Credit Card News
Frontier Airlines World Mastercard Adds Free Checked Bags Perk
Frontier’s co-branded credit card is finally gaining a key cardholder perk.
About the new benefit and the card:
Today, Frontier and Barclays announced a new benefit would join the Frontier Airlines World Mastercard. Effective immediately, primary cardholders can enjoy two complimentary checked bags when flying Frontier-operated flights. This even applies to golf and ski equipment. However, to qualify for this perk, the tickets must have been purchased directly with Frontier and must be made with your Frontier Airlines card. Additionally, cardholders who already qualify for free check luggage via membership baggage allowance will still only be able to get a total of two free checked bags.
With this new benefit, it does look as though the card has adjusted its annual fee. Previously, the Frontier Airlines World Mastercard carried an $89 annual fee. Now, this fee shows as $99 — although it’s also currently being waived for the first year.
As for the other features of the Frontier Airlines World Mastercard, the card earns 5x miles on FlyFrontier.com purchases, 3x miles on eligible restaurant purchases, and 1x miles on all other purchases. Plus, cardholders earn 1 Elite Status Point for every $1 spent. With the card, customers can also unlock family pooling for miles.
In addition to the new baggage benefit, Frontier Airlines cardmembers enjoy Zone 2 boarding and can gain instant Gold Status after making a purchase within 90 days of account opening. This status is extended to 12 months for those who spend at least $3,000 within the first 90 days. Lastly, each cardholder anniversary, customers who spend at least $2,500 on their card can receive a $100 flight voucher.
The Frontier Airlines World Mastercard is also currently offering a welcome bonus. Those who spend at least $1,000 on the card within their first 90 days can earn 50,000 bonus miles.
What they’re saying:
Commenting on the new perk, Frontier’s chief commercial officer Bobby Schroeter stated, “Our cardmembers spoke, and we listened. With the introduction of free checked bags, we’re elevating the travel experience for Frontier Airlines World Mastercard cardmembers. This new benefit, combined with existing perks like Instant Elite Gold Status and miles that never expire, makes our card a must-have for any traveler looking to maximize value and convenience on every flight.”
My thoughts:
Although I’ve never flown Frontier, I can imagine how lucrative this new benefit could be. When I looked at a sample itinerary for my airline baggage fee round-up, a single checked bag cost $50 (at its lowest point) while a second bag started at $70 — and that’s per way! In other words, just checking one bag on a round-trip flight could more than cover the annual fee. To me, that benefit is absolutely worth the apparent $10 fee increase. Moreover, if you fly Frontier with any sort of regularity, I now think that this card is a no-brainer.