Frontier Airlines and StatusMatch.com have teamed up to offer an intriguing paid status match promotion, for anyone with a travel rewards credit card issued in the United States. This is way different than the usual status match promotions we see from airline loyalty programs, and for some people it could prove to be worthwhile.
In this post:
Pay a fee and receive Frontier Elite 20K status
Those with any travel rewards credit card issued in the United States are eligible to earn Frontier Elite 20K status.

There are two different options for taking advantage of this promotion:
- You can purchase Frontier Elite 20K status for $499, and it will be valid through December 31, 2023, with no flying requirements
- You can take a Frontier Elite 20K status challenge by paying an $80 application fee; the status is valid through September 30, 2023, and you can have it extended through December 31, 2023, by flying 5,000 miles with Frontier, or spending $5,000 on a co-branded Frontier Airlines World Mastercard
There’s potentially value to be had here for consumers, though obviously there’s quite a bit of upside for Frontier as well. You can either pay $80 to have the status for over four months, or can pay $499 to have the status for over seven months.

The verification process for this promotion is super easy. You can check your eligibility simply by entering the first six digits of your credit card number.

What are the benefits of Frontier Elite 20K status?
Frontier is an ultra low cost carrier, so the airline ordinarily charges extra for just about everything beyond your seat and using the lavatory. Frontier Airlines has three elite tiers, and below you can find the perks associated with each tier.

As you can see, Elite 20K is the entry level status in Frontier’s loyalty program. It does offer some considerable value, compared to what you’d usually be on the hook for when flying with Frontier. There are four most valuable benefits, as I view it:
- Receive a complimentary carry-on bag
- Receive a free seat assignment at the time of booking
- Receive priority boarding
- Receive free Stretch seating at the time of check-in, subject to availability
If you fly Frontier with any frequency, the value of these perks can add up quickly.

Bottom line
Frontier Airlines has a new paid status match promotion, allowing you to earn Frontier Elite 20K status. You can either pay $499 to outright have the status through the end of the year with no flying requirement, or you can pay just $80 to have the status through September 30, 2023, with the opportunity to extend the status further with flying or credit card spending.
If you fly Frontier frequently, the value of the saved fees from this status could add up. It’s also a smart offer from Frontier’s perspective, as it’s essentially free money, and a way to try to gain some business from those who are already interested in airline loyalty programs, but may not otherwise consider Frontier.
Anyone plan on taking advantage of Frontier’s status match promotion?
When you have 20k status, do your immediate family members get free checked bags? What about if you book flights for friends on the same flight?
I did the work and found that it DOES NOT APPLY TO THE FAMILY UNTIL YOU REACH 100k miles.
There's one really major problem with this offer...you have to fly Frontier
NO BEN -- please have dignity and don't drop to View From the Wing levels of sludge
A "status match" is meant to be free, this one costs at least $80, and it's quite a jarring juxtaposition to see Frontier promoted on this blog alongside reviews of multi-thousand dollar per night luxury villas in western Europe.
Tell me you have no idea how Ben’s business works, without saying you have no idea how Ben’s business works.