How to Earn XP Flying Blue

If you’ve ever flown Air France, KLM, or any SkyTeam partner and caught yourself wondering, “Why am I not elite yet?” — it might be time to get serious about XP. Not the kind you get in video games (though this is nearly as addictive) but Flying Blue’s Experience Points.

Whether you’re aiming for lounge access, bonus baggage, or just bragging rights, knowing how to earn XP Flying Blue is your golden ticket. The good news is that you don’t need to fly every week to climb the ladder. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to boost your XP balance and maximize those perks.

What Exactly is XP in Flying Blue?

Flying Blue, the loyalty program for Air France and KLM (and a few other global partners), doesn’t just hand out elite status based on miles flown. Instead, you earn Experience Points (XP) to level up your membership. Think of XP as the frequent flyer version of a performance review — and you’re the star employee.

Here’s a quick look at the XP requirements for each status level:

• Explorer: Entry level (no XP needed)
• Silver: 100 XP
• Gold: 180 XP
• Platinum: 300 XP
• Ultimate: 900 XP (cue the drumroll…)

The clock starts ticking the moment you level up — you have exactly 12 months to earn the XP needed to maintain or upgrade your status.

How to Earn XP Flying Blue Through Flights

Let’s start with the obvious: flying. But not all flights are created equal when it comes to earning XP. Your XP earnings are based on the type of flight and your cabin class, not the fare you paid. (Yes, even if you scored that suspiciously cheap Tuesday flight to Barcelona.)

Here’s the breakdown of XP earned:

If you’re a strategic traveler (or just love a good spreadsheet), you’ll quickly realize that adding connections or flying in business class earns you more XP per mile. So yes, taking the scenic route from Nice to London via Amsterdam can work in your favor.

Do Mileage Runs Work?

Absolutely. An “XP run” — booking flights specifically to earn XP — is a favorite trick among frequent flyers. For instance, a business class flight from Tunis to Montreal via Paris can yield 90 XP. Not bad for a trip that doubles as a beach escape and an elite status booster.

Is it the most sustainable travel plan? Maybe not. But it’s a solid strategy if you’re falling short of your renewal target. Plus, many of these routes are surprisingly budget-friendly, thanks to Flying Blue’s promotions.

Use Sustainable Aviation Fuel to Earn XP (Yes, Really)

Here’s something unique: Flying Blue lets you earn XP by contributing to sustainability. You can buy Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) or donate to reforestation projects, which not only help the planet but also reward you with XP.

Examples:

• €10 for 1 XP (reforestation)
• €33 for 4 XP (combo of reforestation and SAF)
• €469 for 47 XP (premium SAF contribution)

It might not be the cheapest way to earn XP, but it’s a feel-good option — and possibly the only time your carbon footprint gives you elite lounge access.

How to Earn XP Flying Blue with Credit Cards

If flying isn’t your thing (or if you just prefer earning perks while lounging at home), Flying Blue offers XP through co-branded credit cards.

Depending on the country and card type, you can earn:

• France: Up to 60 XP annually with Air France KLM – American Express Platinum Card
• Canada: 30 XP with the Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard® by Brim
• U.S.: 20 XP annually with the Bank of America-issued Air France KLM Mastercard, plus 40 XP after spending $15,000 in a year

Credit card XP is a great way to pad your total, especially near the end of your qualification year when every point counts.

Other Sneaky Ways to Earn XP

Yes, there are even more ways:

• Buy or renew a discount pass (like the France-Europe-North Africa pass) for 20–40 XP
• Donate Flying Blue miles to charity — for every 2,000 miles you donate, you get 1 XP. Great for when you’re just a few points shy of status.
• Participate in Flying Blue Family pooling — not XP-related directly, but lets you consolidate miles for other redemptions while you chase XP.

XP Rollover and Soft Landings

If you’re a high-flyer, rejoice: Any XP you earn above what’s needed for your status gets rolled over to the next qualification year. It’s like rollover minutes but way more valuable.

If you fall short, Flying Blue will gently lower you one tier at a time — no sudden crashes from Platinum to Explorer. Just a soft landing into Silver or Gold.

Climb Smart, Not Hard

Understanding how to earn XP Flying Blue is key to unlocking elite travel perks without breaking the bank or spending half your life at 30,000 feet. With a mix of smart flight booking, credit card perks, and even sustainable options, climbing the Flying Blue ladder is more accessible than ever.

And hey — if the thought of squeezing in one more flight for XP makes you feel more exhausted than excited, you can always cash out instead. At cash for airline miles, we help you turn unused miles into real cash — no boarding pass required.