Frontier Launches Free Unlimited Companion Benefit for Top-Tier Elite Members

Frontier Airlines, known for its ultra-low-cost business model, is introducing a new benefit that allows its top-tier loyalty members to bring a companion on any flight free of charge — an unprecedented offering among U.S. airlines in terms of frequency and flexibility.

The unlimited companion travel benefit, launched this week, is available to Frontier Miles Elite Platinum and Diamond status members. Qualified travelers can designate any companion to join them on any Frontier-operated flight for no additional fare — paying only government taxes and fees starting at $5.60. The companion does not need to be the same person on every trip, but they must have their own Frontier Miles account and be included during the booking process.

Photo: Courtesy of Frontier Airlines

“Our Frontier Miles Elite Status members enjoy the most rewarding loyalty program in the sky – and now, our Platinum and Diamond members can share the benefits with a companion on every Frontier flight,” said Bobby Schroeter, Chief Commercial Officer at Frontier. “We are laser-focused on delivering real value and rewards to customers left behind by other airline loyalty programs.”

The benefit is part of The New Frontier, a broader customer experience revamp that includes the removal of change and cancellation fees on bundled fares, more transparent pricing, and the planned debut of first class seating in late 2025.

Frontier’s Loyalty Strategy

The launch places Frontier in direct competition with larger carriers that also offer companion benefits — though typically with significant restrictions. For example, Delta and American Airlines provide annual companion certificates to credit card holders who meet high spending thresholds, while Alaska’s companion fare starts at $122 after $6,000 in annual spend.

Southwest’s Companion Pass is the closest equivalent to Frontier’s new offering in terms of unlimited use, but it requires either 100 one-way flights or 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year to earn.

Photo: Courtesy of Frontier

In contrast, Frontier is offering unlimited use of the companion benefit for every flight taken by its most loyal customers, with no limits on frequency and no blackout dates. The catch: travelers must first reach Platinum or Diamond Elite status — tiers typically earned through a combination of flying and spending.

Earning Status — and a Companion Seat

Travelers can accelerate their path to elite status through the Barclays Frontier Airlines World Mastercard, which offers one Elite Status Point per dollar spent on everyday purchases. That includes non-travel categories such as groceries and gas.

Photo: Courtesy of Frontier Airlines

Upon reaching the Elite Platinum or Diamond tier, travelers enjoy benefits such as: free unlimited companion travel on all flights, complimentary seat selection and carry-on baggage, priority boarding and customer service access, and discounts on checked luggage and in-flight purchases.

To promote the launch, Frontier is also offering 100 randomly selected entrants free Elite Platinum status through August 31, giving winners access to the new companion benefit during the peak summer travel season.

From Ultra-Low-Cost to Flexible Loyalty

Historically, Frontier has operated with a rigid à la carte pricing structure, appealing primarily to price-sensitive travelers. Over the past year, however, the Denver-based carrier has signaled a shift in strategy — aiming to compete more directly for the loyalty of frequent flyers.

This shift includes the elimination of change and cancellation fees for bundled fare types, restructured add-on pricing, and a renewed focus on loyalty incentives. In 2023, the airline unveiled a reimagined Frontier Miles program that aligned more closely with traveler activity rather than distance flown.

Photo: Courtesy of Frontier Airlines

Today’s companion benefit builds on that foundation, targeting customers who might previously have looked to other carriers for more premium travel perks. While Frontier still charges separately for most add-ons — such as seat assignments, carry-on bags, and priority boarding — bundled fares now offer flexibility without penalty, and elite members enjoy a growing list of inclusions.

The addition of first class seating, scheduled for rollout in late 2025, further underscores Frontier’s interest in appealing to higher-spending travelers while maintaining its low-fare identity.

A Distinct Offering in a Crowded Field

While other U.S. airlines do offer companion perks, most are tied to co-branded credit cards and restricted by fare class or route:

Delta: Offers an annual companion certificate via its Amex co-branded cards, but usage is limited to specific fare classes and U.S. routes.

American Airlines: Requires up to $30,000 in annual card spend for a $99 domestic companion ticket, subject to limitations.

Alaska: Offers an annual $99 companion fare with card spend thresholds.

Hawaiian: Provides a one-time 50% discount and an annual $100 companion voucher with its Mastercard.

Southwest: Offers unlimited use of its Companion Pass for up to two years, but it must be earned annually through flights or points.

Compared to these, Frontier’s offering stands out for its lack of annual limits, lower spending requirements, and the ability to switch companions at will — though it remains exclusive to Frontier-operated flights and is not available through credit card acquisition alone.

Frontier’s new unlimited companion benefit signals a growing effort among budget carriers to compete not just on price, but on loyalty and customer experience. For frequent Frontier flyers with elite status, it represents a compelling new reason to stay loyal — and to bring someone along for the ride.