Air France-KLM Flying Blue Guide (2025): Best Transfer & Award Options
FlyingBlue is the joint loyalty program of Air France and KLM, serving as one of Europe's largest and most versatile frequent flyer programs.
Air France-KLM Flying Blue Guide
Your complete guide to maximizing credit card transfers and finding exceptional flight redemptions with one of the most valuable airline loyalty programs.
Introduction to Air France-KLM Flying Blue
FlyingBlue is the joint loyalty program of Air France and KLM, serving as one of Europe's largest and most versatile frequent flyer programs. With access to the entire SkyTeam alliance network and several non-alliance partners, FlyingBlue opens up a world of redemption opportunities, especially for travelers focused on European destinations.
In This Guide:
Credit Card Transfer Partners
One of Air France-KLM Flying Blue's biggest strengths is its wide range of transfer partners. You can transfer points from all major flexible points currencies to Air France-KLM Flying Blue, typically at favorable ratios.
| Transfer Partner | Transfer Ratio | Transfer Time | Transfer Bonuses |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Express Membership Rewards | 1:1 | 1-2 days | Occasional transfer bonuses of 20-30% |
| Capital One Miles | 1:1 | Instant to 24 hours | Rare transfer bonuses |
| Chase Ultimate Rewards | 1:1 | Instant | No recent transfer bonuses |
| Citi ThankYou Points | 1:1 | 1-2 days | Occasional transfer bonuses |
| Bilt Rewards | 1:1 | Up to 24 hours | Monthly 25% transfer bonus on 1st of month (1-5 minutes) |
| Marriott Bonvoy | 3:1 (plus 5,000 bonus miles for every 60,000 points transferred) | 3-5 days | Occasional transfer bonuses |
Pro Tip: Always check for transfer bonuses before transferring points. A 20% bonus effectively makes your points worth 20% more, significantly increasing your redemption value.
How to Earn Points
Credit Card Spending & Bonuses
- Transfer points from Amex, Chase, Citi, and Capital One
- Look for welcome bonuses on flexible points cards
- Take advantage of category bonuses for faster earning
Flying & Travel Partners
- Fly on Air France, KLM, or SkyTeam alliance partners
- Book hotels through FlyingBlue's portal or transfer from hotel partners
- Rent cars with Hertz, Avis, or other partner companies
For most U.S.-based travelers, credit card transfers represent the fastest and most efficient way to accumulate a substantial balance of points, especially when taking advantage of welcome bonuses and transfer promotions.
Key Program Features
Monthly Promo Rewards
Special discounted award tickets on select routes that change monthly, offering savings up to 50% on regular award prices.
Dynamic Pricing
FlyingBlue uses dynamic pricing instead of a fixed award chart, meaning prices can vary based on demand, route, and season.
Miles & Cash Option
Flexibility to pay for part of your award ticket with miles and part with cash when you're short on miles.
Family Benefits
Share miles with family and friends without transfer fees, making it easier to pool resources for redemptions.
Important Note: Air France-KLM Flying Blue miles expire after 36 months regardless of account activity, so be sure to use your miles before they expire.
Sweet Spot Redemptions
Air France-KLM Flying Blue offers several exceptional sweet spot redemptions that provide outsized value for your points, particularly for premium cabin travel.
| Route | Economy | Business | First | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US to Europe | 15,000-30,000 miles (one-way with promo awards) | 45,000-65,000 miles (one-way with promo awards) | Limited availability | Focus on Promo Rewards for exceptional value to/from Europe |
| Intra-Europe | 5,000-15,000 miles (one-way with promo awards) | 12,500-25,000 miles (one-way with promo awards) | Not applicable | Excellent short-haul values especially with promo awards |
Spotlight: FlyingBlue Promo Rewards
FlyingBlue's Promo Rewards are special discounted award tickets that are released monthly, offering savings of 20-50% on regular award prices. These deals can provide exceptional value, especially for business class travel to Europe.
Example
- Check the FlyingBlue website between the 1st and 5th of each month for new Promo Rewards
- Be flexible with your travel dates (usually valid for 2-3 months in advance)
- Consider positioning flights to take advantage of deals from different gateway cities
- Book quickly as availability on the most attractive deals can disappear rapidly
Best Credit Cards for Air France-KLM Flying Blue
These credit cards offer the best opportunities to earn points that can be transferred to Air France-KLM Flying Blue.
American Express® Gold Card
American Express
$250
60,000 Membership Rewards points
4X at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000/year), 3X on flights, 1X on other purchases
- Points transfer 1:1 to FlyingBlue
- $120 annual dining credit
- $120 annual Uber credit
- No foreign transaction fees
Advanced Tips & Tricks
Pro Insider Tips
- Search multiple dates to find the lowest prices
- Consider nearby airports for better pricing
- Use the price calendar view for best results
- Book off-peak seasons for better award availability and pricing
- Check award availability on Delta, Virgin Atlantic, and other SkyTeam partners
- Partner awards often have more stable pricing than Air France/KLM flights
- Look for Delta One availability to/from Europe with lower fees than Delta's own program
- Consider Kenya Airways and Korean Air for unique route options
- Book Delta, KLM, and Air France flights departing from Brazil or Japan where surcharges are regulated
- Choose Delta-operated flights which typically have lower surcharges
Start Your Air France-KLM Flying Blue Journey
With some of the most competitive redemption rates in the industry, particularly for round-trip premium cabin awards, ANA Mileage Club offers exceptional value for travelers planning trips to Japan, across Asia, and even around the world.Whether you're planning a simple trip or a complex multi-destination journey, Air France-KLM Flying Blue offers exceptional redemption opportunities.