Status match: Frontier targets flyers of 4 airlines with Gold status (and future first-class upgrades) for $69
Editor's Note
Frontier Airlines is making its latest ploy to win over customers who frequently fly with its top competitors. And the offer could be an easy path to scoring upgrades to its brand-new first-class seats.
The budget airline on Tuesday announced a new status match opportunity targeting customers who have a loyalty membership with any of the following carriers: Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, JetBlue and Spirit Airlines.
As long as you have an active loyalty account with any of those four airlines, regardless of the level, you can match to Frontier Miles Elite Gold status for a fee of $69. Your status will last through December 2026 — so it'll be good for about 16 months.
What to know about Frontier Miles Elite Gold
Gold is the second of four status tiers in Frontier's loyalty program, and offers a handful of benefits that help flyers skirt some of the most cumbersome hurdles of flying a budget carrier. Frontier Miles Elite Gold members can bring a full-size carry-on bag on board and select a seat even if they choose its cheapest, most bare-bones fare class.
They also get complimentary access to the carrier's UpFront Plus product (which features a guaranteed empty middle seat) within four hours of departure if seats are empty.
Most notably, Gold members will be eligible for complimentary upgrades to Frontier's new first-class product that's expected to debut by the end of 2025.
Related: Best travel credit cards to add to your wallet
"This is one of the most valuable offers we've ever extended to frequent flyers," Frontier Senior Director of Brand and Customer Engagement Jeff Werkheiser said in a statement. "We're inviting members of many different airline loyalty programs to experience The New Frontier - where they can travel affordably without sacrificing comfort or premium perks."
Frontier aims to woo loyal flyers of other carriers
Frontier has been on a mission to poach loyal customers of its top competitors. Earlier this year, the Denver-based ultra-low-cost carrier targeted Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards loyalists with a paid status match offer (customers who took part in that promotion are not eligible for this one).
Over the last year and a half, the carrier has revamped its fare products and rolled out new pseudo-premium features like the UpFront Plus option it has compared to European-style business class.
And the airline is now offering a companion pass to members who reach high-level Elite Diamond or Elite Platinum status.
Related: Why the Frontier Airlines Mastercard became the newest credit card in my wallet
Frontier Airlines status match
Let's get to the specifics of this status match.
You'll need to have a Frontier Miles frequent flyer account and prove your elite status in one of the four programs:
- Southwest Rapid Rewards
- Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
- JetBlue TrueBlue
- Free Spirit
Once you pay the $69 fee, Frontier expects to process your upgrade to Gold status within 24 to 48 hours.
The promotion runs through Sept. 9.
If you have an existing booking with the airline and already paid for an add-on item like a seat or carry-on bag (items that would be complimentary with Frontier's Gold status), the airline will not refund those purchases — but beyond those prepurchased items, the status benefits will apply going forward.
Read more: Is Frontier elite status worth it?
Is the Frontier status match worth it?
There's little downside in opting in to this Frontier Miles promotion if you ever fly the airline (or think you might over the next year-plus) and have status with Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue or Spirit — other than potential ineligibility for future similar promotions at Frontier.
While there is that $69 fee to enroll, the status benefits could potentially cover that cost in one trip, given how much Frontier charges for bags and seats on some flights. Plus, keep in mind, this status match doesn't have a challenge associated — meaning, there's no need to fly a certain amount, spend a certain amount or carry a cobranded credit card to qualify for or maintain the status.
Related reading:
- When is the best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare?
- The best airline credit cards
- What exactly are airline miles, anyway?
- 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
- Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
- The best credit cards to reach elite status
- What are points and miles worth? TPG's monthly valuations
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.