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How to Avoid Fees on Frontier Airlines With Their Updated Elite Status Program

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    Folks with elite status on the discount airline Frontier (I guess there are some!) have been getting 2 free checked bags.  But that’s going away very soon!  Instead, Frontier’s frequent flyers will only save money on carry-on bags.

    Thanks to Million Mile Secrets reader Howard for letting us know about the changes! 

    Starting March 7, 2015, Frontier will discontinue its current elite status levels and introduce 1 level of status only.

    And they’re changing how quickly miles expire.  Now you’ll lose your miles if you don’t earn any for 6 months.

    New Elite Status Level and 6-Month Mile Expiration at Frontier Airlines

    Let’s see what these changes mean for Frontier Airlines flyers.  And if earning elite status is worthwhile!

    What’s the Deal?

    Link:   Frontier Airlines Elite Changes

    Link:   Frontier Airlines Elite FAQ

    1.   Elite Status

    In the past, Frontier Airlines has had 2 elite status tiers above their basic membership level:

    Starting March 7, 2015, there will be ONE level of elite status only, called Frontier Elite.   You’ll earn status by flying 20,000 miles or 25 segments in a calendar year.

    New Frontier Elites will get:

    Frontier Elites Get More Legroom for Free

    They’ve eliminated some of the benefits that came with old elite status, including 2 free checked bags and complimentary drinks.  You’ll also no longer earn bonus miles on flights like you do now.

    Frontier Airlines charges fees for just about everything, so holding elite status could save you some money.  But you’ll still pay for checked bags, drinks, and food.

    And you’ll have to fly more miles or segments to earn elite status under the new rules.  With the old system, you’d only need 15,000 miles or 20 segments to reach mid-tier elite status.  Now, you’ll need 20,000 miles and 25 segments.

    Overall, these are NOT good changes.  They’ve gotten rid of some of the more valuable perks that came with elite status!

    2.   Miles Expiration

    Starting March 7, 2015, you’ll need to earn miles at least once every 6 months to keep your mileage balance active.

    You’ll lose everything if you don’t earn miles from flying, using the Barclays Frontier Airlines credit card, or with partners like Hertz or Avis.

    There are other ways to earn Frontier miles, like completing surveys.  These can be time-consuming, but could be worth it if you’ll otherwise lose your miles.

    Folks with Hilton points could also transfer their points to Frontier to keep their miles from expiring.

    You Can Earn Frontier Airlines Miles From Flying or Through Partners Like Car Rental Agencies

    This new expiration policy is much stricter than the current rules.  Right now, your miles will expire if you have no earning activity after 18 months.

    So you’ll have to be vigilant about earning miles every 6 months.

    Is Frontier Status Worth It?

    Frequent flyers who live near cities served by Frontier (and don’t mind their no-frills approach to air travel) might consider earning Frontier status to save money on some fees.

    But I wouldn’t go out of my way to fly Frontier if I can get an equally inexpensive ticket on Southwest (because everyone gets 2 free checked bags).  And folks with the Southwest Companion Pass will get an even better deal, because your companion flies with you almost free on paid and award tickets.

    The Companion Pass Is Usually a Better Deal, Even If Frontier Has a Seat Sale

    That said, Frontier flights are often very cheap as long as you don’t check bags or take a carry-on bag.  Personal items that fit under the seat are still free for now.

    And sometimes Frontier has good seat sales.  Even with the extra fees, you could still get a very good deal.  So having elite status might not matter (and you’ll still pay for checked bags, anyway!).

    Earning elite status under the new system requires 20,000 miles or 25 segments in a year.  Unless you already fly Frontier often, I wouldn’t change travel plans just to earn status.

    Bottom Line

    Frontier Airlines is making changes to its award program, and it’s generally NOT good news.

    Starting March 7, 2015, there will only be 1 tier of elite status, instead of 2.  And they’re eliminating some elite perks like free checked bags.

    You’ll also need to earn miles every 6 months to keep your miles from expiring.  That’s much stricter than the current 18-month expiration rule.

    Frontier often has cheap domestic flights.  But Emily and I still prefer Southwest for the 2 free checked bags, quirky service, and 2-for-1 travel with the Companion Pass.

    Editorial Note: We're the Million Mile Secrets team. And we're proud of our content, opinions and analysis, and of our reader's comments. These haven’t been reviewed, approved or endorsed by any of the airlines, hotels, or credit card issuers which we often write about. And that’s just how we like it! :)