In December 2019, Qantas expanded its partnership with Air France and KLM. Qantas Frequent Flyer members can now earn and redeem points on all Air France and KLM flights. Qantas customers can also access some additional benefits based on their tier status.
Qantas Frequent Flyers with Gold status or above are entitled to priority check-in, priority boarding, priority baggage and access to “preferred seating” with KLM and Air France. In addition, Silver members and higher are allowed one additional free checked bag when travelling with either of the SkyTeam member airlines. (Notably, lounge access is not offered unless you’re booked on a Qantas codeshare flight number.)
Similar benefits are also being offered for Flying Blue members when travelling on Qantas flights.
Unfortunately, it seems not all of KLM’s airport staff got the memo. AFF member clementine6 has taken several KLM flights in recent weeks, and was told on multiple occasions by KLM staff that the airline was not affiliated with Qantas in any way. This happened both in Bangkok and at KLM’s home airport in Amsterdam.
Under the arrangement can get FF points, and QF FF gold and platinum are supposed to get Sky Priority privileges (excluding lounge access that is). The problem is no-one seems to have told the KLM staff about it. They just look at you blankly or point out the QF is OneWorld and KLM is SkyTeam so status isn’t recognised. Has anyone else encountered this?
It seems that KLM could do a better job of training its staff about the new reciprocal frequent flyer benefits for Qantas customers. That said, some staff are aware of the partnership. Another AFF member said:
I flew KLM from Lyon to Amsterdam on 8 January. The check in staff at Lyon knew of the arrangement and happily added my Qantas FF to the booking. My QFF number and WP status showed on the boarding pass as well as a prominent Sky Priority tag.
Now just chasing up the points with Qantas.
The problem is that this seems to be inconsistent. So, if you’re flying with KLM and hoping to use the benefits of your Qantas status, you may wish to bring a copy of the Qantas webpage on KLM benefits to the airport with you.
Have you flown with KLM or Air France since the expanded Qantas partnership was announced? Join the discussion on the Australian Frequent Flyer forum: Qantas recently announced some kind of reciprocal relationship with KLM/Air France
