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Flying Blue SAF: earn XP with sustainable aviation fuel

Last updated: February 19, 2026 - 12 min read - View sources

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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

SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) is a sustainable jet fuel that reduces CO2 emissions by at least 65% over its entire lifecycle. At KLM and Air France, you can voluntarily purchase SAF as an add-on when booking. In return, you earn Flying Blue XP: approximately 1 XP per EUR 10 contributed. The remarkable part: SAF XP counts as UXP, making it the only way to work toward Ultimate status without actually flying.

Quick facts

XP per EUR 10
1 XP
Rounded up
Counts as UXP
Yes
Only non-flight UXP source
Available on
KLM + Air France
Website, app, and check-in
CO2 reduction
65%+
Over the full lifecycle
Table of contents
  1. What is SAF?
  2. Mandatory surcharge vs. voluntary contribution
  3. How much XP do you earn with SAF?
  4. Crediting: when SAF XP do not appear
  5. SAF and UXP: the Ultimate shortcut
  6. How to buy a SAF contribution
  7. Cost-benefit analysis: SAF vs. other XP methods
  8. SAF strategies per status goal
  9. SAF on award tickets
  10. EU regulation: ReFuelEU Aviation
  11. Tips for maximum SAF XP
  12. Frequently asked questions
  13. Sources

What is SAF?

SAF stands for Sustainable Aviation Fuel. It is a replacement for fossil kerosene that meets the same technical and safety standards as regular jet fuel. SAF can be blended with conventional kerosene and works in existing aircraft engines without any modifications.

How is SAF produced?

The SAF used by Air France-KLM is primarily made through the HEFA process (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids). The main feedstock is used cooking oil. This oil is purified and then treated with hydrogen, creating hydrocarbon chains that are chemically nearly identical to fossil kerosene.

The result is a fuel that emits the same amount of CO2 during flight as regular kerosene, but over its entire lifecycle (production to combustion) causes at least 65% less CO2. This is because the feedstocks (plants, waste oil) absorbed CO2 during their growth.

Why is SAF more expensive?

SAF currently costs 3 to 4 times more than conventional kerosene. This is due to limited production capacity and the costs of the production process. Air France-KLM has signed long-term contracts with suppliers like Neste and TotalEnergies for more than 3 million tons of SAF through 2036, but economies of scale have not materialized yet.

Did you know: Air France-KLM describes itself as the first airline in the world to operate commercial flights with biofuel, in 2011. In 2023, the group processed approximately 80,000 tons of SAF, nearly double the amount from 2022.

Mandatory surcharge vs. voluntary contribution

There are two forms of SAF at KLM and Air France. This distinction is crucial, because only the voluntary contribution earns XP.

1. Mandatory SAF surcharge (no XP)

Since January 2022, KLM charges a mandatory SAF surcharge on all tickets for flights departing from Schiphol. This amount is already included in your ticket price. Air France has a similar surcharge for flights departing from Charles de Gaulle.

Cabin class European (indicative) Intercontinental (indicative)
Economy EUR 1-4 EUR 2-10
Premium Economy EUR 3-6 EUR 6-14
Business EUR 3-10 EUR 10-30

Amounts per one-way trip, indicative. The surcharge is adjusted periodically. Source: KLM SAF information.

Important: the mandatory SAF surcharge does not earn XP. This surcharge is part of the ticket price and is charged automatically. You may see it as a separate line item in the price breakdown.

2. Voluntary SAF contribution (earns XP)

On top of the mandatory surcharge, you can purchase a voluntary extra SAF contribution. This is the option that earns XP. KLM and Air France typically offer three levels, based on the estimated fuel consumption per passenger for your specific flight.

Example: Amsterdam-London return (KLM)
  • Level 1 (up to 55% SAF): approximately EUR 12 - earn 2 XP
  • Level 2 (up to 100% SAF): approximately EUR 22 - earn 3 XP

Exact amounts and levels vary by route, cabin class, and current SAF market price.

KLM SAF selection page with three options: Buy 10% SAF for EUR 101 or 19,800 miles with 11 XP, Buy 30% SAF for EUR 305 or 59,600 miles with 31 XP, and Buy 100% SAF for EUR 1,015.46 or 203,000 miles with 102 XP
The SAF selection page on klm.com shows three levels (10%, 30%, and 100%) with the corresponding costs and XP earned. Note the mandatory SAF surcharge of EUR 30 mentioned at the top.

How much XP do you earn with SAF?

The basic rule

SAF contributions earn approximately 1 XP per EUR 10, rounded up. This means:

SAF contribution XP earned Cost per XP
EUR 4 1 XP EUR 4
EUR 12 2 XP EUR 6
EUR 22 3 XP EUR 7.33
EUR 70 7 XP EUR 10
EUR 100 10 XP EUR 10
EUR 469 47 XP EUR 9.98

Due to upward rounding, a small contribution (EUR 4) is much more favorable per XP than a large contribution. But at larger amounts, the cost per XP converges toward EUR 10.

SkyStatus Investment page with Cost per XP Trend over time, Investment Breakdown showing flights EUR 1,170, SAF EUR 270, and credit card contribution, and Value Breakdown
The SkyStatus Investment page shows your actual cost per XP over time. The breakdown shows exactly how much you invested through SAF contributions (here: EUR 270) alongside flights and credit card.

Cash vs. miles

You can pay for SAF with cash or with miles. But note: when paying with miles, the rounding works differently and is less favorable. A contribution of EUR 4 equivalent (800 miles) earns 0 XP when paid with miles, while the same EUR 4 in cash earns 1 XP.

Rule of thumb: always pay for SAF with cash, never with miles. You get more XP per euro and you keep your miles for award tickets where they are worth more.

Crediting: when SAF XP do not appear

In theory, SAF XP are credited after the flight, along with your regular flight XP. In practice, this unfortunately does not always work automatically.

Important: SAF XP are processed separately. Many frequent flyers (including the author of this guide) claim their miles and XP right after the flight via the app or website. This is possible: you do not have to wait 24 hours for KLM or Air France to credit them automatically. However, this does not work for SAF XP. Those go through a separate IT system and are processed at a different time. If you claim right after the flight, you get your flight XP, but your SAF XP are not included.

It happens regularly that SAF XP are not credited automatically. There is no clear pattern: sometimes it works, sometimes it does not. It seems to be improving lately, but it is not reliable. In that case, you need to contact customer service:

We intentionally do not list phone numbers here. Always get contact details directly from the source: log in to klm.com or airfrance.com and go to Flying Blue customer service in your profile.

Unfortunately, it also happens that customer service cannot immediately find your SAF contribution in their system. This is where the EMD number comes in.

Always save your EMD number

When you purchase a SAF contribution, you normally receive a confirmation email. This email contains an EMD number (Electronic Miscellaneous Document) that specifically corresponds to your SAF contribution. This number is your proof and your lifeline if the XP do not appear.

Rule of thumb: save every SAF confirmation email. Find the EMD number and store it alongside your booking reference. If you need to call about missing SAF XP later, you will have the right reference number ready.

No EMD number received? Request an invoice

Sometimes you receive a confirmation, but the EMD number is not included. In that case, you can still retrieve it by requesting an invoice via klm.com:

  1. Go to your booking in "My Trips" on klm.com
  2. Scroll all the way down on the booking page
  3. Click on "Request an invoice"
  4. Fill in the form and receive the invoice by email

The invoice lists all extras you added to the booking, including the EMD number for your SAF contribution. With this number, customer service can trace the contribution and credit your XP.

KLM invoice request dialog with fields for email address, name, company name, address, postal code, city, and country
Via "Request an invoice" at the bottom of your booking page on klm.com, you can retrieve the EMD number of your SAF contribution if it was not in the confirmation email.

SAF and UXP: the Ultimate shortcut

This is the most underrated aspect of SAF contributions. SAF XP on AF/KL tickets count as UXP (Ultimate Experience Points).

Why this matters: SAF is the only way to earn UXP without actually flying. The Amex card earns regular XP (not UXP). Donating miles earns regular XP (not UXP). Only SAF contributions on AF/KL bookings count as UXP.

For most members, this difference does not matter, because UXP is only relevant if you are pursuing Ultimate status (900 UXP). But for members close to Ultimate, SAF is a crucial supplementary source.

XP source Counts as XP Counts as UXP
AF/KL flights Yes Yes
SAF on AF/KL Yes Yes
SkyTeam partner flights Yes No
Flying Blue Amex card Yes No
Donating miles Yes No
Carte d'Abonnement Yes No

Source: Flying Blue Status & XP. More about UXP: What is UXP?

Scenario: 50 UXP short of Ultimate

You have 850 UXP and your qualification year expires in 6 weeks. You have no more flights planned. Options:

  • Book a mileage run: a return AMS-CDG-TUN in Business earns 60 UXP for EUR 500-700. You actually have to fly.
  • Buy SAF: 50 UXP via SAF costs approximately EUR 500 (50 x EUR 10). You do not need to fly extra, but you do need an existing AF/KL booking to attach the SAF contribution to.

In this scenario, SAF can be cheaper and more practical than an extra flight, especially if you have an upcoming AF/KL flight to add the contribution to.

How to buy a SAF contribution

There are four moments when you can add a voluntary SAF contribution to your booking:

1. During booking

Go to klm.com or airfrance.com and start a booking. During the booking process, the SAF option appears with multiple levels. Each level shows the amount and the number of XP. Choose your level and check out.

KLM checkout process with a SAF contribution of EUR 40.02 selected for a trip to Berlin, with option to remove SAF and a Proceed to Payment button
During checkout on klm.com, you see the selected SAF contribution as a separate amount. Here, EUR 40.02 of SAF has been added to a booking to Berlin.

2. Via Manage Booking (My Trip)

Already booked without SAF? No problem. Go to "My Bookings" on klm.com or "Mon voyage" on airfrance.com. Look up your booking and add a SAF contribution. This is possible until shortly before departure.

3. During online check-in

During the online check-in process, the SAF option is offered again. Useful if you forgot earlier.

4. Via the KLM or Air France app

Both apps offer the SAF option when managing your booking.

KLM app SAF screen with three options: Buy 10% SAF for EUR 101 or 19,800 miles with 11 XP, Buy 30% SAF for EUR 305 or 59,600 miles with 31 XP, and Buy 100% SAF for EUR 1,015.46 or 203,000 miles with 102 XP, Platinum badge visible
In the KLM app, the same SAF selection appears with 10%, 30%, and 100% options. The number of XP (+11, +31, +102) is clearly visible per level.
No XP shown on screen? Do not panic. It happens that the SAF option does not display an XP figure on screen. This understandably causes doubt among travelers (including myself). As far as is known, a voluntary SAF contribution always earns XP - the basic rule is approximately EUR 10 per XP. But if you are considering a large purchase and the XP indication is missing, check with Customer Care first, available via WhatsApp. Better to verify than to spend hundreds of euros in uncertainty.
SkyStatus XP Simulator with CDG-AMS-KRK route in Business with Full SAF contribution adding 48 bonus XP on top of 60 flight XP for 108 total, estimated SAF cost 310 euros
The SkyStatus XP Simulator also calculates SAF contributions. Here: a Krakow run with Full SAF earns 108 XP (60 from flights + 48 from SAF) for EUR 310 extra.

Cost-benefit analysis: SAF vs. other XP methods

How does SAF compare to other ways of earning XP? Here is a comparison of the main methods:

Method Cost per XP Counts as UXP Note
Amex Silver Card EUR 5.60 No 15 XP/year, also earns miles
Mileage run (EU Business) EUR 7-12 On AF/KL: yes Requires actually flying
SAF contribution EUR 6-10 Yes No extra flying required
Amex Platinum Card EUR 11 No 60 XP/year, also miles + perks
Carte d'Abonnement EUR 13-20 No 20 XP, also AF discounts
Donating miles EUR 22 No Emergency option, instant credit

In terms of cost per XP, SAF sits in the middle: cheaper than the Amex Platinum and donating miles, comparable to mileage runs. The main advantage over mileage runs: you do not have to fly extra. And compared to all other non-flight methods: SAF counts as UXP.

Example calculation: reaching Platinum with SAF

Your flying habits earn 200 XP. You are 100 XP short of Platinum (300 XP).

  • Amex Platinum Card: 60 XP (EUR 660/year)
  • Remaining 40 XP via SAF: approximately EUR 400
  • Total: EUR 1,060 for Platinum (on top of flights you are taking anyway)
SkyStatus Status Progress page with Platinum 301 XP, monthly XP progress in bar chart with flight XP, Amex XP, and SAF contributions stacked, rollover 300 XP
The Status Progress page shows how SAF contributions stack on top of flight XP and Amex XP per month. Here, Platinum was reached at 301 XP, with SAF as a supplementary source in multiple months.

SAF strategies per status goal

Silver (100 XP): SAF as a supplement

For Silver, SAF is rarely the primary strategy. The Amex Platinum Card (60 XP) plus 2-3 flights with connections is more efficient. But if you are 5-10 XP short at the end of your qualification year, a SAF contribution of EUR 50-100 is an inexpensive solution.

Gold (180 XP): SAF as a buffer

At Gold, SAF starts to become interesting as a structural supplement. Add a SAF contribution to every booking (EUR 10-30) and you steadily accumulate 10-20 extra XP per year without changing your travel pattern.

Platinum (300 XP): serious supplement

Platinum requires volume. SAF can contribute 20-50 XP per year here if you consistently add it to all your AF/KL bookings. Combine with FB Extra Extended (20% XP bonus) for maximum value.

Ultimate (900 UXP): SAF as UXP accelerator

This is where SAF is at its most powerful. If you are 50-100 UXP short at the end of the year, SAF can make the difference without an extra flight. Note: SAF must be attached to an AF/KL booking to count as UXP. Read more in the Ultimate status guide.

SAF on award tickets

A frequently asked question: do you earn SAF XP when your flight is booked with miles (award ticket)? Yes. You can add a SAF contribution to any booking via KLM.com or AirFrance.com, regardless of whether it is a paid ticket or an award ticket.

This makes sense: the SAF contribution is a separate monetary purchase that is independent of the ticket type. As long as:

This makes SAF particularly interesting for frequent flyers who regularly book award tickets: you do not earn flight XP on awards, but you can still add SAF XP (and UXP).

Strategy: do you regularly book award tickets? Add a SAF contribution to each one. This way, you earn XP on flights that would normally earn 0 XP. With 5 award tickets per year at EUR 20 SAF each: 10 extra XP for EUR 100.
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
SAF in practice: the Flight List shows +21 SAF bonus XP in February alongside regular flight XP. Also note the AWARD flights that earn 0 base XP, but to which you can still add SAF contributions.

EU regulation: ReFuelEU Aviation

The European Union promotes the use of SAF through the ReFuelEU Aviation regulation. This requires fuel suppliers at European airports to blend a minimum percentage of SAF:

Year Mandatory SAF share
2025 2%
2030 6%
2035 20%
2050 70%

Air France-KLM has its own target that goes further: at least 10% SAF by 2030 (compared to the 6% EU requirement). The mandatory SAF surcharge on KLM tickets partly finances this ambition.

What does this mean for you as a passenger? Over time, SAF will become an increasingly large part of the fuel mix. The mandatory surcharge will likely increase as the blending percentage rises. The voluntary contribution (which earns XP) remains an extra option on top of the mandatory minimum.

Tips for maximum SAF XP

1. Add SAF to every booking

Make it a habit: add the lowest SAF option to every AF/KL booking. Even EUR 4 per flight earns 1 XP. With 10 flights per year: 10 extra XP for EUR 40. That is EUR 4 per XP, the cheapest XP you can buy.

2. Take advantage of the rounding

Upward rounding works in your favor with small amounts. EUR 4 already earns 1 XP (effectively EUR 4/XP), while EUR 10 also earns 1 XP (EUR 10/XP). When in doubt, choose the lowest level.

3. Use Manage Booking as a second chance

Forgot during booking? Go to your booking in "My Trips" and add SAF afterward. This is possible until shortly before your flight.

4. Combine SAF with FB Extra Extended

Do you have Flying Blue Extra Extended? The 20% XP bonus applies to your flight XP. SAF XP are a separate bonus on top of your base XP and the Extended bonus. They stack.

5. The SAF double-booking method (gray area)

KLM.com and AirFrance.com share the same booking database, but the SAF systems are not always synchronized in real time. This makes it possible in some cases to purchase a SAF contribution twice for the same flight: once via klm.com and once via airfrance.com.

How it works:

  1. Book your flight via klm.com (or airfrance.com) and add a SAF contribution
  2. Open the same booking on airfrance.com (or klm.com) via "Manage Booking" with your booking reference
  3. Check if the SAF option is offered again
  4. If so: add another SAF contribution

You pay for SAF twice, but also earn XP twice (and UXP twice). The cost per XP stays the same, but this way you can earn more XP per booking than normally possible.

Gray area. This is not an official feature but a result of incomplete synchronization between the KLM and Air France systems. It does not always work and may be fixed at any time. Use this method at your own risk. Based on personal experience, also shared on FlyerTalk.

6. Track your SAF XP with SkyStatus

In SkyStatus, you can track your XP progress, including SAF contributions. The Investment page shows your cost per XP over time and reveals how much you invested through SAF versus flights and credit card.

Track your SAF XP with SkyStatus

Import your Flying Blue statement and see exactly how much XP you earned through SAF. Plan your strategy toward your next status level.

Start for free

Frequently asked questions

How much XP do you earn with a SAF contribution?

Approximately 1 XP per EUR 10 contribution, rounded up. A SAF contribution of EUR 22 earns 3 XP. Due to rounding, a small contribution of EUR 4 is already enough for 1 XP.

Does SAF XP count as UXP for Ultimate status?

Yes. SAF contributions on AF/KL tickets count as UXP. This makes SAF the only way to earn UXP without flying. The Amex card and donating miles only earn regular XP, not UXP.

Can you pay for SAF with miles?

Yes, but it is not recommended. When paying with miles, the rounding is less favorable. Always pay with cash (credit card) for maximum XP per euro.

Do you earn SAF XP on award tickets?

Yes. You can add a SAF contribution to any booking via KLM.com or AirFrance.com, including award tickets booked with miles. The booking must be linked to your Flying Blue number.

What is the difference between the mandatory SAF surcharge and the voluntary contribution?

The mandatory SAF surcharge is already included in your ticket price and does not earn XP. The voluntary contribution is an extra option that you choose yourself and for which you earn XP.

How much CO2 does SAF save?

SAF reduces CO2 emissions by at least 65% over the full lifecycle (production to combustion) compared to fossil kerosene. Some production methods achieve a reduction of 75-80%.

Is the SAF option always available?

The SAF option is available on most routes for direct bookings via klm.com and airfrance.com. Occasionally the option is temporarily unavailable (technical issue), but the program is permanent. Bookings through external travel sites (Booking.com, Google Flights) do not offer the SAF option.

My SAF XP were not credited, what now?

This happens more often than you might expect. Follow these steps:

  1. Wait at least one week after your flight. SAF XP are processed separately and do not appear when claiming manually right away.
  2. Find your EMD number in the confirmation email for your SAF contribution.
  3. Contact support via the KLM WhatsApp line (all travelers), the Premium Service Line (Silver/Gold), or the Platinum Service Line. Provide your booking reference and EMD number. Contact details can be found in your profile on klm.com under Flying Blue customer service.
  4. No EMD received? Request an invoice via your booking page on klm.com. The invoice includes the EMD number.
Is SAF XP included in rollover?

Yes. SAF XP can, like all other XP, roll over to the next qualification year via rollover. The maximum rollover is 300 XP. Excess XP above 300 is converted into Platinum for Life years.

Sources and transparency

Last verified: February 19, 2026. All facts have been checked against official sources and supplemented with forum reports.

Exact SAF amounts and XP earnings may vary by route, cabin class, and current SAF market price. The examples listed are indicative and based on reported data points from 2024-2026. The SAF double-booking method is based on forum reports and is not supported by official sources.

Related guides

This guide is based on official sources from KLM, Air France, and Flying Blue, supplemented with forum reports and personal experience. SAF amounts, XP earnings, and regulations are subject to 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.

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