Frontier Airlines’ loyalty program, Frontier Miles, has undergone a significant transformation, offering both opportunities and challenges for frequent flyers. The program now centers around earning miles based on how much you spend, rather than simply the distance flown, impacting how quickly you accumulate rewards and climb the status ladder.
Joining Frontier Miles is free and unlocks two key components: redeemable miles for flights and elite status points that unlock valuable perks. In 2024, Frontier introduced a fourth elite tier – Elite Silver – and streamlined the names of all tiers, creating a clearer path to enhanced travel benefits.
Earning miles is now directly tied to your spending. Non-elite members earn 10 miles and 10 elite points per dollar, while top-tier Elite Diamond members can earn up to 20 miles and points per dollar. This means the more you spend on fares, bags, seat assignments, and other add-ons, the faster you’ll progress.
The Frontier Airlines World Mastercard® provides another avenue for earning. New cardholders can receive a substantial bonus – 50,000 miles and a $100 flight voucher after meeting spending requirements. Cardholders also earn accelerated miles on Frontier purchases and at restaurants, plus points toward elite status with every mile earned.
Beyond direct purchases, Frontier partners with rental car companies, Marriott Bonvoy, and Wyndham Rewards to offer additional earning opportunities. However, it’s often more advantageous to stick with hotel points rather than converting them to Frontier miles due to lower return rates.
Redeeming miles is currently limited to flights, with award rates varying based on demand. Frontier offers Value, Standard, and Last Seat awards, with prices starting at 10,000 miles one-way. While award redemption fees were previously a concern, they have been temporarily suspended, making redemptions more attractive.
Elite status unlocks a range of benefits, from priority customer care and free carry-on bags to complimentary seat upgrades and even checked baggage allowances. The newly added Elite Silver tier provides a stepping stone to these perks, while Elite Diamond members enjoy the most comprehensive benefits.
Looking ahead, Frontier is poised to introduce even more compelling elite benefits in 2025, including free upgrades to premium seating and a potential companion pass for Platinum and Diamond members. These enhancements could significantly increase the value of Frontier Miles elite status.
For those who frequently choose Frontier, the revamped loyalty program offers a pathway to more rewarding travel. While the shift to revenue-based earning requires a strategic approach, the potential for earning miles and unlocking elite benefits remains a compelling reason to join Frontier Miles.
The Discount Den membership, available for an annual fee, provides access to discounted fares, potentially offsetting the cost with savings on just a few flights. This is particularly beneficial for families, who can take advantage of the Kids Fly Free promotion on select routes.
Finally, Frontier’s Go Wild! Pass offers unlimited flights for a monthly or seasonal fee, but comes with limitations and potential fees. Careful consideration is needed to determine if the pass aligns with your travel patterns and preferences.
