How Frontier Is Making It Easier to Gain Status for 2024

19.09.2023 - 15:33 / travelandleisure.com

Frontier Airlines just made it easier to gain elite status for next year by partnering with dozens of other airlines, hotels, and cruise lines for status matching, as well as allow customers to simply purchase the benefit without having to fly.

The low-cost airline will now allow travelers who have status with 15 different airlines, 15 different hotel chains, and 15 different cruise lines to match their loyalty status with one of Frontier’s tiers: either Elite 20K status, Elite 50K status, or Elite 100K status, according to the airline. Status matching is available for some of the most popular programs, including Delta Air Lines’ SkyMiles program, United Airlines’ MileagePlus program, Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Club, Holland America Line’s Mariner Society, and more.

To be eligible, travelers must have a Frontier miles account and pay to activate their status with Frontier. The application fee is $99 for 20k and 50k status, or $149 for 100k status (which can only be obtained with a comparable airline status). Once approved, travelers will have elite status with Frontier through December 31, 2024.

In addition to status matching, Frontier is allowing eligible travel rewards credit card holders to purchase Elite 20K status for just $499 without having to even get on a plane. That status will then be valid until the end of 2024.

Travelers can also choose to bundle Elite 20K status with a GoWild! All-You-Can-Fly Fall & Winter Pass for a total of $649. The unlimited flight pass, which the airline launched earlier this summer, typically starts at $299.

“The combination of elite status benefits and the GoWild! Pass makes the ideal asset for the frequent traveler,” Tyri Squyres, the vice president of marketing for Frontier Airlines, said in a statement. “These elite status offers are a fantastic opportunity for consumers to enjoy all the benefits of FRONTIER Miles elite status all the way through 2024.”

Travelers who fly with elite status get perks like free carry-on bags, free advanced seat assignments, priority boarding, and free upgrades to stretch seating when available. 

Elite status is different from Frontier’s Discount Den membership, a paid program that gives members access to discounted fares and lets kids fly free on select flights.

Frontier isn’t the only low-cost airline to embrace status matching. Earlier this year, Spirit Airlines also introduced a new paid status-matching program, which gives travelers access to onboard perks.

The status matching also comes as Delta has announced changes to its loyalty program for next year, making it harder to earn medallion status and access the company’s Delta Sky Club lounges.