Transferring Points to Flying Blue Miles: The Complete Guide

Transferring points from partner loyalty programs is one of the fastest ways to top up your Flying Blue miles balance before a specific redemption. Several major programs allow you to convert their points directly to Flying Blue miles — here's what each one offers and how to use them smartly.

Why Transfers Are Worth Understanding

Flexible points programs — particularly bank reward currencies like American Express Membership Rewards — let you earn on all your everyday spending and then direct those points to whichever airline program serves your needs at any given time. The power is in the optionality: you accumulate centrally and transfer strategically, rather than betting on a single airline program from the start.

American Express Membership Rewards → Flying Blue

Ratio: 1:1(1 Membership Rewards point = 1 Flying Blue mile)

This is one of the most generous transfer ratios in the market. The transfer is nearly instant — typically minutes to a few hours. Amex cards earn points on all purchases, and some cards offer accelerated earning on travel, dining, or specific categories.

Welcome bonuses on Amex cards can run into tens of thousands of points — transferable 1:1 to miles.

Note: this article may reference card affiliate links. A commission may be earned if you use those links. Welcome offers are subject to conditions and may vary by profile. Always verify current terms directly with the card issuer.

Key advice: don't transfer your Amex points to Flying Blue until you have a specific redemption in mind. Membership Rewards points can be moved to dozens of programs — keeping them there preserves your flexibility. Transfer only when you've confirmed award availability and are ready to book.

Accor ALL → Flying Blue

Variable ratio(generally less favorable than Amex)

Accor's ALL loyalty program lets you convert points to Flying Blue miles. If you stay regularly at Accor properties (Ibis, Mercure, Novotel, Sofitel, etc.) for work or leisure, this can be a meaningful secondary miles source.

Before transferring: compare the value of a free night at an Accor property versus the miles you'd receive. Often, the free night is worth more — especially at premium Accor brands. Transfer only if you have no near-term hotel redemption planned.

Marriott Bonvoy → Flying Blue

Ratio: 60,000 Marriott points = 25,000 Flying Blue miles(plus a 5,000-mile bonus for transfers of 60,000 points or more — effectively 30,000 miles for 60,000 points)

The ratio is less attractive than Amex, but Marriott Bonvoy is a massive program. If you accumulate points through business travel at Marriott properties, those points have a path to Flying Blue miles. It's worth considering when you have a large balance and a clear redemption target.

IHG Rewards → Flying Blue

Variable ratio

IHG allows transfers to select airline programs including Flying Blue. Check current ratios on the IHG website before initiating any transfer, as these can change.

When to Transfer — and When Not To

Transfer when:

• You have a specific award ticket or upgrade firmly in view
• The transfer ratio is favorable (Amex 1:1 is hard to beat)
• Flying Blue or a partner is running a transfer bonus promotion (e.g., "+30% miles this month when transferring from Amex") — these promotions can dramatically improve effective ratios
• Your source points are otherwise sitting idle with no better use

Don't transfer when:

• You don't have a concrete redemption plan — flexibility in source programs is valuable
• The ratio is unfavorable and no promotion applies
• Your points are more useful where they are (e.g., a near-term hotel stay covers more value than the equivalent miles)

Transfer Bonus Promotions

Both Flying Blue and partner programs occasionally run transfer bonus events — "transfer this month and receive 30% additional miles," for example. These promotions typically last a few weeks.

To catch them: subscribe to Flying Blue email communications, monitor the partner programs' newsletters, and check specialist travel forums. Acting during a bonus window can improve your effective cost per mile substantially.

The Practical Workflow

Identify an award you want to book and confirm the miles required

Check your Flying Blue balance and calculate any shortfall

Identify which partner program(s) have enough points to cover the gap

Check whether a transfer bonus promotion is currently active

Transfer only what you need (plus a small buffer)

Book the award as soon as the miles post — don't leave award availability to chance

The Bottom Line

Transfers to Flying Blue — particularly from Amex Membership Rewards at 1:1 — are one of the most efficient ways to build a miles balance for a specific redemption. The key discipline is patience: keep your points flexible in their source program until you're ready to act, then transfer with purpose.