Once you have understood the logic behind the status points (XP), Flying Blue is a relatively straightforward frequent flyer program. Silver status is awarded starting at 100 XP within 12 months, Gold requires a further 180 XP, and another 300 XP results in Platinum status.
After that, there is a long gap. Ultimate status is only avaialble once you reach 900 points per year (approx. 10 long-haul business class trips). These 900 XP must also be earned exclusively on KLM & Air France flights; SkyTeam partners do not count toward this total. Ultimate is essentially the HON Circle equivalent for Air France and KLM frequent flyers, but without First Class lounge access.
To shorten the long stretch between Platinum and Ultimate, Flying Blue is now introducing so-called Choice Benefits. Members who reach a certain XP threshold can then select one of several rewards. These include free miles and upgrade vouchers, among others.
Choice Benefits at 450 XP, 600 XP, and 750 XP
The following benefits are currently available for selection:
- From 450 XP:
- Flying Blue Silver status (to gift to another person)
- 15,000 Reward Miles
- 20 bonus (U)XP
- Option to overdraft the account by 20,000 miles
- From 600 XP:
- Flying Blue Gold status (to gift to another person)
- 20,000 Reward Miles
- 30 bonus (U)XP
- Option to overdraft the account by 30,000 miles
- From 750 XP:
- Flying Blue Platinum status (to gift to another person)
- 30,000 Reward Miles
- 1 Upgrade Voucher (on long-haul flights, this only covers Economy → Premium Eco or Premium Eco → Business. See conditions here)
- Option to overdraft the account by 40,000 miles
The mileage overdraft doesn’t seem particularly useful when you can receive 75% of that amount as a gift instead. However, all other benefits are quite appealing. More details on the individual benefits and conditions can be found here on the Flying Blue website. It notes, for example, that status cards and upgrade vouchers can only be activated by phone.
A Choice Benefit must be selected within 6 months of reaching the points threshold. Once selected, the benefit is valid for a maximum of 12 months.
Currently, those who are either on their way from Platinum to Ultimate or working on requalifying for Ultimate can benefit. According to Flying Blue, more Choice Benefits are planned for the future, both for lower and higher tiers:
The program will extend to other tier levels in the future. Additional benefits for Ultimate members are in development.
Source: One Mile at a Time