Flying Blue, the loyalty program of Air France and KLM, allows members to redeem miles for flights on partner airlines, including China Airlines. If you’ve accumulated Flying Blue miles, you can use them to book award flights on China Airlines and enjoy seamless travel.
This article will walk you through how to book a China Airlines flight using Flying Blue miles, how to select your seat, and tips for maximizing your rewards.
Step-by-Step Guide to Booking China Airlines Flights with Flying Blue Miles
Step 1: Log into Your Flying Blue Account
Before you can redeem your miles, you need to log into your Flying Blue account on the official Air France or KLM website.
- Visit www.flyingblue.com.
- Enter your Flying Blue credentials (email and password).
- If you don’t have an account, sign up for free to begin earning and redeeming miles.
Step 2: Search for Flights on China Airlines
Flying Blue allows members to book award tickets on partner airlines through their booking platform.
- Navigate to “Book with Miles.”
- Enter your departure and arrival cities (e.g., Paris to Taipei).
- Select your travel dates and passenger details.
- Click “Search” to view available award flights.
Tip: China Airlines is a member of the SkyTeam Alliance, meaning you can use Flying Blue miles to book their flights just like you would for Air France or KLM.
Step 3: Choose Your China Airlines Flight
Once the search results are displayed:
- Look for China Airlines-operated flights within the available options.
- Check the miles required for each class (Economy, Premium Economy, or Business).
- Compare the taxes and surcharges before selecting your flight.
Pro Tip: Flying Blue uses dynamic award pricing, meaning the number of miles needed may fluctuate based on demand, season, and route.
Step 4: Redeem Your Flying Blue Miles
After selecting your China Airlines flight:
- Confirm your selection and proceed to checkout.
- Apply your Flying Blue miles toward the full or partial cost of the ticket.
- Pay any applicable taxes and surcharges (Flying Blue award tickets often include small cash fees).
- Complete the booking and receive your confirmation email.
Success! You’ve booked your China Airlines flight using Flying Blue miles.
How to Select Seats on China Airlines After Booking with Flying Blue
Unlike Air France or KLM, seat selection for partner airline flights (like China Airlines) often needs to be handled directly through the partner airline’s system.
How to Select Seats for China Airlines Flights:
- Use China Airlines’ “Manage Booking” Tool
- Go to www.china-airlines.com.
- Click “Manage Booking.”
- Enter your booking reference (PNR) and last name.
- Select your preferred seat (window, aisle, extra legroom, etc.).
- Call China Airlines Customer Service
- If online seat selection isn’t available, call China Airlines with your booking reference and request a seat assignment.
- Check-In Early for Better Seat Choices
- If seat selection isn’t available before check-in, arrive early at the airport to request your preferred seat.
How Many Miles Do You Need to Book a China Airlines Flight?
Flying Blue does not publish a fixed award chart, as miles required vary by route, season, and demand. However, here are some estimated mile requirements for China Airlines flights:
| Route | Economy Class (One-Way) | Business Class (One-Way) |
| Paris (CDG) – Taipei (TPE) | 35,000 – 50,000 miles | 90,000 – 120,000 miles |
| Amsterdam (AMS) – Taipei (TPE) | 40,000 – 55,000 miles | 95,000 – 125,000 miles |
| Los Angeles (LAX) – Taipei (TPE) | 45,000 – 60,000 miles | 100,000 – 130,000 miles |
Tip: Check Flying Blue’s “Promo Awards” section regularly to find discounted award flights that require fewer miles!
Tips for Booking China Airlines Seats with Flying Blue Miles
- Book Early: Partner airline award availability is limited, so book months in advance for the best seats.
- Be Flexible with Dates: If your preferred date isn’t available, try searching for flights a few days before or after.
- Look for Business Class Upgrades: Business Class redemptions on China Airlines offer great value, especially on long-haul flights.
- Check Seat Maps: Use websites like SeatGuru to find the best seats before selecting your spot.
- Earn More Miles for Future Flights: If you need extra miles, consider transferring American Express Membership Rewards points to Flying Blue.
Conclusion
Using Flying Blue miles to book flights on China Airlines is a great way to travel for free or at a discount. While award space is limited, planning ahead, being flexible, and understanding how to select your seat can ensure a smooth and comfortable journey.
Now that you know how to book China Airlines with Flying Blue, it’s time to redeem your miles and enjoy your next adventure!
Where will your Flying Blue miles take you next? Start booking today!
FAQs
1. Can I book a China Airlines flight directly through the Flying Blue website?
Yes! Log into your Flying Blue account, go to “Book with Miles,” and search for flights. If China Airlines is a partner option, you can redeem your miles directly.
2. Do I need to pay taxes when booking China Airlines with Flying Blue miles?
Yes. Award tickets still require taxes and fees, usually between $50 and $300 per ticket, depending on the route.
3. How do I check if China Airlines award seats are available?
Use the Flying Blue website to search for “Book with Miles” flights or call the Flying Blue customer service line.
4. Can I upgrade my China Airlines ticket using Flying Blue miles?
Unfortunately, Flying Blue miles cannot be used to upgrade China Airlines flights after booking. You must book Business Class directly with miles if you want a premium seat.
5. What happens if I need to change or cancel my award ticket?
Flying Blue allows changes and cancellations for a fee of €50 per ticket. Contact Flying Blue support for modifications.
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