7 Reasons Why Flying Blue Is My Favorite Airline Loyalty Program

At the end of 2024, I gave up a lovely room in London and, with it, my natural loyalty to the British Airways Executive Club. Since then, I’ve been living out of my suitcase, flying 91 flights in 2025 alone. Without a home base or a single airline alliance to anchor to, I assumed I’d lose my Air France-KLM Flying Blue Platinum Status.

Instead, after a bit of planning, I retained it for a second year. I’ll miss out on Platinum this year, but even dropping to Gold still delivers meaningful value, such as lounge access and priority services across the SkyTeam alliance.

After 2 years of holding top-tier status, Flying Blue has become my go-to loyalty program, even as a nomad who doesn’t live in France. Here’s why.

1. SkyTeam Elite Plus Status Pays Off (Especially with Delta)

Flying Blue Platinum status maps to SkyTeam Elite Plus, which unlocks reciprocal benefits across the 18 SkyTeam airlines. In practice, that has meant excellent treatment when flying Delta.

I’ve been able to pick seats, check bags for free, and enjoy Delta Sky Club access, even when flying economy. Last year, I was also upgraded twice on Delta flights within North America.

The first time, I received a seat change notification before boarding a short flight from Minneapolis (MSP) to Winnipeg, Canada (YWG). I had been upgraded from economy to first class.

The second time, I received an email confirming an upgrade to Delta Comfort+ just seconds after I paid for a regular Delta Main ticket from Honolulu (HNL) to Mexico City (MEX) via Los Angeles (LAX).

Some wouldn’t classify this as an upgrade, but I appreciated the extra space and the feeling of being in a separate cabin, thanks to a galley separating the cabins.

Lounge access has also been excellent.

My Flying Blue status has granted me entry to Virgin’s Clubhouse at LAX (which opened just last year), the Air France lounge at LAX, and many of Delta’s Sky Club Lounges throughout the U.S. The G Concourse SkyClub at Minneapolis (MSP) is one of my favorites in the network!

Beyond upgrades and lounge access, Delta and Aeromexico frequently offer competitively priced premium cabins on connecting itineraries across North America and Mexico. These tickets allowed me to earn additional Flying Blue Experience Points (XPs) without breaking the bank.

2. Flying Blue Status Is Relatively Easy To Earn

Flying Blue is one of the few loyalty programs that hasn’t switched to rewarding status based on spending. Instead, its status-earning XPs are based on distance flown and cabin class, which makes strategic qualification very feasible.

Here’s a snapshot of several premium tickets I booked last year:

In total, I spent $3,295 on long-haul international business class fares, $577 on a mixed Delta domestic First/Aeromexico Premier ticket, and $2,538 on premium-economy fares. The XPs earned from these tickets totaled 284 XPs — just 16 short of the 300 required to requalify for Platinum status.

That’s not inexpensive. However, compared to the roughly $27,000 I’d need to spend to earn top-level status with British Airways, Flying Blue’s model is far more attainable for international travelers.

I was traveling full-time regardless. Being able to earn top-level status at the same time is a win in my book.

3. Flying Blue Still Offers Strong Business Class Award Value

Flying Blue has long been known for its great-value redemptions in premium cabins. Even after minimum award rates in all cabins increased in January 2025 — with business class rising from 50,000 to 60,000 miles — value remains strong.

For example, the lowest Air France business class redemption from the U.S. to Paris starts at 60,000 miles.

On similar dates, Delta One awards can start at 245,000 SkyMiles — more than 4 times the cost of a Flying Blue award.

Considering that only 1 of Delta’s 2 daily flights to Paris from JFK features its newest Delta One seat, and 4 of Air France’s 5 daily flights feature its newest business class suites, redeeming Air France via Flying Blue’s becomes even more appealing.

4. Anyone Can Earn Flying Blue Miles

Another advantage: Flying Blue is a transfer partner of several major flexible points and miles currencies, including American Express Membership Rewards points, Capital One miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards points, and Citi ThankYou Points.

That makes it relatively easy for U.S.-based travelers to build a Flying Blue balance without holding a co-branded credit card.

For example, cards like the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card can earn points and miles that can be transferred directly to Flying Blue.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Welcome Offer

Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

75,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,350

Annual Fee

$395

APR

Purchases: 19.49% - 28.49% (Variable)

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.

Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.

 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
• 5x miles per $1 on flights and vacation rentals purchased through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• $395 annual fee
• Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status

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Card Highlights

• Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge and Landing locations and participating Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
• Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
• Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®
• Top rated mobile app

Financial Snapshot

• APR: Purchases: 19.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

 

LIMITED-TIME OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Welcome Offer

Earn 75,000 100,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

75,000 100,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$2,000

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.24% - 27.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred^® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, gas, EV charging, vacation homes, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance and emergency evacuation. With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
• 3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs), gas, EV charging, vacation homes (such as Airbnb and Vrbo), and select streaming services
• 2x points on all other travel worldwide

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status

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Card Highlights

• Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, 3x on vacation homes, 3x on gas & EV charging, 3x on top streaming services and online groceries (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs), 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases
• Earn up to $100 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get a year of complimentary Apple TV when activated by December 31, 2026 - a value of $156.
• Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
• Receive one statement credit of up to $120 every four years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card for a Global Entry, TSA Precheck^® or NEXUS application.
• Transfer points to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.24% - 27.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

That flexibility is key. Instead of locking yourself into one airline’s program, wait until you’re ready to book, then transfer points or miles when award space is available.

When I see a 60,000-mile business class seat to Paris, I can transfer points or miles instantly and lock it in, rather than hoping I’ve already accumulated enough miles in the right program.

5. Platinum Members Get Exclusive Access To La Première Awards

La Première is Air France’s distinguished first class product. Its newest version launched just last year and is widely regarded as one of the best first-class cabins in the sky.

To keep La Première exclusive, only Flying Blue Platinum or Ultimate members can redeem miles for award tickets. This restriction makes Flying Blue status uniquely valuable. Most travelers cannot access these awards at all, regardless of how many miles they have.

Cash fares often start around $15,000 round-trip. As a Platinum member, I can easily find availability for nonstop La Première flights from New York (JFK) to Paris (CDG). If I had 350,000 miles, I’d definitely consider splurging just to try out the newest product.

Hot Tip:

If you’re not a Flying Blue Platinum or Ultimate member, you can upgrade to La Première from a cash or points/miles ticket in business class. I paid $1,800 cash once from São Paulo to Paris (which is still a lot of money), but it’s a huge saving compared to booking cash outright.

6. Valuable Airline Partners Beyond SkyTeam

Flying Blue’s value extends beyond the SkyTeam alliance.

For example, I recently flew GOL (the second-largest airline in Brazil) from Rio de Janeiro (GIG) to Belo Horizonte (CNF), where I was heading to celebrate Carnival.

After adding my Flying Blue number to a basic economy ticket, I received free seat selection, a checked bag, lounge access, and priority boarding.

Other major non-SkyTeam partners of Air France-KLM include Copa Airlines, Etihad, Japan Airlines, Qantas, and WestJet. That partner network adds serious flexibility, particularly for travelers who move between alliances.

7. Consistently Strong Service With Air France and KLM

Since January 2024, I’ve flown 24 times on Air France and KLM. Whether it was flying Air France’s La Première or economy hops around Europe, I can’t think of a single negative encounter with crew from either airline.

One experience stands out: On a flight from Barcelona (BCN) to Paris, connecting onwards to Cape Town (CPT), a flight attendant (Pierre) noticed my status after our brief conversation and quietly offered me a hand towel from business class, saying, “It’s not much, but we appreciate your loyalty.”

He wasn’t just favoring passengers with status, either. He’d clearly been looking at the manifest to see which passengers had connections. I saw him actively reassuring them we’d arrive on time so they could catch their next flight — a small but meaningful detail.

Final Thoughts

I thoroughly enjoyed every second of my 2 years having Flying Blue Platinum Status. There’s no doubt that it materially improved my experience across Air France-KLM and the broader SkyTeam network.

I won’t requalify this year, but even Gold status remains valuable.

For frequent international travelers — particularly those who value distance-based qualification, strong partners reciprocity, and accessible premium benefits — it might be time to give Flying Blue a try, even if you don’t live in France.