Low-cost carrier Frontier Airlines
is improving its loyalty offerings with the launch of free seat upgrades for Elite Status members. The change marks the first significant update of the year, which the airline promises is only the first of “several exciting innovations” coming in 2025 as part of the carrier’s ‘The New Frontier’ rebrand.
How to score a seat upgrade on Frontier Airlines
Beginning today, eligible Elite Status members can upgrade to Premium Seating and UpFront Plus seats (which feature guaranteed open middle seats). Later this year, frequent flyers will be able to upgrade to the all-new first class seating as it becomes available.
Related
Frontier Airlines To Introduce First-Class Seating In 2025 As Part Of ‘Luxurious’ Transformation
The airline will install two rows of first class on its planes.
The upgrade window varies based on the level of membership within the Frontier Miles
frequent flyer program. Diamond status members can upgrade up to 24 hours in advance, while Platinum Members are eligible for upgrades starting 12 hours before departure, and Gold Members become eligible starting four hours before departure. In a statement confirming the changes, Frontier Airlines’ Chief Commercial Officer Bobby Schroeter noted their excitement for the first stages of the airline’s next chapter to be revealed:
“We have so much in store for 2025 as we write the next chapter of The New Frontier and show that luxury and affordability can fly hand in hand.
“Frontier’s most loyal customers will have even more reason to make us their airline of choice this year as they start enjoying free seat upgrades and other enhancements, adding extra comfort and convenience to their travel.”
Photo: Frontier Airlines
Seat upgrades can be selected easily through the Frontier Airlines mobile app or on the airline’s websites. While the airline is still preparing its first class seats, elite passengers can upgrade to the Premium seats, which come with extra legroom, or the UpFront Plus seating, which is located at the front of the aircraft and features the blocked middle seat for a European business class style experience.
Related
Seat Selection At Frontier Airlines: Here’s What You Should Know Before Traveling
Frontier Airlines gives passengers both affordable airfare and the choice of comfortable seats.
How do you get Elite Status with Frontier Airlines?
Frontier’s frequent flyer program has four tiers: Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. The seat benefits only apply to the Gold level and above. Acquiring Silver Status requires accumulating 10,000 Elite Status Points in a calendar year, increasing to 20,000 for Gold, 50,000 for Platinum, and 100,000 for Diamond.
In conjunction with the new announcement, Frontier Airlines is offering a limited fast-track to Platinum status challenge. Frequent flyers who can earn 20,000 Elite Status Points by April 30th, 2025, will unlock Platinum Elite Status through the end of the year. This will provide the aforementioned free seat upgrades, in addition to other upcoming benefits like Frontier’s new free, unlimited companion travel launching this summer.
Photo: Andrew Mauro | Shutterstock
For those who want a more straightforward shortcut to elite status, the Frontier Airlines World Mastercard offers instant Elite Gold Status for 90 days after the first purchase. The card also earns 1 point per dollar and offers other exclusive perks, including two free checked bags on every flight.
Related
The Frontier Airlines Mastercard Now Offers Complimentary Checked Bags
The card now offers two free bags on Frontier flights and a fast track to elite status.
The airline previously offered a status match to provide frequent flyers at other airlines with a way to enjoy the same benefits they are accustomed to when flying with Frontier. However, the dedicated webpage currently says, “Frontier Status Match is revamping and will be coming back shortly.”
Photo: Carlos Yudica | Shutterstock
In addition to the seating upgrades, Frontier Airlines has introduced several sweeping changes to its product and customer service offerings as part of its The New Frontier rebrand. The carrier removed change or cancellation fees for all but the cheapest tickets. Later this summer, it will introduce unlimited companion travel for Platinum and Diamond Elite members and the ability to redeem miles for baggage.
Related
Frontier Airlines: A Brief History Of The Budget Carrier
Frontier Airlines faced many obstacles before becoming the airline we are familiar with today.