industry reduced rates, and free or non-revenue tickets earn no Miles or XP (art. 2.4). Unused, forfeited, lost, expired or refunded tickets earn nothing either, and flights cancelled for weather, strikes or government directives are not credited (arts. 2.5 and 2.7).
Source: Air France: Flying Blue general terms and conditions
Do taxes, fees and surcharges on an Air France and KLM ticket earn miles?
Only partly. KLM states you earn Miles on each euro of the ticket price including the carrier surcharge but excluding other taxes and fees.
If I upgrade a ticket on Air France and KLM, do I earn miles on the original fare or the upgraded cabin?
On the original fare. Art. 2.8 of the terms says that in case of upgrades, XP and Miles are awarded on the initially purchased fare, not the class actually flown. A paid last-minute upgrade option does itself earn Miles on the euros spent for it on Air France-operated flights.
Source: Air France: Flying Blue general terms and conditions
Do infant or child tickets on Air France and KLM earn miles?
Child fares do, lap-infant fares do not. Flying Blue membership starts at age two (art. 1.3.1), so a child of 2 to 11 on KLM's reduced child fare can hold their own account and earn Miles per euro like an adult, while a baby under two on the strongly reduced lap fare cannot be a member and the fare earns nothing for the parent either (Miles go only to the person who travels, art. 2.7).
Source: Air France: Flying Blue general terms and conditions
Do group bookings, tour packages or charter flights on Air France and KLM earn miles?
Group fares do: KLM's group travel page lists earning your personal Flying Blue Miles (or blue credits for your company) among the benefits of a group booking of 10 or more. Tour-operator and charter fares are a different matter: art. 2.4 of the terms lets Flying Blue reduce or exclude accrual on specific booking classes and flight numbers, and industry-rate or free tickets earn nothing.
Do employee, industry or heavily discounted fares on Air France and KLM earn miles?
No. Travel-industry reduced rates and free or non-revenue tickets are excluded from Miles and XP accrual (art. 2.4).
Source: Air France: Flying Blue general terms and conditions
How do I add my Air France-KLM Flying Blue number to an existing Air France and KLM booking?
The terms credit Miles and XP whoever paid for the ticket, as long as your Flying Blue number is supplied at booking, ticketing or check-in (art. 2.1), so add it in My Trip or at online check-in before you fly. Otherwise claim within six months afterwards.
Source: Air France: Flying Blue general terms and conditions
Does Air France and KLM have a calculator to estimate miles for a flight?
Earning is simple enough not to need one: fare in euros (carrier surcharge included) times 4, 6, 7, 8 or 9 Miles depending on your level. For award prices, Air France points to a Miles price estimator on the Flying Blue site.
Earning on partner airlines
Which airlines credit to the program, how much they earn and the rules for booking classes.
Which airlines can I credit to Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
All SkyTeam airlines, plus non-alliance partners Air Corsica, Air Mauritius, airBaltic, Aircalin, Chalair, China Southern, Copa, El Al, Etihad, GOL, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Oman Air, Qantas, Transavia, WestJet and Winair. Bangkok Airways is redeem-only.
Source: The Points Guy: non-alliance airline partners (secondary source)
How are miles calculated on partner airline flights credited to Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
Partner flights are not fare-based: Miles are calculated from distance flown, cabin and airline, with elite members earning 20% to 50% more depending on level.
Source: KLM: Flying Blue earning details
Which booking classes on partner airlines earn miles in Air France-KLM Flying Blue, and which earn nothing?
On SkyTeam and other partner airlines Miles are calculated from distance flown, cabin or booking class and the airline, with a status bonus of 20 percent for Silver up to 50 percent for Ultimate, unlike the per-euro earning on Air France, KLM and Transavia. Art. 2.4 of the terms lets Flying Blue reduce or exclude accrual on specific booking classes, so the deepest discount classes on some partners earn little or nothing; each partner's table on flyingblue.com lists the exact percentages.
Do partner airline flights count toward elite status in Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
Yes. XP are earned on all eligible flights with Air France, KLM and SkyTeam partners, based on cabin and flight type. UXP for Ultimate, however, come only from Air France and KLM flights.
Which non-alliance airlines partner with Air France-KLM Flying Blue for earning?
Air Corsica, Air Mauritius, airBaltic, Aircalin, Chalair Aviation, China Southern, Copa Airlines, El Al, Etihad Airways, GOL, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Oman Air, Qantas, Transavia, WestJet and Winair all earn Flying Blue Miles.
Source: The Points Guy: non-alliance airline partners (secondary source)
How long do partner airline flights take to post to Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
KLM says Miles from its own flights land within 24 hours; partner airline flights are not given a timeline and typically need longer, so give them a couple of weeks before using the online Claim missing Miles form, which stays open for six months after the flight.
Source: KLM: Earning Miles
Can I credit different flights on the same ticket to different programs, or must the whole ticket go to Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
The whole booking goes to one programme. Art. 2.10 of the Flying Blue terms lets a member use only one loyalty programme per booking for earning or redeeming, so you cannot send some flights on a booking to Flying Blue and others to another scheme, and once a booking has been credited to Flying Blue, even for zero Miles or XP, it cannot be withdrawn on request.
Do Air France-KLM Flying Blue elite members earn a bonus on partner airline flights?
Yes. On SkyTeam and other partner airlines Silver members earn 20% more Miles, Gold 30%, Platinum 40% and Ultimate 50%.
Source: KLM: Flying Blue earning details
Where does Air France and KLM publish the partner earning charts for Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
The per-airline earning tables live on flyingblue.com under Earn > Partners (one page per airline), which the KLM and Air France earning pages link to.
Can I earn miles on trains, buses or ferries through Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
The rail tie-up works on the spend side rather than the earn side: Miles convert into SNCF TGV INOUI vouchers (25 to 100 euros) in the Flying Blue Store, and Train+Air and KLM Air&Rail rail legs are sold as part of an Air France or KLM ticket. Neither airline's pages describe earning Miles on stand-alone train, bus or ferry tickets.
Source: Air France corporate: 30 years of SNCF Voyageurs partnership
Missing miles and retroactive claims
What to do when a flight does not post, the claim window, and what the airline needs.
How long after a flight can I claim missing miles from Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
Six months. All claims for retroactive XP or Miles must be made within six months of the flight or transaction (art. 2.6).
Source: Air France: Flying Blue general terms and conditions
How do I file a missing miles claim with Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
Use the online retro claim form on flyingblue.com (Claim missing Miles), linked from the KLM earning page, within six months of the flight. Miles normally post within 24 hours, so wait a couple of days first.
What information does Air France-KLM Flying Blue need for a missing miles claim?
Keep your boarding passes and passenger receipts (e-ticket): art. 2.9 makes it the member's responsibility to retain them for any retroactive credit. Partner claims must be supported by the relevant documents and can be sent to the Customer Service Centre or filed on the partner's site (art. 1.4.6), within six months of the flight.
Source: Air France: Flying Blue general terms and conditions
How do I claim missing miles for a partner airline flight in Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
The same six-month window applies to partner flights (art. 2.6 covers any flight or transaction); submit the flight through the online retro claim form with your ticket number.
Source: Air France: Flying Blue general terms and conditions
Can I claim miles for flights taken before I joined Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
Yes, for recent flights: the terms allow retroactive claims for XP and Miles up to six months after the flight or transaction (art. 1.4.6), and nothing requires you to have been a member on the travel date, so join, then file the online retro claim with your ticket number and boarding pass details. Anything older than six months is lost. See claim missing miles.
Source: Air France: Flying Blue general terms and conditions
My flight was credited to the wrong program. Can Air France-KLM Flying Blue move the miles?
Flying Blue will not move it. Art. 2.10 of its terms allows only one loyalty programme per booking, and a booking once credited to Flying Blue, even with zero Miles or XP, cannot be withdrawn on request, so a flight credited to Flying Blue by mistake stays there. If it went to another programme instead, that programme has to reverse it before Flying Blue can credit it, and the retro claim must be made within six months of the flight (art. 1.4.6).
What can I do if Air France-KLM Flying Blue rejects a missing miles claim?
The terms make Flying Blue's sole remedy for a wrongly denied credit the issue of the disputed Miles or XP, or a comparable benefit at its discretion (art. 1.7.3). Raise it again through the KLM or Air France complaint form with the ticket and boarding pass.
Source: Air France: Flying Blue general terms and conditions
Credit cards and bank transfers
Co-brand cards, transferable points, ratios and timing.
Which banks issue Air France-KLM Flying Blue credit cards, and in which countries?
In the United States the Air France KLM Visa Signature card is issued by Bank of America. KLM notes co-branded Flying Blue cards exist in select other markets.
How many miles per dollar do Air France-KLM Flying Blue credit cards earn?
The Bank of America Air France KLM Visa Signature earns 3 Miles per dollar on Air France, KLM and SkyTeam purchases, 3 per dollar on dining and 1.5 per dollar on everything else, with no foreign transaction fees.
What sign-up bonus do Air France-KLM Flying Blue credit cards typically offer?
As of 2026 the Air France KLM Visa Signature offers 70,000 bonus Miles plus 100 XP after $3,000 of purchases in the first 90 days.
Can credit card spending earn elite status or tier credit in Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
Yes. The US Visa Signature gives 20 XP each account anniversary and up to 160 XP a year with qualifying spend, and the sign-up bonus includes 100 XP, which alone reaches Silver.
Which bank points transfer to Air France-KLM Flying Blue, and at what ratio?
Amex Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou, Capital One, Bilt and Wells Fargo all transfer 1:1; Marriott Bonvoy transfers 3:1 with a 5,000-Mile bonus per 60,000 points; Accor ALL transfers 1:1 (2,000 minimum). Hilton (10:1), Hyatt (1,250:500), IHG (5:1) and Best Western (6:1) also convert.
Source: AwardWallet: Flying Blue transfer partners (secondary source)
How long do bank point transfers to Air France-KLM Flying Blue take?
Transfers from Amex, Chase, Citi and Capital One post immediately. Marriott takes one to three days and Accor ALL about ten days.
Source: AwardWallet: Flying Blue transfer partners (secondary source)
Can I transfer miles back out of Air France-KLM Flying Blue to a bank program?
Not to a bank. Art. 1.4.7 of the Flying Blue terms says Miles cannot be transferred, assigned or combined with any other account except within a Flying Blue Family or where Flying Blue itself provides for it. The one outbound conversion is to Accor: its ALL partnership page lists 4,000 Flying Blue Miles converting into 1,000 ALL Reward points.
Does Air France-KLM Flying Blue run transfer bonuses from bank programs?
Regularly. Amex Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards and Citi ThankYou have each run 20 to 25 percent Flying Blue transfer bonuses several times in recent years, Capital One has offered 20 percent, Bilt up to 150 percent in a one-day promotion and Accor ALL 30 percent (December 2025). They come round a few times a year, so if a redemption is not urgent it can pay to wait for one. See transfer partners.
Source: Frequent Miler: Current point transfer bonuses (secondary source)
Must the bank account and Air France-KLM Flying Blue account be in the same name for a transfer?
Yes, at least at Capital One: its transfer guide says the name on your Capital One account has to match the name on the travel loyalty account, so Venture miles can only go to a Flying Blue account in your own name. Transfers to Flying Blue run at 1:1 from a 1,000-mile minimum and cannot be reversed once completed.
Do Air France-KLM Flying Blue credit cards have annual fees, and what perks offset them?
The Air France KLM Visa Signature has an $89 annual fee, offset by 5,000 anniversary Miles (after $50 of spend), 20 anniversary XP, no foreign transaction fees and 3x earning on Air France, KLM, SkyTeam and dining.
Do any Air France-KLM Flying Blue credit cards include a companion fare or free flight certificate?
No. The US card's listed perks are Miles, XP, anniversary Miles and no foreign transaction fees; there is no companion fare or flight certificate.
Is there a business credit card for Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
Not in the US or Canada. KLM's credit card page offers only the Air France KLM Visa Signature from Bank of America and mentions no business card, and Air France Canada's card page likewise lists only the World Elite Mastercard issued by Brim Financial.
Source: KLM: Flying Blue credit card
Can I get a Air France-KLM Flying Blue credit card if I live outside the United States?
Yes in Canada: Air France Canada offers the Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard, issued by Brim Financial, which earns 1 Mile per dollar (2 on food and drink), 5 extra Miles per euro on Air France and KLM tickets, and 30 XP a year plus 30 bonus XP in the first year. The Bank of America Air France KLM Visa Signature, by contrast, is for residents of the US and its territories only, according to KLM's credit card page.
Source: Air France Canada: Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard
Earning without flying
Shopping portals, dining, hotels, cars, rideshare, surveys and buying miles.
Does Air France-KLM Flying Blue have an online shopping portal, and how does it work?
Yes, Flying Blue Shop for Miles (earnonline.flyingblue.com) covers 480-plus brands in 12 countries including the US, UK, France and Netherlands; log in first, then click through to the retailer. Miles show as pending and post within 48 hours of the retailer approving the sale, which can take 90 to 120 days; missing-Miles claims must be made within 90 days.
Does Air France-KLM Flying Blue have a dining rewards program?
Through its online shopping portal: the Food & Drink section of Flying Blue Earning Online (earnonline.flyingblue.com) pays, as of September 2026 on the US site, 84 Miles per $10 at Restaurant.com and 8 Miles per $10 at Darden Restaurants, and meal kits earn per subscription: 1,264 Miles at HelloFresh, Green Chef or EveryPlate and 632 at Blue Apron. Food and wine retailers such as Omaha Steaks (13 Miles per $10) and wine.com (25 Miles per $10) sit in the same section.
Which hotel chains earn miles in Air France-KLM Flying Blue, and can hotel points be converted?
Accor stays earn 1 Mile per euro once accounts are linked, and Hyatt gives 500 Miles per stay. Hotel points convert in: Accor ALL 1:1, Marriott 3:1, Hyatt 1,250:500, Hilton 10:1, IHG 10,000:2,000, Best Western 6:1, Choice 5:1 and Shangri-La 1:1.
Source: AwardWallet: Flying Blue transfer partners (secondary source)
Which car rental companies earn miles in Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
Hertz is the car rental partner: KLM's partner page says renting with Hertz, Thrifty or Dollar through KLM earns up to 12 Miles per euro, with 15% off Hertz and 10% off Thrifty rentals worldwide, and CarTrawler airport transfers booked there earn Miles too. Flying Blue Ultimate members also get a Hertz Platinum Card, according to KLM's membership-levels page.
Source: KLM: Booking hotels, cars and tours via KLM partners
Can I buy miles from Air France-KLM Flying Blue, at what price, and is there a yearly cap?
Yes, through the Miles Hub in 2,000-Mile increments from a 2,000 minimum. Explorer members can buy up to 100,000 Miles per calendar year while elites have no annual cap; Miles post within 72 hours and a full purchase can be withdrawn within 14 days. Base price is about 3.2 cents a Mile, falling to 1.69 cents in the 80% bonus sales.
Source: AwardWallet: buying Flying Blue Miles (secondary source)
Does Air France-KLM Flying Blue run bonus promotions on buying miles?
Yes, frequently. The autumn 2026 sale offered up to an 80% bonus (1.69 cents per Mile on 25,000 or more) until 16 September, and a separate Multiply your Miles offer let members buy up to 16x the Miles they had earned between January and May 2026.
Source: AwardWallet: buying Flying Blue Miles (secondary source)
Can I gift miles to another Air France-KLM Flying Blue member?
Yes. You can transfer Miles to another member from the Miles Hub; a fee applies that depends on the amount, and the Miles arrive within 72 hours. Air France also sells gift Miles.
Source: KLM: Spending Flying Blue Miles
Are there phone, internet, energy or subscription partners that earn miles in Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
Flying Blue's everyday partners are retail rather than utilities: there is no phone-plan, broadband, energy or subscription partner announced, but since June 2026 members in the US, UK, France and Netherlands earn Miles on every iPhone, iPad, MacBook or Apple Watch bought through the dedicated Apple storefronts (for example us.apple.flyingblue.com), shipped directly by Apple.
Source: Air France-KLM newsroom: Miles on every Apple device purchase
Can I earn miles on fuel or groceries with Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
No fuel or supermarket partner is offered. The closest everyday-spend partner is Amazon, where members in France, the Netherlands and Sweden earn 3 Miles per euro (books, gift cards, game consoles and tobacco products excluded); elsewhere everyday earning runs through the co-branded cards and the Flying Blue Store.
Source: Air France-KLM newsroom: Flying Blue and Amazon expand ways to earn Miles
Can I earn miles on Airbnb, vacation rentals or cruises with Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
Vacation rentals yes, through Booking.com rather than Airbnb: KLM's partner page pays 2 Miles per euro on stays booked through its Booking.com link, which covers more than a million hotels, apartments and villas. The same page lists Hertz car rental, GetYourGuide tours and CarTrawler transfers as earning partners but no Airbnb or cruise partner.
Source: KLM: Booking hotels, cars and tours via KLM partners
Does in-flight Wi-Fi, duty free or onboard purchases earn miles on Air France and KLM?
Paid extras such as extra baggage, seats and à la carte meals earn Miles at your usual per-euro rate, but Wi-Fi is not among the listed earning extras; on KLM it is instead a member perk (free Message Pass on long-haul, free Wi-Fi Pass on European flights). Duty-free and other onboard purchases are not listed as Miles-earning on the KLM earning page.
Source: KLM: Earning Miles
Where does Air France-KLM Flying Blue list its current earning promotions?
Earning offers are listed under Earn on flyingblue.com, and the monthly discounted Promo Rewards appear on the rewards page (flyingblue.com/en/spend/flights/rewards).
Source: KLM: Spending Flying Blue Miles
Elite status
Tiers, how to qualify, the year cycle, matches and what each level gets.
What are the elite status tiers in Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
Five levels: Explorer (entry), Silver, Gold, Platinum and Flying Blue Ultimate.
How do I qualify for elite status in Air France-KLM Flying Blue: by spending, segments, distance or points?
By XP (Experience Points), which are fixed per flight by cabin and distance band rather than by spend, plus a few extras such as credit card XP and 1 XP per 10 euros of sustainable aviation fuel. Ultimate uses UXP earned only on Air France and KLM.
What are the qualification thresholds for each Air France-KLM Flying Blue tier?
Silver needs 100 XP, then 180 XP more for Gold and 300 XP more for Platinum, each within a 12-month qualification period; Ultimate needs 900 UXP. Maintaining a level takes 100, 180 or 300 XP a year respectively.
When does the Air France-KLM Flying Blue qualification year start and end, and how long does status last?
Your 12-month qualification period starts as soon as you earn your first Mile or XP. Reaching a level deducts the XP needed and starts a fresh 12 months; keep earning the level's XP (100, 180 or 300) each period to hold it.
Do partner airline flights count toward Air France-KLM Flying Blue status?
Yes, XP are earned on all eligible flights with Air France, KLM and SkyTeam partners. UXP for Ultimate come only from Air France and KLM flights.
Does Air France-KLM Flying Blue offer a status match or status challenge?
Only in selected markets. Flying Blue's status match portal lists offers for residents of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Israel (Silver USD 99, Gold USD 299, Platinum USD 399) and for Greece in euros, while the US offer (Silver US$99, Gold US$199) appears under recently ended offers, as of September 2026. A match gives status for 12 months, only one match is allowed per person, the decision comes within three business days, and keeping the status after that means requalifying under the normal rules.
Does Air France-KLM Flying Blue offer lifetime or million-miler status?
Yes: Platinum for Life is granted after holding Platinum for 10 consecutive years. There is no million-miler style distance track.
Source: One Mile at a Time: Flying Blue elite status guide (secondary source)
If I fall short of requalifying, does Air France-KLM Flying Blue drop me one tier or all the way?
One level only. If you miss the XP by the end of your qualification period you drop to the next level down (Platinum to Gold, Gold to Silver), not all the way to Explorer.
What baggage benefits do Air France-KLM Flying Blue elite members get?
Silver and Gold get one extra free checked bag on Air France, KLM and SkyTeam flights. Platinum and Ultimate get two extra bags on Air France and KLM (one extra on other SkyTeam carriers).
Which Air France-KLM Flying Blue tiers get lounge access, and where?
Gold and Platinum get Air France, KLM and SkyTeam lounges worldwide with one guest on the same flight (Platinum can also bring children). Ultimate can bring up to eight companions. Silver has no lounge access.
Do Air France-KLM Flying Blue elite members get complimentary upgrades, and how are they prioritised?
There are no complimentary space-available upgrades for Silver, Gold or Platinum. Ultimate members receive four one-cabin upgrade vouchers per membership year.
Do Air France-KLM Flying Blue elite members get free seat selection or extra-legroom seats?
Silver and above get free standard seat selection. Silver can take some paid seat options free from 24 hours before departure, Gold from 72 hours, and Platinum and Ultimate can choose any seat free from booking.
Which fees does Air France-KLM Flying Blue waive for elite members?
Platinum and Ultimate members pay no change or refund fees on award tickets, including Light awards that are otherwise non-changeable. Silver and Gold get seat and baggage inclusions rather than fee waivers.
Source: One Mile at a Time: airline award ticket change and cancellation fees (secondary source)
What do Air France-KLM Flying Blue tiers map to in the alliance (Star Alliance Gold, oneworld Emerald, SkyTeam Elite Plus)?
Silver is SkyTeam Elite; Gold, Platinum and Ultimate are SkyTeam Elite Plus, which is what unlocks SkyPriority and partner lounges across the alliance.
Source: Frequent Miler: Flying Blue Light, Standard and Flex award fares (secondary source)
Can elite benefits in Air France-KLM Flying Blue be shared with family or a companion?
Only partly. Gold and Platinum lounge access includes one guest on the same flight, and Ultimate extends SkyPriority to companions and comes with a Flying Blue Platinum card for one travel companion.
Do surplus qualifying points roll over to the next year in Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
Yes. When you move up or requalify, the XP needed are deducted and any surplus carries into the next period, capped at 300 surplus XP (one extra year of Platinum).
Can I gift or nominate someone for status in Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
Only Ultimate members can: they receive one Flying Blue Platinum card to give a travel companion. No other level can gift or nominate status.
Can I buy status or top-up missing qualifying points in Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
Not directly, but you can top up XP by contributing to sustainable aviation fuel at 1 XP per 10 euros or per 2,000 Miles, and the paid status match sells a 12-month Silver, Gold or Platinum to elites of other airlines.
Will Air France-KLM Flying Blue elite benefits be recognised on partner airlines?
Yes. Gold and Platinum get SkyTeam lounges worldwide with a guest and SkyPriority on SkyTeam flights, and Silver and above get one extra checked bag on SkyTeam flights.
Does Air France-KLM Flying Blue offer selectable benefits or milestone rewards for elites?
No selectable benefits menu. The only milestone-style perks sit at Ultimate: four upgrade vouchers a year, a companion Platinum card and a Hertz Platinum card.
Redeeming on Air France and KLM
How awards are priced, the cheapest redemptions and the booking rules.
Does Air France-KLM Flying Blue use a fixed award chart or dynamic pricing for Air France and KLM flights?
Dynamic, with no published chart. Since 8 September 2026 each Air France and KLM award comes in Light, Standard and Flex fares; US to Europe one-way starts at 25,000 Miles in Economy, 40,000 in Premium and 60,000 in Business for Light, rising to 30,000/50,000/75,000 for Standard. See our award chart page.
Source: The Points Guy: Flying Blue adds Light, Standard and Flex award fares (secondary source)
What is the cheapest award ticket in Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
Short intra-European hops start at 10,000 Miles one-way in Light (Berlin to Barcelona is the published example). Transatlantic Economy starts at 25,000 Miles, or 18,750 in a monthly Promo Reward.
Source: The Points Guy: Flying Blue adds Light, Standard and Flex award fares (secondary source)
Can I book one-way awards in Air France-KLM Flying Blue, and are they half the round-trip price?
Yes. Air France says you can use Miles to buy a one-way or return ticket in the Economy, Premium or Business cabin on all Air France and KLM flights, up to the last available seat.
How do I search for award seats on Air France and KLM?
Log in to airfrance.us or klm.com and switch the booking form to pay with Miles (the reward booking flow), or search on flyingblue.com. The monthly Promo Rewards have their own page at flyingblue.com/en/spend/flights/rewards.
Source: KLM: Spending Flying Blue Miles
What is the difference between saver and standard (or flexible) awards in Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
Flying Blue does not use saver and standard; since 8 September 2026 it sells Light, Standard and Flex award fares. Light is cheapest but non-changeable with no checked bag in Economy; Standard adds a bag and 70 euro changes; Flex costs more Miles but includes free changes, seat selection and lower surcharges.
Source: Frequent Miler: Flying Blue Light, Standard and Flex award fares (secondary source)
Does Air France-KLM Flying Blue allow stopovers or open jaws on award tickets?
A free stopover in Paris or Amsterdam is available on awards for no extra Miles (taxes and fees may apply), but it must be booked by phone with Flying Blue. Connections on an award must otherwise be under 24 hours.
Source: The Points Guy: Flying Blue guide (secondary source)
Can I book a mixed-cabin award in Air France-KLM Flying Blue, and how is it priced?
The online engine sells each award in one cabin, and Flying Blue publishes no mixed-cabin rule; because pricing is dynamic and per airline, a booking that mixes cabins across carriers is simply priced per segment by phone. Expect to pay the higher cabin's rate on the long-haul leg rather than any blended discount.
Source: Frequent Miler: Flying Blue free stopover awards, the rules (secondary source)
Can I pay part in miles and part in cash with Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
Yes, both ways: on a reward ticket you can pay up to 25% of the Miles price in cash, and on a regular cash ticket you can pay up to 25% with Miles (earning Miles only on the cash part).
Source: KLM: Spending Flying Blue Miles
How do I add an infant or child to an award ticket in Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
A child under two must be booked separately with the airline at the applicable infant tariff (art. 3.2.12); the infant cannot be added to the reward booking itself.
Source: Air France: Flying Blue general terms and conditions
Does Air France-KLM Flying Blue offer a round-the-world or multi-city award?
There is no round-the-world or multi-city award product. What you can do is build a multi-stop trip by phone using free stopovers: an award prices origin to destination for the contiguous segments on one airline, and as soon as you switch carriers or backtrack outside Europe each airline's legs are priced separately and added up, so a "round the world" is really two or more one-way awards stitched together.
Source: Frequent Miler: Flying Blue free stopover awards, the rules (secondary source)
Do awards in Air France-KLM Flying Blue book into basic economy or a regular fare?
The cheapest awards book as Light fares, which work like basic economy: no checked bag in Economy or Premium, paid seat selection, and no changes or refunds unless you are Platinum or above. Standard and Flex include a bag.
Source: The Points Guy: Flying Blue adds Light, Standard and Flex award fares (secondary source)
What are the best-value redemptions in Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
The monthly Promo Rewards at 25% off (about 18,750 Miles Economy, 30,000 Premium and 45,000 Business to Europe one-way), transatlantic Business at 60,000 Miles in Light, and Flex fares that cut the cash surcharge from about $608 to $302 on Paris to New York Business.
Source: The Points Guy: Flying Blue adds Light, Standard and Flex award fares (secondary source)
Does flying on an award ticket in Air France-KLM Flying Blue earn status or miles?
No. Reward Tickets are excluded from Miles and XP accrual (art. 2.4).
Source: Air France: Flying Blue general terms and conditions
Can I select seats on an award ticket in Air France-KLM Flying Blue, and is there a charge?
Advance seat selection costs extra on Light and Standard awards and is included on Flex. Silver and above get standard seats free regardless of fare, and Platinum can pick any seat.
Source: The Points Guy: Flying Blue adds Light, Standard and Flex award fares (secondary source)
What baggage allowance do I get on an award ticket in Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
Economy Light includes no checked bag, Economy Standard and Flex one 23 kg bag; Premium Standard and Flex two 23 kg bags; Business Light one 32 kg bag and Business Standard and Flex two. Elite allowances still apply on top.
Source: Frequent Miler: Flying Blue Light, Standard and Flex award fares (secondary source)
Redeeming on partner airlines
Which partners can be booked, online versus by phone, and the partner-specific rules.
Which partner airlines can I book with miles from Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
All SkyTeam members plus Air Corsica, Air Mauritius, airBaltic, Aircalin, Bangkok Airways, Chalair, China Southern, Copa, El Al, Etihad, GOL, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Oman Air, Qantas, Transavia, WestJet and Winair. See how to book partner awards.
Source: The Points Guy: non-alliance airline partners (secondary source)
Which partner awards can be booked online with Air France-KLM Flying Blue, and which need a phone call?
Most SkyTeam partners (Delta, Virgin Atlantic, Korean Air, China Airlines and so on) appear in the Air France and KLM award search and can be booked online, but not every partner shows up, and anything with a stopover or a partner that does not display has to be booked by calling Flying Blue (800-375-8723 in the US). See how to book partner awards.
Source: Upgraded Points: Best ways to redeem Flying Blue Miles (secondary source)
How are partner awards priced in Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
Partner awards were not moved to the Light, Standard and Flex structure in September 2026 and keep their previous pricing, which is distance and cabin based rather than dynamic.
Source: The Points Guy: Flying Blue adds Light, Standard and Flex award fares (secondary source)
Does Air France-KLM Flying Blue charge a fee for partner awards?
No booking fee: partner awards cost the same online or by phone as Air France and KLM ones, and you pay only the partner's taxes and any carrier surcharge. Changing or cancelling a partner award costs EUR 70 (waived for Platinum and Ultimate), the same as a Standard award on Air France or KLM.
Source: One Mile at a Time: Air France-KLM Flying Blue guide (secondary source)
Which partner airlines add fuel surcharges to Air France-KLM Flying Blue awards?
Air France and KLM themselves add carrier surcharges that often exceed USD 300 one-way in Business, and most European partners follow suit; Delta awards booked through Flying Blue carry no fuel surcharge, which makes Delta the cheapest cash outlay on transatlantic routes. Compare the taxes shown at the pricing step before you transfer points.
Source: Upgraded Points: Best ways to redeem Flying Blue Miles (secondary source)
Can I combine Air France and KLM and partner flights on one award in Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
Yes. The terms allow several flights and airline partners on the same reward ticket provided each connection is under 24 hours.
Source: The Points Guy: Flying Blue routing rules on award tickets (secondary source)
Do partner airlines release the same award seats to Air France-KLM Flying Blue as to their own members?
For Delta, yes: Flying Blue gets the same saver-level Delta space as SkyMiles members and can book it 28 days earlier (359 versus 331 days out). Other SkyTeam partners release standard partner award classes to all alliance programmes alike, but the cheapest Air France and KLM Light and Standard fares are only sold through Flying Blue, and Platinum and Ultimate members see more of them.
Source: Upgraded Points: When airlines release award seats (secondary source)
Which non-alliance airlines can be booked with Air France-KLM Flying Blue miles?
Air Corsica, Air Mauritius, airBaltic, Aircalin, Bangkok Airways (redeem only), Chalair, China Southern, Copa, El Al, Etihad, GOL, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Oman Air, Qantas, Transavia, WestJet and Winair.
Source: The Points Guy: non-alliance airline partners (secondary source)
Are stopovers allowed on partner awards in Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
Yes. One free stopover per award (24 hours up to the ticket's validity) is allowed on one-way or return awards, and since the perk was widened beyond Paris and Amsterdam it can sit on SkyTeam partner routings such as Korean Air, Delta or Virgin Atlantic, provided the routing is valid. It costs no extra Miles but must be booked by phone (800-375-8723 in the US); agents are not always aware of it.
Source: AwardWallet: Flying Blue stopovers on partner airlines (secondary source)
Can I use miles to upgrade a partner airline flight through Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
Only on partners that offer Flying Blue upgrade awards: Delta, Aeromexico, Aircalin, China Airlines, China Southern, Kenya Airways and Korean Air. Call Flying Blue at least 72 hours before departure to check availability and the Miles price; other partners cannot be upgraded with Miles.
Source: Upgraded Points: Best ways to redeem Flying Blue Miles (secondary source)
Can partner awards booked through Air France-KLM Flying Blue be changed or cancelled online?
Not online. KLM's cancellation page tells anyone holding a reward ticket, partner awards included, to contact Flying Blue customer service to cancel, and its change page gives the same instruction for changes, so both go through Flying Blue rather than My Trip.
Source: KLM: How to cancel your flight
Which partner airlines are the best value to book with Air France-KLM Flying Blue miles?
Delta and Aeromexico between the US and Mexico from 12,500 Miles one-way in Economy with low taxes; Air Europa within Europe at 7,500 Economy or 15,000 Business; Kenya Airways intra-Africa from 9,000 Economy and 32,000 Business; and Delta transatlantic Business from 60,000 Miles with no carrier surcharge, versus roughly USD 200 to 400 in surcharges on Air France and KLM metal. See our sweet spots.
Source: AwardWallet: Flying Blue award sweet spots (secondary source)
Taxes, fees and surcharges on awards
What is added on top of the miles, and which fees can be avoided.
Does Air France-KLM Flying Blue add fuel surcharges to award tickets on Air France and KLM?
Yes. KLM's Flying Blue page says Miles cannot be used to pay the taxes and carrier charges on a reward ticket; they have to be paid separately at the time of booking.
Source: KLM: Spending Flying Blue Miles
Does Air France-KLM Flying Blue charge a booking fee for award tickets?
Not for online bookings: Air France charges no booking fee on airfrance.us, and in the US none by phone either. Fees apply only at an Air France agency (USD 90 per ticket for short, medium and long-haul Economy, USD 100 long-haul Premium, USD 120 Business or La Première) and via social media (EUR 30, waived for the US, Canada and Mexico).
Does Air France-KLM Flying Blue charge extra to book an award by phone?
In the US, no: Air France's fee page lists no booking fee for purchases by phone, and KLM likewise charges nothing online while its Customer Contact Centre and ticket offices may add a fee. Only Air France agency sales (USD 90 to 120 per ticket) and social-media sales outside the US carry a fee.
Does Air France-KLM Flying Blue charge a close-in or last-minute booking fee for awards?
No. Air France's fee schedule sets booking fees only by sales channel (none online or by phone in the US), with no last-minute or close-in surcharge, and reward tickets can be bought right up to the last available seat, the only cost of booking late being the higher dynamic Miles price.
Which award fees does Air France-KLM Flying Blue waive for elite members?
Platinum and Ultimate members pay no change or refund fees on any award, including Light fares. Gold adds lounge access on Business Light, and Silver removes the Light baggage and seat restrictions.
Source: Frequent Miler: Flying Blue Light, Standard and Flex award fares (secondary source)
How much are the typical taxes and fees on a Air France-KLM Flying Blue award ticket?
Roughly $70 on an intra-European award, about 237 euros in Economy and 323 euros in Premium from the US to Europe, and around $608 in Business on Light or Standard fares ($302 on Flex).
Source: The Points Guy: Flying Blue adds Light, Standard and Flex award fares (secondary source)
How does Air France-KLM Flying Blue handle UK Air Passenger Duty and other high departure taxes on awards?
Like any other tax: art. 3.1.4 of the Flying Blue terms makes the member or passenger pay all taxes, levies and surcharges on a reward, so UK Air Passenger Duty and other departure taxes are added in cash at booking, and Air France's Miles booking page says taxes and carrier surcharges cannot be paid with Miles. If the ticket goes unused and expires, the taxes and airport charges that are only due when a passenger actually boards can be reclaimed (art. 3.2.10).
Can I pay the taxes and fees on a Air France-KLM Flying Blue award with miles?
No. KLM states Miles cannot cover the taxes or carrier charges on a reward ticket; they must be paid separately in cash at booking.
Source: KLM: Spending Flying Blue Miles
Are taxes and fees refunded if I cancel a Air France-KLM Flying Blue award?
Yes on refundable fares: cancelling before the first flight returns the Miles and cash, less the 70 euro fee on Standard (Flex is free, Light is non-refundable). Even if a reward expires unused, taxes and airport charges tied to actual boarding are refundable (art. 3.2.10).
Source: Air France: Flying Blue general terms and conditions
How can I reduce the cash cost of a Air France-KLM Flying Blue award?
Book a Flex award on long-haul Business, which halves the surcharge (about $302 instead of $608 Paris to New York), or pick routes with low departure taxes. Miles cannot be used for the taxes themselves.
Source: The Points Guy: Flying Blue adds Light, Standard and Flex award fares (secondary source)
Changes, cancellations and refunds
Fees, deadlines, redeposits, no-shows and what happens when the airline changes the schedule.
What does Air France-KLM Flying Blue charge to change an award ticket?
Depends on the award fare booked since 8 September 2026: Light awards cannot be changed, Standard awards cost 70 euros per change, and Flex awards change free. Platinum and Ultimate members change any award free.
Source: One Mile at a Time: airline award ticket change and cancellation fees (secondary source)
What does Air France-KLM Flying Blue charge to cancel an award ticket and redeposit the miles?
70 euros to cancel and redeposit a Standard award or any partner award; Flex awards are refunded free and Light awards are non-refundable. Platinum and Ultimate members pay nothing on any type. See award change and cancellation fees.
Source: One Mile at a Time: airline award ticket change and cancellation fees (secondary source)
How close to departure can I cancel a Air France-KLM Flying Blue award?
Up to departure of the first flight: art. 3.2.9 of the Flying Blue terms lets you cancel an issued reward ticket in full before the first segment departs, subject to the fare's conditions, and once the trip has started only the unused future flights can be cancelled and refunded. That right does not apply after a no-show or to reward tickets issued under a Promotional Offer.
What happens to my miles if I no-show a Air France-KLM Flying Blue award?
You lose the right to cancel and refund: art. 3.2.9 of the Flying Blue terms excludes no-shows, and art. 3.2.11 applies the operating airline's own no-show rules instead, so do not count on getting the Miles back. What you can still reclaim, once the unused ticket has expired, are the taxes and airport charges that are only due when a passenger actually boards (art. 3.2.10).
How long does Air France-KLM Flying Blue take to redeposit miles after a cancellation?
There is no published timeline, but in practice Miles from a cancelled award land back in the account within a few days along with the taxes and fees; a reported case of an airline-initiated cancellation saw the Miles refunded within days, whereas reversing a bank transfer afterwards took months. Cancel through Flying Blue customer service, as reward tickets cannot be cancelled in My Trip.
Source: The Points Guy: Flying Blue cancelled award, where are my miles (secondary source)
Can I change or cancel a Air France-KLM Flying Blue award online, or must I call?
KLM says reward-ticket cancellations go through Flying Blue customer service rather than the online cancel flow, so plan to call or message.
Source: KLM: How to cancel your flight
What are my rights if Air France and KLM changes the schedule of my award flight?
If KLM cancels or reschedules your flight you can be rebooked or take a cash refund, and reward tickets are handled through Flying Blue customer service. On flights touching Europe, a cancellation or arrival delay of more than three hours that is not down to extraordinary circumstances also earns fixed compensation of EUR 250, 400 or 600 by distance (EUR 350, 500 or 800 if you take a non-refundable voucher), halved for short arrival delays; the voucher can buy KLM, Air France, Delta or Virgin Atlantic tickets but not the taxes on a Flying Blue reward ticket.
Can I cancel just the return of a round-trip Air France-KLM Flying Blue award?
Yes. Once travel has started, only the unused future flights can be cancelled and refunded (art. 3.2.9), subject to the fare's cancellation rules.
Source: Air France: Flying Blue general terms and conditions
Can I change the passenger name on a Air France-KLM Flying Blue award?
No. A change of beneficiary on a reward is not possible (art. 3.2.14); you would need to cancel and rebook.
Source: Air France: Flying Blue general terms and conditions
Are change and cancellation fees waived for Air France-KLM Flying Blue elite members?
Yes for Platinum and Ultimate, who pay no change or cancellation fees on any award including Light and partner awards. Silver and Gold pay the normal 70 euros on Standard fares.
Source: One Mile at a Time: airline award ticket change and cancellation fees (secondary source)
Does Air France-KLM Flying Blue offer a 24-hour free cancellation on awards?
The Flying Blue terms contain no 24-hour free-cancellation clause of their own; refundability follows the award fare (Flex free, Standard 70 euros, Light none).
Source: Air France: Flying Blue general terms and conditions
Are the change and cancellation rules different for partner awards in Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
Yes. Partner awards were left out of the Light, Standard and Flex structure and carry a flat 70 euro change or redeposit fee, waived for Platinum and Ultimate.
Source: One Mile at a Time: airline award ticket change and cancellation fees (secondary source)
What does Air France and KLM do if my award flight is cancelled on the day, and can I be rebooked on partners?
KLM rebooks you or refunds the ticket, reimburses reasonable extra costs such as meals, and on European routes pays EU fixed compensation (EUR 250 to 600 cash, or EUR 350 to 800 as a voucher usable on KLM, Air France, Delta and Virgin Atlantic) unless the disruption was caused by weather, political instability or third-party strikes. Claims go through klm.com/claim; for a reward ticket the rebooking itself has to go through Flying Blue customer service.
Award availability
When seats are released, holds, waitlists and how to find space.
How far in advance can I book award tickets in Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
Flying Blue opens award availability 359 days before departure, one of the longest windows in the industry; because Delta space is released to Flying Blue on the same schedule, you can often book Delta One awards through Flying Blue about four weeks before SkyMiles members can at 331 days.
Source: Upgraded Points: When airlines release award seats (secondary source)
When does Air France and KLM release award seats, and are more added closer to departure?
Award seats open 359 days out, and with dynamic pricing there is always a seat for sale on Air France and KLM up to the last one; what varies is the price, and the cheapest Light and Standard fares appear both far out and in the monthly Promo Rewards discounts. There is no published schedule of last-minute releases, so watch the award calendar rather than a set date.
Source: One Mile at a Time: The Flying Blue award calendar (secondary source)
Can I put a Air France-KLM Flying Blue award on hold before paying?
Flying Blue offers no free award hold. KLM's paid "Time to Think" option lets you fix a fare for up to three days for a non-refundable per-ticket fee that depends on the destination and days to departure, but the page describes it for regular fares and does not extend it to reward tickets, so plan to pay for an award when you find the space.
Do Air France-KLM Flying Blue elite members get extra award availability?
Yes. Platinum and Ultimate members get priority access to the lowest Miles fares on Air France, KLM and partner awards, now listed as an official tier benefit; on Chicago to Paris in Business, for example, a Platinum saw the 60,000-Mile fare on almost every day of April 2026 while non-elites were quoted 193,500 Miles. See how award availability works.
Source: AwardWallet: Flying Blue expanded award availability for Platinum and Ultimate (secondary source)
Can I redeem miles for any seat on Air France and KLM, or only for designated award seats?
Any seat. Air France states reward tickets can be booked in Economy, Premium or Business on all Air France and KLM flights until the last available seat, with the Miles price rising dynamically.
What tools show Air France-KLM Flying Blue award availability across dates?
The built-in Air France or KLM award calendar: on the Book with Miles search leave the date blank and you get a month-by-month view of the lowest Miles price for about a year ahead, though it only covers routes flown by Air France and KLM, not partner-only itineraries. Third-party tools such as seats.aero and point.me also index Flying Blue space. See how award availability works.
Source: One Mile at a Time: The Flying Blue award calendar (secondary source)
Can I set an alert for Air France-KLM Flying Blue award availability?
Not from Flying Blue itself. ExpertFlyer (USD 9.99 a month or 99.99 a year) sets award availability alerts on the SkyTeam booking classes Flying Blue uses, and Delta's five-week calendar view is a free way to scan Delta space you can then book with Miles. Confirm any hit on the Air France or KLM site before transferring points, as phantom availability happens.
Source: Upgraded Points: Searching SkyTeam award availability (secondary source)
Why does Air France-KLM Flying Blue show award space that will not book?
The most common trap is the month-view calendar: it sometimes shows a lower Miles price than you actually find when you click into that date, because it caches the cheapest fare seen rather than live inventory. Re-run the search for the exact date and passenger count before transferring points.
Source: One Mile at a Time: The Flying Blue award calendar (secondary source)
When is the best time to book a Air France-KLM Flying Blue award?
Watch the monthly Promo Rewards, which discount selected routes by about 25% for bookings made that month and travel over the following months, and book Light fares early before dynamic prices climb.
Source: Frequent Miler: Flying Blue Promo Rewards (July 2026) (secondary source)
How do I find award seats for a family of four in Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
Search on the Air France or KLM site with the exact passenger count, since the price and availability shown are for that many seats at once, and use the blank-date calendar to scan months for the lowest fare; Delta's five-week view is a fast second check for Delta-operated legs. For a family, Delta and Aeromexico partner space tends to release more seats at the saver level than Air France and KLM's own dynamic fares, and Platinum or Ultimate status unlocks extra low-fare seats.
Source: Upgraded Points: Searching SkyTeam award availability (secondary source)
Upgrades
Using miles to move up a cabin, eligible fares, copays and waitlists.
How do I upgrade an Air France and KLM flight with miles?
Choose the upgrade with Miles when booking or later under My Trip. The terms require a confirmed, issued ticket and allow a single one-cabin upgrade per flight per passenger (arts. 3.2.15 and 3.2.16).
Source: KLM: Spending Flying Blue Miles
Which fares are eligible for a miles upgrade on Air France and KLM?
Air France's upgrade option, which Flying Blue members can pay in Miles or Miles plus cash, is limited by passenger rather than by fare: it goes on sale at check-in for Economy to Premium or Business, Premium to Business and Business to La Première on Air France flights, and is closed to passengers who need medical assistance, travel with a cabin pet (for long-haul Business), hold an extra or bulky-baggage seat, or are on a waiting list. The Flying Blue terms (art. 3.2.15) add that a Reward upgrade needs a confirmed, issued ticket.
Source: Air France: Terms and conditions for a last-minute paid upgrade
How many miles does an upgrade cost in Air France-KLM Flying Blue, and is there a cash copay?
Air France's upgrade terms publish no fixed Miles price: the option is sold from check-in onwards, and Flying Blue members can pay it entirely in Miles or with a mix of Miles and cash, so a cash co-pay is optional rather than required. Whichever way you pay, the Flying Blue terms allow only one cabin up per flight with Miles (art. 3.2.16).
Source: Air France: Terms and conditions for a last-minute paid upgrade
Can I use miles to upgrade partner airline flights through Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
Yes on a short list of partners: Delta, Aeromexico, Aircalin, China Airlines, China Southern, Kenya Airways and Korean Air, as well as Air France and KLM. Air France and KLM upgrades can be requested online up to 24 hours before departure, while partner upgrades have to go through Flying Blue by phone at least 72 hours before departure for availability and price.
Source: Upgraded Points: Best ways to redeem Flying Blue Miles (secondary source)
Can I waitlist for a miles upgrade in Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
Air France sells its last-minute upgrade subject to availability from the time check-in opens, and Flying Blue members can pay for it in Miles or in Miles and cash (sections 4.3 and 4.4 of its terms). Customers who are on a waiting list for the flight cannot buy it (section 3.2), and if Air France does not award an upgrade after purchase you return to your original cabin and the price is refunded.
Source: Air France: Terms and conditions for a last-minute paid upgrade
Can I upgrade with miles at check-in or at the gate on Air France and KLM?
Yes on Air France: the last-minute upgrade option is offered from check-in, online or in the app, at airport kiosks and check-in counters, with an agent at the airport or on board, and Flying Blue members can pay with Miles or a Miles-and-cash mix. Upgrades bought on board exclude lounge access and the higher baggage allowance.
Source: Air France: Terms and conditions for a last-minute paid upgrade
Does Air France-KLM Flying Blue give elite members upgrade certificates or instruments?
Only at Ultimate, which gives four complimentary one-cabin upgrade vouchers per membership year. Other levels use Miles.
Can I upgrade an award ticket with more miles in Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
The terms allow only a single one-cabin upgrade per flight per passenger on a confirmed issued ticket (art. 3.2.16), so a reward ticket can be moved up one cabin with Miles where the option is offered.
Source: Air France: Flying Blue general terms and conditions
Are upgrade miles refunded if the upgrade does not clear in Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
Yes. Under Air France's upgrade option terms, which cover upgrades paid with Miles as well as cash, the price is refunded when the upgrade is not awarded, when the flight is cancelled, or when operational reasons prevent Air France from honouring it even after boarding. Claims go through the online form under Contact us.
Source: Air France: Terms and conditions for a last-minute paid upgrade
Does Air France and KLM sell cash upgrades or run upgrade auctions, and do they earn miles?
Air France sells last-minute paid upgrades (Economy to Premium or Business, Premium to Business, Business to La Première) from check-in onwards, online, at kiosks, at the airport or on board, but does not run an auction. Flying Blue members can pay in Miles or Miles plus cash; the option earns Miles per euro spent on Air France flights, while the flight itself earns Miles and XP on the original booking class. The price is refunded if the upgrade is not awarded or the flight is cancelled.
Source: Air France: Terms and conditions for a last-minute paid upgrade
Non-flight redemptions
Hotels, cars, merchandise, seats, bags and other ways to spend miles.
Can I redeem miles for hotels through Air France-KLM Flying Blue, and what is the value?
Yes, through Hotels for Miles (hotelsformiles.flyingblue.com), which books stays at partner hotels worldwide with Miles.
Can I redeem miles for car rentals through Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
Yes. The Flying Blue Store lists rental cars alongside hotels and merchandise as things you can pay for with Miles.
Can I redeem miles for merchandise or gift cards in Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
Yes. The Flying Blue Store (store.flyingblue.com) sells electronics, beauty and home products and brands such as Apple, Bose and Rituals for Miles; items can be returned within 14 days with Miles re-credited about two weeks later.
Source: Flying Blue Store: FAQ
Can I pay for seat selection with miles on Air France and KLM?
Yes. Extra-legroom and other seat options can be paid with Miles at booking or afterwards in My Trip.
Source: KLM: Spending Flying Blue Miles
Can I pay for checked bags with miles on Air France and KLM?
Yes. Additional checked baggage can be bought with Miles when booking or later via My Trip.
Source: KLM: Spending Flying Blue Miles
Can I pay for in-flight Wi-Fi or food with miles on Air France and KLM?
In-flight meals can be added with Miles as a travel extra; Wi-Fi is not listed among the Miles-payable options.
Can I redeem miles for lounge access or a lounge membership in Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
Yes, lounge access is one of the travel extras Air France lists as payable with Miles, alongside baggage and meals.
Can I donate miles to charity through Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
Yes. From your Flying Blue profile you can donate Miles to charities and start-ups (flyingblue.nl/en/donation/charities).
Source: KLM: Spending Flying Blue Miles
Does Air France-KLM Flying Blue offer experiences, events or auctions for miles?
Yes. Air France lists exclusive concerts and sporting events among the things Miles can buy, alongside the Flying Blue Store.
Can I convert miles to cash or statement credit in Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
No. Miles can be spent on flights, extras, hotels, the store, experiences and donations, but there is no cash-out or statement credit, and the terms bar selling or assigning Miles.
Can I use miles to extend status or buy tier credit in Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
Indirectly, yes: contributing Miles to sustainable aviation fuel earns 1 XP per 2,000 Miles (or per 10 euros), which counts toward keeping or reaching a level.
Expiry and reactivation
Whether miles expire, what keeps them alive and how to get them back.
Do Air France-KLM Flying Blue miles expire?
Only for Explorer members aged 18 and over. Art. 1.2.9 of the Flying Blue terms in force since 4 May 2026 keeps their Miles valid for 24 months from the last earn activity, and every new earn activity extends the whole balance by another 24 months. Miles do not expire at all for elite members (Silver and above), members holding an eligible co-branded card, Flying Blue Extra subscribers while subscribed, or under-18s. See do airline miles expire.
What counts as activity to keep Air France-KLM Flying Blue miles from expiring?
Any earn activity, which the May 2026 Flying Blue terms define as any activity that entitles you to Miles or XP; Air France's earn page groups these as flights, hotel stays, car rentals, everyday purchases and shopping. Under art. 1.2.9 each recorded earn activity extends your entire Miles balance by 24 months from its date, so a single one protects all your Miles.
Are Air France-KLM Flying Blue elite members or cardholders exempt from expiry?
Yes. Under art. 1.2.9 of the Flying Blue terms in force since 4 May 2026, Miles do not expire for elite members (Silver and above), for members holding an eligible co-branded card, for Flying Blue Extra subscribers while their subscription runs, or for under-18s. The 24-month validity applies only to other Explorer members aged 18 and over.
How do I check when my Air France-KLM Flying Blue miles expire?
Your online account shows the activity overview and Miles counter (art. 1.2.11), including the expiry date, at klm.com/profile or airfrance.us.
Source: Air France: Flying Blue general terms and conditions
What is the cheapest way to keep Air France-KLM Flying Blue miles active?
Any single earn activity resets the clock for your whole balance: art. 1.2.9 of the May 2026 Flying Blue terms extends all your Miles by 24 months from each one, so a small purchase that earns Miles through a Flying Blue shopping partner is enough. Holding an eligible co-branded credit card, or subscribing to Flying Blue Extra, takes you off the expiry clock altogether.
Does Air France-KLM Flying Blue close inactive accounts?
Yes. Flying Blue may close an account with no XP or Miles activity for five years, or none within two years of enrolment (art. 1.2.10).
Source: Air France: Flying Blue general terms and conditions
Does a bank transfer or a purchase of miles reset the Air France-KLM Flying Blue expiry clock?
Very likely, for a transfer: since 4 May 2026 art. 1.2.9 of the Flying Blue terms extends your whole balance by 24 months from every recorded earn activity (any activity that entitles you to Miles or XP), and the old split between overall and partial extending activities is gone. The terms do not single out bank conversions or bought Miles, though, so if an Explorer balance is close to expiring, a flight or partner purchase is the certain way to reset it; elite members, eligible cardholders and under-18s have no expiry to reset.
Baggage, seats, lounges and travel perks
What members and elites get at the airport and on board.
What is the standard checked baggage allowance on Air France and KLM, and how does status change it?
Status adds bags on top of the fare allowance: one extra checked bag for Silver and Gold on Air France, KLM and SkyTeam, and two extra bags for Platinum and Ultimate on Air France and KLM.
Which lounges can Air France-KLM Flying Blue members access, and how?
Gold and above get Air France, KLM and SkyTeam lounges with one guest; Ultimate with up to eight. Business Standard and Flex awards include the lounge, and lounge access can also be bought with Miles.
Can I buy lounge access on Air France and KLM without status?
Yes. Lounge access is sold as a paid extra (Business Light awards exclude it) and can also be paid with Miles.
Who gets priority check-in, security and boarding on Air France and KLM?
Silver gets priority check-in and bag drop; Gold, Platinum and Ultimate get full SkyPriority (check-in, bag drop, security lanes and boarding), and Ultimate extends it to travel companions.
Does Air France and KLM offer same-day changes or standby, and is it free for elites?
There is no same-day standby or confirmed same-day change product. KLM lets you move to another date, time or flight in My Trip under your fare rules, paying any fare difference plus the change fee (for example EUR 70 on Standard fares within Europe, EUR 200 on intercontinental Economy, free on Flex), and Flying Blue reward tickets have to be changed through Flying Blue customer service rather than online.
Does Air France and KLM offer free Wi-Fi to Air France-KLM Flying Blue members?
Yes on KLM. Flying Blue members get the Message Pass free on every intercontinental KLM flight with Wi-Fi (WhatsApp, Messenger, WeChat text only) and the full Wi-Fi Pass free on European flights (browsing, e-mail, streaming). Non-members pay for a one-hour or full-flight pass, and you can join Flying Blue on board to get the perk.
Source: KLM: Inflight WiFi
Do Air France-KLM Flying Blue elite benefits extend to a companion on the same booking?
A Gold or Platinum member's lounge guest must be on the same flight; Ultimate extends SkyPriority to companions and gives one companion a Platinum card. Other benefits do not transfer.
Can Air France-KLM Flying Blue elites use partner airline lounges when flying partners?
Yes. Gold and Platinum have access to SkyTeam lounges worldwide with a guest when flying SkyTeam carriers.
Do I get elite benefits when flying on an award ticket in Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
Yes. Elite benefits apply even on a Light award that excludes them: Silver still gets its free bag and seats, Gold adds lounge access and Platinum gets free changes.
Source: The Points Guy: Flying Blue adds Light, Standard and Flex award fares (secondary source)
Does Air France-KLM Flying Blue status come with hotel, car rental or other partner status?
Only at the top: KLM lists a Hertz Platinum Card among the Flying Blue Ultimate benefits, and no hotel or car rental status at Silver, Gold or Platinum. Accor's ALL partnership page adds a one-off welcome bonus of 2 ALL status nights and 10 XP when you link the two accounts, half after your first eligible hotel stay and half after your first Air France-KLM flight.
Alliances and partnerships
Which alliance the airline belongs to, its non-alliance partners and joint ventures.
Which alliance is Air France and KLM in, and since when?
Air France and KLM are both in SkyTeam, which is why Gold and above get SkyPriority and SkyTeam lounges across the alliance.
Which airlines are Air France and KLM's partners outside its alliance?
Outside SkyTeam, Flying Blue partners with Air Corsica, Air Mauritius, airBaltic, Aircalin, Bangkok Airways, Chalair, China Southern, Copa, El Al, Etihad, GOL, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Oman Air, Qantas, Transavia, WestJet and Winair.
Source: The Points Guy: non-alliance airline partners (secondary source)
Which joint ventures is Air France and KLM part of, and what do they mean for Air France-KLM Flying Blue members?
Air France and KLM sit in the transatlantic joint venture with Delta and Virgin Atlantic, launched in February 2020 and covering up to 341 daily services between Europe, the UK and North America. For Flying Blue members that means you earn and spend Miles and use elite benefits (priority boarding, over 100 lounges) on any of the four airlines' worldwide flights, including US domestic and intra-Europe hops. A 2025 memorandum with IndiGo adds codeshares and planned loyalty reciprocity for India.
Source: Air France-KLM newsroom: Air France, KLM, Delta and Virgin Atlantic launch partnership
Which partners has Air France-KLM Flying Blue added or lost recently?
Added: IndiGo, through a June 2025 codeshare and loyalty memorandum with Delta and Virgin Atlantic that lets Air France-KLM sell IndiGo flights to 24 destinations beyond Hyderabad; and on the non-airline side Apple (Miles on selected device purchases) and Flying Blue Experiences, both launched in 2026, alongside Uber, Booking and SNCF. Flying Blue counts more than 40 airline partners and about 100 commercial partners as of mid-2026.
Source: Air France-KLM newsroom: Flying Blue at the 2026 Freddie Awards
Which hotel loyalty programs partner with Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
Accor ALL is the closest partner (1 Mile per euro on stays, ALL points convert 1:1 into Miles, and Miles convert back at 4,000 to 1,000 points); Marriott Bonvoy, Hyatt, Hilton, IHG, Best Western, Choice, Radisson and Shangri-La points also convert to Miles.
Source: AwardWallet: Flying Blue transfer partners (secondary source)
Does Air France-KLM Flying Blue partner with any low-cost carriers?
Yes, Transavia, the group's low-cost carrier: its flights earn the same 4 to 9 Miles per euro as Air France and KLM and can be booked with Miles.
Source: KLM: Flying Blue earning details
Does Air France-KLM Flying Blue have rail partners?
Yes. SNCF Voyageurs has been an Air France partner for 30 years: Train+Air combined tickets cover 41 TGV routes to and from Paris-CDG and Orly, and since February 2025 Flying Blue members can convert Miles into TGV INOUI vouchers of 25 to 100 euros in the Flying Blue Store. KLM's Air&Rail adds Eurostar and TGV legs between Brussels or Antwerp and Amsterdam or Paris on one ticket.
Source: Air France corporate: 30 years of SNCF Voyageurs partnership
Which other frequent flyer programs are best for booking Air France and KLM flights?
Delta SkyMiles and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, the programmes of Air France-KLM's transatlantic joint-venture partners. The group's February 2020 launch release says loyalty members of the four airlines can earn and use miles, and enjoy elite benefits, on any of the four carriers' worldwide flights, which makes those two the natural alternatives to Flying Blue for Air France and KLM seats.
Source: Air France-KLM newsroom: Air France, KLM, Delta and Virgin Atlantic launch partnership
Do Air France and KLM's regional or subsidiary carriers earn and redeem in Air France-KLM Flying Blue the same way?
Transavia earns the same per-euro rate as Air France and KLM (4 to 9 Miles per euro by level) and is bookable with Miles.
Source: KLM: Flying Blue earning details
Program rules, ownership and selling
What the terms say about who owns miles, selling, brokers and enforcement.
Who owns Air France-KLM Flying Blue miles: the member or the airline?
The terms treat Miles as programme credits rather than member property: they cannot be transferred, bequeathed, assigned, sold or combined (art. 1.4.7), are cancelled on death, and Flying Blue can amend the accrual structure at any time.
Source: Air France: Flying Blue general terms and conditions
Do the Air France-KLM Flying Blue terms prohibit selling or bartering miles?
Yes. Art. 1.4.7 says the account, XP, Rewards, status and Miles cannot under any circumstances be transferred, bequeathed, assigned, sold or combined except within a Flying Blue Family, and the sale or barter of Rewards or tickets is a listed violation.
Source: Air France: Flying Blue general terms and conditions
What can Air France-KLM Flying Blue do if it finds miles were sold or awards were bought?
Under arts. 1.4.7 and 1.4.8 Flying Blue may terminate the account, forfeit all XP and Miles, and require anyone travelling on a purchased or bartered Reward to pay the full applicable fare; violators are also liable for damages and litigation costs.
Source: Air France: Flying Blue general terms and conditions
Does Air France-KLM Flying Blue audit accounts, and what triggers a review?
Yes. Flying Blue reserves the right to audit any account at any time without notice (art. 1.6.1); while a discrepancy is investigated it can block spending Miles or using benefits, and failure to prove identity within 30 days leads to suspension and forfeiture.
Source: Air France: Flying Blue general terms and conditions
Is it against the Air France-KLM Flying Blue rules to book an award for someone who pays me for it?
Yes. Booking for friends or family is fine, but art. 1.4.7 makes any passenger who uses a purchased or bartered Reward liable for damages, and the sale or barter of Rewards can end the account.
Source: Air France: Flying Blue general terms and conditions
Can Air France-KLM Flying Blue change its rules or devalue miles without notice?
Yes. Art. 1.2.1 lets Flying Blue amend the programme, terms and the XP and Miles accrual structure at any time, with notice given through Flying Blue communications; members who reject changes may terminate.
Source: Air France: Flying Blue general terms and conditions
Are Air France-KLM Flying Blue miles taxable?
The terms do not tax Miles themselves but make the member or beneficiary responsible for all taxes, fees, levies and surcharges tied to issuing, changing, cancelling or using a Reward (art. 3.1.4).
Source: Air France: Flying Blue general terms and conditions
Where are the full Air France-KLM Flying Blue terms and conditions?
The current Flying Blue Terms and Conditions, issued by Air France and KLM, took effect on 4 May 2026 and are published by Flying Blue as a PDF. Air France's US legal pages still show the previous version, dated 28 March 2022, so check the PDF for the rules now in force, notably the new Miles validity rules in art. 1.2.9.
How does selling Air France-KLM Flying Blue miles through Points Plug work?
Points Plug buys Air France-KLM Flying Blue miles in balances of 50,000 or more and pays 1.06¢ to 1.26¢ per mile depending on the balance. You get a quote on the Air France-KLM Flying Blue page, our team confirms the details, the miles are used to book travel for our customers through your account, and you are paid within 24 to 48 hours of the booking. The rates page explains how offers are set.
Source: Points Plug: how it works
What are Air France-KLM Flying Blue miles worth?
Published valuations put Air France-KLM Flying Blue miles at 1.30¢ to 1.40¢ each, about 1.33¢ on average, as of 2026-09-22. Premium-cabin partner awards can beat that and merchandise or cash-style redemptions fall below it. The valuation page lists each source and the redemptions behind the range.
Customer service and tools
Reaching the program, security, statements and useful tools.
How do I contact Air France-KLM Flying Blue customer service?
In the US call Flying Blue on 800-375-8723; elsewhere use the contact pages at airfrance.us/contact or klm.com/contact, which route Flying Blue topics to the service centre.
Source: The Points Guy: Flying Blue guide (secondary source)
What are the Air France-KLM Flying Blue service centre hours, and is there a dedicated elite line?
Platinum members get the exclusive Platinum Service Line with 24/7 assistance, and Ultimate members a dedicated Ultimate Assistant around the clock.
Does Air France-KLM Flying Blue offer online chat or messaging support?
Yes, through messaging: Air France runs WhatsApp, Messenger and Apple Messages support where bots give immediate answers and transfer you to an agent if needed, and it works anywhere with an internet connection. Flying Blue-specific requests can also be raised through the contact forms on airfrance.us/contact and klm.com/contact.
Source: Air France: Our customer service team on social media
What do I do if my Air France-KLM Flying Blue account is hacked or miles are stolen?
Contact customer service straight away. The Air France-KLM account terms say that if login fraud is detected the account is blocked immediately and you are contacted at your registered e-mail address. Bear in mind art. 1.3.6 of the Flying Blue terms makes you responsible for keeping your password confidential and treats any operation from your account as yours, so change your password and report quickly.
Source: KLM: Terms and conditions for Air France-KLM accounts
How do I see my Air France-KLM Flying Blue activity statement and past redemptions?
Your activity overview, Miles counter and XP counter are in your online account (art. 1.2.11), at klm.com/profile or the Air France My account area.
Source: Air France: Flying Blue general terms and conditions
How do I escalate a complaint about Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
Use the complaint form under Refunds and compensation at klm.com/contact, or the Air France claims page (airfrance.us/information/legal/reclamation). The terms limit remedies to re-crediting the disputed Miles or a comparable benefit (art. 1.7.3).
Source: Air France: Flying Blue general terms and conditions
Special cases
Infants, unaccompanied minors, pets, medical needs, military and students.
What does an infant cost on a Air France-KLM Flying Blue award ticket?
Infants under two are not included in the reward: they must be booked separately with the airline at the applicable infant tariff (art. 3.2.12).
Source: Air France: Flying Blue general terms and conditions
Can an unaccompanied minor travel on a Air France-KLM Flying Blue award ticket?
KLM requires its Unaccompanied Minor service for children aged 5 to 14 flying without an adult (optional at 15 to 17), booked on top of the child's own adult-fare ticket at least 24 hours before departure: EUR 100 to 150 each way on direct flights, EUR 200 to 300 with a transfer, with transfers only on KLM, Air France or Delta flights. The page does not single out reward tickets, and since reward tickets are managed through Flying Blue customer service rather than My Trip, arrange the service with them when booking.
Can I pay pet fees with miles on Air France and KLM, and do pet fees earn miles?
No. KLM charges EUR 70 to 500 per one-way flight for a cat or dog in the cabin or hold, booked through My Trip and paid in cash; the extras KLM lists as payable with Miles are upgrades, seats and extra baggage, and the pet pages say nothing about earning Miles on the fee.
Source: KLM: Reservation for pets
Does Air France-KLM Flying Blue offer military, veteran or government member benefits?
Not as a Flying Blue benefit: the military perk is Air France's baggage allowance. Its US fee page gives US military personnel travelling on orders five checked bags of up to 32 kg in Business or Economy, and those travelling on leisure three 32 kg bags in Business or two 23 kg bags in Economy.
Does Air France-KLM Flying Blue offer student or youth benefits?
Flying Blue itself has no student or youth tier. Air France sells Youth fares (ages 12 to 24) and Student fares (18 to 29 with proof of enrolment) in Economy: two free 23 kg checked bags, free changes (fare difference only) and cancellation for EUR 100 within Europe or EUR 250 on international flights. The fare page does not state a special Miles rate, so expect the normal per-euro earning of your status level.
How do I request wheelchair or accessibility assistance on a Air France-KLM Flying Blue award booking?
Request assistance through the special assistance contact topic (airfrance.us/contact/topic/special-assistance or klm.com/information/assistance-health); reward bookings are handled the same as paid tickets.
Can I book group awards for more than nine people in Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
Not as a reward booking. Groups of 10 or more (children under two excluded) get a tailored cash group fare quoted through the Delta group desk, with flexible payment and cancellation, free standard seats, free name changes before ticketing and checked baggage included; each traveller still earns their personal Flying Blue Miles, or the company earns blue credits. Award seats for a large party have to be booked as individual reward tickets.
Recent changes and what is coming
Devaluations, renames, new partners and how the program announces changes.
What are the most recent major changes to Air France-KLM Flying Blue?
On 8 September 2026 Air France and KLM awards split into Light, Standard and Flex fares, raising Standard prices (Paris to New York Business from 60,000 to 75,000 Miles); on 4 May 2026 the Miles expiry rule was simplified so any earning activity extends the whole balance.
Source: One Mile at a Time: Flying Blue tiered award fares (secondary source)
Has Air France-KLM Flying Blue changed its name or currency recently?
The programme has carried the Flying Blue name since Fréquence Plus and Flying Dutchman merged in 2005, and the currency has always been Miles. The relaunch of 1 April 2018 switched earning to Miles per euro and qualification to XP, with an entry tier then called Ivory that has since been renamed Explorer; Ultimate was later added above Platinum.
When did Air France-KLM Flying Blue last devalue its award prices?
8 September 2026, when the new tiered award fares raised Standard pricing by roughly 25% to 50% (US to Europe Business from 60,000 to 75,000 Miles) while keeping the old price only for restrictive Light fares.
Source: One Mile at a Time: Flying Blue tiered award fares (secondary source)
What changes has Air France-KLM Flying Blue announced for the coming year?
The headline change has already landed: since 8 September 2026 Air France and KLM awards come in Light, Standard and Flex fares, with Light stripping lounge access, seat selection, refunds and changes from the cheapest price and Standard costing about 25 percent more Miles (Paris to New York Business: 60,000 Light, 75,000 Standard, 110,000 Flex). Partner awards were untouched, elites keep their status benefits on Light fares, and Flying Blue has announced nothing further for the coming months beyond adding events to Flying Blue Experiences.
Source: Head for Points: Flying Blue devaluation, the full story (secondary source)
How does Air France-KLM Flying Blue notify members of changes?
Through Flying Blue communications: art. 1.2.1 says amendments are notified via the programme's communications (email and the site) and members who disagree may terminate.
Source: Air France: Flying Blue general terms and conditions
What changed most recently in how Air France-KLM Flying Blue elite status is earned?
Surplus XP rollover was capped at 300 XP a year from late 2024; before that unlimited surplus XP carried forward. Thresholds (100/180/300 XP, 900 UXP) are unchanged.
Source: One Mile at a Time: Flying Blue XP rollover (secondary source)
When was Air France-KLM Flying Blue founded?
Flying Blue was created in 2005 by merging Air France's Fréquence Plus with KLM's Flying Dutchman programme. It marked its 20th anniversary in June 2025 with close to 30 million members, about 40 airline partners and over 100 commercial partners.
Source: Air France-KLM newsroom: Flying Blue celebrates 20 years
Pages these answers were read from
- KLM: Discover Flying Blue · official page
- KLM: Flying Blue overview · official page
- Air France: Flying Blue general terms and conditions · official page
- Air France: Discover Flying Blue · official page
- KLM: Terms and conditions for Air France-KLM accounts · official page
- BlueBiz: Frequently asked questions · official page
- KLM: Earning Miles with Flying Blue · official page
- Air France: Earn Flying Blue Miles · official page
- KLM: Flying Blue XP and status details · official page
- KLM: Travelling in a group of 10 or more · official page
- Air France: Book with your Flying Blue Miles · official page
- Air France: Flying Blue status and XP · official page
- The Points Guy: non-alliance airline partners · secondary source
- KLM: Flying Blue earning details · official page
- Air France: Flying Blue status levels · official page
- Flying Blue: Terms and Conditions (May 2026) · official page
- Air France corporate: 30 years of SNCF Voyageurs partnership · official page
- Air France: Air France KLM Visa Signature card · official page
- AwardWallet: Flying Blue transfer partners · secondary source
- Frequent Miler: Current point transfer bonuses · secondary source
- Capital One: Venture miles transfer partners guide · official page
- KLM: Flying Blue credit card · official page
- Air France Canada: Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard · official page
- Flying Blue Shop for Miles: terms and conditions · official page
- Flying Blue Earning Online: Food & Drink (US) · official page
- KLM: Booking hotels, cars and tours via KLM partners · official page
- Air France: Earn Flying Blue Miles with Uber · official page
- AwardWallet: buying Flying Blue Miles · secondary source
- KLM: Spending Flying Blue Miles · official page
- Air France-KLM newsroom: Miles on every Apple device purchase · official page
- Air France-KLM newsroom: Flying Blue and Amazon expand ways to earn Miles · official page
- KLM: Flying Blue membership levels · official page
- Flying Blue status match portal: FAQ · official page
- One Mile at a Time: Flying Blue elite status guide · secondary source
- Air France: Flying Blue Platinum benefits · official page
- One Mile at a Time: airline award ticket change and cancellation fees · secondary source
- Frequent Miler: Flying Blue Light, Standard and Flex award fares · secondary source
- Air France: Flying Blue Ultimate benefits · official page
- Air France: Flying Blue Gold benefits · official page
- The Points Guy: Flying Blue adds Light, Standard and Flex award fares · secondary source
- The Points Guy: Flying Blue guide · secondary source
- Frequent Miler: Flying Blue free stopover awards, the rules · secondary source
- Upgraded Points: Best ways to redeem Flying Blue Miles · secondary source
- One Mile at a Time: Air France-KLM Flying Blue guide · secondary source
- The Points Guy: Flying Blue routing rules on award tickets · secondary source
- Upgraded Points: When airlines release award seats · secondary source
- AwardWallet: Flying Blue stopovers on partner airlines · secondary source
- KLM: How to cancel your flight · official page
- AwardWallet: Flying Blue award sweet spots · secondary source
- Air France: Booking fees - Service fees · official page
- The Points Guy: Flying Blue cancelled award, where are my miles · secondary source
- KLM: Compensation and reimbursement · official page
- One Mile at a Time: The Flying Blue award calendar · secondary source
- KLM: Securing your ticket price (Time to Think) · official page
- AwardWallet: Flying Blue expanded award availability for Platinum and Ultimate · secondary source
- Upgraded Points: Searching SkyTeam award availability · secondary source
- Frequent Miler: Flying Blue Promo Rewards (July 2026) · secondary source
- Air France: Terms and conditions for a last-minute paid upgrade · official page
- Air France: Use your Flying Blue Miles · official page
- Air France: Flying Blue online shopping · official page
- Flying Blue Store: FAQ · official page
- KLM: How to change your flight and extra options · official page
- KLM: Inflight WiFi · official page
- Air France-KLM newsroom: Air France, KLM, Delta and Virgin Atlantic launch partnership · official page
- Air France-KLM newsroom: Flying Blue at the 2026 Freddie Awards · official page
- Air France: Our customer service team on social media · official page
- KLM: Unaccompanied minors service · official page
- KLM: Reservation for pets · official page
- Air France: Fees and paid options (US) · official page
- Air France: Youth and Student fares · official page
- One Mile at a Time: Flying Blue tiered award fares · secondary source
- KLM newsroom: New Flying Blue programme · official page
- Head for Points: Flying Blue devaluation, the full story · secondary source
- One Mile at a Time: Flying Blue XP rollover · secondary source
- Air France-KLM newsroom: Flying Blue celebrates 20 years · official page