There are so many deals that happen in the travel circle on a daily basis that it can be difficult to keep track. Every so often, I stumble across something that makes me think “when did this program/deal start? Is this new?”
For example, this morning I was searching for possible ways to arrive in Europe using points. It started with a search for Air France/KLM Promo Awards because I write about them at the beginning of every month when a new list is released.
However, I stumbled across a program that I have never seen before.
Flying Blue Promo Rewards (Special Edition)
It appears that AirFrance/KLM have launched another program called “Promo Awards Special Edition.” As you can see from the screenshot (below), the offers are available between 16-20 October for travel taking place between November 2019 and March 2020. This may be worth planning ahead since, it involves different city pairs, a short booking window, but a larger window to travel (in contrast to their normal Promo Awards).
The North American routes include:
- New York – Europe (Economy) for 11,000 miles one-way
- Toronto – Europe (Economy) for 11,000 miles one-way
- Los Angeles – Europe (Economy) for 14,000 miles one-way
- Toronto – Europe (Premium Economy) for 25,000 miles one-way
- Los Angeles – Europe (Premium Economy) for 28,000 miles one-way
- Seattle – Europe (Premium Economy) for 29,000 miles one-way
- Mexico City – Europe (Premium Economy) for 29,000 miles one-way
- Toronto – Europe (Business) for 32,000 miles one-way
- Seattle – Europe (Business) for 36,000 miles one-way
- Mexico City – Europe (Business) for 36,000 miles one-way
CONSIDERATIONS
It’s worth noting that Flying Blue does have carrier imposed surcharges. Depending on the cities and flights, your surcharges will range ~$45-$200 each way. The dollar amount is a bit higher than US carriers but in my experience, you’ll enjoy a slightly more refined experience so a few extra dollars may be worth it.
Additionally, Flying Blue has some unique nuances. For example, it’s possible you’ll see a cheaper rate for a connecting itinerary. For instance, a ticket from a North American gateway city to Prague (via Paris) may be cheaper than a ticket just between the North American gateway city and Paris.
Pro-Tip: If you would like to take advantage of the lower costs when connecting…Budapest, Dublin, Edinburgh, Krakow, Oslo, Stockholm, and Vienna are solid bets as final destinations.
Confusing, yeah!? Although, it takes a bit more research, I recommend completing a few city searches if you have some flexibility.
WHERE CAN I GET FLYING BLUE MILES?
Keep in mind that you can transfer points to Air France/KLM Flying Blue from Amex Membership Rewards, Capital One, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and Citi ThankYou. With so many partners, it should be fairly quick and easy to accumulate a lot of Flying Blue points.
FINAL STAMP
Generally, demand for transatlantic flights during the winter is slow so availability may higher than normal but I would book sooner than later if you have a redemption in mind.
11,000 miles for a one-way transatlantic economy award (or 32,000 miles for a one-way transatlantic business award) is a pretty solid deal.
Personally, there is one route that sticks out to me…the Toronto to Paris Route. Air France will begin flying their new A350 on that route on 27 October 2019. Feel free to fall in love…
Anyone plan on taking advantage of the “new” Promo Awards?
1TattedPassport 