anybody ever "bid for an upgrade" on Hawaiian Air?

[Gil Bang 26229]

I made a reservation for an elderly couple that aren't really computer savvy.  I just got this in an email:

 

 

Mahalo for choosing Hawaiian Airlines for your upcoming trip.

We are pleased to inform you that the following flight(s) in your itinerary are eligible for an upgrade to our First Class cabin. Place your bid for an upgrade at a price you decide and we'll notify you if your bid is successful 48 hours before departure. If your bid is unsuccessful, we'll notify you 26 hours before departure.

Anybody heard of this?  Any idea what is a reasonable bid? 

[Sbbruin 22142]

Never heard of it, but I like the idea.  It likely helps maximize the amount they take in on upgrades.

[Firemans4Horn 18528]

Read an article that more and more airlines globally are moving to this model. Makes sense to me. 

[Js1 87174]

Yes, I got an email this morning from Brussels Air to do the same.

of course, it starts at about $200

[shakahorn 1656]

As a general guideline, figure out what the cost of the buying an upgrade is, and then bid 20-30% of that.  That is, if you don't want to overpay.  I've heard of folks bidding $200 and winning and folks bidding $800 and losing.

[Gil Bang 26229]

Minimum  bid is $295 ea for outbound, $245 for return. 

[kevwun 16437]

Cruise ships also do it for room upgrades.  The amounts Norwegian suggested were so ridiculous we never even gave it a 2nd thought.

[Js1 87174]

13 minutes ago, kevwun said:

Cruise ships also do it for room upgrades.  The amounts Norwegian suggested were so ridiculous we never even gave it a 2nd thought.

Once I converted whatever Hungarian currency is, I promptly deleted that offer!