The Thrifty Traveler Podcast · Thursday, August 27, 2026
The Air France-KLM Flying Blue program has implemented a new three-tier pricing system for award tickets, which effectively means higher redemption rates for customers. This change, effective September 8th, has been met with frustration.
“So, uh, Air France KLM Flying Blue is one of the best airline mileage programs on the planet and has been for years.”
“And then last week, they really dropped the hammer with a new three-tier pricing system that means in essence, you're going to pay more no matter what you're trying to fly to get what you previously got.”
“So, uh, effective September 8th, there will be a new quote light award fare in all cabins. And you should really think about this as a basic award fare option, whether you're paying cash or redeeming miles. The price points go from an economy, $25,000 miles each way from the United States to Europe, to $30,000 miles.”
“And business class from $60,000 to $75,000 miles each way.”
“Yeah, I mean, I think, you know, as we've touched on around the office, this is, this is not new. This is something we've seen Delta and United do on the cash side of things already. It's, uh, it's a price hike in disguise.”