By Bryce Casson, Founder · Cardocrat · Updated June 2026
The short answer: Frontier Miles devalued from the earning side in January 2024, switching from distance-based to revenue-based mileage. Where you once earned a mile per mile flown, you now earn from 10 miles per dollar spent, so the budget fares Frontier is built around earn very little. The award chart for redemptions stayed fixed, but for most flyers the miles simply pile up far more slowly than before.
The January 2024 earning overhaul
In early January 2024, Frontier overhauled its loyalty program, and the headline change was how you earn. The old program awarded redeemable miles based on distance flown, one mile per mile, which on a low-cost carrier with long routes could add up nicely. The new program is revenue-based, paying 10 miles per dollar spent for non-elites and up to 20 for top-tier Diamond members. Frontier also added an Elite Silver tier and renamed its status levels.
Why revenue-based hurts a budget airline
Revenue-based earning is especially harsh on an ultra-low-cost carrier. Frontier sells very cheap base fares, so 10 miles per dollar on a 39-dollar ticket is almost nothing, where the old distance model would have credited a full segment of miles. The miles you do earn now come disproportionately from the bags, seats, and bundles Frontier charges extra for. For most travelers, the practical effect is a meaningful devaluation: the same flying earns far fewer miles than before.
What stayed, and how to use it
One piece of good news is that Frontier kept a fixed award chart for redemptions rather than going dynamic, so the cost to redeem is still predictable, and short awards can be cheap. The miles also come mainly from the co-branded card and partners now, not from flying. Treat Frontier Miles as an earn-and-burn currency for cheap domestic hops, and do not expect to build a balance from budget fares alone. See the devaluation overview.
Frequently asked questions
Did Frontier devalue its miles?
Yes, on the earning side. In January 2024 Frontier switched from distance-based to revenue-based mileage, so you now earn from 10 miles per dollar spent rather than a mile per mile flown. On cheap fares that means far fewer miles than before.
Does Frontier still have an award chart?
Yes. Unlike many larger airlines, Frontier kept a fixed award chart for redemptions rather than moving to dynamic pricing, so the cost to redeem miles is still predictable. The devaluation was in earning, not redeeming.
How do you earn Frontier miles now?
Based on spending: 10 miles per dollar for non-elites, scaling up to 20 for Diamond elites, plus whatever you spend on bags, seats, and bundles. Because base fares are cheap, the co-branded card and partners are now the main way to build a balance.
Are Frontier miles worth collecting?
Only as an earn-and-burn currency for cheap domestic flights. The fixed award chart keeps redemptions predictable, but revenue-based earning means budget fares generate few miles, so do not expect to accumulate much from flying alone.
Bryce Casson, Founder of Cardocrat. Every card is ranked by what it actually returns, with all points valued at a flat 1 cent and offers verified against issuer sources. About the author.
