Flying Blue standardizes prices of saver-level redemptions to Europe

27.10.2023 - 18:27 / thepointsguy.com

Flying Blue, the loyalty program of Air France-KLM, has standardized pricing for those looking to travel to Europe. While some redemptions have increased in price, many now require fewer miles than before on select dates.

The program prices flights dynamically, meaning the cost varies hugely based on demand. However, at the lowest "saver" level, you could previously book flights from the United States to Europe at the following prices (subject to availability):

As first reported by Thrifty Traveler, rather than using different pricing depending on the length of the transatlantic flight, and any short connections beyond the hubs of Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), Flying Blue has now standardized pricing for all one-way transatlantic flights as follows, regardless of origin or destination:

Related: Private suites and high-tech touches: What it's like flying Air France's new business class

Overall, the changes mean that in economy and premium economy, you may be paying slightly more on shorter itineraries from the East Coast and slightly less on longer itineraries, and those involving connections in Europe, from the West Coast.

This is particularly great news for business-class redemptions, with saver-level rates reducing on all itineraries. This makes award flights from the West Coast particularly valuable. Flying Blue is progressively rolling out the updated pricing, so for now, you may still see the odd search result at the old price.

Remember that these rates are only for the lowest saver-level seats, which are limited. We have found plenty from the West Coast at the new lower rates (including those with European connections) in the economy and premium economy cabins.

Related: Is KLM premium economy worth it on the 787 Dreamliner?

However, business-class seats at saver levels remain very hard to find, with only a few flights available on some routes over the entire next 12 months. And looking ahead to next summer, we're seeing 148,000 miles as one of the lowest available prices.

If you can't find the seats you want at these new standardized prices, remember that the regular Flying Blue Promo Rewards may offer seats at even lower levels.

We are currently seeing flights from the East Coast to the United Kingdom for just 15,000 miles in economy, which is much cheaper than the new standardized price of 20,000 miles from the U.S. to Europe.

Boosting your Flying Blue balance is easy since the program partners with all major programs with transferable currencies.

You can transfer points at a 1:1 ratio from American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One, Chase Ultimate Rewards and Citi ThankYou Rewards. You can also transfer Marriott Bonvoy