7 Things to Know About Frontier Status Match

Elite status can be addicting. Once you’ve earned the benefits associated with status — such as waived fees and priority access — it can be hard to turn away. If you’re wanting to fly with Frontier but don’t already have elite status, you may be wondering if it’s possible to match over. Yes, it can be. Here's a look at Frontier status matches, the benefits and what you need to know. 

1. It’s not always available 

While some airlines maintain a widely available status match opportunity, that isn’t the case for Frontier. Matches are generally only possible when Frontier is running one of its status match promotions. The last was in December 2021, which means it’s been a while since the opportunity was offered. 

However, it is worth noting that two instances of status matching outside an official promotion have been reported within the past year. Both of these have been at the website statusmatch.com — this paid service works to get your status matches approved.

» Learn more: The best time to status match each airline

2. It can cost money

Many airlines will provide you with a status challenge rather than a direct status match. In these cases, you’ll receive temporary elite status with the opportunity to retain your status by flying a certain amount during a period of time. 

Frontier’s status matches don’t generally do this. Instead, you’ll need to pay an application fee. During the last round of status matches, the fee came out to $49. Considering you’d likely end up spending a couple of thousand dollars to complete status challenges with other airlines, $49 is a fairly cheap deal. 

Note that Frontier also allowed flyers to buy up an additional level of status if they didn’t qualify for the tier that they wanted, though it doesn’t list the prices to do so. 

» Learn more: Frontier versus Spirit — the battle of the budget airlines

3. Elite status benefits are good

Frontier is a low-cost airline, which means that it may feature cheap fares but fees add up. This can range from fees for selecting a seat to paying to bring a carry-on bag.

Those who have elite status with Frontier Airlines, however, receive many of these benefits for free. What you’ll get varies depending on your level of status; there are currently four levels that you can attain: Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond. As you’d expect, the best benefits are reserved for Diamond members. 

Here are some of the benefits you can expect with Frontier's elite status. 

• Free carry-on bag.

• Free checked bag.

• Priority boarding.

• Upgraded seats.

• Additional bonus miles.

• Waived award redemption fees.

• Waived pet fees.

• Waived standby fees.

• Waived phone booking fees.

• Free or discounted Discount Den membership.

» Learn more: The guide to Frontier elite status

4. You’ll need to have existing elite status

While it would be nice to get elite status for nothing, odds are that won’t happen. As with other airlines, you’ll need to have existing elite status to take advantage of a status match. 

Frontier can be a strange beast with this one; while other airlines require that you have status with an airline, Frontier’s most recent status match promotion allowed you to match over with hotel elite status. 

This included status from hotel chains such as Hilton Honors, IHG One Rewards, Choice Privileges, Marriott Bonvoy, Wyndham Rewards and World of Hyatt. Perhaps most interestingly, customers were able to acquire many of these statuses from credit cards rather than hotel stays. Then, these could be matched over to Frontier by paying the application fee.

Those with the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, for example, receive complimentary Diamond status as long as they hold the card. Terms Apply.

With Frontier’s status match promotion, those cardholders were able to match over to Elite 100k — Frontier’s top status. 

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now

5. Group travelers benefit the most

When you think of elite status, you probably envision it benefiting individuals rather than groups or families. However, Frontier’s elite status provides quite a few benefits to those traveling with the elite member. The best perks unlock at Diamond status which provides free upgraded seats, priority check-in, free checked bags and free carry-on bags. 

These benefits apply to up to eight people traveling with the elite member. Considering that carry-on bags can be more than $50 each, the value of these benefits adds up quickly.

» Learn more: How Frontier baggage fees work

6. You must be a member 

This may seem obvious, but you need to be a member of Frontier’s frequent flyer program, Frontier Miles, to apply for a status match. Signing up is free and easy, though, you’ll need to have personal information on hand. 

7. You can sign up for notifications 

Although Frontier isn’t currently offering a status match opportunity, you can sign up to receive notifications if and when another one arrives. 

To do so, go to Frontier’s dedicated status match page. You can input your personal information, including your name, email address and MileageDen number. Then, you’ll get an email when Frontier launches another promotion.

» Learn more: The guide to the Frontier Airlines award chart

If you want to status match with Frontier Airlines

Although status matching with Frontier isn’t always an option, when it is, it can be incredibly generous. In the past, travelers have been able to match over using their hotel or airline elite status, even when they’ve acquired that status through a credit card. 

Although Frontier allows for a status match rather than a challenge requiring you to fly extra flights on the airline, there can be application fees associated with the process. Even still, the benefits associated with being an elite member on Frontier can more than make up the cost. 

(Top photo courtesy of Frontier Airlines)