On 1 July 2026 American Express Netherlands changed its Membership Rewards transfer to Flying Blue from 5:4 to 2:1. 10,000 points used to become 8,000 miles; now they become 5,000. That's 37.5% fewer miles for the same points. Belgium was already at 2:1.
The same seat, by country
A Light business seat from Paris to New York starts at 60,000 Flying Blue miles. In Amex points, the cost depends on where your card was issued:
- Netherlands and Belgium (2:1): 120,000 points
- France and Germany (5:4): 75,000 points
- United Kingdom (1:1): 60,000 points
Points also earn differently in each country, so compare within your own market rather than moving cards abroad.
What to do
At 2:1, check the cash fare before you transfer: Flying Blue awards also carry high surcharges (about €527 each way on that Paris to New York example). Look at the other partners on your card too; the ratios for every Amex country are side by side on our Amex in Europe page.