If you almost but didn’t quite make it to elite status with Frontier Airlines this year, the airline is giving you a break. Members who were close to reaching an elite level at the end of 2009–within 2,000 miles or five segments of Ascent or Summit status–can still make their way to elite for 2010. If your total status miles was between 13,000 and 14,999 miles or you had flown between 20 and 24 segments by Dec. 31, 2009, you can fly two roundtrips by Feb. 15, 2010 and earn Ascent status this year. Members who earned between 23,000 and 24,999 status miles or 35 to 39 segments in 2009 can receive Summit status when flying twice by Feb. 15, 2010. For eligible members who complete the two flights and qualify for elite status, you will receive elite benefits from Feb. 21, 2010 through Jan. 31, 2011. Visit http://insideflyerus.wpengine.com/link/?2128 for more information.

Bottom line: Frontier Airlines is essentially giving those members who were a few miles or segments short of qualifying for elite an extra month and a half to earn status. For Ascent members, this means another chance to earn 25 percent bonus miles, access to Choice Plus awards, two complimentary checked bags, priority service and free DIRECTV in 2010. Summit members also receive in-flight cocktails, waived changed fees, 50 percent elite bonus and a free confirmed seat on an alternate flight on the day of departure.