How "bid for an upgrade" auctions actually work
- It’s a blind auction: you never see what anyone else has bid, and there’s no published "winning" price.
- You enter card details when you bid, but you’re only charged if your bid is accepted — usually 24–72 hours before departure.
- Bids sit between an airline-set minimum and maximum. Airlines rank offers roughly highest-to-lowest, sometimes weighted by loyalty status.
- Winning a bid is never guaranteed — it depends on how many premium seats stay unsold, your bid amount, and timing.
- Once your bid is accepted and charged it’s non-refundable (except if the airline cancels the flight). The upgrade also usually earns no extra miles or tier points.