What does it cost to reach Silver status purely with money?

With an Amex Platinum Card (EUR 660/year) you get 60 XP. The remaining 40 XP can be earned with 2-3 round trips in Economy with connections, or via SAF contributions (around EUR 400). Total cost: from approximately EUR 1,060 per year, including flights you might take anyway.

Do you earn XP on award tickets booked with miles?

No. Award tickets (booked with miles) do not earn XP. You need a paid ticket to earn XP. Miles & Cash bookings do earn XP normally, because they include a paid ticket component.

Earn Flying Blue XP fast: all methods and hacks

Q: What is the fastest way to earn Flying Blue XP?

The fastest way is combining the Flying Blue Amex Platinum Card (60 XP per year) with smart booking via connections (stacking segments). A round trip to New York via Paris in Business Class earns 90 XP. Combine this with the Antwerp Air&Rail hack for an additional 30 XP per round trip.

Q: Can I earn XP without flying?

Yes. The Flying Blue American Express cards earn 15 XP (Silver), 30 XP (Gold) or 60 XP (Platinum) per year. Additionally, you can earn XP by donating miles to charities (2,000 miles = 1 XP) and through the Air France Carte d'Abonnement (20 XP per purchase).

Q: How much XP does a flight earn?

XP depends on distance and cabin class. A European Economy segment earns 5 XP, Business Class 15 XP. A long-haul flight (5,000+ miles) earns 12 XP in Economy, 36 XP in Business and 60 XP in First Class (La Premiere).

Q: What is the SAF double-booking hack?

With this method you add a SAF contribution to the same flight via both KLM.com and AirFrance.com (or other country sites). Both contributions are processed because the systems do not synchronize in real time. This yields double XP bonuses. Note: this is a grey area and could be patched at any time.

Q: Do you earn XP on SkyTeam partner flights?

Yes. All SkyTeam flights earn XP when your Flying Blue number is linked to the booking. The same XP table applies. This makes airlines like Kenya Airways, Korean Air, Vietnam Airlines and ITA Airways interesting. Transavia also earns XP: 2 XP per flight (Basic) up to 8 XP (Smart/Plus/Max on long-haul routes).

Q: What is a good mileage run route from Amsterdam?

The best mileage run routes are European Business Class round trips via a hub (CDG), optionally with the Antwerp hack. ZWE-AMS-CDG-TUN round trip in Business earns 90 XP for around EUR 700 (EUR 8 per XP). For intercontinental, AMS-CDG-NBO (Nairobi) is a favorite: 90 XP for around EUR 1,000.

Last updated: 27 February 2026 - 22 min read - 13 methods, SkyTeam partners and mileage run routes with cost per XP - View sources

By Remco de Graaf Flying Blue Platinum member since 2005, every status from Silver to Platinum. 30 years building digital products, 15+ mileage runs, 50+ countries. Founder of SkyStatus.

Definition

Flying Blue XP (Experience Points) determine your elite status with Air France and KLM. The more XP you earn, the higher your status: Silver (100 XP), Gold (180 XP) or Platinum (300 XP). Unlike miles, you cannot buy or transfer XP. But there are surprisingly many ways to earn XP fast, from smart booking and credit cards to SAF hacks, SkyTeam partners and mileage runs. This guide covers all 13 methods plus an overview of SkyTeam partners and the best mileage run routes from Amsterdam, with cost per XP, so you know exactly which strategy fits your situation.

Quick facts

Fastest to Silver

Amex + 2 flights

60 XP card + 40 XP flights

Cheapest XP

EUR 5-6/XP

Business via hub + Antwerp

XP without flying

Up to 80+ XP/year

Amex + Carte d'Abonnement

Number of methods

13 methods

From free to EUR 22/XP

SkyStatus Dashboard of a Gold member with 40 XP and 260 XP needed for requalification - the typical starting position for XP strategies — The starting point: a Gold member with 40 XP and 260 XP still needed. With the right combination of methods from this guide, that is achievable in a few months.

Table of contents

XP table: how much XP per flight
Method 1: smart booking with connections
Method 2: Antwerp hack (Air&Rail)
Method 3: Business Class on short flights
Method 4: La Premiere feeder trick
Method 5: Flying Blue Amex cards
Method 6: Flying Blue Extra Extended (20% bonus)
Method 7: SAF contributions
Method 8: SAF double-booking hack
Method 9: Air France Carte d'Abonnement
Method 10: donate miles to charities
Method 11: Double XP Booster (promo)
Method 12: Miles & Cash bookings
Method 13: Accor Live Limitless (10 free XP)
Earning XP with SkyTeam partners
Mileage runs from Amsterdam: routes and costs
Comparison table: cost per XP
XP strategy per status goal
What does NOT earn XP
Frequently asked questions

XP table: how much XP per flight

XP is earned per flight segment. The amount depends on the flight distance and your cabin class. Here is the complete table:

Distance band	Economy	Premium Eco	Business	First
Domestic (FR)	2 XP	4 XP	6 XP	10 XP
Medium-haul (<2,000 mi)	5 XP	10 XP	15 XP	25 XP
Long 1 (2,000-3,500 mi)	8 XP	16 XP	24 XP	40 XP
Long 2 (3,500-5,000 mi)	10 XP	20 XP	30 XP	50 XP
Long 3 (5,000+ mi)	12 XP	24 XP	36 XP	60 XP

Source: Flying Blue Status & XP. More details on how XP works: What is Flying Blue XP?

SkyStatus Flight List with XP per segment: ZWE-AMS Antwerp hack segments (15 XP), CDG-TUN hub connection (15 XP), SAF bonus +21 XP, and AWARD flights with 0 XP — All methods in action: ZWE segments (Antwerp hack, 15 XP each), hub connections via CDG (15 XP each), SAF bonus (+21 XP in February), and AWARD flights earning 0 XP. March yields 95 XP from 7 segments.

Core rule: XP is earned per segment, not per booking. A flight Amsterdam-New York with a connection in Paris counts as 2 segments. This is the basis of most XP strategies in this guide.

Method 1: smart booking with connections

The easiest way to earn more XP from your flights: book via a hub. Every connection creates an extra segment, and every segment earns XP.

Example: Amsterdam - New York round trip in Business

Direct (AMS-JFK): 2 segments x 30 XP = 60 XP

Via Paris (AMS-CDG-JFK): 4 segments (15 + 30 + 30 + 15) = 90 XP

Result: 50% more XP, often the same price or even cheaper.

This works because flights via hubs (Paris CDG or Amsterdam AMS) are often competitively priced. The airline wants to fill the hub, so you do not necessarily pay more for the detour. But you do get an extra segment per direction.

Best hubs: Paris CDG (Air France), Amsterdam AMS (KLM)
Typical XP gain: +30-50% per round trip
Extra cost: often EUR 0 (sometimes even cheaper)
Downside: longer travel time due to connection

Method 2: Antwerp hack (Air&Rail)

KLM operates an Air&Rail service from Antwerp (ZWE) and Brussels to Amsterdam Schiphol. The train ride counts as a flight segment and earns XP, while tickets from Belgium are often cheaper than from Amsterdam.

Example: Antwerp - New York round trip in Business

Outbound: ZWE-AMS (train, 15 XP) + AMS-JFK (30 XP) = 45 XP

Return: JFK-AMS (30 XP) + AMS-ZWE (train, 15 XP) = 45 XP

Total: 90 XP (vs. 60 XP from Amsterdam direct)

Triple stack: Antwerp + Paris connection

Combine the Antwerp hack with a connection via Paris for maximum segments:

Example: Antwerp - New York via Paris round trip in Business

Outbound: ZWE-AMS (15) + AMS-CDG (15) + CDG-JFK (30) = 60 XP

Return: JFK-CDG (30) + CDG-AMS (15) + AMS-ZWE (15) = 60 XP

Total: 120 XP - that is 40% of your Platinum requirement in a single booking.

SkyStatus XP Simulator with route ZWE-AMS-CDG-TRN round trip in Business: 6 segments, 90 XP total, EUR 700, EUR 7.78 cost per XP - Excellent rating — The XP Simulator calculates the optimal route: Antwerp (ZWE) via Amsterdam and Paris to Turin, round trip in Business. 6 segments, 90 XP for EUR 700 = only EUR 7.78 per XP. Rating: Excellent.

Antwerp outbound: high risk. At Antwerp station there is currently no boarding check. Some travelers skip the train and check in directly at Schiphol. This is risky: if checked, you can be registered as a no-show and your entire flight will be cancelled. From Brussels, skipping is impossible (physical boarding pass pickup at KLM desk). More details in the mileage run guide.

Return trip: low risk. On the return trip (AMS to ZWE) the train is often skipped. The XP is credited in virtually all cases. I have done this myself multiple times. Note: this is at your own risk.

Method 3: Business Class on short flights

European Business Class earns 15 XP per segment, three times as much as Economy (5 XP). On short flights the surcharge for Business is often limited, making the cost per XP low.

Calculation example: AMS-CDG round trip

Economy: 2 x 5 XP = 10 XP, ticket around EUR 150 = EUR 15/XP

Business: 2 x 15 XP = 30 XP, ticket around EUR 300 = EUR 10/XP

Business Class is often cheaper per XP than Economy, because the XP yield is 3x higher while the price is rarely 3x higher. Aim for a maximum of EUR 10 per XP as a rule of thumb for a good deal.

The best routes for cheap Business Class XP from Amsterdam:

Route (round trip)	Segments	XP	Typical price	Cost/XP
AMS-CDG	2	30 XP	EUR 280-400	EUR 9-13
AMS-BCN	2	30 XP	EUR 350-500	EUR 12-17
AMS-CDG-TUN	4	60 XP	EUR 500-700	EUR 8-12
AMS-CDG-MRS	4	60 XP	EUR 400-600	EUR 7-10

Prices are indicative, booked 3-6 weeks in advance. Combine with the Antwerp hack for even more segments and lower cost per XP.

Use the mileage run calculator to calculate the cost per XP for specific routes.

Method 4: La Premiere feeder trick

If you book a La Premiere (First Class) ticket on Air France, all connecting flights in the same booking count as First Class for XP calculation, even if you physically fly in Business Class on those segments.

Example: Amsterdam - Singapore via Paris in La Premiere

AMS-CDG: short flight, physically in Business, but XP as First = 25 XP (instead of 15 XP)

CDG-SIN: La Premiere = 60 XP

Total outbound: 85 XP (vs. 51 XP if the feeder counted as Business)

This applies even if the short segment is operated by KLM. As long as it is part of a La Premiere booking, you receive First Class XP on all segments. This is not a hack but an official program rule.

Method 5: Flying Blue Amex cards

The Flying Blue American Express is the only credit card that earns XP without flying. Three variants are available:

Card	Cost/year	XP/year	Cost/XP
Entry Card	EUR 36	0 XP	N/A
Silver Card	EUR 84	15 XP	EUR 5.60
Gold Card	EUR 198	30 XP	EUR 6.60
Platinum Card	EUR 660	60 XP	EUR 11

The Entry Card (EUR 3/month) earns 0.5 miles per euro but no XP. If you are going purely for XP, start at least with the Silver Card. The Platinum Card is more expensive per XP, but also earns 1-1.5 miles per euro spent and includes extensive travel benefits (Privium, Priority Pass, hotel status). If you already use the card for miles and benefits, the 60 XP are effectively "free".

The fastest shortcut to Silver: with the Platinum Card you only need 40 XP from flights. That is 2 round trips in Economy with a connection, or 1 round trip in Business.

Method 6: Flying Blue Extra Extended (20% bonus)

The Flying Blue Extra Extended subscription (EUR 699/year) gives 20% extra XP on all Air France and KLM flights. This sounds modest, but with frequent flying it adds up quickly.

When does Extra Extended pay off for XP?

The sweet spot: you fly regularly on intercontinental Business Class.

5 round trips AMS-JFK in Business (normally 300 XP) becomes 360 XP (+60 XP bonus)
10 European round trips in Business (normally 300 XP) becomes 360 XP (+60 XP bonus)
Break-even: you need to fly approximately 350+ XP per year to earn back the EUR 699 purely for XP

Extra Extended also offers other benefits (extra miles, extra baggage, discounts). Read the complete analysis to determine if it pays off for you.

Method 7: SAF contributions

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a biofuel that reduces the CO2 emissions of flights. When booking on KLM.com or AirFrance.com you can add a SAF contribution to your flight. In return you receive bonus XP.

XP yield: approximately 1 XP per EUR 10 contribution
Available: when booking on KLM.com and AirFrance.com (not always on all routes)
Credit: after the flight, together with your regular XP
Cost per XP: approximately EUR 10/XP

Note: SAF contributions only earn XP if the option explicitly shows "Earn [X] XP" on your screen during the booking process. If this text is missing, no XP will be awarded.

Method 8: SAF double-booking hack

Exclusive

This method is rarely discussed online. It is a grey area and could be patched at any time. Use at your own risk.

With this method you add a SAF contribution to the same flight via multiple websites. The key: the booking systems of KLM.com and AirFrance.com (and their country sites) do not synchronize SAF purchases in real time. This allows you to earn XP multiple times for the same flight.

How it works

Book your flight and add a SAF contribution on KLM.com
Go to AirFrance.com (or another country site, e.g. airfrance.fr) and look up the same booking
Add another SAF contribution there
Both contributions are processed and earn XP separately

Disclaimer: this is a grey area. There are no official rules prohibiting this, but it is clearly not the intended use. Reported by reliable sources on forums (FlyerTalk, vikingxnl). Could be patched at any time. Use at your own responsibility.

Reported results: up to 4x SAF contribution on 1 flight via different country sites. The XP is credited after the flight, just like regular SAF XP.

Method 9: Air France Carte d'Abonnement

The Air France Carte d'Abonnement is a discount card for Air France flights. Lesser known: upon purchase or renewal you receive 20 XP. You do not need to fly to earn it.

RPFM (Carte Frequence Metropole): EUR 399/year, valid for Europe and North Africa
XP: 20 XP upon purchase, sometimes 30 XP during promotions
Cost per XP: EUR 20/XP (regular), EUR 13/XP (during promo with 30 XP)
Credit: approximately 2 weeks after purchase
Available internationally: yes, you only need a Flying Blue account
Promotions: Air France regularly offers 30% discount or 30 XP instead of 20 XP

When interesting: if you regularly fly Air France (the card gives 10-50% discount on AF flights) and take the 20 XP as a bonus. Purely for XP it is expensive (EUR 20/XP), but during promotions it can be as low as EUR 9-13/XP.

Method 10: donate miles to charities

Via the Flying Blue donation page you can donate miles to 20+ charities. In return you receive XP.

Exchange rate: 2,000 miles = 1 XP
Credit: instant
Cost per XP: approximately EUR 22/XP (based on miles value of ~EUR 0.011/mile)
No limit: no confirmed upper limit on the number of donations

Emergency button, not a strategy. This is the most expensive way to earn XP. Only use it if you are a few XP short of your status threshold and your qualification date is approaching. In that case it is better to sacrifice 4,000 miles (= 2 XP) than to miss a year of status.

Method 11: Double XP Booster (promo)

Flying Blue sometimes offers a "Double XP Booster" via targeted promotions. This doubles the XP on all Air France and KLM flights during a period (usually 3 months).

Cost: approximately EUR 169 (varies per promotion)
Effect: 2x XP on AF/KL flights during the promotion period
Availability: not always available, targeted per member
Where: appears in your Flying Blue account or via email

Combination tip: if you already have a busy flying period planned, the Double XP Booster can be very effective. A round trip AMS-JFK in Business would then earn 120 XP instead of 60 XP. Check your Flying Blue account regularly for available promotions.

Method 12: Miles & Cash bookings

Bookings via Miles & Cash (partly paid with miles, partly with money) earn XP normally, just like fully paid tickets. The XP yield is identical to a regular ticket in the same cabin class.

This is not an "extra" method to earn XP, but an important fact to know: if you use miles via Miles & Cash, you do not lose XP. With a full award ticket (100% miles) you earn no XP.

Method 13: Accor Live Limitless link (10 free XP)

One of the easiest ways to get free XP. Link your Flying Blue account to Accor Live Limitless (ALL) and receive up to 10 XP:

5 XP after your first KLM or Air France flight after linking
5 XP after your first Accor hotel stay after linking

This is a one-time offer (maximum 10 XP per Flying Blue account) and completely free. You also receive 2 Accor Status Nights. If you already have a flight planned and ever stay at an Accor hotel (Ibis, Novotel, Mercure, Sofitel - it does not matter which brand), this is free XP.

Do it now: go to the Accor-Flying Blue linking page, log in with both accounts and link them. The XP is automatically credited after your next flight and hotel stay.

Earning XP with SkyTeam partners

XP is not only earned on KLM and Air France. All SkyTeam partners earn XP, as long as your Flying Blue number is linked to the booking. The XP table above applies to all partners. That opens interesting possibilities:

Airline	Hub	Interesting for
Kenya Airways	Nairobi (NBO)	Affordable Business Class Africa, XP on KQ flights
Korean Air	Seoul (ICN)	Long-haul XP via codeshare
Vietnam Airlines	Hanoi (HAN)	Affordable Business Class routes
Saudia	Jeddah (JED)	Business Class deals from Europe
Virgin Atlantic	London (LHR)	Premium routes to US/Caribbean

Note: with SkyTeam partners you must link your Flying Blue number when booking or checking in. Retroactive claiming is possible, but can take weeks. Some booking classes with partners earn less or no XP (especially the cheapest fares). Check the partner page for the exact earning rates per partner.

Transavia also earns XP. Since mid-2024 you earn XP on all Transavia flights. The XP depends on your fare type, not your cabin class (Transavia only has Economy).

Fare type	Domestic (FR/PT)	European (<2,000 mi)	Long-haul (2,000+ mi)
Basic	2 XP	2 XP	2 XP
Smart / Plus / Max	4 XP	5 XP	8 XP

Transavia long-haul routes (Egypt, Dubai, Cape Verde) in a Smart fare or higher earn 8 XP per flight, which is a surprisingly good deal on budget flights. AMS-Hurghada round trip in Plus = 16 XP for around EUR 300.

Mileage runs from Amsterdam: routes and costs

A mileage run is a flight you primarily take to earn XP, not to be at the destination. From Amsterdam (or via the Antwerp hack) there are a number of routes that consistently deliver good XP per euro.

Top mileage run routes from AMS

Route	Cabin	XP round trip	Typical price	Cost/XP
AMS-CDG-NBO (Nairobi)	Business	90 XP	EUR 800-1,200	EUR 9-13
AMS-CDG-JFK (New York)	Business	90 XP	EUR 1,200-1,800	EUR 13-20
AMS-CDG-JNB (Johannesburg)	Business	90 XP	EUR 1,000-1,500	EUR 11-17
AMS-CDG-BKK (Bangkok)	Business	90 XP	EUR 1,500-2,200	EUR 17-24
ZWE-AMS-CDG-TUN (Tunis)	Business	90 XP	EUR 600-900	EUR 7-10
AMS-CDG-xxx (European)	Business	60 XP	EUR 300-500	EUR 5-8

Prices are indicative and variable. Check current prices on KLM.com or AirFrance.com. Use the mileage run calculator to calculate the cost per XP for your specific route.

The sweet spot: European Business Class round trips via a hub (AMS-CDG-destination) are often the cheapest way to earn XP. A round trip AMS-CDG-TUN in Business costs around EUR 700 and earns 60 XP (EUR 12/XP). With the Antwerp hack (adding ZWE) that rises to 90 XP for the same price, dropping the cost per XP to around EUR 8. Look for destinations in North Africa and Southern Europe for the best deals.

Basic Economy and XP: good news - Flying Blue has recently restored XP on the cheapest Economy fares (Light/Basic). Previously these fares earned no XP. Check when booking whether your ticket earns XP via the status overview page.

Comparison table: cost per XP

All 13 methods sorted by cost per XP, from cheapest to most expensive:

Method	XP	Cost/XP	Type
La Premiere feeder trick	+10 XP/feeder	EUR 0	Flying
Smart booking (connections)	+10-30 XP/round trip	EUR 0	Flying
Antwerp hack	+10-30 XP/round trip	EUR 0	Flying
Short Business Class	15 XP/segment	EUR 5-10	Flying
Amex Silver Card	15 XP/year	EUR 5.60	Card
Amex Gold Card	30 XP/year	EUR 6.60	Card
SAF contributions	~1 XP/EUR 10	EUR 10	Add-on
Amex Platinum Card	60 XP/year	EUR 11	Card
FB Extra Extended (20%)	20% bonus	EUR 12-18*	Subscription
Double XP Booster	2x on AF/KL	Variable	Promo
Carte d'Abonnement	20 XP	EUR 20	Card
Donate miles	1 XP/2,000 mi	~EUR 22	Emergency
Miles & Cash	Same as paid	N/A	Flying

* Extra Extended cost per XP depends on your annual flight volume. The first three methods are "free" because they add no extra cost on top of your flight price.

Calculation examples: what does an XP really cost?

The table above gives estimates, but the actual cost per XP depends on your route, season and booking moment. Here are concrete calculations for the most common methods:

Short Business Class via hub (methods 1+2+3 combined)

Route: ZWE-AMS-CDG-TUN round trip in Business Class

Segments: 8 (ZWE-AMS, AMS-CDG, CDG-TUN, TUN-CDG, CDG-AMS, AMS-ZWE = 6 flight segments, each 15 XP in Business medium-haul)
XP: 6 x 15 = 90 XP
Typical price: EUR 650-850 (book 3-6 weeks ahead)
Cost per XP: EUR 650/90 = EUR 7.22/XP (low season) to EUR 850/90 = EUR 9.44/XP (peak season)

Amex Platinum Card (method 5)

Fixed costs regardless of flying behavior:

Cost: EUR 55/month = EUR 660/year
XP: 60 per year
Gross cost per XP: EUR 660/60 = EUR 11/XP
But: you also earn 1.5 miles/EUR on all your spending. At EUR 1,500/month = 27,000 miles/year (value ~EUR 324). Net cost: (EUR 660 - EUR 324)/60 = EUR 5.60/XP
With the welcome bonus (up to 120,000 miles, value ~EUR 1,440) in year 1: your XP is effectively free

SAF contributions (method 7)

Variable per flight and contribution amount:

Typical SAF contribution: EUR 10-30 per flight
XP: approximately 1 XP per EUR 10 contributed
With 10 flights/year at EUR 20 SAF: 20 XP for EUR 200 = EUR 10/XP
Combined with the double-booking hack: potentially 40 XP for EUR 200 = EUR 5/XP

Donate miles (method 10 - emergency)

Most expensive option, only for the last few XP:

Cost: 2,000 miles per 1 XP
At miles purchase price of EUR 0.011/mile (Subscribe to Miles Premium): 2,000 x 0.011 = EUR 22/XP
At Amex miles (cost ~EUR 0.002/mile): 2,000 x 0.002 = EUR 4/XP (but you "burn" miles you would otherwise spend)
Recommendation: maximum 5-10 XP via this route, only if your deadline is approaching

SkyStatus Investment page with Cost per XP Trend over time, Investment Breakdown (flights EUR 1,170, SAF EUR 270, credit card) and Value Breakdown — The Investment page shows your actual cost per XP over time. The breakdown shows how much you invested via flights, SAF contributions and credit card, and what value you created in return.

XP strategy per status goal

SkyStatus Status Progress page with Platinum 301 XP, monthly XP progress in bar chart, rollover 300 XP and Ultimate progress 158/900 UXP — The Status Progress page shows your XP buildup per month. The bars show how flights, Amex XP and SAF contributions add up toward your status goal. Here: Platinum reached with 301 XP and 300 XP rollover for next year.

Silver (100 XP): the accessible shortcut

The easiest route to Silver status:

Amex Platinum Card: 60 XP (card already useful for miles and travel benefits)
2 round trips in Economy with a connection: 4 segments x 5 XP x 2 round trips = 40 XP
Total: 100 XP - Silver achieved

Alternative with less flying: Amex Platinum (60 XP) + Carte d'Abonnement (20 XP) + 4 European segments (20 XP) = 100 XP.

Gold (180 XP): the sweet spot

Gold status requires 180 XP after Silver. The efficient route:

Amex Platinum Card: 60 XP
2 round trips to US/Asia in Business via hub: 2 x 90 XP = 180 XP
Or: 3 round trips in Economy via hub (with Antwerp): approximately 40-50 XP per round trip = 120-150 XP
SAF contributions on every booking: +5-10 XP total

Platinum (300 XP): for the serious frequent flyer

Platinum requires 300 XP after Gold. Here you need volume:

Amex Platinum Card: 60 XP
FB Extra Extended: 20% bonus on all flights
4-5 intercontinental round trips in Business via hubs: 90+ XP per round trip (with 20% bonus: ~108 XP)
SAF on every booking + optionally Carte d'Abonnement: extra 20-30 XP

SkyStatus Dashboard Platinum with 301 XP, 300 XP rollover, 370,820 miles balance and Active Goals for XP planning — The end result: Platinum status reached with 301 XP, 300 XP rollover secured for next year, and 370,820 miles accumulated. Active Goals help you plan your next XP targets.

Track your XP progress

Import your Flying Blue PDF statement and see exactly how much XP you have, your cost per XP, and how much you still need for your next status.

Start tracking for free

What does NOT earn XP

Common misconceptions about XP. These activities do not earn XP:

Award tickets (booked with miles): no XP, no miles, no UXP
Subscribe to Miles (miles subscription): only earns miles, not XP. See: miles subscription guide
Upgrades (paid or with miles): XP is based on your original booking class, not the class you fly in after upgrading
KLM Trip+ add-ons: extra baggage, seat selection and other add-ons do not earn XP
Regular Amex (Membership Rewards): only the Flying Blue co-branded Amex earns XP, not the regular Amex Platinum or Gold
Shopping portal / transfer partners: shopping via the Flying Blue Shopping portal earns miles, not XP
Transavia Basic fare: only earns 2 XP per flight, regardless of distance. Book Smart, Plus or Max for 4-8 XP
Flights without FB link: if your Flying Blue number is not linked to the booking, you earn no XP (retroactive claiming is possible)

Most common mistake: many members think their regular Amex Platinum Card (with Membership Rewards) earns XP. It does not. Only the Flying Blue co-branded Amex (Silver, Gold or Platinum) earns XP.

Frequently asked questions

What is the fastest way to earn Flying Blue XP?

Combine a Flying Blue Amex Platinum Card (60 XP/year) with smart booking via connections. A round trip to New York via Paris in Business earns 90 XP. With the Antwerp hack that becomes 120 XP. Two such trips plus your Amex and you have Platinum-level XP.

Can I earn XP without flying?

Yes. The Flying Blue Amex earns 15-60 XP per year depending on the variant. The Air France Carte d'Abonnement gives 20 XP upon purchase. Donating miles to charities earns 1 XP per 2,000 miles. Theoretically you can earn over 80 XP per year without setting foot on a plane.

How much XP does a flight earn?

That depends on distance and cabin class. A European Economy segment earns 5 XP, Business 15 XP. A long-haul flight (5,000+ miles) earns 12 XP in Economy and 36 XP in Business. See the full XP table at the top of this page.

Do you earn XP on award tickets?

No. Award tickets (booked with miles) do not earn XP. Miles & Cash bookings (partly miles, partly money) do earn XP normally, just like a fully paid ticket.

What does it cost to reach Silver purely with money?

With an Amex Platinum Card (EUR 660/year) you get 60 XP. The remaining 40 XP can be earned with 2-3 round trips in Economy with connections (flights you might take anyway), or via SAF contributions (around EUR 400). The Amex also earns miles, a welcome bonus and travel benefits.

What is the SAF double-booking hack?

With this method you add a SAF contribution to the same flight via both KLM.com and AirFrance.com. Both contributions are processed because the systems do not synchronize in real time, yielding double XP. Note: this is a grey area and could be patched at any time.

Do you earn XP on SkyTeam partners?

Yes. All SkyTeam flights earn XP when your Flying Blue number is linked. The same XP table applies. This makes airlines like Kenya Airways, Korean Air, Vietnam Airlines interesting for XP. Transavia has also earned XP since mid-2024 (2-8 XP depending on fare). See the full SkyTeam overview.

What is a good mileage run route from Amsterdam?

The best routes are European Business Class round trips via a hub (CDG), optionally with the Antwerp hack. A route like ZWE-AMS-CDG-TUN round trip in Business earns 90 XP for around EUR 700 (EUR 8/XP). For intercontinental, AMS-CDG-NBO (Nairobi) is a favorite: 90 XP for around EUR 1,000. See the full route overview.

Sources and transparency

Last verified: 27 February 2026. All XP values and costs have been verified against official sources and personal experience.

Flying Blue Status & XP - XP rates per distance and cabin class
KLM Membership Levels - Status thresholds and benefits
KLM Air&Rail - Antwerp/Brussels train+flight bookings
Flying Blue Donations - Donate miles to charities
Air France Carte d'Abonnement - Frequency cards
Flying Blue Terms and Conditions (PDF) - Full program rules
Flying Blue Airline Partners - SkyTeam partners and earning rates
SkyTeam Alliance - Overview of all SkyTeam partners

The SAF double-booking method is based on reports from reliable forum members (FlyerTalk). This method is not supported by official sources and can change at any time. The Carte d'Abonnement information is based on the Air France website and personal verification. SkyStatus is an independent tool and is not affiliated with Air France-KLM or Flying Blue.

This guide is based on official Flying Blue program rules, independent forum sources and personal experience. XP rates, card terms and promotions may change. Always check the current terms on the official websites. SkyStatus is an independent tool and is not affiliated with Air France-KLM or Flying Blue.