Frontier's elite frequent fliers to lose free TV

Elite status isn't what it used to be at Frontier Airlines.

That's likely what some of the carrier's top customers are saying after Frontier announced in-flight TV will no longer be free for its elite frequent fliers. Currently, Frontier's elite "Ascent" and "Summit" frequent fliers don't have to pay for Frontier's in-flight television.

"We are revisiting our product offerings and the cost associated with each service benefit we provide," Frontier spokeswoman Kate O'Malley says to The Denver Post.

The change was announced earlier this month and will go into effect for flights starting Aug. 1.

Frontier's charge for its DirecTV service is $3.99 for flights shorter than two hours or $5.99 for flights between two and three and a half hours. Flights of more than three and a a half hours run $7.99.

And, in what the Post calls "an attempt to make up for the perk removal," Frontier will begin offering Ascent-level fliers a free alcoholic or "premium" beverage. Summit-level members, who already receive a free drink, will get a complimentary snack or snack box.