Flying Blue Devaluation: Increase in award rates across all routes
Flying Blue has increased the minimum award rates across most routes. Read on to find out how it affects Asia-based travellers.
TRAVELNEWS
Flying Blue is the frequent flyer programme of Air France, and KLM. The Flying Blue programme can be rewarding for Asia-based travellers, if you are familiar with the tricks.
As of 13 January 2025 however, Flying Blue has increased award redemption rates across most routes, including partners.
The Impact on Business Class Awards
I've summarised the impact on select routes in the table below.
Flying Blue used to offer one of the cheapest business class awards from Singapore to Europe. Post devaluation, that's no longer the case. However, 85000 miles for a business class flight to Europe is still pretty competitive, especially considering Air France and KLM's network in Europe. If you want to visit smaller cities or towns like Nice, or Hamburg etc., you are probably still better off redeeming an award using Flying Blue.
Outside of Europe, the award rates to Seoul or Abu Dhabi from Singapore are still pretty competitive, assuming that you are happy flying on Korean Air, and Etihad respectively.
Seoul to Abu Dhabi remains a sweet spot; it is a steal to fly on Etihad for close to 10 hours for only 55500 miles.
Conclusion
Flying Blue has devalued business class awards, by up to 43% on certain routes.
The program is still competitive, and useful for Asia-based travellers, though the devaluation definitely hurts.