Frontier Airlines Offers $49 Status Match, While Expanding International Network

Frontier Airlines wants to bring over elite flyers of other airlines to their brand of low-cost travel, by giving them a status match with their Frontier Miles program. Through Dec. 31, 2020, the airline will offer status upgrades to anyone who has current elite status with another U.S.-based airline.

In a bid to win over leisure flyers who have status with another carrier, Frontier Airlines is offering a limited-time status match to all elite travelers with any other U.S.-based frequent flyer program. Through Dec. 31, 2020, the airline will grant an equivalent status match in their Frontier Miles program to all qualifying flyers for a $49 status verification fee.

Frontier Miles Elite Status Offers Free Carry-On, Priority Boarding and Waived Redemption Fees

One of the lesser known frequent flyer programs in the United States, Frontier Miles has three status tiers for those who fly 20,000 miles, 50,000 miles, or 100,000 miles in a calendar year. At the lowest tier, flyers get a free carry-on, free seat assignment, priority boarding, and waived redemption fees. After flying 50,000 miles, the benefits include free upgrades to stretch seating and keeping families together with family seating, and a mileage multiplier on all flights. For reaching 100,000 miles, flyers get a free checked bag and shared status for everyone in your family.

Frontier Airlines’ Frontier Miles Elite Benefit Chart. Image courtesy: Frontier Airlines

“Frontier’s frequent flyer program, FRONTIER Miles, offers incredible value for travelers and we’re thrilled to invite current status holders of other airlines to join us and discover all the benefits Elite status Frontier offers,” Tyri Squyres, vice president of marketing at Frontier, said in a statement. “A complimentary seat selection and carry-on are just the beginning of the benefits you’ll enjoy. We make it easier for you to achieve status with rewards for both you and your whole family.”

To apply for a status match, interested flyers can visit www.FrontierStatusMatch.com. While joining the Frontier Miles program is free, flyers will have to pay a one-time $49 status verification fee to get their status match.

The announcement comes as the airline plans to expand their footprint to near-offshore destinations across 19 new routes, solidifying their leisure-first strategy. In addition to adding seven routes from Ontario International Airport (ONT) outside of Los Angeles, the carrier will also begin flying to Cancun, Punta Cana and the U.S. Virgin Islands out of Orlando International Airport (MCO) starting in 2021.

Low-Cost Carrier Status Trend Continues to Grow in 2021

The status match and airline expansion for Frontier is part of a larger trend of low-cost carriers targeting business and family travelers, as the industry looks toward recovery in 2021 and beyond. In October 2020, Spirit Airlines announced a re-launched Free Spirit loyalty program, which includes two status tiers for frequent flyers based on their combined airline spending.