FF question from a novice
 

Please forgive what is probably an inane question.

I now have enough FF miles with Flying Blue to get a business ticket to Asia or Africa. I hold elite Gold status.
Once I use these miles for a free flight, will I also lose my Gold Elite status?

Thanks in advance!

I'm no expert, but I don't believe so. I'm pretty sure the status is based on miles earned in a particular time period, not the remaining balance.

No, you won't lose your status as a result of using your miles.

You definitely don't lose status. Status is based on what you fly, not what you use. The part that always gets me is that the status is only good for one year. I don't know about Flying Blue (actually never heard of them) - but I was Gold on United and Delta, and because I didn't fly enough miles last year, Delta took me down to Silver for this year.... :(

Status is almost always based on miles or points flown/earned in a calendar year. Different airlines use different measures (some including $$'s spent) to determine one's status.

Use of points earned in the program is immaterial to one's status - if you have 0 in your account, or if you have 1MM in your account.
The airline is giving you benefits based upon your 'recent' flying patterns.

Some airlines award lifetime status based upon certain (varying) criteria, but in most cases you can expect to be dropped down to the level you "earned" the year after your status expires.

Best, Dave

Thanks to all who responded. I guess I will have to plan a few more trips to keep the status!! Flying Blue, by the way, is KLM/AirFrance.

Keep in mind that you typically do NOT earn miles for flights that are free with ff miles. You'll have to take more PAID flights to make it up and to maintain your status.