Frontier Airlines planes are parked at gates in Denver International Airport (DEN) in Denver, Colorado, on August 5, 2023.
Daniel Slim | Afp | Getty Images
Even for budget carriers, earning elite status is now all about how much you spend.
Frontier Airlines on Tuesday joined larger airlines in announcing an overhaul of its frequent flyer program to reward travelers depending on how much they pay to fly.
Frontier and other discount airlines offer low, no-frills fares and costs for the whole lot else from seat assignments to carry-on baggage. Those add-ons will count toward elite frequent flyer status on the Denver-based airline starting next 12 months.
The carrier’s current program gives travelers one frequent flyer mile for every physical mile they fly on Frontier.
The brand new model based on spending is comparable to other large airlines’ recent program changes like those at Delta Air Lines and American Airlines. Last week, Delta walked back a few of its recent elite status thresholds and limits on airport lounge access after customers complained in regards to the changes.
Frontier said customers will have the option to earn earn silver elite status, a recent tier, after racking up 10,000 miles, which the carrier said is the same as spending $1,000. The tiers go as much as “diamond” level at 100,000 miles, though there are accelerators to earn more miles at each level.
Perks include fee-free flight changes, seat assignments, in-cabin pets and, at the very best level, a second free checked bag.
Ancillary revenue is very necessary to budget carriers. Frontier said within the second quarter it’s ancillary revenue rose 6% 12 months over 12 months to $80 per passenger, while revenue from airfare fell 15% to just about $48 per passenger.
Frontier is scheduled to report third-quarter results before the market opens on Thursday.
