How to book Air France flights with miles

Step 1: Choose the right mileage program

Air France is a member of the SkyTeam alliance, which means you can book its flights using miles from several frequent flyer programs. Almost always, however, the best way to book is through Flying Blue, the loyalty program of Air France and KLM. Other major programs that allow you to book Air France flights include:

Just keep in mind that these airline programs — especially Delta SkyMiles — may have much higher award rates than Flying Blue.

You can also transfer rewards from the following credit card points currency to Flying Blue at a 1:1 ratio:

And if you’re looking to earn transferable rewards, here’s a recap of some of our favorite options:

Step 2: Check for award availability

To find available award seats, visit Air France’s website and select “book with miles” to look for flights. If possible, we recommend being flexible with your dates, as availability fluctuates. If you want to see award availability on a calendar to find the lowest prices, leave your depatrue date blank.

Then, you’ll see the different award prices.

Here are a few tips for finding award availability:

We also recommend comparing prices between Flying Blue and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. Although Air France typically releases limited award space to Flying Club, its Air France award prices can be (significantly) less than Flying Blue. For example, a given flight from Abidjan’s Félix Houphouët Boigny International Airport (ABJ) to London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR) costs 85,000 Flying Blue miles in business class.

Meanwhile, the same flight only costs 48,500 Flying Blue points.

As a reminder, you can transfer the following credit card currencies to Virgin Atlantic at a 1:1 ratio:

Step 3: Determine the mileage cost

Flying Blue operates on a dynamic pricing model, meaning the number of miles required can vary. However, Flying Blue publishes starting award rates:

Taxes and fees are typically $100 to $500 per ticket, depending on class and route. Long-haul business-class departures from the U.K. typically have the most expensive taxes and fees.

Step 4: Transfer points to Flying Blue

If you don’t have enough miles in your Flying Blue account, you can transfer points from major credit card programs:

Important notes

If you want to secure your seat before transferring miles, Flying Blue allows you to hold award tickets (except those operated by Air Europa) for up to three days by calling their customer service at 800-375-8723. A $25 per person hold fee applies.

While the fee may be an inconvenience, the peace of mind of locking in your award seat before transferring rewards can be well worth it.

Step 5: Book your ticket

Once you’ve found availability and transferred your miles, proceed with booking directly through the Air France or KLM website. If you run into issues, you can also call Flying Blue customer service for assistance.

Booking steps:

1. Log into your Flying Blue account.
2. Enter your departure and destination cities along with travel dates.
3. Select an available flight using miles.
4. Pay any required taxes and fees.
5. Receive your confirmation and e-ticket.

Bottom line

Booking Air France flights with miles can unlock incredible value, especially when leveraging Flying Blue’s dynamic pricing, Promo Rewards and transfer partnerships. With flexible dates, strategic transfers and careful planning, you can maximize your miles and minimize out-of-pocket costs. Whether you’re flying economy or aiming for a premium cabin experience, using the right strategy can make your dream trip more attainable.

FAQs about booking Air France flights with miles

What is the best way to book Air France flights with miles?

The best way to book Air France flights with miles is through the Flying Blue program, which offers competitive award pricing and monthly Promo Rewards. You can also use partner programs like Delta SkyMiles or Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, but they often require more miles.

Can I transfer credit card points to Flying Blue?

Yes, Flying Blue is a transfer partner of several major credit card programs, including American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Capital One, Citi ThankYou Rewards, Bilt Rewards, and Wells Fargo Rewards—all at a 1:1 ratio.

How many miles do I need to book a flight from the U.S. to Europe?

Flying Blue award tickets between the U.S. and Europe typically start at 25,000 miles in economy, 40,000 in premium economy, and 60,000 in business class, one-way. However, prices may vary due to dynamic pricing.

Can I hold an award ticket before transferring points?

Yes, Flying Blue allows you to hold an award ticket for up to three days by calling customer service. A $25 per person fee applies. This lets you confirm availability before transferring credit card points.

Are Flying Blue Promo Rewards worth it?

Yes. Promo Rewards offer discounted award tickets on select routes each month and can significantly lower the number of miles needed, especially in business class. They’re one of the best ways to get more value from your Flying Blue miles.