Like many frequent flyer programs these days, also Flying Blue has decided to extend elite status due to the COVID-19 situation. Flying Blue announced earlier to reduce elite requirements by 25%. Now, the program announced to extend the validity of elite status by one year.
Flying Blue Extends Elite Status By 12 Months
Flying Blue has announced to extend the expiration of your status by 12 months. This means if your status will expire between March 202 and February 2021, Flying Blue will extend the expiration date of your status by 12 months. Unlike many other frequent flyer programs, Flying Blue uses a rolling qualification calendar. This means that every Flying Blue member has a different date when their elite status expires.
Let’s say you had until April 30th, 2020 to requalify for Platinum status. But due to COVID-19, you didn’t make it so your status is now valid until July 31th, 2020. But because of the new policy, your Platinum status is now valid until July 31th, 2021. Also XP’s above the elite requirements will be rolled over to the next year.
Will It Be Easier To Earn Status?
A few weeks ago, Flying Blue announced that it will lower the XP’s requirements by 25% for existing Silver, Gold and Platinum members that we’re planning to maintain their status. And this only applied for members with a qualification period ending in March, April or May 2020. Flying Blue hasn’t announced any further plans for lowering elite requirements.
Flying Blue Extends Mileage Expiration
Flying Blue also announced that no miles will expire between March 2020 and the end of 2020. This way, members don’t have to worry about mileage expiration. Normally Flying Blue miles expire after 24 months of mileage earning activity.
Change Flying Blue Awards At No Cost
As many airlines have introduced a flexible cancelation policy, Flying Blue award and Promo Reward tickets can be changed at no cost for travel before June 30, 2020. This way, Flying Blue members won’t be affected when they have to make a change in their travel dates.
Conclusion
Flying Blue must have seen what the three major US Airlines are doing. Flying Blue members can now be reassured as their the expiration date of their elite status will be extended by 12 months. Let’s hope other European airlines will follow doing the same!
Are you happy to see your Flying Blue elite status to be extended by 12 months? Let me know your thoughts and questions in the comments below!
Featured Image: Air France-KLM
