Exploring Partner Redemptions with Flying Blue

Flying Blue, the loyalty program for Air France and KLM, continues to expand its airline partnerships, offering a growing number of options when it comes to redeeming miles.

While many of you are likely familiar with the perks of flying with Air France and KLM, you likely aren’t as familiar with the many opportunities available with their partner airlines.

In this article, we’ll explore some intriguing redemption opportunities available through Flying Blue’s network of partners, and how you can make the most of your miles with these airlines.

Flying Blue’s SkyTeam Partners

Flying Blue is part of the SkyTeam airline alliance, meaning you can redeem Flying Blue miles on numerous airlines across the globe. Some of these redemptions offer particularly strong value or unique advantages, depending on your travel plans.

Unlike with Air France and KLM flights, there’s no published award chart for redeeming Flying Blue miles on partner airlines.

Rather, Flying Blue uses a dynamic pricing model, and while you can use their award calculator to estimate the minimum miles required for any given route, it’s worth noting that the calculator can sometimes be inaccurate for partner flights.

As a result, it’s always best to cross-check actual availability and pricing before setting up your miles-earning goal. Also, as a general note, you can search for partner flight redemptions on both Air France and KLM’s website, but we find that KLM’s site has fewer search errors, so it may be the better choice.

To give you a better idea of what’s possible with Flying Blue redemptions, here are some example flights on SkyTeam partner airlines.

Please note that the examples provided are one-way flights. Reverse direction flights are usually available at a similar cost, with some slight variation due to dynamic pricing.

Also, keep in mind that not all the examples are necessarily the best value for your miles; some are simply included to showcase interesting redemption options that could fit your specific travel needs.

Due to Flying Blue’s dynamic pricing, the figures below represent typical lower-end prices we’ve observed; on many other dates, you’ll see higher mileage requirements.

China Airlines

As Taiwan’s flagship carrier, China Airlines is a key SkyTeam partner that offers an intriguing option. For those eyeing a visit to Taipei, you can get a pretty good value out of your miles.

Vancouver to Taipei

With China Airlines, you can fly from Vancouver (YVR) to Taipei (TPE) for 61,500 Flying Blue miles in business class, which offers a comfortable and spacious way to cross the Pacific. This long-haul flight is a great way to experience China Airlines’ renowned service and hospitality in its premium cabin.

Also, given the current difficulty in securing transpacific business class award availability, this route also presents a great alternative to EVA Air, making it a valuable option for those looking to fly in comfort across the Pacific.

Taipei to Brisbane/Melbourne

China Airlines also offers excellent value for flights within the Asia-Pacific region. You can fly from Brisbane (BNE) to Taipei (TPE) for 43,000 Flying Blue miles in business class.

Considering that the cash price for these flights typically hovers around $1,900 (all figures in USD), redeeming miles for these routes represents an exceptional value.

These redemptions also allow you to experience China Airlines’ premium service and comfort without paying the high cash prices typically associated with business class travel in this region.

Additionally, you can also find non-stop business class flights from Melbourne for 50,500 Flying Blue miles.

Delta Air Lines

As a member of the SkyTeam alliance, Delta Air Lines allows you to use Flying Blue miles for a variety of routes, and there are some excellent redemption opportunities for domestic flights within the United States, as well as for flights to South America.

Atlanta to Los Angeles

Through the Flying Blue program, you can fly from Atlanta (ATL) to Los Angeles (LAX) for just 16,000 miles in economy. This offers a cost-effective way to travel across the country, especially during peak season.

Atlanta to Buenos Aires

If you’re looking to venture further south, you can also fly from Atlanta (ATL) to Buenos Aires (EZE) for 34,600 miles in economy. This is a great option for those planning a trip to Argentina’s capital city, or for those looking for a jumping off point for an adventure to Patagonia.

Virgin Atlantic

With Flying Blue miles, you can also enjoy Virgin Atlantic’s well-regarded transatlantic routes and premium services. Known for its unique Upper Class cabin, it offers great redemption opportunities for those looking to cross the Atlantic in style.

New York to Manchester

You can typically fly from New York (JFK) to Manchester (MAN) in Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class for 67,000 Flying Blue miles and $226.90 in taxes and fees.

This redemption strikes a valuable balance because booking with Virgin Atlantic Points typically comes with high taxes and fees, and Delta SkyMiles would require significantly more miles (albeit lower fees).

Flying Blue provides a good middle ground, making it one of the better ways to book this route.

While flying across the Atlantic ocean, you’ll enjoy a full lie-flat bed, lounge access in New York (JFK), and Virgin Atlantic’s signature onboard bar for a comfortable and memorable journey to the United Kingdom.

Korean Air

Korean Air, another prominent SkyTeam member, provides excellent opportunities for redeeming Flying Blue miles. Korean Air’s long-haul flights are also known for their exceptional service (although sadly, they recently announced that they will stop serving cup noodles).

Toronto to Seoul

Using your Flying Blue miles, you can fly from Toronto (YYZ) to Seoul (ICN) for only 39,500 miles in economy.

While sitting in economy for such a long flight may not be ideal for everyone, this non-stop route can still provide great value.

Cash fares and award pricing for a non-stop flight to Seoul from the east coast of North America are typically quite expensive, so for those looking to minimize travel time while keeping to a budget, this redemption with Flying Blue offers a solid balance between cost and convenience.

Aeromexico

As Mexico’s flagship carrier and a SkyTeam member, Aeroméxico offers an extensive network across the Americas and beyond. Using Flying Blue miles, you can redeem for both short- and long-haul flights, providing valuable opportunities for anyone heading to or from Mexico.

Monterrey to Incheon

As an example of the available Flying Blue redemptions, you could fly from Monterrey (MTY) to Seoul (ICN) for 45,500 miles in economy.

This long-haul journey offers a great way to connect between Mexico and Asia, and considering the distance and the typically high cash fares for such flights, this redemption provides excellent value for those looking to explore Asia from Mexico without breaking the bank.

SAS

SAS joined the SkyTeam alliance in September 2024, and brings new redemption opportunities for travellers looking to fly between North America and Europe.

Toronto to Copenhagen

By redeeming Flying Blue miles with SAS, you can fly non-stop from Toronto (YYZ) to Copenhagen (CPH) for only 19,500 miles in economy, which is a fantastic deal for a transatlantic flight. This route offers great value and serves as a gateway to Denmark and nearby Scandinavian countries.

Given that the cash price for this route is often high, this redemption provides an affordable way to cross the Atlantic and begin your European adventure.

Additionally, while Air Canada also offers this route (typically bookable for around 28,000 Aeroplan points during the low season), Flying Blue miles are also quite easy to earn in Canada, making this option an appealing alternative.

Kenya Airways

Kenya Airways, the flag carrier airline for the East African country, offers the unique opportunity to redeem Flying Blue miles for flights between the United States and Africa.

New York to Nairobi

By using your Flying Blue miles for a redemption with Kenya Airways, you could fly from New York (JFK) to Nairobi (NBO) for 60,500 miles in economy, or you could opt for a business class redemption, which comes in at 147,500 miles.

While the number of miles required for the business class redemption may seem steep, it’s worth noting that this is actually the only non-stop flight from North America to Nairobi.

For many travelers heading to Kenya, this could be a once-in-a-lifetime trip, likely for an unforgettable safari experience, making the higher points requirement more justifiable.

The flights depart from New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), which is relatively easy to access from most places in North America, meaning that this redemption offers a convenient way to travel to Nairobi without layovers, eliminating the need for lengthy connections and making the journey much smoother.

Nairobi to Johannesburg

If you’d like to continue your journey from Kenya to South Africa, Kenya Airways is also the only airline that flies non-stop from Nairobi (NBO) to Johannesburg (JNB), making it a great option to utilize Flying Blue miles.

Johannesburg serves as a gateway to incredible attractions, including Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s largest parks renowned for its wildlife and safari experiences, so you can check off even more exceptional travel experiences with this route.

Redeeming Flying Blue Miles with Non-SkyTeam Partners

While Flying Blue is heavily integrated with SkyTeam, it continues to expand its network further through partnerships with numerous non-SkyTeam airlines. These partnerships offer unique opportunities for redemptions in regions where SkyTeam coverage may be limited.

Below is a list of Flying Blue’s non-SkyTeam partner airlines, followed by some example redemption options.

• Air Corsica
• Air Mauritius
• airBaltic
• AirCalin
• Bangkok Airways
• Chalair Aviation
• China Southern
• Copa Airlines
• EL AL Israel Airlines
• Endeavor air
• Etihad Airways
• GOL
• Japan Airlines
• Malaysia Airlines
• Oman Air
• Qantas
• Transavia
• Twin Jet
• WestJet
• Winair

As with the examples provided for SkyTeam partner airlines, the redemptions below don’t necessarily provide extraordinary value; in some cases, we’ve included them to simply show you some interesting redemption options that we think a Miles & Points fan would enjoy.

Additionally, as above, these examples are for one-way flights, with the reverse direction flights usually available at a similar cost, with some slight variation due to dynamic pricing.

Japan Airlines

Japan Airlines (JAL) is one of most notable non-SkyTeam partners, renowned for its impeccable service and premium cabins.

Finding award availability for this sought-after airline can be a bit challenging, and redemption value may not always be the best – especially when you can theoretically find JAL First Class redemptions starting from 70,000 Alaska miles.

However, for Canadians specifically, the ability to earn Alaska miles is very limited, making Flying Blue an attractive alternative for those looking to fly with Japan Airlines.

The following two examples aren’t necessarily the best value for points but are included to show what’s possible, as these could be worth considering if you’re keen on trying Japan Airlines or have limited redemption options.

Los Angeles to Osaka

Using Flying Blue miles, you could fly from Los Angeles (LAX) to Osaka (KIX) for 68,000 miles in economy, giving you a chance to enjoy Japan’s amazing sights, food, and culture.

Tokyo to Vancouver

You could also use 55,000 Flying Blue miles to fly from Tokyo (NRT) to Vancouver (YVR) in economy, a route that showcases a second option connecting the west coast of North America with Japan through Flying Blue’s partner airlines.

Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways, one of the two major airlines in the United Arab Emirates, is another notable non-SkyTeam partner of Flying Blue.

Etihad is known for offering world-class service, particularly in its premium cabins, making it a great option for someone looking to redeem their Flying Blue miles for a more luxurious experience.

Abu Dhabi to Kuala Lumpur

Through the Flying Blue program, you can book a business class flight from Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL) for 50,500 miles, which represents a fantastic deal for a long-haul route in Etihad’s renowned business class.

Oman Air

Oman Air is another standout non-SkyTeam partner, offering a luxurious flying experience with a focus on comfort and high-quality service, particularly in its premium cabins.

Alongside their superb in-flight service, Oman Air’s business class lounge at Muscat Airport is renowned for its luxurious amenities – so much so, in fact, that for some travelers, this lounge experience alone may be worth the redemption, featuring private seating areas, high-quality dining options, and spa services that elevate the entire travel experience.

Muscat to Doha

In terms of Flying Blue redemptions with Oman Air, you could book a business class flight from Muscat (MCT) to Doha (DOH) for just 15,000 miles.

This short-haul flight provides an excellent opportunity to experience Oman Air’s premium service and to evaluate whether you’d want to fly with them again in the future.

Additionally, you can also continue your luxurious journey from Doha by flying with Qatar Airways First Class to experience one of the best premium cabins in the world.

Muscat to Istanbul

If you’re looking for a slightly longer flight experience, you can redeem your Flying Blue miles for a flight on Oman Air from Muscat (MCT) to Istanbul (IST) for 31,000 miles in business class.

This route gives you enough time to fully enjoy Oman Air’s in-flight offerings, including their meal service, spacious seats, in-flight entertainment, and amenity kits.

Copa Airlines

Copa Airlines, based in Panama City, serves as a key bridging hub between North America and South America, making it an ideal partner for Flying Blue redemptions within the Americas.

With Copa’s extensive route network, you can easily connect between the two continents, using Panama City as a convenient stopover.

Panama City to Rio de Janeiro

Using your Flying Blue miles, you could fly from Panama City (PTY) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG), a popular long-haul route that allows you to explore the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of Brazil, for 18,000 miles in economy.

This flight gives you a chance to experience Copa’s efficient service while using your Flying Blue miles to reach one of South America’s most iconic cities.

Qantas

As Australia’s flagship carrier, Qantas is yet another standout Flying Blue partner, offering excellent options for long-haul flights between Australia and North America.

Known for its top-notch service and premium cabins, Qantas provides a great opportunity to use your Flying Blue miles for comfortable and efficient transpacific travel.

Sydney to Vancouver or Los Angeles

Thanks to Flying Blue’s partnership with Qantas, you can fly from Sydney (SYD) to Vancouver (YVR) for 42,000 miles in economy class.

You can also book this same route with Air Canada, but the award pricing with Aeroplan tends to be more dynamic, especially during peak seasons.

As a result of this, redeeming Flying Blue miles can be a competitive option, making it worth comparing both programs when planning your trip from Australia to Canada during busy travel periods.

Earning Flying Blue Miles Is Easy

Accumulating Flying Blue miles is straightforward, especially for those based in North America. One of the easiest ways to earn is through credit cards and transferable points currencies, giving you multiple options to earn miles without even stepping on a plane.

Both the US and Canada offer a version of the Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard®, although each has slightly different perks and earning rates.

Canada: Brim Financial Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard®

• Earn up to 30 Flying Blue miles per Canadian dollar spent at select Brim Financial merchant partners^†
• Earn 5 bonus Flying Blue miles per Euro spent on Air France and KLM flights^†
• Earn 2 Flying Blue miles per Canadian dollar spent at restaurants and bars^†
• Earn 1 Flying Blue mile per Canadian dollar spent on all other eligible purchases^†

United States: Bank of America Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard®

• Earn 3 Flying Blue miles per US dollar spent on Air France and KLM flights and on SkyTeam member airline purchases
• Earn 1.5 Flying Blue miles per US dollar spent on all other purchases^†
• Receive 5,000 Flying Blue miles every year on your account anniversary after you spend $50 or more on purchases within the anniversary year^†
• Enjoy no foreign transaction fees on purchases made in currencies other than US dollars

Another effective way to earn Flying Blue miles is by transferring points from transferable points currencies, giving you the flexibility to boost your balance when needed.

Fortunately, Air France–KLM partners with all of the major transferrable point programs in North America, which means you can transfer the following points to Flying Blue:

• American Express Canada Membership Rewards
• American Express US Membership Rewards
• Capital One Miles
• Chase Ultimate Rewards®
• Citi ThankYou Points
• Bilt Rewards
• Wells Fargo Rewards

All the points programs listed above transfer to Flying Blue at a rate of 1:1, with the exception of American Express Canada Membership Rewards, which transfers points at a rate of 1:0.75.

Something to keep in mind as you look to transfer points to Flying Blue is that American Express US and Citibank occasionally run transfer bonus promotions.

We’ve seen these promotions offer as high as 30% more miles in the past, so the best practice is to wait for these promotions to maximize your points, unless you urgently need Flying Blue miles.

Conclusion

Flying Blue’s growing list of partner airlines means there are more opportunities to redeem miles across a diverse array of carriers. Whether you focus within SkyTeam’s extensive network or venture out with non-SkyTeam partners like Japan Airlines or Oman Air, Flying Blue miles offer great flexibility.

As the program continues to evolve, we’re hoping to see new partners and redemption opportunities. With so many exciting possibilities, Flying Blue remains an excellent choice for those looking to maximize their miles and points for global adventures.

Flying Blue miles are relatively easy to earn in Canada, thanks to transfer partners like American Express Membership Rewards and the co-branded Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard®, so if you haven’t already begun collecting these valuable miles, now’s the time!