Air France–KLM Flying Blue Transfer Partners

Every year, thousands of points-and-miles travelers accidentally transfer credit card points to the wrong airline program—or worse, transfer to Flying Blue without confirming award availability first. Unlike cash transactions, point transfers are irreversible. Once your Amex points, Chase points, or Capital One miles land in your Flying Blue account, they’re locked in, subject to Flying Blue’s rules, expiration policies, and dynamic pricing changes.

Understanding Air France–KLM Flying Blue transfer partners before you click “confirm” can mean the difference between booking a $6,000 Business Class ticket to Paris for 53,000 points or watching those same points lose value to a program devaluation. This guide walks through every direct credit-card transfer partner for Flying Blue, the exact transfer ratios and timing, when transfers make strategic sense, and the specific pitfalls that catch even experienced award travelers off guard.

Key Takeaways

• Seven U.S. credit card programs transfer directly to Flying Blue: Amex Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Capital One Miles, Citi ThankYou Points, Bilt Rewards, Wells Fargo Rewards, and Rove Miles—all at 1:1 ratios.
• Flying Blue uses dynamic pricing: Award costs fluctuate based on demand, route, and date. Always search for award availability and confirm total cash fees before transferring points.
• Transfers are instant to near-instant with most partners (seconds to 72 hours), but they’re also irreversible—transferred points cannot be returned to your credit card program.
• Fuel surcharges vary significantly by route: Ex-Europe flights on Air France often carry $200–$400+ in taxes and fees, while ex-U.S. awards typically have lower surcharges.
• Flying Blue miles expire after 24 months of account inactivity—earning or redeeming even one mile resets the clock.

What Is Flying Blue and How Does It Work?

Flying Blue is the frequent flyer program shared by Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, two of Europe’s largest carriers and founding members of the SkyTeam alliance. The program also allows redemptions on 25+ SkyTeam partner airlines—including Delta, Virgin Atlantic, Korean Air, and China Eastern—plus select non-alliance partners like Kenya Airways.

Dynamic Pricing Model

Unlike legacy award charts with fixed redemption rates, Flying Blue shifted to dynamic pricing in 2018. Award costs fluctuate based on:

• Route popularity and demand
• Travel dates and seasonality
• Booking class availability
• Advance purchase timing

This means a one-way business class ticket from New York to Paris might cost 53,000 miles on a Tuesday in February or 110,000 miles on a Friday in July. The upside: occasional “Promo Rewards” discounts of 25–50% on select routes. The downside: less predictability and higher risk of devaluations.

Key implication for transfer decisions: Never transfer points to Flying Blue speculatively. Always search award space first, confirm the exact mileage cost and cash fees, then transfer only what you need for that specific booking.

Air France–KLM Flying Blue Transfer Partners: Complete List

Flying Blue accepts direct transfers from seven U.S. credit card programs as of 2026. No other major transferable points currencies transfer directly to Flying Blue—if a program isn’t listed below, you’ll need to book through a different airline partner or pay cash.

Direct Transfer Partner Comparison Table

All partners transfer at 1:1 ratios, meaning 50,000 credit card points become 50,000 Flying Blue miles. There are no transfer bonuses built into the base ratios, though Amex occasionally offers limited-time promotions (historically 25–30% bonuses).

Why These Seven Partners Matter

These are the only direct paths from U.S. transferable points to Flying Blue. If you hold points with other programs—such as airline-specific currencies or hotel points—you cannot move them to Flying Blue without first converting through one of these seven credit card programs (which usually isn’t possible or cost-effective).

For a side-by-side comparison of all bank transfer options across dozens of airline and hotel programs, see the full credit card transfer partners table.

When Transferring to Flying Blue Makes Sense

Not every award booking justifies a transfer to Flying Blue. The program’s dynamic pricing and variable surcharges mean you need to evaluate each redemption on its own merits. Here’s the decision framework:

✅ Good Reasons to Transfer

1. You’ve confirmed award availability at an acceptable mileage cost and verified total out-of-pocket fees.
2. The redemption delivers strong value (typically 1.5+ cents per point for economy, 2.0+ CPP for premium cabins).
3. You’re booking a Flying Blue “sweet spot” route—such as U.S. to Europe in business class during a Promo Rewards sale, or intra-Europe flights on Air France/KLM.
4. Partner availability is better on Flying Blue than on competing programs (e.g., Delta SkyMiles or Air Canada Aeroplan).
5. You need to book within 24–72 hours and have no other viable transfer options.

❌ Poor Reasons to Transfer

1. Speculative transfers (“I might want to fly to Paris someday”) without a specific booking in mind.
2. Chasing transfer bonuses without confirming they apply to your intended route or deliver better value than alternatives.
3. Assuming Flying Blue is always cheaper than paying cash or using other programs, dynamic pricing means costs fluctuate daily.
4. Ignoring fuel surcharges—some routes (especially ex-Europe on Air France) carry $300–$500+ in taxes and fees, eroding redemption value.

Flying Blue Sweet Spots and Best Uses

While dynamic pricing eliminates guaranteed “sweet spots,” certain routes and booking patterns historically deliver above-average value:

🏆 Top Redemption Opportunities

1. U.S. to Europe in Business Class (Promo Rewards)

• Typical cost: 53,000–70,000 miles one-way (off-peak); 80,000–110,000 miles (peak)
• Promo Rewards discount: As low as 37,000–50,000 miles during sales
• Cash equivalent: $2,500–$6,000
• Value: 2.5–4.0 cpp when Promo Rewards are active; 1.8–2.5 cpp otherwise
• Best for: Flexible travelers who can align dates with monthly Promo Rewards

2. Intra-Europe Flights on Air France/KLM

• Typical cost: 11,000–18,000 miles economy; 22,000–35,000 miles business
• Cash equivalent: $150–$400 economy; $400–$800 business
• Value: 1.5–2.5 cpp
• Best for: Positioning flights or European city hops

3. U.S. Domestic on Delta (via SkyTeam Partnership)

• Typical cost: 12,500–25,000 miles economy one-way
• Cash equivalent: $200–$500
• Value: 1.5–2.0 cpp
• Best for: Last-minute bookings when Delta SkyMiles pricing is higher

4. Asia Routes on Korean Air or China Eastern

• Typical cost: 75,000–95,000 miles business class (U.S. to Asia one-way)
• Cash equivalent: $3,000–$7,000
• Value: 2.0–3.5 cpp
• Best for: Premium cabin travelers with flexible dates

📊 Real-World Example: Transfer Value Calculation

Let’s compare transferring points versus paying cash for a specific award:

Scenario: New York (JFK) to Paris (CDG) in Air France business class, one-way
Award cost: 62,000 Flying Blue miles + $125 in taxes/fees
Cash ticket price: $3,200

Using the Award Travel Hub calculator:

• Points required: 62,000 (transferred from Chase Ultimate Rewards)
• Out-of-pocket cash: $125
• Cash ticket price: $3,200
• Net cash savings: $3,200 – $125 = $3,075
• Cents per point: $3,075 ÷ 62,000 = 4.96 cpp

Decision logic: At 4.96 cpp, this redemption delivers exceptional value—nearly 5× the baseline 1.0 cpp you’d get cashing out Chase points for statement credit. The transfer makes clear financial sense.

Counter-example: Same route during peak summer demand
Award cost: 105,000 miles + $125
Cash ticket price: $3,400
Cents per point: ($3,400 – $125) ÷ 105,000 = 3.12 cpp

Still solid value, but the higher mileage cost reduces efficiency. If you have other premium cabin redemption options at 4+ cpp, those might be better uses of your points.

Fuel Surcharges and Fees: What to Expect

Flying Blue passes through carrier-imposed surcharges (often called “YQ” or fuel surcharges) on many award tickets, particularly on Air France-operated flights departing Europe. These fees can significantly impact redemption value.

Surcharge Patterns by Route Type

Key insight: If you’re booking a round-trip award starting in the U.S., you’ll pay lower surcharges on the outbound leg (ex-U.S.) and higher surcharges on the return (ex-Europe). Total round-trip fees in Business Class often range from $250 to $600.

How to Check Fees Before Transferring

1. Search the award on FlyingBlue.com (don’t log in if you don’t have miles yet—search as a guest).
2. Proceed to the payment page (you won’t be charged unless you confirm).
3. Review the fare breakdown—look for “Taxes, fees, and carrier charges.”
4. Calculate the total out-of-pocket cost and run the CPP math before transferring points.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

❌ Mistake #1: Transferring Before Confirming Availability

The problem: You transfer 60,000 Chase points to Flying Blue, then discover the award you wanted is no longer available or now costs 85,000 miles.

The fix: Always search award space on FlyingBlue.com first. Once you see the exact flight, mileage cost, and fees, then transfer points. Most transfers complete within 24–48 hours, fast enough to hold award space (though Flying Blue doesn’t offer formal holds).

❌ Mistake #2: Ignoring Married Segment Logic

The problem: Flying Blue sometimes prices connecting awards as a single unit (“married segments”), meaning you can’t book just one leg at the displayed price.

The fix: If you see a great deal on a multi-segment routing (e.g., JFK–AMS–CDG), confirm whether you can book just the first segment. If not, factor the full itinerary into your value calculation.

❌ Mistake #3: Assuming All SkyTeam Partners Are Available

The problem: Not all SkyTeam airlines release award space to Flying Blue, and availability can be inconsistent.

The fix: Cross-check availability on the operating airline’s website (e.g., Delta.com for Delta flights, KoreanAir.com for Korean Air). If you see space there but not on Flying Blue, it may not be bookable through Flying Blue.

❌ Mistake #4: Letting Miles Expire

The problem: Flying Blue miles expire after 24 months of account inactivity (no earning or redeeming activity).

The fix:

• Set a calendar reminder for 20 months after your last activity.
• Earn or redeem at least 1 mile to reset the clock (e.g., book a $10 hotel portal stay, transfer 1,000 points from a credit card, or complete a survey for miles).
• Monitor your account quarterly if you hold a large balance.

❌ Mistake #5: Booking During Devaluation Windows

The problem: Flying Blue adjusts pricing regularly (sometimes weekly). Award costs can spike overnight.

The fix:

• Book as soon as you confirm acceptable pricing—don’t wait for “better” dates if the current option is already a good value.
• Monitor FlyerTalk and award travel blogs for devaluation rumors.
• Diversify your points across multiple programs so you’re not locked into Flying Blue if pricing worsens.

Step-by-Step: How to Transfer Points to Flying Blue

Prerequisites

1. Active Flying Blue account (free to create at FlyingBlue.com).
2. Transferable points balance in one of the seven partner programs.
3. Confirmed award availability and pricing for your intended booking.

Transfer Process (Amex Membership Rewards Example)

Step 1: Log in to your Amex account at AmexTravel.com or via the Amex mobile app.

Step 2: Navigate to Membership Rewards → Use Points → Transfer to Travel Partners.

Step 3: Select Air France–KLM Flying Blue from the airline partner list.

Step 4: Enter the following:

• Your Flying Blue membership number (9 digits)
• Number of points to transfer (minimum 1,000, in 1,000-point increments)
• Confirm your name matches exactly between your Amex and Flying Blue accounts

Step 5: Review the transfer summary:

• Transfer ratio: 1 Amex point = 1 Flying Blue mile
• Transfer time: Instant to 24 hours
• Irreversibility warning: Transferred points cannot be returned to Amex

Step 6: Click Submit Transfer.

Step 7: Check your Flying Blue account within 24 hours. Most Amex transfers post within minutes, but allow up to 24 hours during peak periods.

Step 8: Once miles appear in your Flying Blue account, immediately book your award (don’t wait—pricing can change).

Transfer Process Notes for Other Partners

• Chase Ultimate Rewards: Transfer via Chase.com → Ultimate Rewards → Transfer to Travel Partners. Requires Sapphire Reserve, Sapphire Preferred, Ink Business Preferred, or Ink Business Unlimited.
• Capital One Miles: Transfer via CapitalOne.com → Rewards → Transfer Miles. Available to Venture X, Venture, and Spark Miles cardholders.
• Citi ThankYou Points: Transfer via ThankYou.com → Use Points → Transfer Points. Requires Premier, Prestige, or Rewards+ card.
• Bilt Rewards: Transfer via the Bilt app or Bilt.com. Transfers are only available on the 1st of each month (“Bilt Transfer Day”).
• Wells Fargo Rewards: Transfer via the Wells Fargo Rewards portal. Available to Autograph and Business Elite cardholders.
• Rove Miles: Transfer via the Rove app or portal.

Pro tip: If you’re transferring from multiple programs to combine for a single award, transfer from the fastest partner last (typically Amex) so all miles arrive around the same time.

Flying Blue Program Rules You Need to Know

Award Booking and Changes

• Booking window: 355 days in advance (Air France/KLM); varies by partner airline
• Change fees: €40–€60 per ticket for date/routing changes (varies by fare type)
• Cancellation fees: €40–€60 per ticket; miles redeposit to your account
• No-show policy: Miles and fees forfeited if you don’t cancel before departure
• Waitlist: Not available for award tickets

Miles Expiration and Activity

• Expiration policy: 24 months of inactivity (no earning or redeeming)
• Activity that resets expiration: Any mileage earning (flights, credit card transfers, shopping portals, dining, surveys) or redemption
• Reactivation: Expired miles cannot be reinstated (unlike some programs)

Family Pooling and Transfers

• Miles pooling: Not available (each member’s account is separate)
• Miles transfers between members: Not allowed
• Booking for others: You can redeem your miles for anyone (no relationship requirement)

Stopover and Open-Jaw Rules

• Stopovers: Not permitted on award tickets (except on specific multi-city bookings)
• Open-jaw: Allowed (e.g., fly into Paris, return from Amsterdam)
• One-way vs. round-trip pricing: Flying Blue prices one-way awards; round-trips are simply two one-ways

Comparing Flying Blue to Other SkyTeam Programs

If you’re considering transferring points to Flying Blue, you should also evaluate alternative programs that access the same SkyTeam award inventory:

Flying Blue vs. Delta SkyMiles

• Transfer partners: Delta accepts Amex only; Flying Blue accepts seven programs
• Pricing: Both use dynamic pricing; Delta often prices higher on premium cabins
• Surcharges: Delta passes lower surcharges on Delta-operated flights
• Availability: Delta sometimes releases more space to its own members
• Best for: Use Flying Blue when Delta pricing is inflated; use Delta when surcharges matter more than mileage cost

Flying Blue vs. Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

• Transfer partners: Virgin Atlantic accepts Amex, Chase, Capital One, Citi, Bilt
• Pricing: Virgin Atlantic uses fixed award charts for partner airlines (including Air France/KLM)
• Surcharges: Virgin Atlantic also passes high ex-Europe surcharges on Air France
• Best for: Use Virgin Atlantic when Flying Blue dynamic pricing is unfavorable, and you’re booking a route with fixed Virgin Atlantic pricing (e.g., Delta transatlantic flights)

Flying Blue vs. Aeroplan

While Air Canada Aeroplan is a Star Alliance program (not SkyTeam), it’s worth comparing for transatlantic bookings:

• Alliance: Aeroplan books Star Alliance (United, Lufthansa, etc.), not SkyTeam
• Pricing: Fixed award chart with distance-based zones
• Surcharges: Lower surcharges on many routes compared to Air France
• Best for: Use Aeroplan for Star Alliance awards; use Flying Blue for SkyTeam awards

For a full comparison of alliance programs and transfer partners, see the alliances overview.

FAQ: Air France–KLM Flying Blue Transfer Partners

Can I transfer points from multiple credit card programs to the same Flying Blue account?

Yes. You can transfer from Amex, Chase, Capital One, Citi, Bilt, Wells Fargo, and Rove Miles into the same Flying Blue account. Just ensure the name on each credit card account matches exactly the name on your Flying Blue account.

How long do Flying Blue transfers take?

Most transfers are completed within an instant to 72 hours:

• Amex: Instant to 24 hours (usually within minutes)
• Chase: Instant to 48 hours
• Capital One: Instant to 24 hours
• Citi: 24–72 hours
• Bilt: Instant to 48 hours (only on the 1st of the month)
• Wells Fargo: 24–72 hours
• Rove: 24–72 hours

If your transfer hasn’t posted after 72 hours, contact the credit card program’s customer service.

Are Flying Blue transfers reversible?

No. Once points are transferred from your credit card program to Flying Blue, they cannot be returned. This is true for all airline and hotel transfer partners—transfers are one-way and permanent.

Does Flying Blue offer transfer bonuses?

Flying Blue itself does not offer ongoing transfer bonuses. However, Amex Membership Rewards occasionally runs limited-time promotions offering a 25–30% bonus on transfers to Flying Blue (e.g., transfer 50,000 Amex points, receive 62,500–65,000 Flying Blue miles). These promotions are unpredictable and typically last 1–4 weeks. Monitor Amex Offers and award travel blogs for announcements.

Can I use Flying Blue miles to book flights on Delta?

Yes. Flying Blue allows redemptions on Delta-operated flights (Delta is a SkyTeam partner). However, availability can be limited, and pricing is dynamic. Compare Delta SkyMiles pricing and Flying Blue pricing for the same route—sometimes one program offers significantly better value.

What are Flying Blue Promo Rewards?

Promo Rewards are monthly sales offering 25–50% discounts on select routes. Flying Blue announces new Promo Rewards around the 1st of each month, valid for bookings made that month (travel dates vary). Promo Rewards are one of the best opportunities for high-value redemptions—but they require flexibility, as discounted routes change monthly.

Do Flying Blue miles expire?

Yes. Flying Blue miles expire after 24 months of account inactivity. Any earning or redeeming activity resets the clock. To keep miles active:

• Transfer 1,000 points from a credit card partner
• Book a revenue flight on Air France/KLM
• Make a small purchase through the Flying Blue shopping portal
• Complete a survey or promotional offer for miles

Can I book one-way awards on Flying Blue?

Yes. Flying Blue prices all awards one-way, which offers flexibility for mixed-cabin bookings (e.g., business class outbound, economy return) or open-jaw itineraries.

What fees does Flying Blue charge for award changes or cancellations?

• Changes: €40–€60 per ticket (varies by fare type and route)
• Cancellations: €40–€60 per ticket; miles redeposit to your account
• No-show: Miles and fees forfeited if you don’t cancel before departure

Always cancel unwanted awards rather than no-showing to recover your miles.

Can I transfer Flying Blue miles to another person?

No. Flying Blue does not allow miles transfers between members. However, you can redeem your miles to book award tickets for anyone (family, friends, or strangers)—no relationship requirement.

Conclusion: Making Smart Transfer Decisions

Air France–KLM Flying Blue transfer partners offer valuable flexibility for booking SkyTeam awards, particularly when dynamic pricing works in your favor or Promo Rewards sales align with your travel plans. With seven direct transfer options—Amex Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Capital One Miles, Citi ThankYou Points, Bilt Rewards, Wells Fargo Rewards, and Rove Miles—most U.S.-based points earners can access Flying Blue without difficulty.

But flexibility doesn’t mean every transfer makes sense. The irreversibility of point transfers, Flying Blue’s dynamic pricing model, variable fuel surcharges, and 24-month expiration policy all demand careful planning. The difference between a smart redemption and a wasted transfer comes down to three habits:

1. Search award availability and confirm pricing before transferring—never speculate.
2. Calculate cents per point using the Award Travel Hub calculator to verify you’re getting fair value (aim for 1.5+ cpp economy, 2.0+ cpp premium cabins).
3. Monitor Promo Rewards and transfer bonuses, but don’t let FOMO drive poor decisions—only transfer when the redemption aligns with your travel goals and delivers measurable value.

Next Steps

• Compare all transfer options: Review the full credit card transfer partners table to see which other airline programs might offer better value for your specific route.
• Explore alternative SkyTeam programs: Check Delta SkyMiles and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club pricing for the same flights before committing to Flying Blue.
• Set up award alerts: Use ExpertFlyer, AwardFares, or Flying Blue’s own calendar view to monitor award space and pricing trends for your target routes.
• Plan for expiration: If you transfer points to Flying Blue, set a 20-month reminder to keep your account active and prevent miles from expiring.
• Learn more about airline programs: Visit the airlines section to compare Flying Blue with other transfer partners and find the best fit for your travel patterns.

Smart transfer decisions start with information. Now you have the framework—use it to avoid irreversible mistakes and maximize the value of every point you transfer to Flying Blue.

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