Bidding for business class to grow with Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand will expand a trial program that allows passengers to bid on upgraded seating.

Air New Zealand has expanded a trial program that allows economy and premium economy long haul passengers to bid on upgraded seats.

The ‘OneUp’ program has already been tried with Air New Zealand passengers who purchased tickets in North America, the UK and Australia, and the carrier said it will now be expanded to include people traveling from New Zealand to a selection of international destinations.

Only passengers who purchase tickets directly from the airline are eligible to bid for an upgrade on flights in which premium classes are undersold. The program does not effect passengers who would already receive an upgrade based on frequent flyer points, Air New Zealand said.

“The OneUp trial is a unique way for passengers to have the chance at an upgrade when they might not otherwise be able to afford it,” says Air New Zealand’s group general manager international airline, Christopher Luxon. “It’s also a win for the airline, enabling us to earn additional revenue from seats that would previously travel empty.”