Air France/KLM Flying Blue Adds First Class Partner Redemptions

An exciting development has just taken place with Air France/KLM Flying Blue, as the loyalty program has made First Class award redemptions available with China Eastern Airlines.

This development could pave the way for more opportunities to redeem Flying Blue miles for First Class flights with other SkyTeam and partner airlines.

Air France/KLM Flying Blue Adds First Class Partner Redemptions

Historically, SkyTeam airline loyalty programs haven’t offered First Class partner award redemptions.

For example, if you’d like to fly Air France La Première, you’d only be able to book it with Air France using Flying Blue miles, and not with, say, Delta SkyMiles.

Indeed, this has been one of the weaknesses of SkyTeam loyalty programs; however, it appears that Air France/KLM Flying Blue is looking to change course, as the program has just rolled out First Class redemptions on China Eastern Airlines.

A one-way ticket between Shanghai and Paris costs 134,000 Flying Blue miles, and around $445 (CAD) in taxes and fees.

A one-flight First Class flight from Frankfurt to Shanghai costs 128,500 miles plus $516 (CAD) in taxes and fees.

It’s worth noting that First Class redemptions with China Eastern Airlines are only possible through the Air France website at the moment. When searching, you’ll have to select “La Première” as the desired cabin if you’re searching for First Class awards.

China Eastern Airlines offers First Class on a number of long-haul routes from its hub in Shanghai to destinations across the world, including Vancouver, Toronto, New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.

As it stands, it appears that First Class redemptions aren’t available on all routes at this time, as it seems limited to European routes.

It’s very possible that this may change in the future; however, it may be based on what China Eastern Airlines releases to Flying Blue, rather than blanket geographical restrictions.

We’ve reached out to Flying Blue for confirmation of the above.

Air France/KLM Flying Blue Continues to Add Value

Air France/KLM Flying Blue continues to invest in its program, at a time when many loyalty programs are stripping away value and removing features.

For example, Flying Blue recently added free stopovers as a feature, and soon, members will be able to earn and redeem miles on flights with Etihad Airways.

Its…