Double Elite-Qualifying Miles From Frontier

Double elite-qualifying miles (EQMs). System-wide. For an entire month. In theory, nice.

But we're not talking about United or Delta or American here.

As this Frontier promotion shows, sometimes bonuses are only as attractive as the companies that offer them.

Offer Details

Between December 1 and December 31, members of Frontier's EarlyReturns program can earn double EQMs and double elite-qualifying segments for any and all mileage-qualifying flights.

Advance registration is required.

Deal or No Deal

In the scheme of U.S. airlines, Frontier is a small operator. Which means fewer opportunities to earn miles, and to redeem them. And fewer opportunities to enjoy the perks associated with elite status.

There are also questions surrounding Frontier's future.

While Frontier now flies from three main hubs—as of October, 140 daily departures from Denver, 57 from Milwaukee, 21 from Kansas City—the airline's parent, Republic Airways Holding, has indicated that by April of next year the airline will be scaling back its Milwaukee flights by 49 percent and slightly upping its Kansas City frequency. When the new operating plan is in place, more than 80 percent of Frontier's flights will be to or from Denver.

So for travelers whose itineraries don't focus on Denver, the future value of Frontier elite perks is marginal.

Further muddying the waters, Republic has signaled its intention to sell Frontier, which it bought in 2009 and merged with another of its acquisitions, Milwaukee-based Midwest. Assuming a buyer is found, will Frontier end up being incorporated into a larger airline? Or will its new owners elect to continue going it alone as a small regional airline?

Bottom line: There's too much uncertainty surrounding Frontier's future identity to invest in long-term loyalty. If their flights meet your needs for December trips, book them. But don't give the bonus much weight in your planning—the elite perks on offer are of questionable value.

Other Posts of Interest

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• Delta Puts Elite Perks Up for Sale
• Where Do My Miles Go If American Goes Bankrupt?
• Earn More American AAdvantage Miles for Holiday Shopping
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• Which Airline Programs Are the Most (and Least) Generous?
• Earn More Shopping Miles From United
• Fly to Tokyo in Business Class for 50,000 AAdvantage Miles

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