Summary

The author has bid for an upgrade on Air New Zealand flights using the 'OneUp' program, expressing both skepticism and hope about the outcome, while reflecting on the realities of air travel comfort versus cost.

Abstract

The author discusses their recent opportunity to bid for an upgrade on Air New Zealand's 'OneUp' program for flights from Vancouver to Auckland and then to Sydney. Initially skeptical about the value of bidding for an upgrade, they ultimately decided to participate, placing bids for each leg of their journey. While they remain realistic about their chances, especially for the long-haul flights, they express a desire for some comfort, particularly after a long day of travel. The author muses on the disparity between economy and premium classes, acknowledging the allure of luxury travel but also its prohibitive cost. They rationalize that, regardless of the seat, all passengers share the same journey and fate. The author speculates on the criteria for selecting upgrade winners, hoping their extensive travel time might give them an edge.

Opinions

The author initially dismissed the upgrade bid as a ploy to extract more money but later became intrigued by the potential for a good deal.
They believe that any amount paid for an upgrade is beneficial to the airline, as it fills otherwise empty seats and adds revenue.
The author desires the comfort and pampering of a higher class but is not willing to pay the full price for it, finding better uses for that money.
There is a wishful thinking that the airline might consider the passenger's entire itinerary, including long layovers and total travel time, when deciding on upgrades.
The author acknowledges the lottery-like nature of the upgrade process, hoping for the best but expecting that the highest bidder will likely win.
They maintain a pragmatic view that, in the end, all passengers on the plane share the same experience and destination, regardless of the class they are traveling in.

I’ve Put in a Bid for an Upgrade

Airlines are using this tactic, and I’m all for it!

I’m travelling south in just under two weeks and received an email from Air New Zealand inviting me to bid for an upgrade. They have a program called ‘OneUp’ that allows passengers to move one class up by offering a bid for an upgrade.

At first glance, I poo-pooed the offer to bid for a potential seat in Premium Economy for way less than the actual fare. They were just after more of my precious dollars! But then I hesitated.

Hmmm; maybe I could score a pretty lucrative deal here?

So I took a peek: There is a base rate to start bidding as most auctions have; $375 for each long-haul flight between Vancouver and Auckland (14 hours + flight time, depending on the wind) and much less for the Auckland to Sydney flights (3 1/2 hours.)

Considering how much extra it would cost me to pay for a full upgrade, I went with the ‘gotta be in to win’ notion and made three bids; one each for the long hauls between Canada and New Zealand and the third for my last leg getting to Sydney from Auckland.

I’m sure I won’t get the long hauls, and that’s ok; I bid pretty low. I’ve already started the psychological preparation of being jammed in a seat next to a stranger, being fed airline food and subject to communal washrooms and less-than-stellar sleeping arrangements.

But a little love after a day of travelling from Montréal, I’d welcome some pampering to Sydney. An extra few bucks would be worth it. I offered closer to the asking rate.

Yes, it’s a marketing ploy, but why not? The seats are empty, so any amount is money in their pocket. It’s way less out of mine for the experience.

Oh, to be rich!

I wish I could always travel in style, especially when getting from A to B involves an aluminum beast for over 14 hours. Now, business economy or first-class travel has become so expensive I could only do it if I was uber-rich, had buckets of Airpoints or was heading off to work, and my company paid for it.

Unfortunately, I’m not rich and have not been travelling, so no chance to accumulate Airpoints. I’m not going away for a business trip, either.

Sure, I’d love to be pampered and have a bed en route, complete with some fine(?) airline wining and dining, a complimentary skin and wellbeing package and someone at my beck and call for a few hours. Just to be horizontal would be amazing — but to pay out of my pocket another $3K for the privilege?

Nope! I can think of better ways to spend that money.

Essentially, whatever seat you’re sitting in, we’re all on the same plane going to the same place on the same day and time. If the plane goes down, it doesn’t matter how much you paid; we’re all on the same sinking ship!

So how do they choose who wins?

For sure, it’s the dollar value being offered, but I’d like to think they look at itineraries.

Mine is shite.

Montréal to Vancouver: six hours flying time. Please let them consider I arrived at least two hours in advance at the airport and have a four-hour layover before my Air NZ flight takes off.

Surely that alone gives me extra clout and moves me up the wannabe list?

If I don’t score that upgrade, maybe they will consider that by the time I’m boarding my Auckland to Sydney flight, I have been on the go for over 24 hours when they’re deciding between me and some kiwi dude heading to Sydney for a little fun and fancy-free time?

Likely not.

The grand buckaroo speaks.

I’m thinking only positive thoughts — and welcoming the vibes to score at least one of the three deals!

PICK ME!!

🙏🤞🏻