Elite status matching is a popular way to gain status with another airline or hotel based on the status you have with a competing brand. Most of the time, the elite status match happens with no charge or after completing certain hurdles with a short period of time, like staying so many nights or taking so many flights. The Frontier status match is one of the first, if not the first, that I’ve seen that actually charges to participate. But that’s ok, and I explain why the Frontier Airlines status match offer is worth the $49.
In This Post
Frontier Airlines Elite Status & Benefits
For those who are not familiar with the Frontier Airlines Miles loyalty program, elite status offers a surprising number of attractive benefits. Frontier Airlines is a low-cost carrier that charges fees for a number of perks that other airlines include for free. But, the airline goes a step further to offer elite benefits that most other airlines cannot match, like family pooling and last seat availability.
Here’s how to earn Frontier Airlines elite status and the benefits you’ll receive based on your level.
Read: Frontier Airlines Two-For-One Lift Tickets
How to earn Frontier Airlines Elite Status
Members of the Frontier Airlines Miles program earn 1 Qualifying Mile for every mile that they fly. Additionally, you’ll earn 1 Qualifying Mile for every dollar that you spend on the Frontier Airlines World Mastercard. Check out the latest offers on this card and other airline credit cards.
Elite Qualifying Miles with Frontier are different than the miles that you can redeem for travel and with its partners. Special bonus miles, mileage multipliers, and other promotional miles do not count towards elite status.
Benefits of Frontier Airlines Elite Status
The benefits you receive from elite status vary based on your level. As you move from Elite 20k to Elite 50k to Elite 100k top-tier status, your benefits become more generous. All three levels receive free carry-on bags, seat assignments, and priority boarding. Plus, family pooling begins at Elite 20k, which means that up to 8 family members and friends can pool miles for quicker redemptions.
Top-tier Elite 100k status includes free Discount Den Membership, checked bags, and the WORKS bundle for your family.
How does my elite status compare to Frontier?
Depending on your elite status, you’ll receive one of three elite status levels within the Frontier Airlines Miles loyalty program. Elite members from Alaska, American, Delta, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Southwest, and United are eligible to apply.
For example, my American Airlines AAdvantage Gold status only matches to Frontier Elite 20k and JetBlue Mosaic matches to Frontier Elite 50k. However, my Southwest Airlines Companion Pass matches to Frontier Elite 100k.
Sign up For the Frontier Airlines Elite Status Match
When you sign up for the Frontier Airlines elite status match, there are three levels of elite status that you may receive – Elite 20k, Elite 50k, and Elite 100k. Normally, you have to fly 20,000 to 100,000 elite qualifying miles or fly 25 to 100 segments to achieve these elite status levels.
However, when you sign up for the Frontier Airlines elite status match, you’ll receive the appropriate status level as soon as your qualifying elite status is confirmed.
Here’s how you sign up for the Frontier Airlines elite status match. This offer was due to end December 1, 2020, but it has been extended. The offer page does not list an expiration date, but I would do it before December 31, 2020, to be safe in case you are interested.
When you apply for the status match, Frontier Airlines will match your elite status through December 31, 2021.
First, if you don’t already have a Frontier Airlines Miles frequent flier account, sign up here.
Visit its status match website and click on the “Elite Status validation form” link.
To validate your elite status with another airline, there is a 3-step process. It is very quick and you’ll receive verification within 72 hours of submitting your application.
In the first step, you’ll provide your name, email address, and Frontier Miles membership number.
During the second step, you’ll choose which airline loyalty program that you want to match your status with. I have three airline elite statuses that qualify for the Frontier Airlines status match, but each application is $49. Because of the fees involved, pick the one that gives you the highest match.
In this step, pick your airline and status level, add your membership number, and upload a screenshot confirming your status and membership number.
After submitting your verification information, it is time to pay the $49. I’m still waiting to see how this purchase codes, but I am hoping that it codes as travel to earn bonus points. Pick a travel credit card to pay your fees to earn bonus points and/or to use your annual travel credits to offset this purchase.
If you do not hold an eligible status with one of these airlines, all other status levels pay a $349 fee.
You’ll then receive a confirmation message on-screen and an email with the same confirmation.
Is it worth $49 for the Frontier status match?
If hold mid-level or top-tier status and you plan on traveling in 2021, then the $49 is worth it. The fee is basically $4 per month, which is a rounding error in most people’s travel budgets. However, the fees that you’ll avoid and the benefits you receive will be worth much, more more.
Because Frontier is a low-cost carrier, they tend to charge for a lot of things that other airlines do not, including seat assignments, carry-on bags, and sitting as a group. But, the elite status benefits waive these fees and more.
With Frontier’s regular flight deals and Discount Den membership (50% off for Elite 50k and complimentary for Elite 100k), you can save a ton of money on your next vacation. For example, there’s an 80% off sale right now with the promo code “BOOKNOW.”
The Bald Thoughts
I typically fly Southwest Airlines domestically because I’ve held the Companion Pass every year since 2007. With the benefits from the Frontier Airlines Status Match, I’m going to give Frontier a try in 2021 as our family begins to travel again. Plus, the Discount Den offers tremendous deals that will stretch our travel budget even further.
Take this opportunity to get your Frontier status match so you can receive these benefits as well in 2021. Who knows, with over 100 destinations in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, you may find a new favorite airline for short-haul flights.
