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Does Air France Upgrade with Miles Offer Good Value?

Does Air France Upgrade With Miles Offer Good Value?

air france upgrade with miles

With the growing airline policies and charges, everyone wants to have comfortable seats with better legroom, and healthy meals. In this, Air France upgrade with miles will transform your ordinary journey into a comfortable and rewarding one. Whether you are hoping for the premium dining options or the higher cabin, the upgrade miles option has it all. It provides the flexibility for all types of travellers. By mastering the upgrade miles option of Air France, you will be able to get the most out of your rewards. With the help of this, you can experience a more elegant and trouble-free journey from boarding to take-off. For further details, read the blog attentively.

What are the Air France Upgradation Regulations?

Air France's upgrade option gives passengers the flexibility to have a smooth and luxurious journey. But it comes up with certain rules and eligibility criteria. In this, passenger can upgrade their seats for miles, cash, or through other ongoing paid options. 

Although passengers have to follow various regulations for the upgrade, which are: 

  • Reward Tickets are available for upgrades when check-in opens. 
  • Only platinum members holding a full-fare business class ticket are eligible for an upgrade to first class (La Première). 
  • Reward tickets cannot be upgraded to La Première tickets. 
  • Xtra points can be earned based on the original cabin booked, and not on the upgrades added after the purchase. 
  • Upgrades that are available on Air France, KLM, and the selected partner airlines are all subject to availability.
  • Miles upgradation can only be done based on the original fare booked. It does not rely on any cabin upgrades that are purchased after the initial payment.

What are the Benefits of Air France Cabin Upgradation? 

The Air France upgrade with miles is not just for more legroom. But it redefines your entire flying experience. While flying with Air France, you can get many things without spending a penny.

Here are some of the things you get when upgrading:

  • Larger and more comfortable seats
  • Better meals and better service
  • Extra baggage allowance (depending on the type of upgrade)
  • Access to departure lounges (for certain cabins)
  • Priority boarding and check-in through SkyPriority
  • Access to Wi-Fi when upgrading to La Première (First Class)
  • A smoother, more premium travel experience

Upgrading means your trip starts off on a better note — even before takeoff.

How to upgrade Miles before check-in starts?

In case you hold a Blue membership and wish to enhance your tier by miles, the earliest moment you can do so is prior to the start of check-in. This will permit you to enter the category of "Reward Upgrades," which are easier to handle and sometimes even more accessible.

Here’s how you can upgrade Air France with miles, quickly:

  • Online:
    • Visit airfrance.com or klm.com
    • Log in to your Flying Blue account
    • Go to your booking and check the upgrade options
  • By phone:
    • If no upgrade shows online, contact Flying Blue Customer Service
    • Any upgrades requested by phone are subject to availability

By upgrading your ticket early, you’ll get the chance to select a good seat and even secure a seat before it fills.

Miles Upgradation After Check-In Opens:

Unlike the miles upgrade before check-in, passengers can also upgrade their seats in miles after the check-in. Below listed are the processes through which miles upgradation can be done after check-in: 

Online Process: 

  • After the check-in opens, passengers can book their upgrade by visiting the official website of Air France or klm.com .
  • On the website, tourists can easily add their last-minute upgrade by using their Flying Blue Account. 

At the Airport:

  • Tourists can also request their update by visiting the ticket counter of Air France before boarding. 

After boarding: 

  • On the klm and Air France flights, passengers can upgrade their miles by talking to the flight attendant. 

Through Phone Call: 

  • Once check-in opens, miles upgradation can be done by calling the customer care helpline number. 

Can you upgrade at the last minute?

Yes, you can — and Air France offers flexible options for last-minute upgrades. Once check-in has opened and is allowed, you have various possibilities of getting an upgrade:

  • Passengers can upgrade seats online via the website through the manage booking section. 
  • For the last-minute upgradation, passengers can check in at the airport, at the check-in counter, or at the Kiosks. 
  • If any doubt arises, tourists may call on the customer care number. 
  • If you are on board and there are free seats, you can ask the staff to upgrade. 

It is a confirmed upgrade against Miles, cash, or a combination; remember, the quantities available are limited, and conditions apply.

What cabins can you upgrade to?

Depending on what class you originally booked, you can move up through several cabin levels:

  • Economy → Premium Economy
  • Economy → Business
  • Premium Economy → Business
  • Business → La Première (First Class) — only for Platinum members on paid Business tickets

Reward tickets (tickets purchased with Miles) can only be upgraded once check-in has opened, and not all routes or flights offer every type of upgrade.

What are the rules on upgrade availability?

Not all passengers or flights qualify for an upgrade. Air France has clear rules on who can or cannot avail of this service.

You can’t upgrade if:

  • You're on a waiting list
  • You need medical assistance during the flight
  • You're travelling with certain types of pets or bulky items
  • You're an unaccompanied minor or travelling with an infant
  • You’ve requested a special meal (your original choice may not be available in the upgraded cabin)

Also, upgrades are not available online for passengers with special booking requirements that require manual checks at the airport.

How can you pay for an upgrade? 

Air France makes it flexible: 

  • Cash: Credit/debit cards accepted online, at the airport, or through the call centre
  • Miles: Available for Flying Blue members
  • Miles + Cash: A mix of both, if you're a Flying Blue member

You pick whatever you think works best for you — especially if it's a last-minute decision.

What happens if Air France opts to cancel or change the upgrade?

While Air France does its best to honour every upgrade, some situations might affect it — especially operational issues or aircraft changes.

If you’re downgraded back to your original cabin, you’ll receive a refund for the upgrade cost, but not additional compensation under EU regulations.

Also:

  • Upgrade is non-transferable and will be tied to your flight. 
  • If you change the flight and that class is not available on that flight, you can get a refund. 
  • In case of cancellation, you’ll receive a refund based on the fare option you upgraded to. 

You’ll get the refund in 7 working days. If it delays, you can call the airlines or fill out the form in the contact us section. 

Do you still earn Miles or XP after upgrading? 

Passengers can earn points on an upgrade, but there are some regulations: 

  • You can earn the points on the original reservation you paid for and not on the one you used miles for. 
  • If you paid for the upgrade with Miles, then you will earn additional Miles per euro spent — provided that the flight is operated by Air France.

So an upgrade makes your journey better, but does not increase your frequent flyer earnings exactly in the same way a full-fare premium ticket would.

What are the Advantages of Upgrading with Miles?

Upgrading your Miles with Air France comes with different advantages: 

  1. Have access to the exclusive and luxurious lounges. 
  2. Magnificent dining experience. 
  3. Early Boarding and Check-In facility 
  4. Better options for seat selection 
  5. Wide range of Entertainment Options
  6. Increase Baggage Allowance 

Final Thoughts: 

Using miles to upgrade an Air France flight is likely among the very best methods of enhancing a trip. Hence, if you desire comfort, perks, or merely a calm cabin, it is indeed a deserving way to use your Flying Blue Miles, provided you follow the rules. Passengers have to confirm their availability and then the upgrade options at the airport. Tourists can also reach out to the flight attendant for the miles upgrade after onboarding. By having the right knowledge, passengers can have a fantastic flight experience at cheaper rates. 

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