How Many XP
Per Flight?
Flying Blue XP (Experience Points) are based on two factors: flight distance and cabin class. Price does not matter. Use this guide to calculate your earnings and fast-track your status.
XP Earning Chart
| Flight Type | Distance | Economy | Premium | Business | First |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Domestic | - | 2 XP | 4 XP | 6 XP | 10 XP |
Medium | < 2,000 miles | 5 XP | 10 XP | 15 XP | 25 XP |
Long 1 | 2,000 - 3,500 miles | 8 XP | 16 XP | 24 XP | 40 XP |
Long 2 | 3,500 - 5,000 miles | 10 XP | 20 XP | 30 XP | 50 XP |
Long 3 | > 5,000 miles | 12 XP | 24 XP | 36 XP | 60 XP |
How Distance Works
Distances are calculated between the origin and destination airport of each flight segment.
For example, if you fly from Amsterdam (AMS) to New York (JFK) via Paris (CDG):
- AMS - CDG: Medium (5 XP)
- CDG - JFK: Long 2 (10 XP)
Total: 15 XP (Economy)
A direct flight AMS - JFK would be Long 2 (10 XP). Connecting flights often earn more XP!
*Domestic Flights
A flight is considered Domestic if the origin and destination are in the same country.
Important Exception
Flights between France and Corsica are considered Domestic. However, flights between mainland Europe and overseas territories (like CUR, SXM, RUN) are usually Long Haul.
How to reach Flying Blue Silver fast
Flying Blue Silver requires 100 XP. This is the first elite tier, giving you priority check-in, extra baggage allowance, and free seat selection.
Fast Track Strategy:
- Amex Flying Blue Gold Card: Grants 30 XP annually. (Leaving 70 XP to fly).
- Connecting Flights: Always book flights with a layover. AMS-CDG-BCN earns 10 XP (5+5) one-way in Economy, vs just 5 XP for a direct flight.
Fastest way to get Flying Blue Gold
Gold status (180 XP) is the "sweet spot" because it unlocks SkyTeam Elite Plus: lounge access worldwide for you + 1 guest, and SkyPriority.
XP Run Strategy:
To get 180 XP quickly, focus on Business Class flights within Europe or cheap long-haul Business deals.
- Business Class in Europe: A return flight AMS-CDG-MAD in Business earns 60 XP (15 XP per segment x 4). Do this 3 times and you are Gold.
XP run Flying Blue explained
An "XP Run" is a trip booked solely to earn Experience Points, often to reach or renew a status level before the qualification period ends.
Maximize Segments
More take-offs = more XP. Prefer connecting flights over direct ones.
Short Business Flights
Short international hops in Business (e.g., AMS-LHR) yield 15 XP for ~45 mins of flying.
Is Flying Blue Platinum worth it?
Platinum requires 300 XP. While the benefits over Gold are incremental (Platinum for Life eligibility, higher mile earning bonus, free Economy Comfort), it is highly valuable for frequent travelers.
Platinum for Life
The biggest reason to go for Platinum is the "Platinum for Life" goal. After 10 consecutive years of Platinum, you keep the status forever without needing to fly. Read more here.