Flying Blue, the loyalty program of Air France-KLM, has implemented a significant devaluation, impacting redemption rates across multiple routes. Economy Saver awards have seen sharp increases, with some transatlantic routes rising by 30% or more. This change disproportionately affects economy travelers, as these lower-cost awards were often the go-to for maximizing value on Flying Blue redemptions. Surprisingly, business class redemptions on certain routes appear to have been spared the same steep increases, though premium cabin pricing remains dynamic and unpredictable. Award rates through their program increased from 20,000 to 25,000 for economy and from 50,000 to 60,000 for business.

The lack of advance notice for these changes adds to the frustration. Flying Blue, which already uses a dynamic pricing model without fixed award charts, has now further eroded transparency, leaving members unable to plan effectively. Even the value of Flying Blue’s highly regarded Promo Rewards has diminished, as the baseline cost of economy awards rises significantly. For travelers who relied on Flying Blue for cost-effective redemptions, especially in economy class, this devaluation signals a clear need to rethink their strategy.

Person in an economy seat

Our Take

Flying Blue’s devaluation is a blow to those who valued it for affordable economy class redemptions. The sharp increases in Economy Saver rates strip away much of the program’s former accessibility for budget-conscious travelers. Meanwhile, the relatively smaller impact on business class awards could offer some relief for premium travelers, but the lack of transparency in pricing remains a major issue. In a competitive loyalty landscape, this move may push members to look at alternatives in SkyTeam or other alliances. Programs like Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club or Aeroplan may offer better value for economy travelers seeking transatlantic options.

However, it’s important to note that while these increases are uncomfortable, the devaluation we saw from Turkish Airlines last year around this time was far more devastating. There is still value in the program but now there is greater need to shop around for the best deal. There are many options to get to Europe and redemptions via Virgin Atlantic remain an attractive option.

This shift reinforces the importance of flexibility when earning and redeeming points. Transferable currencies like Amex Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and Citi ThankYou Points allow members to hedge against sudden devaluations by maintaining access to multiple programs. While Flying Blue still offers occasional value through Promo Rewards and select sweet spots, members should consider redeeming their miles sooner rather than later to avoid further losses in value. Diversification and a proactive approach are essential strategies to ensure your points deliver the most travel benefits possible.