Key Points

• Flying Blue charges no fuel surcharges on Delta flights—book transatlantic business class for 60,000-90,000 miles one-way instead of paying $400+ in fees elsewhere.
• Monthly Promo Rewards offer 25-50% discounts on specific routes, making premium cabin awards exceptionally affordable.
• Transfer instantly from Amex, Chase, Citi, or Capital One at 1:1 ratios to book award flights on Air France, KLM, Delta, and 18 SkyTeam partners.

Introduction

Flying Blue is the frequent flyer program for Air France and KLM, and it's one of the best-kept secrets in the points world. While most US travelers focus on United or American miles, Flying Blue offers something special: no fuel surcharges on Delta awards, monthly discounted routes up to 50% off, and excellent availability on premium cabin flights to Europe and Africa.

Here's why Flying Blue matters: you can book a Delta business class flight from New York to Paris for 70,000 miles and $100 in taxes instead of paying 80,000 miles plus $500 in fuel surcharges through other programs. That difference alone makes Flying Blue worth understanding.

How to Earn Flying Blue Miles

Transfer from Credit Cards (Best Method)

Flying Blue partners with all four major transferable points programs at 1:1 ratios with instant transfers:

American Express Membership RewardsBest cards: The Platinum Card from American Express, American Express Gold CardTransfer time: Instant to 24 hours

Chase Ultimate RewardsBest cards: Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Preferred, Ink Business PreferredTransfer time: Instant to 24 hours

Citi ThankYou PointsBest cards: Citi Strata PremierTransfer time: 2-3 days

Capital One MilesBest cards: Capital One Venture XTransfer ratio: 2:1.5 (need 67,000 Capital One miles for 50,000 Flying Blue miles)Transfer time: Instant

Flying with Air France, KLM, and Partners

You earn miles based on fare class and elite status, but credit card transfers are faster and more efficient for most travelers.

Best Ways to Use Flying Blue Miles

1. Delta Business Class to Europe (The Sweet Spot)

This is Flying Blue's killer feature. Book Delta business class across the Atlantic with zero fuel surcharges:

• New York to Paris/Amsterdam: 60,000-90,000 miles one-way
• Los Angeles to Paris/Amsterdam: 75,000-100,000 miles one-way
• Total cost: Miles plus $100-150 in taxes

Compare this to Virgin Atlantic charging 80,000 miles plus $400+ in fuel surcharges for the same Delta flight. Flying Blue saves you hundreds in cash.

2. Monthly Promo Rewards (25-50% Off)

Every month, Flying Blue discounts 25-100 routes by 25-50%. Recent deals:

• US to Paris business class: 62,500 miles (regular price 95,000)
• Amsterdam to Bali business class: 47,500 miles
• Paris to Dubai business class: 37,500 miles

Check on the 1st of each month at flyingblue.com and book immediately when you see a good deal.

3. Air France/KLM Business Class

When Delta doesn't fly your route, Air France and KLM offer solid business class products:

• US East Coast to Paris/Amsterdam: 60,000-95,000 miles one-way
• US West Coast to Paris/Amsterdam: 75,000-115,000 miles one-way
• Fuel surcharges: $100-300 per segment (still reasonable)

4. Africa Routes via Paris or Amsterdam

Flying Blue prices African routes more reasonably than US programs:

• Paris to Johannesburg: 45,000-70,000 miles business class
• Amsterdam to Nairobi: 40,000-65,000 miles business class

How to Book Flying Blue Awards

1. Go to flyingblue.com and log into your account
2. Search for award flights in the "Book a flight with Miles" section
3. Use the calendar view to see pricing across multiple dates
4. Check all airline options (Delta often prices better than Air France/KLM)
5. Transfer points from your credit card when you find good availability
6. Book immediately—good deals disappear fast

Pro tip: Don't transfer points until you're ready to book. Keep them in Chase or Amex until you see specific availability you want.

Award Changes and Cancellations

• Changes: 50 EUR fee ($55) up to 24 hours before departure
• Cancellations: 50 EUR fee, miles redeposit immediately
• Within 24 hours of booking: Free cancellation if more than 7 days before travel

The 50 EUR fee is reasonable compared to holding valuable award space. Book now, cancel later if plans change.

Flying Blue vs Other Programs

vs Delta SkyMiles: Flying Blue prices Delta awards lower and with no fuel surcharges

vs United MileagePlus: Flying Blue better for Europe; United better for Asia and Star Alliance partners

vs American AAdvantage: Flying Blue better for SkyTeam; American better for oneworld partners

vs British Airways Avios: Flying Blue better for long-haul; Avios better for short flights under 1,000 miles

Quick Tips for Maximum Value

1. Check Promo Rewards monthly on the 1st—best deals sell out fast
2. Book Delta over Air France/KLM when available to avoid fuel surcharges
3. Transfer points only when ready to book—don't speculatively transfer
4. Search 330 days out or 1-2 weeks before travel for best pricing
5. Use for business class, not economy—best value in premium cabins
6. Book far in advance when award space opens for lowest prices

Common Questions

Do miles expire?After 24 months of inactivity. Transfer from a credit card every 18 months to keep them active.

Can I transfer miles to someone else?No, except within immediate family with proof of relationship and same surname.

How far in advance can I book?330 days for Air France, KLM, and most partners.

What are typical costs including fees?

• Delta awards: Miles + $100-150
• Air France/KLM awards: Miles + $200-400
• Partner awards: Varies by airline

Is Flying Blue Right for You?

Best for:

• Transatlantic travel to Europe
• Booking Delta premium cabin flights
• Africa travel via Paris/Amsterdam
• Travelers with Chase, Amex, or Citi points

Not ideal for:

• Domestic US travel only
• Star Alliance or oneworld loyalists
• Travelers wanting predictable fixed pricing

Conclusion

Flying Blue excels at one thing: getting you to Europe in business class affordably. The no-fuel-surcharge Delta awards and monthly Promo Rewards create genuine value that other programs can't match. Combined with instant transfers from the best travel credit cards, Flying Blue becomes a powerful tool for premium international travel.

Don't transfer points until you're ready to book, check Promo Rewards monthly, and prioritize Delta flights when available. Follow this strategy, and Flying Blue delivers exceptional value for transatlantic travel.

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