Frontier Airlines Overhauls Loyalty Program: Here’s the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

If you never gave Frontier Airlines, or its loyalty program, Frontier Miles, a second thought, some major changes took effect on September 1, 2026, that impacted everything from earning rates to companion travel.

Let's dig into the changes to see whether you should consider this ultra-low-cost carrier more seriously moving forward.

Frontier Miles Loyalty Program Overhaul

At the end of August, Frontier announced a major overhaul of its loyalty program. This isn't entirely surprising, as Frontier clearly wants to capitalize on Spirit's downfall. Depending on how engaged you are with Frontier, the updates are mostly positive. However, there are a few major devaluations worth noting.

The good

There's actually a lot of good news to cover.

First, Frontier's top-tier Elite Diamond status now requires only 75,000 points (down from 100,000). Luckily, Elite Diamond members still get unlimited companion travel, too. The qualification drop takes effect immediately, which makes earning Elite Diamond status in 2027 more attainable.

It sounds even less daunting when you consider the new mileage earning rates for those with the FRONTIER Airlines World Mastercard^®. With these program changes, Frontier prioritized bundle purchases over basic fare bookings, which we'll get into later.

Here are the new mileage earning rates for bookings made on or after September 1, 2026:

You'll see that a top-tier Elite Diamond member who also holds the Frontier Airlines Mastercard can now earn up to a whopping 22x on flight bundle purchases. Plus, cardholders earn five miles and one elite status point per $1 spent on eligible Frontier purchases in addition to those rates. Frontier is clearly incentivizing the card as a major earnings opportunity.

Interestingly, in the press release, Frontier mentioned that “miles and points accrual may vary by card type.” Since Frontier offers only one credit card, we aren't sure what that means — maybe Frontier plans to release a new co-branded card down the line with different earnings rates on flights?

FRONTIER Airlines World Mastercard^®

How to Apply

Welcome Bonus Earn 60,000 bonus miles spending $1,000 on purchases, and paying the annual fee in full, within the first 90 days.

FRONTIER Airlines World Mastercard^®

Welcome Bonus Earn 60,000 bonus miles spending $1,000 on purchases, and paying the annual fee in full, within the first 90 days.

Annual Fee:$99

Updates to elite benefits effective January 1, 2027:

Those with Elite Silver status and above are eligible for upgrades to UpFront Plus or First Class. This applies only if you buy an Economy or Premium bundle, not basic fare tickets. You'll also enjoy upgrades to preferred seating when you buy an economy bundle.

How far in advance your upgrade clears depends on your status level. Elite Silver members can be upgraded to first class up to four hours before departure, while Elite Diamond members can be upgraded up to 24 hours before departure.

Other improvements include one complimentary checked bag up to 50 pounds per person on your booking for Elite Platinum members and up to two checked bags per person for Elite Diamond members.

In addition, Frontier will introduce Milestone Rewards in 2027, so elite members will soon be able to choose additional perks beyond the standard elite benefits. We aren't sure exactly what they will include, but it's exciting nonetheless.

The bad

While Frontier lowered status requirements for those aiming for Elite Diamond status, it did not do so elsewhere. Elite Silver now requires 15,000 points (up from 10,000), and Elite Gold requires 25,000 points (up from 20,000). Platinum Elite still requires 50,000 points, so no changes there. Luckily, the thresholds for the current qualification year remain unchanged. These new thresholds will take effect next year.

Related: Shortcuts to Airline Elite Status With Status Match or Fast Track Opportunities

The ugly

If you earned a lot on basic economy tickets, you'll see much lower earnings going forward, even with Frontier elite status. The new earnings chart for basic fare purchases looks like this:

This is a significant hit, especially at the lower levels. For example, Frontier Miles members without status used to earn 10X on every dollar spent, so the new 1X earning on basic fare bookings is a 90% reduction. As a cardholder and elite member, you already receive virtually everything that comes with a bundle ticket. It's frustrating to now need to buy a bundle to earn at similar rates that you're used to.

Plus, starting January 1, 2027, a variety of elite perks are either getting removed or modified. Platinum Elite status will include only two companion travel certificates. Unlimited companion travel is now reserved for Elite Diamond members only. This is a huge downgrade for Elite Platinum members.

Similarly, seat selection — outside of purchasing a bundle — does not appear to be included as a perk for any elite status tier in Frontier's program. In addition, it seems like Frontier removed the change and cancellation fee waiver provided to all elite members.

Credit: Frontier Airlines

Related: Rove Launches 1:1 Miles Transfers to Frontier Airlines

Our Take

Frontier's loyalty program changes primarily make sense for top-tier status seekers and/or Frontier Airlines Mastercard cardholders. Outside of that, the changes are negative.

Elite status has long served as a buffer from the restrictions of a basic fare booking, but Frontier appears to be incentivizing bundle purchases moving forward. This feels a bit regressive, since current elites don't need to buy a bundle for seat selection, even on a basic fare booking.

What do you think of the changes to Frontier's loyalty program?