On 8 September 2026 Flying Blue split awards on Air France and KLM flights into three fare types. The price you used to pay is now Light, and Light business no longer includes the lounge. It also allows no changes or refunds, and comes with one bag in business (none in economy). Light only shows at the lowest award level.
Standard keeps the old conditions, lounge included, with a €70 fee to change or refund, for roughly 25 to 30% more miles. Flex costs roughly 70 to 85% more miles. In return, changes are free and the carrier surcharge drops by about half.
What it means in practice
Flying Blue's own Paris to New York example: 60,000 miles plus about €527 in taxes and surcharges on Light or Standard, or 110,000 miles plus about €262 on Flex. Monthly Promo Rewards, which take up to 25% off, apply to the Light price, so a promo business seat comes without the lounge too.
What to do
If the lounge matters, compare Light plus a lounge you can already use (Priority Pass, an Amex Platinum) with Standard. If plans might change, Flex can be worth the miles because of the lower surcharge. Our Europe edition keeps the Flying Blue sweet spots and traps up to date.