Frontier Airlines Offers Unlimited Companion Travel and First Class Upgrades with Platinum Status Challenge

Rhea-AI Summary

Frontier Airlines (NASDAQ: ULCC) has launched its new Platinum Status Challenge, offering travelers an opportunity to earn Elite Platinum Status through December 31, 2026. For a $99 enrollment fee and earning 12,500 Elite Status Points within 90 days (reduced from the normal 50,000 points requirement), members can unlock premium benefits including unlimited companion travel, free bags, and premium seat selection.

The program includes access to Frontier's upcoming First Class upgrades in 2026, along with immediate benefits such as priority boarding, no change fees, and priority customer service. Members can earn points through purchases on FlyFrontier.com or the mobile app at 10x points per $1 spent, with additional earning opportunities through the Frontier Airlines World Mastercard®.

Insights

Airline Industry Strategist

Frontier's Platinum Challenge signals a strategic pivot toward premium offerings while maintaining its low-cost business model, potentially boosting ancillary revenue.

Frontier Airlines' new Platinum Status Challenge represents a significant strategic shift for the ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC). By offering elite status at a drastically reduced qualification threshold (12,500 points versus the normal 50,000), Frontier is implementing a creative customer acquisition strategy that generates immediate revenue through the $99 enrollment fee while potentially driving additional spending as customers pursue the 12,500-point goal.

The economics here are compelling. The unlimited companion travel benefit serves as a powerful loyalty hook, but importantly, companions still generate ancillary revenue through food, beverages, and other onboard purchases. This creates a multiplier effect on passenger numbers without proportionally reducing revenue.

Most noteworthy is Frontier's announced introduction of First Class seating in 2026. This represents a fundamental evolution for a ULCC business model traditionally focused exclusively on bare-bones service. Frontier appears to be creating a hybrid model that maintains budget pricing while introducing premium options that can drive higher margin revenue - similar to Spirit Airlines' Big Front Seat strategy but more comprehensive.

This initiative cleverly addresses the classic ULCC challenge of customer retention. By creating a meaningful loyalty program with tangible benefits while still maintaining core low fares, Frontier is attempting to reduce the commoditization that typically plagues budget airlines where customers choose purely on price. The relatively extended benefit period (through December 2026) also creates a substantial window for customer habit formation and loyalty building.

Join for $99, earn 12.5K miles in 90 days, and unlock Platinum perks through the end of 2026 including unlimited companion travel, First Class upgrades, free bags, and more

DENVER, Oct. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Frontier Airlines (Nasdaq: ULCC), America's Low Fare Airline, today announced the launch of its new Platinum Status Challenge, giving travelers the chance to enjoy Elite Platinum Status through the end of next year. By enrolling in the challenge for just $99 and earning 12,500 Elite Status Points within 90 days, participants will unlock Platinum benefits through December 31, 2026, making every trip more rewarding.

Elite Platinum Status Benefits Include:

• Unlimited companion travel (choose a different companion for every flight)
• Free checked bag, plus free carry-on for everyone on the booking
• Complimentary premium seat selection at booking, upgrades to UpFront Plus seating 12 hours before departure, and eligibility for First Class upgrades beginning in early 2026 (all based on availability)
• Boarding Group 1 priority access
• No change or cancel fees
• Priority customer care

Normally, 50,000 Elite Status Points are required to achieve Platinum, but the Platinum Challenge makes it possible with just 12,500. Enrollment is open through December 31, 2025.

How to Earn Points Quickly
Elite Status Points accrue on purchases made through FlyFrontier.com or the Frontier mobile app, including flights, bags, seats, and bundles. Members earn 10x points per $1 spent, with higher multipliers for existing elite tiers. The Frontier Airlines World Mastercard^®, issued by Barclays, earns 1x point per $1 spent on everyday purchases and can be used to accelerate progress toward Platinum when combined with travel spend. 

"Platinum Status delivers incredible value, flexibility, and comfort for our most loyal travelers," said Bobby Schroeter, Frontier's Chief Commercial Officer. "From unlimited companion travel to free bags, upgrades to premium seating, and now upcoming eligibility for First Class upgrades in 2026, the Platinum Challenge is an extraordinary opportunity at a fraction of the normal requirement."

To learn more about the Platinum Status Challenge and to register, visit https://www.flyfrontier.com/PlatinumChallenge

The New Frontier
The Platinum Challenge is part of a larger transformation at Frontier Airlines, known as The New Frontier. This evolution is about more than low fares – it's about pairing affordability with a better overall travel experience. Customers are already seeing meaningful changes: clearer and more flexible fare options, enhanced support, and new seating choices designed to add comfort without losing value.

In 2026, Frontier will introduce First Class seating, offering unmatched comfort at Frontier's trademark affordable prices, with Platinum members eligible for complimentary upgrades. Combined with upgrades into Premium and UpFront Plus seating, along with unlimited companion travel, these enhancements reflect Frontier's commitment to making every journey simpler, more comfortable, and more rewarding.

About Frontier Airlines:
Frontier Airlines, Inc. (NASDAQ: ULCC) is committed to delivering Low Fares Done Right. Headquartered in Denver, Frontier operates one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in the U.S. With its expanding network, the most rewarding loyalty program, and bold new product offerings, Frontier is redefining low-fare travel and building The New Frontier as America's Low Fare Airline. 

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SOURCE Frontier Airlines