Flying Blue Status Levels: Silver, Gold, Platinum, Ultimate Compared

Last updated: 17 February 2026 · 12 min read · Based on official Flying Blue program rules · See sources

SkyStatus Command Center full dashboard showing Ultimate status with 340 XP, 2.8 million miles balance, Risk Monitor, flight analytics, and complete status overview with sidebar navigation
The SkyStatus Command Center gives you a complete overview of your Flying Blue status, XP progress, miles balance, and risk assessment - everything you need to understand your position in the program.

Quick Reference

Flying Blue has five status tiers: Explorer (base), Silver (100 XP), Gold (180 XP), Platinum (300 XP), and Ultimate (900 UXP). See the official tier overview on KLM for the current thresholds and benefits: Flying Blue membership levels. Each level unlocks progressively better benefits. Gold is widely considered the best value due to lounge access at a relatively achievable threshold. Ultimate offers the highest priority and exclusive perks for top-tier travelers.

Short answer

  • Silver requires 100 XP, Gold requires 180 XP, Platinum requires 300 XP within your qualification year.
  • Gold is the practical sweet spot for many members because lounge access starts there.
  • Ultimate is an overlay on Platinum and uses a separate counter called UXP.

How the XP System Works

  • You start as an Explorer and must earn 100 XP to reach Silver status. The system deducts this specific amount from your counter immediately upon qualification.
  • You keep only the surplus XP above that threshold to start your new cycle. You are now at the start of your Silver level.
  • You need to earn a full 180 XP to reach Gold status. This is a fresh requirement and not the difference between the Silver and Gold levels.
  • The system deducts this 180 XP once you upgrade to Gold. You then need to earn 300 XP to reach Platinum status.

Status Levels at a Glance

SkyStatus Journey timeline showing Flying Blue status progression from Joined in January 2019, Silver in August 2019, Gold in August 2020, Platinum in November 2021, with Ultimate as the next milestone
A real member's Flying Blue journey: from joining in 2019 to reaching Platinum in 2021 - SkyStatus tracks every status milestone and shows the path to Ultimate.

🥈 Silver Status

100 XP required Deducted upon qualification
Note: Upon reaching 100 XP, these points are deducted. You start your Silver year with your remaining surplus only.

The entry-level elite status. Achievable with 4-6 round-trip flights per year depending on distance and cabin class.

Key benefits:

  • SkyPriority check-in and boarding
  • +1 extra checked bag (23kg)
  • Earn 6 Miles per €1 spent (AF/KLM)
  • 25% discount on seat options
  • Free seat selection during check-in
  • Status extension during parental leave (maternity, paternity, adoption). Official announcement: Air France-KLM Flying Blue Family.

Best for: Moderate travelers (3-5 trips/year) who value priority services and extra baggage.

🥇 Gold Status: Best Value

180 XP required New balance needed (Not 100 + 80)
Crucial: You need to earn a full 180 XP while you are Silver. It is not 80 XP extra. Your previous XP was used to 'buy' Silver.

The most popular elite tier and widely considered the sweet spot. Unlocks lounge access. This is the single most valuable frequent flyer benefit for many travelers.

Key benefits:

  • SkyTeam lounge access worldwide (+1 guest). See official tier benefits: Flying Blue tier benefits.
  • All Silver benefits, plus:
  • Priority baggage handling
  • Guaranteed Economy seat (book 48h before)
  • Earn 7 Miles per €1 spent (AF/KLM)
  • 50% discount on seat options
  • Free seat selection (including Economy Comfort with KLM) 72 hours before departure

Best for: Frequent travelers (6-10 trips/year) who want lounge access and solid benefits without excessive flying.

💎 Platinum Status

300 XP required New balance needed (Not 180 + 120)
Note: You must earn 300 XP within your Gold year. Once reached, 300 XP is deducted to upgrade you to Platinum.

Premium elite status with additional perks. This is where UXP becomes relevant for Ultimate qualification.

Key benefits:

  • All Gold benefits, plus:
  • Start earning UXP (Ultimate XP)
  • Earn 8 Miles per €1 spent (AF/KLM)
  • Free seat selection at booking (all standard & preferred seats)
  • Platinum Service Line 24/7
  • Platinum for Life eligibility (after 10 consecutive years)

Best for: Heavy travelers (10-15+ trips/year) who value upgrades and comprehensive flexibility.

👑 Ultimate Status

900 UXP Overlay on Platinum Status
Distinct System: Ultimate is not a standard XP level. It is an exclusive status on top of Platinum. It requires 900 UXP (Ultimate XP) earned solely on Air France and KLM flights within one qualification year. See official Flying Blue Ultimate info. Partner flights still earn XP but typically not UXP. See partner airlines guide.

The highest Flying Blue status. Requires flying primarily on Air France and KLM metal. Ultimate helps protect your Platinum for Life streak via soft landing.

Key benefits:

  • All Platinum benefits, plus:
  • Soft landing to Platinum (protects Platinum for Life streak)
  • Dedicated Ultimate phone line
  • Premium lounge access (La Première, etc.)
  • Earn 9 Miles per €1 spent (AF/KLM)
  • Highest upgrade priority
  • 4 upgrade vouchers per year
  • Platinum card for 1 companion

Best for: AF/KLM loyalists who fly primarily on Air France or KLM and want lifetime status security.

Complete Benefits Comparison Table

SkyStatus Portfolio showing total value created of 11,348 euros from 2,847 euro investment, broken down into 7,728 euros realized from redemptions, 4,122 euros unrealized at target CPM, and 2,345 euros in elite savings from 27 Platinum flights
The real value of Flying Blue status: SkyStatus calculates your total value created including flight redemptions, unrealized miles value, and elite status savings - in this case over 11,000 euros from a 2,847 euro investment.
Benefit Silver Gold Platinum Ultimate
XP Required 100 180 (New) 300 (New) 900 UXP
Miles (AF/KLM) (official) 6 per € 7 per € 8 per € 9 per €
Miles (Partners) +50% Bonus +75% Bonus +100% Bonus +100% Bonus
Lounge Access ✅ Self + guest ✅ Self + guest ✅ Premium
Extra Baggage +1 bag +1 bag +2 bags +2 bags
Seat Discount 25% 50% Free Free
Free Seat Select Check-in 72h before Anytime Anytime
Upgrades Paid Paid ✅ Eligible ✅ Priority
PFL Eligibility ✅ (Year counts) ✅ (Year counts)
💡 Important: The "Miles Bonus" for partners refers to SkyTeam partners where miles are earned based on distance (not revenue). For Air France, KLM, Transavia, and Aircalin, your earning is strictly revenue-based (per Euro). There is no XP bonus for having status. A Silver member earns the same XP for a flight as an Explorer member.
💡 Edge Cases: Benefits can vary by airline and route. Status match availability changes over time. Some benefits like lounge access depend on operating carrier (SkyTeam members). Always check the official tier benefits page for your specific situation.

Which Status Should You Target?

SkyStatus Gold status member view showing 28 actual XP with 201 projected, 272 XP needed to reach Platinum, rollover start at 0 XP, cycle performance chart with monthly XP accumulation bars and 34 XP per month target line
A Gold member's progression view: 28 XP earned so far with 272 XP still needed for Platinum - the monthly bar chart and target line help plan whether Platinum is achievable this cycle.

Target Silver if:

Target Gold if:

Target Platinum if:

Target Ultimate if:

Status Match and Challenge Programs

Flying Blue occasionally offers programs for new members or those with existing status elsewhere:

These programs are not always available. They typically require contacting Flying Blue directly. Check the official Flying Blue website or contact customer service to inquire about current offers. Availability and conditions vary by country.

Maintaining Your Status

Status in Flying Blue operates on a personal 12-month qualification cycle:

Track Your Status Progress

See exactly how close you are to your next status level with XP projections and rollover calculations.

Start Tracking Free →

FAQ

How many XP do you need for Flying Blue Silver, Gold, and Platinum?

Silver requires 100 XP, Gold requires 180 XP, and Platinum requires 300 XP within your qualification year.

Does Flying Blue status give bonus XP on flights?

No. Status affects perks and Miles earning, but XP earning for a flight is not increased by your status level.

What is Flying Blue Ultimate and how is it different from Platinum?

Ultimate is an additional tier on top of Platinum and uses a separate counter called UXP. See Ultimate status complete guide.

What happens if you do not requalify?

If you do not re-earn the required XP in your qualification year, you typically drop one level at the end of the cycle.

Sources and verification

Last verified: 17 February 2026. Official tier pages can change. Re-check the sources and update this date after any Flying Blue program update.