AirlinesSkyTeamSeptember 8, 2026

Flying Blue Light, Standard, and Flex reward tickets now live

Flying Blue has revamped its reward ticket structure for Air France and KLM-operated flights, offering three new fare options: Light, Standard, and Flex. Non-elite members face devaluations.

By Jonas Manser

Airplanes are parked at an airport terminal

Flying Blue, the loyalty programme of Air France and KLM, has introduced a new fare structure for reward tickets, effective from 8 September 2026. All new reward bookings on flights operated by Air France and KLM will now be categorised into three options: Light, Standard, and Flex. These changes do not apply to reward tickets on partner airlines, which remain unchanged.

For non-elite members, this represents a 20-25% devaluation. For Platinum, Platinum for Life, and Ultimate members, the benefits remain unchanged.

New Reward Ticket Options

The three new options are:

  • Light: Described as the essential option for travellers seeking a streamlined experience.

  • Standard: A balanced option combining comfort and flexibility.

  • Flex: The most comprehensive option, offering full flexibility, included benefits, and a lower mandatory cash contribution.

Flying Blue status benefits, such as additional baggage allowance or waived change and refund fees where applicable, will continue to apply regardless of the chosen fare option.

Detailed Breakdown by Cabin

Economy Cabin

  • Light: No checked bag, one hand bag (total 12kg). Changes and refunds are not included. Advance seat selection and lounge access are available at extra cost. SkyPriority is not included.

  • Standard: One checked bag (up to 23kg), one hand bag (total 12kg). Changes and refunds are available for a €70 fee. Advance seat selection and lounge access are available at extra cost. SkyPriority is not included.

  • Flex: One checked bag (up to 23kg), one hand bag (total 12kg). Changes and refunds are included. Advance seat selection is included. Lounge access is available at extra cost. SkyPriority is not included.

Premium (Comfort) Cabin

  • Light: No checked bag, two hand bags (total 12kg). Changes and refunds are not included. Advance seat selection and lounge access are available at extra cost. SkyPriority is included.

  • Standard: Two checked bags (up to 23kg each), two hand bags (total 12kg). Changes and refunds are available for a €70 fee. Advance seat selection and lounge access are available at extra cost. SkyPriority is included.

Business Cabin

  • Light: (Limited to O/Z fare classes) One checked bag (up to 32kg), two hand bags (total 18kg). Changes and refunds are not included. Advance seat selection is available at extra cost. SkyPriority is included. Lounge access is available at extra cost.

  • Standard: Two checked bags (up to 32kg each), two hand bags (total 18kg). Changes and refunds are available for a €70 fee. Advance seat selection is available at extra cost. SkyPriority is included. Lounge access is included.

  • Flex: Two checked bags (up to 32kg each), two hand bags (total 18kg). Changes and refunds are included. Advance seat selection is included. SkyPriority is included. Lounge access is included.

Source: flyingblue

Opinion

For most members, this change, which is now live as of today, reflects a silent devaluation. Booking the new 'Light' award fare means losing most of your benefits. If you choose 'Standard' to retain these benefits, you effectively pay around 20% more than before. Of course, KLM/Air France have not communicated this directly, but instead attempt to frame it as a pure restructuring of their award options. In reality, most non-elite members will end up paying more.

Image: David Syphers on Unsplash

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