What is a good cost per XP for a mileage run?

A good cost per XP is under €15. Excellent deals are under €10 per XP. Premium cabin mileage runs rarely make sense as the cost per XP is usually €25+.

Do I earn more XP if I already have status?

No. Unlike some other programs, Flying Blue XP earning is the same regardless of your current status level. Status only affects benefits, not earning rates.

Is it better to fly direct or with connections for XP?

Connections earn more XP because you earn XP per flight segment. A route with 2 connections earns 3x the XP of a direct flight in the same cabin class.

Flying Blue Mileage Run Calculator

Last updated: 17 February 2026 · 10 min read · Route data updated quarterly

By Remco 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.

Planning Summary

To plan a mileage run: Calculate your XP gap → Set budget → Find routes with €8-15/XP → Book during off-peak. Business Class on short European routes often offers the best €/XP ratio. From Amsterdam, routes like AMS-Barcelona Business (~€350, 30-48 XP return depending on exact routing) are consistently good value.

SkyStatus XP Simulator start screen showing Platinum Secured status, empty route chain input field with placeholder text Amsterdam Dubai or AMS CDG DXI, Business cabin and Return trip type selected, ready to calculate — The XP Simulator starts with your current status and an empty route chain - enter any combination of airports to instantly see XP earnings and cost efficiency.

Want to see the numbers for your route? Try the free XP Simulator - enter any airport pair and cabin class to instantly see your XP and cost per XP.

Step-by-Step Mileage Run Planning

Step 1: Calculate Your XP Gap

Determine exactly how many XP you need:

Check current XP on FlyingBlue.com
Know your target threshold (Silver 100, Gold 180, Platinum 300)
Subtract: Threshold - Current XP = Gap
Factor in upcoming regular flights

SkyStatus dashboard showing Gold status in 2026 cycle with 35 actual XP and 273 projected, 265 XP to go toward Platinum target of 300, with Simulate Run link and Status Progress button — Your dashboard shows the exact XP gap - here 265 XP needed for Platinum with a direct link to simulate runs.

Step 2: Set Your Budget

What's status worth to you?

Gold annual value: ~€600-1,000
Typical mileage run budget: €200-800
Calculate break-even: Budget ÷ Annual Value = Years

Step 3: Find Routes

Search for flights with the best €/XP ratio. Use the route tables below as starting points, then check current prices on KLM.com and AirFrance.com.

💡 Important: Unlike Award Miles, XP earnings are NOT multiplied by your status. A Platinum member earns the same XP for a flight as an Explorer member. Do not apply any status multiplier to your XP calculations.

Best Routes from Amsterdam (AMS)

XP values are estimates for a round-trip. "Biz" = Business Class.

Route	Class	Typical Price	Return XP	€/XP
AMS-Barcelona	Business	€300-450	30 XP (Medium)	€10-15
AMS-Paris-Nice	Business	€450-600	60 XP (4 legs)	€7-10
AMS-London	Business	€250-400	30 XP (Short)	€8-13
AMS-Billund	Business	€250-350	30 XP (Short)	€8-12

SkyStatus XP Simulator showing AMS-BCN Barcelona route in Business Class with 2 segments earning 30 XP return at 15 XP per leg, marginal yield +20 over Economy baseline, rollover increasing from 253 to 283 — AMS-Barcelona in Business earns 30 XP return (15 per leg) - a popular short-haul mileage run at around 10-15 euros per XP.

Best Routes from Paris (CDG)

Route	Class	Typical Price	Return XP	€/XP
CDG-Nice	Business	€200-350	30 XP (Domestic)	€7-12
CDG-Lisbon	Business	€300-450	30 XP (Medium)	€10-15
CDG-AMS-LHR	Business	€400-550	60 XP (4 legs)	€7-9

💡 Segment Run Strategy: Adding a connection (e.g. flying AMS-CDG-NCE instead of AMS-NCE) doubles your XP earning for roughly the same price. A direct return in Business is 30 XP. A connecting return is 60 XP.

Timing Your Booking

Best Days to Fly

Tuesday-Thursday: Cheapest fares, emptiest flights
Early morning/late evening: Less popular = lower prices
Avoid: Friday evening, Sunday evening (business traveler peaks)

Best Time to Book

3-6 weeks before: Optimal pricing window
Sales: Watch for Flying Blue promotions (often in Jan, Black Friday)
Last minute: Rarely good for mileage runs (high prices)

Sample Mileage Run Plans

📊 Plan A: Silver → Gold (Need 80 XP)
Budget: ~€900-1,200

Option 1: Two Business Class trips with connections
• Example: AMS-CDG-NCE return in Business
• 15 XP per leg x 4 legs = 60 XP per trip
• 2 trips x 60 XP = 120 XP ✅
• Cost: ~€500 per trip = €1,000 total

📊 Plan B: Gold Maintenance (Need 180 XP)
Budget: ~€1,500-2,000

Option: Three Business Class trips with connections
• 3 trips x 60 XP each = 180 XP ✅
• Focus on cheaper European routes (Billund, Nice, Berlin)
• Spaced out over the year: €500-600 per trip

SkyStatus XP Simulator showing Planned Runs panel with two saved mileage runs - Antwerp-Turin via Paris earning 90 XP and Barcelona earning 30 XP, totaling 120 XP planned, with Save as Planned Run button and projected status of 391 XP — Save and compare multiple mileage run plans - here two runs totaling 120 XP are stacked to push well past the Platinum threshold.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Expecting a status bonus: Remember, you do NOT get extra XP for being Silver/Gold. Math is the same for everyone.
Ignoring operating carrier: For UXP, must be AF/KL operated
Booking Basic Economy: Sometimes earns reduced XP or miles (check fare conditions)
Not checking qualification date: Don't earn XP after your year ends
Forgetting Flying Blue number: Add it during booking, not after

🧮 Calculate Your Mileage Run

Import your Flying Blue data to see exactly how much XP you need and when your qualification year ends.

Start Calculating Free →

Sources

Last verified: 17 February 2026.

KLM: Membership Levels — XP thresholds for each status tier
KLM.com — Route search and pricing
AirFrance.com — Route search and pricing

Route prices and XP values are estimates based on typical availability and may vary. Always verify current prices and XP earning rates before booking. SkyStatus is not affiliated with Air France-KLM or Flying Blue.