Earning Flying Blue Miles on SkyTeam Partner Airlines

Flying Blue doesn't stop at Air France and KLM. As a SkyTeam member program, you can earn miles on 18 partner airlines worldwide. Here's how to make the most of that network.

SkyTeam Airlines Compatible with Flying Blue

The SkyTeam alliance includes several major global carriers. Here are the most relevant ones for Flying Blue members:

Delta Air Lines (USA)

Essential for US connections and domestic US travel. If you're flying a codeshare route operated by Delta, or booking Delta directly as part of an AF/KL itinerary, your miles can be credited to Flying Blue. Delta's network of US hubs makes it a frequent partner for transatlantic trips.

Korean Air (South Korea)

Excellent for East Asia connections. Routing through Incheon (ICN) to Tokyo, Seoul, or Southeast Asian destinations? Korean Air is one of the stronger SkyTeam partners for both service quality and Flying Blue accrual.

China Southern Airlines

Useful for mainland China destinations and some Southeast Asian connections not covered by AF/KL directly.

Middle East Airlines (Lebanon)

For flights to Beirut and regional connections in the Middle East.

Aeromexico

Mexico City connections and select Central American destinations.

Garuda Indonesia

Indonesian destinations — though KLM also flies direct to Jakarta and Bali from Amsterdam, so check both options.

Accrual Rates on SkyTeam Flights

Rates vary by airline and fare class, but the general pattern is:

• Business Class: 100–150% of flown distance in miles
• Full-fare Economy (Y, B): 100%
• Semi-flex Economy: 50–75%
• Promotional Economy: 25–50%

Always check the Flying Blue accrual table for the specific airline before you book — the rates are published on the Flying Blue website and occasionally change.

The Critical XP Distinction

This is where many members make a costly mistake: XP are not earned on SkyTeam partner flights(with very limited exceptions). XP come almost exclusively from flights with Air France (flight number AF) or KLM (flight number KL).

If your goal is building status — reaching Silver, Gold, or Platinum — you need to fly on actual AF or KL flight numbers. A Delta-operated flight with an Air France codeshare number does count as an AF flight for XP purposes, but verify the operating carrier before assuming.

If you're only chasing miles and not status, SkyTeam partners are fine.

Practical Tips

Always add your Flying Blue number when booking.With some partner airlines, you'll need to add it manually to the booking after the fact, or via the partner's website. Don't wait until check-in — by then it may be harder to apply.

Retroactive credits are usually available.Forgot to add your number? Most SkyTeam partners allow retroactive credits for up to 6 months with a copy of your boarding pass and booking confirmation.

Compare accrual programs before choosing.Occasionally it's worth crediting a partner flight to Delta SkyMiles or Korean Air SKYPASS instead of Flying Blue — if, for example, you're trying to build status in another program. Know your priorities before you book.

Check for elite benefits on partner flights.As a Gold or Platinum member, you may be entitled to SkyPriority services and lounge access on SkyTeam partner flights — but it depends on the airline and the agreement in place. Confirm before traveling.

The Bottom Line

The SkyTeam network meaningfully extends where you can earn Flying Blue miles — hundreds of additional routes that AF and KLM don't fly themselves. Take advantage of it for miles accumulation, but remember: if status is your goal, stick to flights with actual AF or KL flight numbers.