Skift Take

The elusive upgrade was always a game of chance and an auction model makes it even more interesting.

The economy passenger’s dream ticket – a free upgrade at the departure gate – now looks endangered.

Online upgrade auctions that allow travellers with cheap tickets to make blind bids for unfilled business class seats are on the rise, as airlines across the world catch on to the innovative new way of making extra cash.

… The technology behind the bidding services has been developed by American software developer, Plusgrade, which claims it is in talks with several other carriers about offering the facility. The firm’s chief executive, Ken Harris, told The Independent: “Everybody loves an upgrade. At this very moment there are many smiling passengers in the sky, criss-crossing the world”.

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Tags: in-flight, upgrades

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