Ditch Southwest? Frontier's Credit Card is Wooing Former Rapid Rewards Fanatics!
Hey there, fellow travel enthusiasts! Philip here, from Points with Phillip, and today we're diving into some seriously interesting news coming from Frontier Airlines. If you, like me, were once a die-hard Southwest Airlines devotee, you might want to listen up. Frontier is making a bold play for those of us feeling a little…disenchanted…with the changes at Southwest.
Why Frontier Might Be the New Southwest (For Some of Us)
Let's be honest, Southwest has changed. Private equity's influence has led to a decline in the perks that made Southwest so beloved (RIP open seating!). But fear not, budget-conscious travelers! Frontier appears to be stepping in to fill that void.
The Frontier Airlines World Mastercard: What You Need to Know
Issued by Barclays, the Frontier Airlines World Mastercard comes with a $99 annual fee. But before you balk, let's explore the potential benefits:
Sweet Sign-Up Bonus: 50,000 bonus miles after spending $500 and paying the annual fee within the first 90 days.
Earning Potential: 5 miles per dollar on Frontier purchases, 3 miles per dollar at restaurants, and 1 mile per dollar on everything else.
Perks, Perks, Perks!
Free seat upgrades with Gold Elite Status
Two free checked bags just for holding the card!
$100 flight voucher after spending $2,500+ annually
Unlock free companion travel at Platinum Elite Status (after spending $50,000 in a calendar year).
Priority boarding, low introductory APR offers (sometimes), no foreign transaction fees, and no blackout dates.
The Real News: Targeted Spending Incentives!
Frontier is rolling out targeted offers that make this card even more attractive. I received an email with a personalized offer, and it's a game-changer!
My Offer: Spend $500, get 50,000 points. Standard. BUT…
Companion Certificates Galore:
Earn your first companion certificate + Gold Elite status after spending $3,000 in a calendar year. Hello, buy-one-get-one-free travel!
Two additional companion certificates after spending $10,000 and $20,000, respectively.
Why This Is HUGE: For families, this is a no-brainer. Imagine the savings with those companion certificates, combined with the free checked bags and potential seat upgrades!
The Catch? You have to fly Frontier. But with Gold Elite status potentially offering free upgrades, it might be a more pleasant experience than you think.
Frontier's Companion Travel: The Southwest Companion Pass Alternative?
Remember the Southwest Companion Pass, the holy grail of budget travel? Frontier is offering something similar!
Unlock Elite Platinum Status after spending $50,000 on the card.
Free Companion Travel: Bring a companion on every Frontier flight for just the cost of government taxes and fees!
This is a serious contender for those of us mourning the good ol' days of Southwest. While the Southwest Companion Pass requires earning 130,000 points annually, Frontier offers a potentially easier path through spending.
Southwest used to offer wide-open boarding, completely free checked bags, up to two regular-size bags, and then also this companion pass idea. All of those other things are gone and well, I don't think it's going to stay that long for a while or stay there for very long.
Is the Frontier Card Right for You?
If you're a family looking to save money on flights and live near an airport with direct Frontier routes, this card is worth considering. For just a $99 annual fee (at least for the first year), you could significantly subsidize your family vacation.
Let's compare it to the Southwest Plus card: a $99 annual fee that offers limited enhanced benefits. While you get priority boarding and free checked bags, earning status through spending is difficult.
Spending $3,000 for Gold Elite status on the Frontier card might not be for everyone, especially with only one point per dollar on most purchases. However, the companion certificates can easily offset that.
Final Thoughts
While I'm personally more invested in the Delta ecosystem, the Frontier Airlines World Mastercard is a compelling option for the right person. If you're seeking budget-friendly family travel, this card could be your ticket to savings.
Let me know what you guys think in the comments section below.