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Frontier Airlines is making it easier for frequent flyers to reach the highest tier of its Frontier Miles loyalty program. Announced in Denver on August 27, the airline has immediately reduced the Elite Diamond qualification threshold from 100,000 to 75,000 Elite Status Points, while also increasing mileage and points earning rates for tickets purchased from September 1, 2026.
The changes go beyond simply lowering the top-tier threshold. Frontier Airlines World Mastercard cardmembers will earn more miles when purchasing economy, premium or business bundles, while a series of enhanced benefits will arrive for all elite tiers in 2027. Notable additions include first class upgrade opportunities starting with Elite Silver and new Milestone Rewards.
Frontier Miles Gets a Major Makeover
The biggest change is Frontier’s decision to cut the Elite Diamond qualification requirement by 25%, from 100,000 to 75,000 Elite Status Points. The new threshold takes effect immediately, giving members a much shorter path to the airline’s highest loyalty tier. Frontier has confirmed that the 2026 qualification requirements for Elite Silver, Gold and Platinum remain unchanged for the 2027 elite year.
At the same time, Frontier is changing how members earn miles and Elite Status Points on tickets purchased from September 1. For economy, premium and business bundles, standard members will earn between six and 16 times their eligible spending depending on status, while Frontier Airlines World Mastercard cardmembers will earn between 12 and 22 times. Elite Diamond cardmembers can reach the top of the new earning scale at 22x, although select cardmembers can receive additional rewards on eligible Frontier purchases.
James Fenner, Vice President of Revenue and Loyalty at Frontier Airlines, said in the statement:
“With new earning opportunities, enhanced elite benefits, and a faster path to Elite Diamond, there has never been a better time to be a member of Frontier Miles and to have a Frontier Airlines World Mastercard”.
Elite Status Now Comes With More Perks
Frontier’s revised structure also gives travelers more reasons to pursue status before reaching Diamond. Elite Silver begins at 15,000 points and includes complimentary upgrades to preferred seating, plus opportunities to move into UpFront Plus or first class four hours before departure when purchasing an eligible economy or premium bundle. Elite Gold, requiring 25,000 points, extends the upgrade window to eight hours and adds a carry-on bag and Group 1 boarding.
Elite Platinum remains at 50,000 points and will receive an even longer upgrade window of 18 hours before departure. The tier will also provide seating upgrades for everyone on a booking when an economy bundle is purchased, a waived pet-in-cabin fee, a checked bag of up to 50 pounds (23 kg) for each traveler, and two companion travel certificates. These benefits are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027.
For Frontier, the loyalty overhaul arrives as the airline expands beyond its traditional ultra-low-cost model. The carrier is introducing first class seating and Starlink connectivity while simultaneously investing more heavily in its loyalty proposition. By linking higher status with upgraded seating, baggage benefits, and companion travel, Frontier is giving frequent customers more tangible reasons to stay loyal as its onboard product evolves.
Frontier Builds a More Rewarding Loyalty Program for 2027
Elite Diamond will receive the most comprehensive package when the 2027 benefits begin. Members will become eligible for complimentary UpFront Plus or first class upgrades 24 hours before departure when purchasing an economy or premium bundle, which also includes two checked bags of up to 50 pounds (23 kg) per person, unlimited companion travel, and preboarding. It is important to note that these upgrades remain subject to availability.
The airline is also introducing Milestone Rewards for the 2027 program year. Elite members at each tier will be able to select additional perks and rewards on top of their standard status benefits, although Frontier has not yet disclosed the full details. The combination of a lower Diamond threshold, higher earning rates, and additional rewards could make Frontier Miles significantly more attractive to frequent customers.
For travelers already flying Frontier regularly, this is good news: reaching the airline’s top tier is now considerably easier, while the benefits attached to status are becoming more valuable. With the new earning rates beginning September 1 and enhanced benefits arriving in January 2027, Frontier is positioning its loyalty program as a bigger part of its evolving passenger proposition.
