Frontier Introduces First Class Cabin, Free Upgrades and Unlimited Companion Flights for Elites

Frontier Airlines just announced sweeping changes to its cabins and loyalty program. Starting next year, Frontier will roll out first class seats and give select elite members unlimited companion flights.

These changes signal a major strategy shift for Frontier. The airline has traditionally followed the standard ultra-low-cost carrier model, charging for everything from seat selection to refreshments and maximizing space onboard with a one-cabin layout.

Let’s look at all the changes Frontier announced today, from first class to a new companion pass for elites.

Frontier Will Add First Class Seats With Free Elite Upgrades

As mentioned, Frontier Airlines will launch a domestic first class cabin next year. These seats should start rolling out in “late 2025,” according to the carrier. The retrofit should take roughly 2 months to complete and will fill the first 2 rows of Frontier aircraft.

The airline published renderings of its first class seat earlier today. These look similar to other first class recliners found on full-service carriers like American and United.

The airline has not yet announced what else is included with a first class fare, like checked bags, meals and drinks. Frontier promises that first class seats will be made available at the airline’s “trademark affordable prices.”

Elite Gold, Elite Platinum, and Elite Diamond members will be eligible for complimentary space-available upgrades when the seat launches next year. These elites will also be eligible for upgrades to UpFront Plus seats, which include a blocked middle seat. Upgrades to UpFront Plus will start in early 2025.

Companion Pass for Platinum and Diamond Elites

But elite status enhancements don’t end there. Frontier also announced that members of its 2 highest tier status categories — Elite Platinum and Elite Diamond — will be eligible for free and unlimited companion travel beginning in mid-2025.

Elite members will only have to pay government taxes and fees for their companion’s ticket, which start at $5.60 for domestic flights.

This should work similarly to Southwest Airlines’ infamous Companion Pass benefit, where members can bring a companion with them on every flight, with one major change. Unlike Southwest, Frontier elites eligible for this benefit can bring a different companion with them on each flight.

The only things to note about companion fares are that the companion will not earn miles or elite status qualification. Further, you cannot bring a companion on GoWild! flights. This is Frontier’s unlimited flight subscription service.

Redeem Miles for Bag and Seat Bundles

Frontier also announced that all Frontier Miles members will be able to redeem miles for bag and seat bundles starting in mid-2025. The airline offers Basic, Economy, Premium, and Business bundles which include various perks, like preferred seats, checked bags, and more.

Fast Track to Elite Platinum Status

To kick off these changes, Frontier also announced a fast track promotion for Elite Platinum status. This promotion runs from now through April 30, 2025, and lets members earn the status tier with 20,000 Elite Status Points, as opposed to the usual 50,000 required. You can enroll on Frontier’s website.

Frontier Miles members who complete this promotion will earn Elite Platinum status through the end of 2025. Elite Status Points can be earned by spending on the Frontier Airlines World Mastercard^® or by flying Frontier Airlines.

Note that Frontier occasionally offers a status match to those with status from competing airlines. This promotion is not active at the time of writing, but the status match website notes that it “will be coming back shortly.”

A Larger Credit Card Bonus To Entice Travelers

Speaking of the Frontier Airlines World Mastercard, individuals who already possess an airline credit card from another airline can qualify for a higher welcome bonus when they apply by January 31, 2025.

The card’s current signup bonus awards 50,000 bonus miles after spending $500 in the first 3 months of account opening. This offer is still available, but those with an existing credit card from another U.S. airline are eligible for an additional 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in the first 6 months of opening the card.

In order to receive the higher offer, you must submit documentation — including your current credit card number — to Frontier be eligible for the second part of the bonus. Upgraded Points values Frontier miles at 1.1 cents per mile, meaning the full 100,000-mile bonus is worth roughly $1,100.

Final Thoughts

These flashy changes from Frontier Airlines are excellent news for the airline’s elite members. A first class cabin with free upgrades means frequent Frontier flyers should be able to enjoy a better in-flight experience. Plus, the new companion benefit could mean huge savings if you fly with a friend or family member often.

There’s still a good amount of information that has yet to be determined. At the moment, what we know about Frontier’s new first class product is that it features a larger seat. We haven’t heard anything yet about whether meals, bags, or other extras will be part of this fare when you book it.

Regardless, we’re excited to see these changes roll out over the next year. It signals Frontier’s shift away from the traditional low-cost-carrier model in an effort to entice a different type of leisure traveler with premium perks and elite status benefits.