Air France-KLM Flying Blue, explained
The one airline program every major bank transfers to. How Flying Blue prices awards since its September 2026 fare change, what Promo Rewards are, the surcharges to expect, and where the miles go furthest.
Flying Blue is the loyalty program of Air France and KLM, and the easiest airline program to reach with U.S. bank points: American Express, Chase, Capital One, Citi and Bilt all transfer to it. Prices are dynamic, taxes and surcharges are real, and since September 2026 the cheapest awards come with fewer inclusions. In return, Flying Blue releases plenty of award seats to Europe and discounts a new set of routes every month.
Air France and KLM · SkyTeam
At a glance
Air France-KLM Flying Blue
Easy-to-find awards to Paris, Amsterdam and beyond, monthly discounts, and points from every major bank.
- Typical value per mile
- 1.4¢
- Award pricing, no chart
- Dynamic
- Off selected routes each month
- Up to 25%
- Amex, Chase, Capital One, Citi, Bilt
- All 5 banks
Light, Standard and FlexPromo RewardsTaxes and surchargesWhere Flying Blue miles go furthestHow to earn Flying Blue milesThe credit cardStatus, briefly
Light, Standard and Flex: the September 2026 change
From September 8, 2026, every new award on an Air France or KLM flight comes in three versions, according to Flying Blue. Partner-airline awards are unchanged, and status benefits still apply.
| Light | Standard | Flex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Checked bags (economy) | None | One | One |
| Checked bags (business) | One | Two | Two |
| Changes and refunds | Not allowed | €70 each | Included |
| Business lounge | At extra cost | Included | Included |
| Seat selection | At extra cost | At extra cost | Included |
Business Light is limited to the lowest booking classes. Cabins can be combined only within the same version, so business Light pairs with economy Light, not with Flex.
The cost of the extra inclusions is significant. The extra inclusions cost more miles: Flying Blue’s search shows Light as the starting price, with Standard and Flex priced higher, so check all three before transferring.
Status softens Light
Flying Blue Silver members keep an extra bag on Light awards, Gold keeps lounge access, and Platinum and Ultimate members can change and refund Light awards free of charge, according to Flying Blue.
Promo Rewards
On the first day of each month, Flying Blue discounts a set of routes by up to 25%. Since September 2026, the Promo price is the Light price. October’s list, from Flying Blue’s own page:
| Route (one-way, to or from Europe) | Miles | Cabin |
|---|---|---|
| Europe to Boston, Houston, Raleigh-Durham or Toronto | 18,750 | Economy |
| Europe to Chicago, Miami or Las Vegas | 30,000 | Premium economy |
| Europe to Beijing | 63,750 | Business |
| Paris to Rome or Venice | 15,000 | Business |
| Paris or Amsterdam to Oslo, Copenhagen, Dublin, Geneva or Vienna | 6,000 | Economy |
October’s Promo Rewards are bookable during October for travel until March 31, 2027. Some routes are reserved for Flying Blue Extra subscribers.
Taxes and surcharges
Flying Blue passes on carrier surcharges, according to its terms. On long-haul awards these surcharges can add several hundred dollars, so check the cash portion in Flying Blue’s search before transferring. Flex awards carry a lower cash portion, according to Flying Blue.
Where Flying Blue miles go furthest
Air France and KLM
Promo Rewards to Europe
from 18,750miles one-way in economy, on a recent Promo route
Flying Blue lists Promo routes as to or from Europe, and the price changes monthly. Light rules apply: no checked bag.
Changes monthly
Air France and KLM
Paris or Amsterdam in business
Lightis the lowest price; Standard and Flex cost more
Seats are released widely, which makes Flying Blue reliable for planned trips; Standard adds the lounge and two bags.
Plus taxes and surcharges
Air France and KLM
Premium economy to Europe
from 30,000miles one-way, Light, on October Promo routes such as Chicago and Miami
A comfortable middle ground where both airlines’ premium cabins are strong.
Plus taxes and fees
Air France and KLM
Short hops within Europe
from 6,000miles one-way on October Promo routes
Useful add-ons to a European trip, with modest taxes.
Light: hand baggage only
How to earn Flying Blue miles
Transfer from any bank
Capital One at 1:1, according to Capital One; American Express, Chase, Citi and Bilt at 1:1. All five transfer to Flying Blue.
Marriott
60,000 Marriott points become 25,000 Flying Blue miles, according to Marriott.
Fly SkyTeam
Air France, KLM, Delta and other SkyTeam flights earn miles and XP toward status.
The Air France KLM card
See below.
Since May 4, 2026, any eligible activity extends the whole miles balance by 24 months, according to Flying Blue; miles do not expire for elite members, Flying Blue Extra subscribers, co-branded cardholders or members under 18.
The credit card
Air France KLM Visa Signature
Issued by Bank of America; 100 XP is enough for Silver status for a year.
Current offer at the issuer →Status, briefly
Status is earned in Experience Points (XP) over 12 months: Silver at 100 XP, Gold at 180, Platinum at 300, and Ultimate at 900 UXP for Platinum members on Air France and KLM flights, according to Air France.
Where it shines
- Every major U.S. bank transfers in
- Generous award availability to Europe
- Monthly Promo Rewards at up to 25% off
- Status holders keep valuable perks on Light awards
Where it falls short
- Dynamic pricing, with high prices on busy dates
- Carrier surcharges on long-haul awards, paid in cash
- Light awards strip out bags, lounges and changes
- Standard and Flex cost more miles than Light
The Atelier Take
The default program for Europe in economy and premium economy, and a strong business option when Promo Rewards line up; compare the cash cost with Aeroplan before transferring.
Airline, hotel and card names and logos are trademarks of their owners, used only to identify their programs. Points Atelier is not affiliated with or endorsed by them.
