Qantas Airways introduces “bid-now upgrades” for business class

Empty business class seats in Qantas Airways will now be put up for sale through a bidding option. Australia’s flagship carrier recently introduced “bid-now upgrades” for its frequent flyers allowing them to seek upgrades to any empty seat in business class cabins even a week prior to their departure. Through this new initiative the airline wants to increase the loyalty as well as boost revenues.

The airline said that select frequent flyers will be offered “bid now upgrades” on each flight. The process will enable them to use a mix of cash and frequent flyer points for bidding. The upgrades will however be confirmed by the airline 24 hours prior to scheduled departure.

Lesley Grant, Chief Executive of Qantas Loyalty, said that the frequent flyers would be provided greater opportunity to travel in business class after getting upgrades. Lesley said, “Those members not having enough points for submitting for an upgrade request for their entire family can now do so through ‘bid now upgrades’ by using a combination of points and money and take advantage of this alternative option to travel in business class flights along with family members.”

According to the airline, the upgrade will not be applicable for first class or premium economy on international flights. The customers traveling in economy class or premium economy will be able to upgrade for business class flights.

For example, those who will be traveling to Los Angeles from Sydney are required to make use of a combination of over $1,000 cash and 5,000 points.