Estimate your Flying Blue XP for KLM, Air France and SkyTeam flights, and see how many points you need for your next status level.
Enter your flight details and click Calculate XP to see your estimated XP earnings.
What is Flying Blue XP?
Flying Blue XP (Experience Points) are the status-earning currency in the Flying Blue frequent flyer programme, operated by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Air France. Unlike Flying Blue Miles, which you spend on reward flights, XP determine your elite status level within the programme.
Every time you fly with KLM, Air France, Transavia, or a SkyTeam partner airline on an eligible fare, you earn XP based on the flight distance and your cabin class. Accumulating XP throughout the year allows you to reach and maintain Silver, Gold, Platinum, or Ultimate status, unlocking valuable benefits such as lounge access, priority boarding, extra baggage allowance, and dedicated customer service.
For UK Flying Blue members planning status runs or simply tracking their progress, understanding how to calculate XP for KLM flights is essential for maximising your frequent flyer benefits.
How Flying Blue XP is calculated
Flying Blue XP are calculated using a combination of flight distance bands and cabin class multipliers. Here's how the system works:
- Distance bands: Flights are categorised into bands based on great-circle distance in miles. Shorter flights (domestic or European short-haul) earn fewer XP per segment, whilst longer intercontinental routes earn more.
- Cabin class: Flying in a higher cabin class significantly increases your XP earnings. Economy earns the base rate, whilst Premium Economy, Business, and First Class apply progressively higher multipliers.
- Per-segment calculation: XP are awarded for each flight segment, not per ticket. A return flight with a connection counts as multiple segments.
- Fare type: Some promotional or basic fares may earn reduced XP or no XP at all. Always check the fare conditions when booking.
This KLM XP calculator uses the current Flying Blue earning rates as of 2024/2025 to give you accurate estimates for your planned journeys.
Flying Blue status levels and XP requirements
The Flying Blue programme has five status tiers, each requiring a specific number of XP to achieve or maintain:
- Explorer (0 XP): The entry-level tier for all Flying Blue members. Basic benefits include earning Miles on flights and access to member-only offers.
- Silver (100 XP): Priority check-in and boarding, plus an extra checked bag allowance on KLM and Air France flights.
- Gold (180 XP): SkyPriority services worldwide, lounge access when travelling in Economy, increased baggage allowance, and guaranteed Economy seats on sold-out flights (when booked early).
- Platinum (300 XP): All Gold benefits plus unlimited lounge access regardless of cabin, guaranteed Business Class seats, and a dedicated phone line for bookings and support.
- Ultimate (invitation only): The most exclusive tier, typically requiring 900+ XP. Includes all Platinum benefits plus a dedicated personal assistant, complimentary upgrades, and other bespoke perks.
XP are counted on a rolling 12-month basis, so you need to maintain your earning pace to keep your status level.
How to use this KLM XP calculator
Our Flying Blue XP calculator offers two easy ways to estimate your XP earnings:
Using "By route" mode
- Enter your departure airport in the "From" field by typing the city name, airport name, or IATA code (e.g., LHR for London Heathrow).
- Enter your destination in the "To" field using the same format.
- Select the operating airline, cabin class, and fare type from the dropdown menus.
- Optionally enter the segment price in GBP to see the value per XP.
- Click "Add segment" to include connections or return flights.
- Click "Calculate XP" to see your estimated earnings for each segment and the total trip.
Using "By flight type / zone" mode
- Select this mode if you want a quick estimate without entering specific airports.
- Choose the number of flight segments, cabin class, and approximate distance band.
- Optionally enter the total price to calculate your cost per XP.
- Click "Calculate XP" to see your estimate.
Using the status progress widget
- Select your current Flying Blue tier from the dropdown.
- Enter your current XP balance (shown in your Flying Blue account).
- Tick "Add XP from calculation above" to include your planned flights.
- Click "Update Status" to see how close you are to the next tier and how many similar trips you might need.
Tips to maximise your Flying Blue XP from the UK
For UK-based Flying Blue members looking to earn status efficiently, consider these strategies:
- Fly via Amsterdam or Paris: Routing through KLM's Amsterdam Schiphol or Air France's Paris CDG hub adds an extra segment, meaning more XP per trip.
- Choose higher cabins on short flights: The cabin multiplier applies to every segment. Upgrading to Premium Economy on European flights can significantly boost your XP earnings.
- Look for XP-efficient routes: Some routes offer more XP per pound spent. Use this calculator to compare the XP per GBP for different itineraries.
- Avoid basic fares: The cheapest "Light" or "Basic" fares often earn no XP. Check fare conditions before booking if status is your goal.
- Plan status runs: If you're close to a status threshold, a quick return trip to a nearby European destination can push you over the line for relatively little cost.
- Combine with partner airlines: Flights with SkyTeam partners also earn XP when booked with your Flying Blue number. This opens up more routing options.
- Track your rolling year: Remember that XP expire on a rolling 12-month basis. Time your flights to maintain your tier throughout the year.
Frequently asked questions about KLM XP
What are Flying Blue XP and how do they differ from Miles?
Flying Blue XP (Experience Points) are status-earning points that determine your tier level (Silver, Gold, Platinum, or Ultimate) in the KLM and Air France frequent flyer programme. Miles, on the other hand, are the spending currency you redeem for reward flights, upgrades, and other benefits. You earn both XP and Miles when you fly, but they serve different purposes: XP for status, Miles for rewards.
How many XP do I need for Silver status?
You need 100 XP within a rolling 12-month period to achieve Flying Blue Silver status. Silver offers benefits like priority check-in, priority boarding, and an extra checked bag on KLM and Air France flights.
How many XP are required for Gold status?
Gold status requires 180 XP within your membership year. Gold members enjoy SkyPriority services at airports worldwide, lounge access when travelling in Economy on intercontinental flights, and guaranteed Economy seats on sold-out KLM and Air France flights.
What is the XP threshold for Platinum status?
You need 300 XP to reach Platinum status. Platinum members receive all Gold benefits plus unlimited lounge access regardless of cabin class, guaranteed Business Class seats when booking early, and a dedicated customer service line.
How do I reach Ultimate status?
Ultimate status is invitation-only and typically requires earning around 900 XP or more within a year. It offers the highest level of recognition with bespoke benefits including a personal assistant, complimentary upgrades, and exclusive experiences.
Do short-haul and long-haul flights earn different XP?
Yes, XP earnings are based on flight distance bands. Short-haul European flights earn fewer XP per segment than long-haul intercontinental routes. For example, a flight from London to Amsterdam might earn 4-8 XP in Economy, whilst a flight from London to New York could earn 30-60 XP depending on cabin class.
Do SkyTeam partner flights earn Flying Blue XP?
Yes, flights with SkyTeam alliance partners (such as Delta, Korean Air, China Eastern, and others) can earn Flying Blue XP when you credit the flight to your Flying Blue account. The XP earned depend on the partner's fare class and the distance flown.
Do codeshare flights earn XP?
Codeshare flights can earn XP, but the amount depends on which airline is operating the flight. If you book a KLM codeshare operated by a partner, you typically earn XP based on the operating carrier's fare class rules. Always check your booking confirmation to understand which airline is operating.
Do basic or Light fares earn XP?
It depends on the route and fare conditions. On many European short-haul routes, the cheapest "Light" fares earn no XP at all. Medium and long-haul basic fares usually earn a reduced amount. Always check the fare conditions when booking if earning XP is important to you.
How does cabin class affect XP earnings?
Higher cabin classes earn more XP through multipliers applied to the base XP rate. Premium Economy earns roughly double the Economy XP, Business Class earns around 2.5-3 times, and First Class (where available) can earn up to 5 times the Economy rate for the same flight.
If I get upgraded, do I earn XP for the higher cabin?
It depends on how you were upgraded. If you purchased an upgrade (e.g., through Miles or a paid upgrade offer), you typically earn XP for the cabin you fly in. If you received a complimentary upgrade at check-in, you usually earn XP based on your originally booked cabin class.
Do children's tickets earn XP?
Yes, children flying on paid tickets earn XP just like adults, provided they have their own Flying Blue account. However, infants travelling on lap infant tickets typically do not earn XP as they don't have a paid seat.
How long do XP last before they expire?
Flying Blue uses a rolling 12-month qualification period. XP earned more than 12 months ago no longer count towards your current status. This means you need to continuously earn XP to maintain your tier level.
What is an XP run or status run?
An "XP run" or "status run" is a trip taken primarily to earn XP for status qualification rather than for the destination itself. Savvy frequent flyers sometimes book short, cheap flights with good XP returns to top up their balance before their renewal date.
How can I plan an XP run from the UK?
Use this KLM XP calculator to compare different routes and see the XP per pound. Popular XP runs from the UK include short-haul flights to Amsterdam, Paris, or other European cities via connecting hubs. Look for routes that maximise segments (and therefore XP) whilst keeping costs low.
Do Transavia flights earn XP?
Yes, Transavia is part of the Air France-KLM group, and eligible Transavia flights earn Flying Blue XP. However, some of the cheapest Transavia fares may earn reduced or no XP, so check the fare conditions when booking.
How accurate is this XP calculator?
This calculator uses the published Flying Blue XP earning rates as of 2024/2025 and calculates great-circle distances to determine the correct distance band. Results are estimates based on standard earning rules. Actual XP may vary due to promotional offers, fare class exceptions, or updates to the Flying Blue programme. Always verify with your booking confirmation or Flying Blue account.
How often do Flying Blue XP rules change?
Flying Blue typically updates its earning rates and rules once or twice per year. Significant changes are usually announced in advance. This calculator is maintained to reflect current rules, but always check the official Flying Blue website for the latest information before making booking decisions.
Can I earn XP on award flights booked with Miles?
Award flights (those booked using Flying Blue Miles) generally do not earn XP. You earn Miles and XP when you pay for a ticket with cash, but not when redeeming Miles for a free flight. Some programme exceptions may apply for specific promotions.
What happens if I don't earn enough XP to keep my status?
If you don't reach the XP threshold needed to maintain your current tier by your renewal date, your status will drop to the next tier down (or Explorer if you earned fewer than 100 XP). Your Miles balance is not affected; only your status tier and associated benefits change.