When booking discounted travel, numerous opportunities are available, ranging from paid ticket sales to redemption promotions. However, one of the most reliable deals is the monthly Promo Rewards offered by Air France-KLM Flying Blue.
These monthly exclusive discounts are on the Flying Blue website; they apply to flights to and from specific cities or regions for booking until the end of each month and for a specified travel window.
This month, there are enticing offers for one-way economy flights to various European cities from just 15,000 miles. This represents a significant discount compared to what other loyalty programs typically charge for similar award tickets. If you’re planning a trip to Europe, this could be an exceptional deal worth considering.
What is Flying Blue’s March award promotion?
NICK ELLIS/THE POINTS GUY
Airlines: Air France and KLM
Routes: Economy awards between various European airports and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH); premium economy awards between several European airports and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
Cost: Economy awards starting at 15,000 miles; premium economy awards starting at 26,250 miles
Travel dates: Travel from March 1 through Aug. 31; must book by March 31
Promo Rewards between North America and Europe
As you can see from this search, 15,000-mile economy awards from Houston to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) are available from March to May as well as July and August. Remember our tip to easily search prices month by month.
There’s also award space for 26,250 miles from Detroit in Air France’s premium economy cabin. (KLM does not fly to Detroit.)
AIRFRANCE.COM
Remember, Flying Blue lets you add a free stopover on your connection(s). For example, you could fly from the U.S. to Paris, spend a few days in Paris or Amsterdam and then travel to your final destination for no additional miles. To book a ticket with a stopover, you’ll need to call Flying Blue at 800-375-8723.
Related: The best ways to get to Europe using points and miles
How to book Flying Blue Promo Rewards flights
ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
Book Promo Rewards tickets on the Air France or KLM website. Log in to your account and click the “Book with Miles” button on the home screen. Then, enter your desired itinerary and click the “Search flights” button.
AIRFRANCE.COM
Now, select the flight you’d like to book and follow the on-screen prompts to complete your reservation.
AIRFRANCE.COM
If you plan to transfer points to book this award, you should find award space first, then place your ticket on hold and transfer your points; you never want to transfer points without concrete dates in mind.
Related: When should I transfer points to airline and hotel partners?
How to earn Flying Blue miles
Boosting your Flying Blue balance is easy since the program partners with all major transferable points programs.
You can transfer points at a 1:1 ratio from American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One, Chase Ultimate Rewards and Citi ThankYou Rewards. You can also transfer Marriott Bonvoy points at a 3:1 ratio, with a 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 points you transfer.
Based on our tests, Amex, Bilt, Capital One, Chase and Citi transfers should post almost instantly. However, that wasn’t the case with our test transfer from Marriott, which took three days to arrive in our Flying Blue account. Because of this, credit card points are your best bet if you hope to book right away, though Flying Blue generally allows three-day holds on award tickets when you call.
Maximize your purchase
Use a card that earns additional points on airfare purchases to pay taxes and fees on your award ticket.
Some of the best cards include:
The Platinum Card® from American Express: 5 points per dollar spent on airfare booked directly with the airline or through Amex Travel, on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar
Citi Premier® Card (see rates and fees): 3 points per dollar spent on air travel
Chase Sapphire Reserve®: 5 points per dollar spent on flights purchased through Chase Travel; 3 points per dollar spent on travel
American Express® Gold Card: 3 points per dollar spent on airfare when booked directly with the airline or through amextravel.com
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: 5 points per dollar spent on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards; 2 points per dollar spent on travel purchases
Bottom line
Few sales are as reliable as the Promo Rewards we see each month from Air France-KLM Flying Blue. Boosting your Flying Blue balance is easy since the program partners with all major transferable points programs. Since you can reserve these tickets on the Air France or KLM website, they’re simple for anyone to book.
Related reading:
Key travel tips you need to know — whether you’re a beginner or an expert traveler
The best travel credit cards
Where to go in 2024: The 16 best places to travel
6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
13 must-have items the TPG team can’t travel without
