Air France-KLM Flying Blue

Air France-KLM Flying Blue is the joint loyalty program of Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and several other airlines. 

As two of Europe’s largest airlines, Air France and KLM operate extensive route networks primarily from their main hubs: Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) for Air France and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) for KLM.

Air France and KLM both fly to various cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico — and in some cases, you can find business-class award flights between North America and Europe from just 50,000 miles (or less with one of the program’s monthly Promo Rewards).

Combined with the free stopovers and frequent transfer bonuses from American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards and Citi ThankYou, Flying Blue has some of the best deals for transatlantic travel.

Today, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about Air France-KLM Flying Blue.

Air France-KLM Flying Blue overview

Launched in 2005, Flying Blue is one of Europe’s largest airline loyalty programs with over 20 million members. It’s free to join and allows members to earn miles on Air France, KLM and their SkyTeam alliance partners, as well as various non-flight partners such as hotels and car rental companies. You can also earn Flying Blue miles by transferring credit card points to the program and with the Air France KLM Visa Signature Card.

Members can redeem miles for various rewards, including flights, cabin upgrades, hotel stays and merchandise. The program offers a tiered elite status system (Silver, Gold, Platinum and Ultimate) based on Experience Points (XP), which enhances the travel experience for frequent flyers with benefits like priority services, lounge access and extra baggage allowances.

Flying Blue utilizes a dynamic pricing model for award flights, which means the number of miles required for a redemption can vary based on factors like demand and seasonality. However, the program often offers competitive redemption rates, especially through its monthly Promo Rewards.

As someone who has redeemed over 1 million Flying Blue miles over the years, I’ve traveled extensively on Air France and KLM and have learned the ins and outs of the program to make the most of it using lesser-known features such as free stopovers and special sales for purchasing Air France-KLM miles.

Flying Blue partners

Air France and KLM are both part of SkyTeam. In addition to the SkyTeam airlines, Flying Blue has an impressive collection of non-airline partners. To earn miles on a partner, you must travel in an eligible fare class, and to redeem miles, award space must be available.

Here’s a look at Flying Blue’s 38 airline partners:

Flying Blue elite status

Flying Blue uses Experience Points (XP) as the metric for earning elite status. The program offers three main elite status tiers, plus an additional top-tier status:

Here are a few key features of the Flying Blue elite status program:

Here’s a closer look at what you can expect at each tier:

Silver:

Gold (additional benefits):

Platinum (additional benefits):

Ultimate (unpublished tier, but reports include these benefits):

The Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard offers 20 XP every year on your account anniversary, plus you can earn more by meeting a spend bonus. Check out our full review of the credit card for more information.

You’ll earn Platinum status for life after maintaining Platinum status for 10 consecutive years.

How to earn Flying Blue miles

Flying Blue offers numerous ways to earn miles both through flying and non-flying activities. Here are the primary methods to earn:

Fly with Air France, KLM and partner airlines

The most straightforward way to earn miles is by flying with Air France, KLM or partner airlines.

On Air France and KLM flights, you’ll generally earn miles based on the price of your ticket (excluding taxes and fees) and your Flying Blue status level:

On SkyTeam and other partner airline flights, you’ll generally earn miles based on the distance you fly, fare class and your Flying Blue status. You can refer to the Flying Blue website for specific earning rates with each partner.

Earn with Flying Blue’s credit card

Air France KLM Visa Signature® Credit Card

Unlock SkyTeam Alliance Rewards with the Air France KLM Visa Signature®

Limited-Time Online Offer: Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles + 100 Experience Points (XP) after you make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of your account opening!

The Air France KLM Visa Signature® delivers exceptional value for travelers with access to over 1,000 destinations worldwide through SkyTeam member airlines. With a low $89 annual fee, this card offers:

• 3 Miles per $1 spent on eligible SkyTeam member airline purchases
• 3 Miles per $1 spent on eligible dining purchases
• 1.5 Miles per $1 spent on everyday purchases
• 5,000 bonus Miles annually after spending $50 or more

The Air France KLM Visa Signature® includes valuable status-earning opportunities:

• 100 XP bonus = instant Flying Blue Silver status
• 20 XP annually
• Additional 80 XP after spending $15,000 annually (totaling 100 XP)
• Additional 60 XP after spending $25,000 annually (totaling 160 XP)
• No foreign transaction fees

Flying Blue Silver Status benefits include:

• 6 Miles per dollar spent on flights
• Priority check-in, baggage drop-off and boarding
• Free seat selection options 24 hours before departure
• Free selection of standard seats
• One free extra checked baggage item on SkyTeam flights

Perfect for travelers who frequently fly with SkyTeam airlines or want elite status benefits, this card provides excellent value with its modest annual fee and immediate status upgrade.

Apply now to secure this limited-time offer and instant Silver status!

Transfer points from other loyalty programs

Flying Blue partners with major transferable credit card points programs, including:

This means that you can transfer rewards from cards like The Platinum Card^® from American Express, Capital One Venture X and Chase Sapphire Reserve to Flying Blue at a 1:1 ratio. Here’s a look at some of our favorite transferable reward credit cards with their sign-up bonuses that you can transfer to Flying Blue:

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Unlock Premium Travel & Lifestyle Benefits with The Platinum Card® from American Express

Welcome Offer: 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

The Platinum Card® from American Express delivers exceptional value for travelers and lifestyle enthusiasts. With this premium card, you’ll enjoy:

• 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel®
• Global Lounge Collection® access to over 1,550 airport lounges including Centurion Lounges and Delta Sky Clubs®
• $600 Hotel Credit annually on Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings
• $400 Resy Credit plus exclusive Platinum Nights by Resy restaurant reservations
• $320 Uber benefits ($200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One membership credits)
• $300 Digital Entertainment Credit ($25 monthly for eligible streaming services)
• $300 lululemon Credit ($75 quarterly)
• $209 CLEAR® Plus Credit annually
• $200 Airline Fee Credit with your selected qualifying airline
• $155 Walmart+ Credit for monthly membership
• $100 Saks Fifth Avenue Credit ($50 semi-annually)

The Platinum Card® offers premium early check-in and guaranteed 4PM late checkout at Fine Hotels + Resorts® properties, helping you maximize your vacation time.

With dedicated 24/7 Member Services support and a suite of benefits that deliver over $2,500 in potential annual value, The Platinum Card® stands apart as a premium travel and lifestyle companion.

American Express® Gold Card

Experience Dining & Travel Rewards with the American Express® Gold Card

• Up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months
• 4X points at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 per year, then 1X)
• 4X points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year, then 1X)
• 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmEx Travel
• 1X point on all other purchases
• No foreign transaction fees
• $120 annual dining credit ($10 monthly) at select partners like Grubhub & The Cheesecake Factory
• Up to $120 Uber Cash ($10 monthly) for U.S. Uber rides & Uber Eats
• Up to $100 Resy credit ($50 semi‑annually) on eligible restaurant bookings
• Up to $84 Dunkin’ credit ($7 monthly) at U.S. Dunkin’ locations
• Transfer points to leading airline & hotel partners for maximum value

Whether you’re indulging in chef‑crafted meals, stocking up on groceries or flying across the globe, the AmEx Gold Card turns everyday spend into premium rewards. Use your monthly credits, earn accelerated points on dining and travel, and redeem points for statement credits or transfer to top loyalty programs—all while enjoying no foreign transaction fees.

Terms apply. Welcome offer and credits require enrollment and qualifying purchases. See issuer for full details.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

Unlock Premium Business Travel Benefits with The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

Elevated Welcome Offer: Earn up to 300,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership!

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express delivers exceptional value that can unlock over $3,500 in business and travel value annually after meeting qualifying spend thresholds. With this premium business card, you’ll enjoy:

• Access to 1,550+ airport lounges across 140 countries with the American Express Global Lounge Collection®
• Up to $600 in statement credits annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings
• Up to $200 Airline Fee Credit with your selected qualifying airline
• Up to $200 back annually on eligible Hilton purchases (for Hilton For Business members)
• Up to $209 back annually on CLEAR® Plus Membership
• Up to $1,150 in Dell Technologies credits ($150 statement credit plus an additional $1,000 after spending $5,000+)
• $250 Adobe credit after spending $600+ per calendar year
• Up to $360 back annually for purchases with Indeed
• Up to $120 back annually for wireless telephone services

Business Platinum cardholders earn 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, 2X points on select business categories and eligible purchases of $5,000 or more (up to $2 million per calendar year), and 1X points on other eligible purchases.

With a flexible spending limit that adapts based on your purchase, payment and credit history, The Business Platinum Card® is designed to support your growing business needs.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Experience Luxury Travel with the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card

• 125,000 bonus points after $6,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
• 8X points on travel booked through Chase Travel℠; 4X points on direct airline and hotel bookings
• 3X points on dining and eligible delivery services; 1X point on all other purchases
• $300 annual travel credit automatically applied to travel purchases
• Complimentary lounge access with Priority Pass™ Select and Chase Sapphire Lounges for you +2 guests
• Up to $300 in annual credits for dining at Exclusive Tables and stays with The Edit
• $120 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® credit every four years
• No foreign transaction fees
• $795 annual fee

From premium lounge retreats to robust trip protections—cancellation, interruption, auto rental and baggage insurance—this card lets you travel with confidence. Manage your account seamlessly in the Chase app, tap to pay with contactless security, and let automatic credits offset the annual fee for high‑value perks all year long.

Terms apply. See issuer for complete details and eligibility.

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Maximize Business Travel Rewards with the Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

• 90,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 in the first 3 months
• 3X points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories annually
• 1X point per $1 on all other purchases
• 1:1 transfers to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Primary rental car coverage and trip cancellation/interruption protection
• $95 annual fee
• No foreign transaction fees

Reward everyday business spend—from shipping and advertising to telecom and travel—with elevated earning rates and seamless redemptions. Combine points across your Chase portfolio, redeem them for 1.25¢ each toward travel booked through Chase Travel℠, or transfer them to more than a dozen top loyalty partners. Stay in control with an intuitive dashboard, real‑time alerts and powerful digital tools built for busy entrepreneurs.

Terms apply. Bonus points require $8,000 spend in 3 months. Rewards cap at 150,000 bonus-category points per anniversary year. See issuer for full details.

Capital One Venture X Rewards

Elevate Your Travel at a Value: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

• 10X miles on hotels & rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 5X miles on flights & vacation rentals through Capital One Travel
• 2X miles on all other purchases
• $395 annual fee, with up to $300 annual travel credit for portal bookings
• 10,000 anniversary bonus miles (worth $100) each year
• Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit up to $100 every four years
• Unlimited lounge access at Capital One & Priority Pass lounges
• No foreign transaction fees

Perfect for frequent explorers, this card’s robust benefits—from statement credits to lounge access—easily offset its annual fee. Book your next adventure, relax in premium lounges and enjoy seamless digital tools, all while earning unlimited rewards on every dollar spent.

Terms apply. See issuer’s website for rates, fees and complete details.

Capital One Venture Rewards

Experience Effortless Travel Rewards with the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

• 75,000 bonus miles after $4,000 in purchases within 3 months (worth $750 in travel)
• 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel
• Up to $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
• $50 experience credit on select hotel and vacation rental bookings
• Transfer miles to over 15 airline and hotel partners
• No foreign transaction fees and no mileage caps

Enjoy flexible redemption at 1¢ per mile: cover travel purchases with statement credits, book directly through Capital One Travel or transfer to partner programs. Miles never expire and there’s no limit to how many you can earn. Manage everything in one intuitive app, with contactless chip-and-tap security, robust travel protections and 24/7 customer support.

Terms apply. See issuer’s website for full details.

Additionally, Flying Blue routinely offers transfer bonuses, so you can occasionally get more than 1 Flying Blue mile per credit card point.

Buy Flying Blue miles

Although purchasing Flying Blue miles is typically not the most cost-effective option, the loyalty program frequently runs promotions that offer bonuses or discounts for buying miles.

For example, during a 100% bonus promotion, the price per mile drops to 1.53 cents. That can be a great way to earn miles for high-value redemptions.

Other ways to earn Flying Blue miles

You can earn miles by booking hotels with Flying Blue’s hotel partners or renting cars from affiliated companies. Award rates vary by partner.

Additionally, the Flying Blue shopping portal lets you earn miles on online purchases from a range of retailers.

How to redeem Flying Blue miles

Flying Blue offers various redemption options with award flights typically providing the best value. Here are the main ways to use your Flying Blue miles:

Fly Air France and KLM

In almost all cases, the most valuable way to redeem Flying Blue miles is for award flights on Air France, KLM and partner airlines.

You can book one-way and round-trip award tickets online through the Flying Blue website or mobile app. Dynamic pricing means award costs can vary, but standard one-way pricing between the US and Europe starts at:

You’ll need to pay the taxes and fees for your ticket. On transatlantic flights to/from the EU, expect the following, per person, one-way:

Pro tip: When searching for award space, use the online award calendar by leaving your dates blank to see all flight options and find the best deals.

Fly partner airlines

Flying Blue has plenty of sweet spots on its partner awards, too. When available, Flying Blue charges 18,500 miles one-way in economy class to fly between the continental US and Hawaii on Delta. Ironically, Flying Blue’s award rates are sometimes less expensive than what Delta SkyMiles charges on its own loyalty program. 

Other sweet spots include Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) for 11,500 miles in economy or 22,500 miles in business class on China Airlines.



And here’s San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Vancouver International Airport (YVR) for 9,000 miles on WestJet.

Lastly, for 5,000 miles in economy or 15,000 miles in business class, you can fly from Muscat International Airport (MCT) to Dubai International Airport (DXB) on Oman Air.

Leverage Promo Rewards

Flying Blue offers monthly Promo Rewards with discounts of up to 50% off normal award rates on select routes. These can provide exceptional value but are generally more restrictive on modifications and must be booked within the month they’re released.

Flying Blue stopover

Flying Blue allows stopovers on all award tickets, including partner awards, but you need to call Flying Blue to book a redemption with a stopover. A stopover is a stop between two tickets between  24 hours and one year.

This policy increases the value of Flying Blue miles by allowing members to visit additional destinations at no extra cost. For example, if you book an award ticket from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) via Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), in theory, the stopover program would allow you to spend a few days in Paris before continuing to Madrid for no extra miles.

Call Flying Blue at 1 (800) 375-8723 to book a Flying Blue stopover.

Families can pool miles

Flying Blue has a family pooling option that allows members to combine miles. That can make it easier to redeem your miles for an award ticket, especially for infrequent flyers or children who may not accumulate enough miles individually for redemptions. Here are the key features of the Flying Blue Family Account:

The family leader can transfer miles, either partially or in full, from other members’ accounts, with transferred miles remaining valid for two years from the transfer date. If needed, there’s a 24-hour grace period to reverse any mile contribution. It’s worth noting that transferred miles may follow different expiration rules than the original miles in the family leader’s account. 

Additionally, when booking award travel, it may be unclear which “bucket” of miles will be used first. The Flying Blue Family Account provides a flexible way for families to pool miles and access award travel opportunities that may not be possible for individual members alone, though understanding the transfer and expiration details is essential for getting the most out of this feature.

Other ways to redeem Flying Blue miles

You can use miles to upgrade your seat to a higher cabin class on eligible tickets. You can also use miles on hotel stays and car rentals through Flying Blue’s travel partners, although these options may not offer as high a value as flight redemptions. Flying Blue also has an online store that offers merchandise and experiences, though these options typically deliver lower value per mile.

Do Flying Blue miles expire?

Flying Blue miles expire after 24 months of inactivity. Miles expire at different times depending on how they were earned. For example:

Your miles do not expire if you have Flying Blue elite status.

Bottom line

Air France-KLM Flying Blue is one of my favorite loyalty programs for travelers heading to Europe or connecting through Air France and KLM’s extensive global networks. With features like dynamic pricing, Promo Rewards, a wide range of airline partners and flexible stopover policies, the program offers valuable redemption options, especially for transatlantic flights. 

Family pooling and frequent transfer bonuses from credit card programs make it easier for members to earn miles. However, staying flexible to maximize Flying Blue’s dynamic award pricing and clearly understanding expiration rules is key to maximizing its benefits.

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