Qantas launches bidding service for upgrades
Qantas is this week rolling out a new auction style bidding program for frequent flyers to request an upgrade.
Called ‘Bid Now Upgrades,’ the invite-only program allows frequent flyers booked in Economy and Premium Economy to bid on a Business class upgrade using a mix of money and Qantas loyalty points.
"As Australia’s leading loyalty program we are always exploring new ways for our frequent flyers to redeem their Qantas points and we know that upgrading to a more premium cabin is something that many of our members aspire to," said Qantas Loyalty CEO Lesley Grant.
This is designed for frequent flyers who don’t have a balance high enough to request an upgrade using points alone."
Invited customers will be emailed seven days before they are due to fly and bids can be received up to 24 hours before departure.
Customers are required to bid both points and cash with a minimum 3,000 points needed for a domestic upgrade and 5,000 for international flights.
Qantas said a minimum cash spend will also be required, but has yet to disclose that figure.
As with all conventional auctions, customers can outbid one another, but any failed bids will cost nothing.
Qantas said seats for the Bid Now Upgrades will only be made available after it has assigned any conventionally requested Classic Upgrade Reward seats.
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