Frontier Airlines’ loyalty program, Frontier Miles, offers a straightforward path to earning miles, achieving elite status, and accessing travel perks. While the airline is known for its low-cost fares, the rewards program can add significant value for frequent flyers willing to navigate its structure. This guide details how to maximize Frontier Miles, from earning points to redeeming them for flights and benefits.
Understanding the Frontier Miles Program
Frontier Miles operates on a dual-track system: redeemable miles for flights and elite status points for perks. The program underwent significant changes in 2024, altering earning rates and status tiers. Knowing how the new structure works is crucial for maximizing your rewards.
How to Earn Frontier Miles and Elite Status Points
Frontier provides several ways to accumulate miles and points, including:
– Purchases with Frontier: The program now uses a revenue-based earning model, where you earn based on the dollar amount spent on fares and add-ons. Earning rates vary by status, from 10 miles/points per dollar for non-elites to 20 miles/points for Elite Diamond members.
– Frontier Airlines World Mastercard: This cobranded card offers 5 miles per dollar spent directly with Frontier, 3 miles on dining, and 1 mile on all other purchases. Cardholders receive instant Elite Gold status upon first use.
– Partnerships: Frontier partners with rental car companies, Marriott Bonvoy, and Wyndham Rewards. While these partnerships earn only redeemable miles (not elite status points), they can supplement your earnings.
– Buying Miles: Frontier sells miles at 2.5 cents per mile. While not the most cost-effective option, it can be useful for topping off your account for a specific redemption.
Frontier Elite Status Tiers and Benefits
Frontier revamped its elite status tiers in 2024, adding Elite Silver and renaming existing levels. The tiers now include:
– Elite Silver (10,000 points): Priority customer care, family miles pooling, standard and preferred seat selection, Zone 2 boarding.
– Elite Gold (20,000 points): All Silver benefits plus higher earning rates, a free carry-on bag, and Zone 1 boarding.
– Elite Platinum (50,000 points): All Gold benefits plus free checked bags, standard seat selection for all passengers, and UpFront Plus access.
– Elite Diamond (100,000 points): All Platinum benefits plus full refundability, two free checked bags, premium seat selection, and complimentary Discount Den membership.
Redeeming Frontier Miles for Flights
Frontier Miles can only be redeemed for flights. The airline offers three redemption tiers:
– Value: The lowest redemption rate, similar to saver fares on other airlines.
– Standard: Priced at twice the Value rate, available on more dates.
– Last Seat: The highest redemption rate, bookable by elite members only.
Award redemption rates depend on distance and demand. Frontier no longer charges award redemption fees, making mile redemptions more straightforward.
Leveraging Additional Perks: Discount Den and Go Wild! Pass
Frontier also offers two unique programs:
– Discount Den: A $59.99 annual membership provides access to discounted fares. This can save frequent flyers more than the membership cost, especially when traveling with children.
– Go Wild! Pass: An all-you-can-fly pass allows unlimited domestic travel for a fixed monthly or annual fee. However, availability is limited, and fees can outweigh savings if not used strategically.
Maximizing Your Frontier Miles
Frontier Miles offers value for travelers who fly the airline regularly. By leveraging the cobranded credit card, taking advantage of earning partnerships, and understanding elite status benefits, you can reduce travel costs and enhance your experience. However, compared to transferable point systems, Frontier Miles may offer limited flexibility.
In conclusion, while not the most flexible rewards program, Frontier Miles provides a clear path to earning and redeeming benefits for loyal customers. Strategic use of earning opportunities and elite status perks can unlock significant savings and enhance the travel experience.
