To the point
Air France offers SkyPriority, a service with a wide range of benefits, including lounge access and priority check-in.
Launched in 2012 by member airlines of the Skyteam alliance, including Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, SkyPriority is an exclusive priority service. Its goal is to simplify the travel experience for its most loyal customers by offering them a variety of free benefits that they would otherwise have to pay for.
But are these benefits really worth it? And how do you get them? Milesopedia explains.
What Are the Benefits of SkyPriority?
SkyPriority members enjoy VIP treatment from the moment they arrive at the airport, with dedicated check-in counters that allow them to avoid queues and save valuable time at nearly 1,000 airports worldwide. They are then directed to priority security lanes for smooth and efficient passage. Once at their destination, members are also entitled to priority baggage delivery, minimizing time spent in airports.
Passengers also have exclusive access to prestigious airport lounges, including the Air France – Terminal 2F lounge at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and the Air France Montréal-Trudeau YUL lounge, where they can relax in sophisticated surroundings before their flight.
Airport lounges offer a variety of services and amenities, including gourmet snacks, premium beverages, fast Wi-Fi, quiet workspaces and, sometimes, refreshing showers.
Finally, when it comes to boarding, SkyPriority members enjoy priority access, allowing them to avoid the crowds and board at their own pace.
How Can I Get SkyPriority?
There are several ways to qualify for Air France’s SkyPriority program. Exclusive SkyPriority services are available:
- With the SkyTeam Elite Plus status
- By booking a seat in La Première, or the Business or Premium Economy cabin
- By booking a Flex ticket on flights between France and Europe or North Africa
- By purchasing a discount pass
SkyTeam Elite Plus or Flying Blue Gold / Platinum Status
SkyTeam Elite Plus status is the equivalent of the Flying Blue Gold and Flying Blue Platinum status inAir France KLM‘s Flying Blue frequent flyer program.
In total, the loyalty program has four different levels:
| Flying Blue status | SkyTeam status |
| Flying Blue Explorer | – |
| Flying Blue Silver | SkyTeam Elite |
| Flying Blue Gold | SkyTeam Elite Plus |
| Flying Blue Platinum | SkyTeam Elite Plus |
To reach the Gold status, and if you are already a Flying Blue Silver member, you need to accumulate 180 XP in twelve months.
If a member does not earn the required amount of XP within this time period, the XP will be deducted from their account and they can begin to qualify for the next level by earning the remaining XP over a new twelve-month period.
Therefore, if you start with zero XP, you will need to accumulate 280 XP (100 XP for Silver status and 180 XP for Gold status) to reach Gold status, and 580 XP to reach Platinum status. Each status is valid for a period of twelve months.
To re-qualify for Flying Blue status, members must earn the same amount of XP as when they first qualified.
All you have to do to earn XP is fly with Air France or any other Skyteam member airline. The alliance’s member airlines are:
- Aeroflot (currently suspended)
- Aerolineas Argentinas
- Aeroméxico
- Air Europa
- Air France
- China Airlines
- China Eastern
- Czech Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- Garuda Indonesia
- ITA Airways
- Kenya Airways
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
- Korean Air
- Middle East Airlines
- Saudia
- TAROM
- Vietnam Airlines
- Virgin Atlantic
- XiamenAir
XP can also be earned without having to fly. In particular, you could increase your XP earnings by signing up for Air France KLM American Express credit cards in France, the Netherlands, Canada or the USA, offering Cardmembers bonuses of 30 to 60 XP per year.
Seating in La Première, Business or Premium Economy Cabins
When you book a seat in La Première, or in the Business or Premium Economy cabins, or opt for an upgrade, you are entitled to the many SkyPriority benefits. Once at the airport, simply follow the SkyPriority signs. Wondering if you qualify? Take a look at your boarding pass. If you are eligible for SkyPriority, the logo will appear on your card.
Flex ticket
When you travel Economy Class, there are three types of tickets available:
- Light
- Standard
- Flex
Each ticket offers different benefits, such as baggage allowance and fare conditions. Travelers who select the Light option are limited to one carry-on bag and one accessory. Travelers who choose the Standard option can change their ticket, have one checked bag and choose their seat before check-in.
Finally, travelers who choose a Flex ticket receive all of these benefits, plus SkyPriority benefits and the ability to get a refund if they cancel a trip before the first flight.
Air France's Discount Pass
To get a Discount Pass, open an Air France or Flying Blue account, then go to your customer area to make your purchase. The various passes are on sale at the following prices:
- Discount Pass: 419 euros + 20 euros service fee
- Discount Pass (corporate agreement): 319 euros + 20 euros service fee
- Overseas France Discount Pass: 269 euros + 20 euros service fee
- Overseas France Discount Pass (corporate agreement): 219 euros + 20 euros service fee
The cards offer numerous benefits to cardholders, including discounts on all travel in the corresponding zones, free flight changes 14 hours before or after the original scheduled time, free booking cancellations, a bonus of up to 5,000 Flying Blue Miles and 20 XP, and all SkyPriority advantages, such as dedicated check-in counters and priority screening, boarding and baggage delivery.
Bottom Line
With SkyPriority, Air France is committed to offering a privileged travel experience to its most demanding customers. This high-end initiative, launched by Skyteam member airlines, offers passengers a better travel experience from the moment they arrive at the airport.
Frequently Asked Questions About SkyPriority Air France
How Do I Upgrade to Air France SkyPriority?
There are several ways to qualify for the privileges of the Air France SkyPriority program: by holding SkyTeam Elite Plus status, by booking a seat in La Première, or the Business or Premium Economy cabin, by booking a Flex ticket on flights between France and Europe or North Africa, or by purchasing a discount pass.
Who Is Eligible for Air France SkyPriority?
SkyTeam Elite Plus members, passengers traveling in La Première, or in the Business or Premium Economy cabins, Flex ticket holders on flights between France and Europe or North Africa and discount pass holders are eligible for SkyPriority on Air France.
How Much Does SkyPriority Air France Cost?
SkyPriority is not sold at a fixed price. To qualify, all you need is a ticket in the La Première, Business or Premium Economy cabin or a Flex ticket on flights between France and Europe or North Africa. Flex tickets are, of course, more expensive than Light tickets, the entry-level category.
How Many Flying Blue Miles Do I Need to Qualify for SkyPriority?
The number of Flying Blue Miles required to qualify for SkyPriority depends on the flight and destination, as it is possible to purchase a Premium Economy ticket or book a Flex ticket with Flying Blue Points and still qualify for SkyPriority.
How can I earn Flying Blue Miles?
You can earn Flying Blue Miles by flying with Air France KLM or a SkyTeam partner airline, by holding a co-branded Flying Blue card (with American Express, for example) or by transferring points from a partner program (such as American Express Membership Rewards (Canada), American Express Membership Rewards (France) or Marriott Bonvoy).
Alternatively, you can buy Flying Blue Miles.
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