does Frontier match UA status?
 

I'm between Frontier and Delta for my new flying route. I'm Prem Exec. on UA, so I'll have to start over now.

Does Frontier match???

I've heard mixed things. I think that at best you'll get Aspire status (the lower tier of the two tiers) as a match, but I also heard that they may offer you something like fly X segments in the next Y months to get status. I also heard a report they would not match at all for someone, but that was awhile back.

I don't think they are especially generous in this area because they are concerned that they'll end up with (for examlpe) UA-loyal flyers at DEN who only occasionally fly Frontier when they have to, who still get Frontier's best perks when they have to "slum-it" on Frontier and bring in little business.

All that being said, it would not surprise me terribly if there is some variability and fluctuation on this topic as they continue to form the brand. So my suggestion would be to ask nicely in writing and supply supporting information. There might still be enough of a human element that it could make a difference. Or...it might be a very black-and-whilte policy (as it is at some airlines). But it can't hurt to ask.

Personally, I like the idea of matching all competitor status as low-level Frontier status, which turns into high-level status quickly if there are some quick-hit Frontier flights...like maybe 4 segments in the next 30 days. But I don't run the world, of course...

They do, but don't expect a quick response.

As a UA 1k, the best Frontier was prepared to offer me was Aspire status...and that was contingent on completing six segments within 90 days.

IMO, I found Frontier's offer to be pretty pathetic. Most airlines know that they have to court frequent fliers to switch to them. That's why you see targeted promotions all the time. If Frontier expects to make inroads with frequent business travelers, they need to step up their game.

While knope is correct that Frontier probably wouldn't be that successful in convincing lots of UA loyal fliers to make a switch, there is still a small pool that they could poach (especially those that might chose Southwest instead of Frontier for example). This situation in not unique to UA and DEN, either.

Given Frontier's recent financial results and their desire to have a more national scope, they will need to be more liberal with their frequent flier/elite benefits. They're not really in a position to be turning away potentially lucrative, repeat business.

I tried to get a status match last year, and they told me they don't do it. Not even any challenge, which contradicted what a YX person told me, which of course was after I booked some flights. If they had given, even just to Ascent status, I would have easily made Summit. Booked elsewhere for the majority of flights so I could get exit row seats and free checked bags with my other airline status.

Frontier seems to have a very inconsistent approach to giving status matches. They're losing business because they can't make up their mind on what to do.

It should be very easy for Frontier to match to different levels in their elite program based on the individual applying. Create a bigger challenge for top tier status (say six roundtrips within 90 days) and quickly weed out those who can't or won't complete that many flights.

Frontier has a Status match program
 

Frontier Airlines recently created a new status match program called "Attest" which allows elite members from certain competing airlines to get elite status on Frontier. These members can submit a request via e-mail to [email protected] with their EarlyReturns number (if they don't have one, they can apply at http://www.flyfrontier.com/earlyreturns) along with an e-copy of their Elite credentials from the other airline (card, statement etc.) for consideration.

If approved, they will get elite status on Frontier for a short "test" period and must fly a certain number of flights during that test period to retain Elite status for the rest of the current year. Both Ascent and Summit status match is being offered through this program. The details of the qualification period and requirements are provided in the acceptence e-mail.

Nice to hear from you MMiles!

I'm glad to see Frontier has created a status challenge for both elite levels.

+1

Thanks for your contribution! Hopefully you're willing and allowed to clue us in on things like this.

Nice to hear it's "good news" too, but we appreciate the feedback even when the news isn't as positive.

I just sent a note to the email addy that MMiles posted. Will keep everyone in the loop.

I sent an email with a jpg of my UA card two days ago. The lady at the early returns desk informed me of this promo. Anyone knows how long before we hear back from them?

Worked like a Charm, I emailed on Monday night and had a response by noon on Tuesday. I'm a DL Diamond MM (I fly around 220k-250k in seat miles each year) and got a challenge for 4 one way trips for Ascent and 6 one way trips for Summit with immediate Summit benefits. I have until the end of June to complete. I'm very impressed with the quick response and level of status granted. Since I fly each week, 3 weeks and I'll have this locked in. I was on track to get Summit in 9 weeks anyway, so this will help with the transition from DL.

Keep in mind most of the airlines are removing themselves from immediate same-benefit matches. Continental and United just did away with complimentary status matches. You now have to reach a certain requirement within a set period of time. US Airways has been this way for a few years. Not sure about Delta or American. At last check AA would match you in the tier below your status. IMO we can thank all the consolidation and decreasing competition for this...

This is great to see...w/ United's Mileage Plus changes for the worse, it's good to know I can switch over without starting from scratch after a decade plus of heavy travel...plus, I love the idea of DirecTV on Sunday flights so I can watch football :)

Just FYI,

Based on the comments above, I submitted my request via email, including my United credentials, to the address above ([email protected]).

I did this several days ago and never received any response at all. Maybe too early to jump to conclusions, but they may have eliminated this program.

If I ever hear back, I will update this post.

Please do let us know if you hear anything. Frontier is relatively slow in matters like this, so several days is likely not enough time to have heard back. Hopefully they reply in the affirmative.