Flying Blue To Unbundle Award Tickets Next Month, Marking a Devaluation for Many Members

Updated: August 19, 2026, 3:18pm CDT

Edited by:

Jump to Section

Table of Contents

Flying Blue’s Unbundled Redemptions Explained
Final Thoughts

We may be compensated when you click on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Redeeming Flying Blue miles will look a little different as of September 8.

Air France and KLM’s shared loyalty program has decided to unbundle its redemptions, similar to how it handles cash fares. Ultimately, redemptions will be less valuable to many of the program’s members.

Let’s take a look at the details.

Flying Blue’s Unbundled Redemptions Explained

Flying Blue‘s new tiered redemptions will include 3 levels, similar to those when booking cash fares: Light, Standard, and Flex.

Before we look into the new unbundled redemptions, there are a few important points to highlight:

The unbundled redemptions will apply only to flights operated by Air France or KLM, not other SkyTeam airlines.
These changes apply only to Flying Blue redemptions, not Air France or KLM flights booked with partner miles.
Flying Blue status perks and benefits still apply, including checked baggage and seat selection.
The new fare brackets will apply to economy, premium economy, and business class tickets on both short- and long-haul flights.
La Première (Air France’s first class) redemptions won’t be unbundled.

These new unbundled fares will apply to Flying Blue award bookings on September 8, 2026, and bookings until then will operate under the current system.

The 3 new tiers will work as follows:

SCROLL FOR MORE

	Economy	Premium Economy	Business
Light	No checked bags 1 carry-on Changes and refunds not included Cost to choose a seat in advance SkyPriority not included Lounge access at a cost	No checked bags 2 carry-ons Changes and refunds not included Cost to choose a seat in advance SkyPriority included Lounge access at a cost	1 checked bag (32 kilograms or 70 pounds) 2 carry-ons Changes and refunds not included Cost to choose a seat in advance SkyPriority included Lounge access at a cost
Standard	1 checked bag (23 kilograms or 50 pounds) 1 carry-on Changes and refunds available at a cost Cost to choose a seat in advance SkyPriority not included Lounge access at a cost	2 checked bags (23 kilograms or 50 pounds) 2 carry-ons Changes and refunds available at a cost Cost to choose a seat in advance SkyPriority included Lounge access at a cost	2 checked bags (32 kilograms or 70 pounds) 2 carry-ons Changes and refunds available at a cost Cost to choose a seat in advance SkyPriority included Lounge access included
Flex	1 checked bag (23 kilograms or 50 pounds) 1 carry-on Changes and refunds included Advance seat selection included SkyPriority not included Lounge access at a cost	2 checked bags (23 kilograms or 50 pounds) 2 carry-ons Changes and refunds included Advance seat selection included SkyPriority included Lounge access at a cost	2 checked bags (32 kilograms or 70 pounds) 2 carry-ons Changes and refunds included Advance seat selection included SkyPriority included Lounge access included

Here’s a look at each tier for a sample business class flight:

Flying Blue example unbundled — Image Credit: Flying Blue

The exception to restrictions on Light fares will be for those with Flying Blue elite status, who will continue to enjoy fee waivers, checked-bag benefits, and other perks.

Hot Tip:

The amount of cash you’ll pay will decrease as you pay more miles, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get more value for your miles by booking a Flex fare. Instead, focus on what benefits you need during your flight and any perks that may come from your elite status, then choose the appropriate fare type.

Final Thoughts

As of September 8, you’ll see unbundled award ticket fares when redeeming Flying Blue miles for Air France and KLM flights. Put simply, the more you pay, the more perks you’ll get.

Elite benefits will still apply, allowing these members to spend fewer miles on their tickets. For everyone else, if you want checked baggage and lounge access, you’ll need to book something other than the cheapest fare.