Flying Blue Gold is the top published status tier of Air France and KLM's joint loyalty programme — and it carries SkyTeam Elite Plus recognition across all 19 member airlines. At $449 for 12 months from activation, it is the most direct route to full Sky Priority treatment on Air France, KLM, and the SkyTeam network for travellers who already earn Flying Blue Miles or frequently fly these carriers.
What Flying Blue Gold Delivers on Every Flight
On any Air France, KLM, or SkyTeam-marketed international flight, Gold status activates a consistent set of front-of-queue and in-flight benefits:
- Sky Priority at check-in, boarding, and security — the dedicated Sky Priority lane is present at every major SkyTeam hub. At Paris Charles de Gaulle, Amsterdam Schiphol, Mexico City, Seoul Incheon, and JFK, the Sky Priority check-in and security lanes consistently save 20–40 minutes versus standard queues at peak travel times.
- SkyTeam lounge access on qualifying international flights — Air France Salons at CDG (full-service facilities with hot dining, shower suites, and premium bar service), KLM Crown Lounges at AMS, and partner lounges at all SkyTeam hubs worldwide when flying on a SkyTeam-operated or marketed itinerary in a qualifying cabin or with Elite Plus recognition.
- +1 extra checked bag on Air France and KLM international flights — saving $70–$100 per direction on transatlantic routes.
- Free preferred seat selection on Air France and KLM, including exit row and bulkhead seats at no charge.
- 75% elite bonus XP on qualifying flights — accelerating re-qualification if you also fly organically through the year.
- Priority baggage — Priority tags applied at check-in, bags unloaded first at destination.
- Priority customer service — dedicated Gold phone and chat line with materially shorter wait times than standard support, relevant during disruptions.
Flying Blue Gold vs SkyTeam Elite Plus via ITA Volare
Both Flying Blue Gold and ITA Volare Premium (the $999 product) deliver SkyTeam Elite Plus. The key practical difference: Flying Blue Gold keeps your mileage earnings in the Flying Blue programme — the larger, more redemption-rich Air France/KLM system with partners including Delta, Virgin Atlantic, and Kenya Airways. If you primarily fly AF/KLM and want your miles in a single valuable programme, Flying Blue Gold is the stronger choice at a lower price point.
The SkyTeam Network Reach
As SkyTeam Elite Plus, Flying Blue Gold is recognised by all 19 member airlines: Air France, KLM, Delta, Korean Air, Aeromexico, LATAM, Saudia, Vietnam Airlines, ITA Airways, Garuda, Middle East Airlines, and others. This makes it a strong single-purchase solution for travellers whose itineraries regularly combine European (AF/KLM), American (Delta, Aeromexico, LATAM), and Asian (Korean Air, Garuda) routings.
Key Benefits
- ✓ SkyTeam Elite Plus status across all 19 member airlines
- ✓ SkyTeam lounge access on international flights
- ✓ Sky Priority — check-in, boarding, security & baggage
- ✓ Complimentary extra checked bag on SkyTeam flights
- ✓ Free preferred seat selection on SkyTeam flights
- ✓ Preferred standby access
- ✓ Premium seat options on Air France & KLM
- ✓ 75% elite bonus miles on qualifying flights
- ✓ Priority customer service line
How It Works
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1
Purchase and provide Flying Blue number Complete checkout. Send us your Flying Blue loyalty account number (Air France or KLM programme).
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2
Gold status applied within 5–7 business days Flying Blue Gold is applied to your account. SkyTeam Elite Plus recognition activates across all 19 member airlines.
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3
Fly with full Sky Priority and lounge access Present your Flying Blue number at any SkyTeam check-in. Sky Priority, lounge access on qualifying flights, and all Gold benefits apply automatically.
What You Get
- Flying Blue Gold status (SkyTeam Elite Plus) for 12 months from activation
- Sky Priority on every Air France, KLM, and SkyTeam flight: dedicated check-in, security fast-track, priority boarding, and priority baggage
- SkyTeam lounge access on qualifying international SkyTeam flights (Air France Salons at CDG, KLM Crown Lounges at AMS, partner lounges worldwide)
- +1 extra checked bag on Air France and KLM international flights
- Free preferred seat selection on AF/KLM, including exit rows and bulkheads
- 75% elite bonus XP on qualifying Flying Blue flights
- Priority customer service line for Gold members
Requirements
- Existing Flying Blue account (free to create)
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Flying Blue Gold give lounge access when flying economy?
SkyTeam Elite Plus lounge access generally applies on international itineraries when flying in qualifying cabins or on qualifying ticket types. On Air France and KLM specifically, Gold lounge access in economy applies on long-haul international flights. Domestic European and short-haul flights typically do not include lounge access regardless of status. Confirm with the operating carrier for specific itineraries.
Is Flying Blue Gold the same as SkyTeam Elite Plus on every airline?
Yes. Flying Blue Gold carries SkyTeam Elite Plus recognition that is applied on all 19 SkyTeam member airlines — including Delta, Korean Air, Aeromexico, LATAM, and Saudia. You present your Flying Blue number at check-in and Elite Plus privileges apply automatically.
Do I earn Flying Blue Miles during the status period?
Yes. Flying Blue Gold status does not change how you earn miles — you continue to earn Flying Blue Miles on all qualifying flights and partner transactions. The 75% elite bonus XP earned during the Gold period also accelerates progress toward re-qualification if you travel organically.
Can I access the Air France First Class lounge at CDG?
Flying Blue Gold / SkyTeam Elite Plus provides access to Air France's business-class Salon lounges at CDG. The La Première (First Class) salon is reserved for La Première ticket holders and the highest-tier Platinum status members. Gold does not include First Class lounge access.
What if I already have Flying Blue Silver or Classic?
Flying Blue Gold is applied directly to your existing account, regardless of your current tier. Your existing Flying Blue Miles balance and account history are preserved.
Is a refund available?
A full refund is guaranteed if Flying Blue Gold status cannot be processed within the stated 5–7 business day window. Contact us within that period if you have not received status confirmation.
Full refund guaranteed if processing cannot be completed. Flying Blue Gold (SkyTeam Elite Plus) valid 1 year from activation. Lounge access applies on qualifying SkyTeam international flights per carrier policy. Processing: 5–7 business days.