Flying Blue Introduces New Redemption Tiers with Reduced Benefits

Flying Blue has announced a restructuring of its award redemption system, introducing new fare classes that reduce benefits for the cheapest redemptions. The changes, effective from 8th September, will see the introduction of 'Light', 'Standard', and 'Flex' fares for redemptions, mirroring the airline's cash ticket pricing structure.

## New Fare Classes with Reduced Benefits

The 'Light' fare will be priced at current redemption levels but will exclude benefits such as refunds and lounge access for business class. To access these benefits, members will need to opt for the more expensive 'Standard' or 'Flex' fares. The new structure applies only to Air France and KLM flights, leaving partner airline redemptions unchanged.

Flying Blue has stated that the changes aim to align award fares with commercial fare structures, creating a more consistent customer experience. Elite members will retain their status benefits, including additional and lower-priced award inventory, even when booking 'Light' fares.

## Impact on Redemption Benefits

Currently, redemptions in business class include benefits such as lounge access, SkyPriority benefits, and free standard seat selection at check-in. From 8th September, these benefits will only be available with 'Standard' or 'Flex' fares.

For example, a one-way business class redemption from Paris to New York will have the following options:

| Fare Type | Points Required | Taxes & Fees (€) | Benefits Included | |-----------------|-----------------|------------------|---------------------------------------| | Business Light | 60,000 | 250 | Basic baggage, SkyPriority | | Business Standard| 75,000 | 250 | Lounge access, seat selection, changes| | Business Flex | 115,000 | 130 | Full flexibility, premium benefits |

The 'Business Light' fare will not include lounge access or refund rights, while the 'Business Standard' fare will cost an additional 15,000 points (25% increase) for these benefits. The 'Business Flex' fare, priced at nearly double the points, offers full flexibility and reduced taxes and fees.

## Elite Members Retain Benefits

Flying Blue has assured that elite members, including Platinum and Ultimate members, will continue to enjoy their status benefits even when booking 'Light' fares. This means they will retain access to lounge access, seat selection, and booking flexibility.

Head of Flying Blue Tiffany Funk emphasized that the changes are designed to protect the value of the program for engaged members. "We’re not going to punish you for booking the cheaper fare," Funk stated. "For elites, there’s no functional difference between a light and standard fare. You should book the light fare, and so your pricing isn’t changing."

## Conclusion

While the changes do not represent a straightforward devaluation, they introduce additional complexity and reduce benefits for non-elite members. The new structure may be less appealing for those who value flexibility and additional benefits, as they will need to spend significantly more points to access them.

Members have until 8th September to familiarize themselves with the new pricing structures. Those who prefer to avoid the changes can opt to redeem their Flying Blue miles on SkyTeam partners instead of Air France and KLM.