Flying Blue Splits Award Tickets Into Three Tiers, Including "Light" Business Class Fares

On September 8, Flying Blue will break Air France and KLM award tickets into three different fares — Light, Standard, and Flex — across all cabins (excluding La Première first class). Mileage rates stay the same, but you have to pay up for the same experience you have today.

Light keeps today's lowest award prices but strips it down to basic-economy rules, even in business class — one bag instead of two, no lounge access, no changes or refunds. Standard is roughly equivalent to today's product (bags, a €70 change fee, and lounge access on business-class awards), but it now costs 25–30% more miles than Light. On a Paris to New York business award ticket, that's 60,000 miles for Light versus 75,000 for Standard. Finally, Flex adds free changes and a lower cash surcharge.

Elite status mostly cancels out Light's restrictions — a Flying Blue Platinum member booking a Light fare still flies with bags and lounge access included. Note that partner awards — like booking Delta metal with Flying Blue miles — aren't affected by this change.

Andrew's Take

This is a devaluation, plain and simple. What bugs me is watching basic-economy rules creep into business class — no lounge, one bag, no changes on a ticket that still costs you 60,000 miles and $250+ in cash. A premium cabin should feel like a premium cabin, award or not, and adding extra fare classes within business class only makes the whole experience feel cheap. Regardless, book before September 8 to lock in today's perks.