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Earlier this year, Frontier (F9) Airlines tested out a new approach to obtaining airline status by giving the first 2,000 applicants a chance to pick up entry-level 20K Elite status for $80. If you didn't make the cut, the cost increased to $199. Now, Frontier is once again offering you a chance to purchase 20K Elite status — starting at $499 for up to 16 months. You could even add their GoWild! All You Can Fly Fall & Winter Pass for an additional $150. The question becomes: Should you do this?
What Is Frontier Elite 20K Status?
In late 2020, I shared Frontier's Elite 100K status offer, and why I found it to be so interesting. In 2021, I even had my wife get it when they offered it again, and we interviewed Frontier Airlines' Tommy Langhauser (Director of Loyalty) in the Award Travel 101 by AwardWallet Facebook community, and we gave away some great prizes after showing how amazing value could be obtained from flying just one flight. Will it make sense for you? Let's dig into what 20K status offers. While not as robust as 100K Elite status, 20K status unlocks the following:
- Complimentary seat assignment
- Stretch seating when available at check-in
- Complimentary carry-on bag
- Priority boarding
- Waived redemption fees
- Family pooling
Here's a full list of the benefits at each of the Elite 20K, 50K, and 100K levels.
Some Things You Should Know
There are some different price points at which you can access this deal to buy Frontier elite status.
One is for elite status only. The other includes Frontier's GoWild! Pass, which has some limitations but could provide value for some with its all-you-can-fly offering.
This status is good through December 31, 2024. Without this offer, you can earn 20K Elite status by flying 5,000 miles, by spending $5,000 on the FRONTIER Airlines World Mastercard®, or through any combination of flying and spending.
This Frontier Elite 20K status option starts at $499. There's also an option to pay an additional $150 for the all-you-can-fly pass. This costs $649 and provides instant Elite 20K Status, valid through the end of 2024.
How to Register
Step 1: Check eligibility
Swing by Frontier's Get Status page and follow this easy two-step process. This offer is open to those with a U.S.-issued “travel rewards credit card.” We tested enrollment eligibility with these cards, which all worked: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, American Express® Gold Card, CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®, and even the no-annual-fee Chase Freedom Flex℠.
We also tested an array of business cards; all but one failed the eligibility requirement. Surprisingly, the AAdvantage® Aviator® World Elite Business Mastercard® did qualify, but this card has shown up on some people's personal credit reports, negatively affecting their 5/24 status.
Related: The Best Rewards Cards for Travel Purchases
Once you've confirmed your card is eligible, you'll receive a note congratulating you that your card qualifies.
Step 2: Select offer
Next, select the offer that works best for you or your family. Remember that one offer provides elite status only while the other (more expensive) option includes the GoWild! pass.
One consideration for this offer is that Frontier recognizes the status for all passengers (up to nine) on the reservation. The value prospect of buying Frontier elite status could be much better than doing so with Spirit. This is because Spirit Airlines elite status only applies to the member and not other passengers on the reservation.
Final Thoughts
When compared to previous offers, this isn't as enticing. However, it could still provide frequent travelers or families an inexpensive way to cover many of the fees none of us like to pay. With this offer, you can buy Frontier elite status and get perks like free carry-on bags and free seat selection. For a bit more, you could add the GoWild! Pass. You never know when you can utilize this elite status to match over to another program in the future.
Do you plan to buy Frontier elite status with this offer? Which option will you choose? Let us know!
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I wouldn’t fly Frontier if you paid me to.