Seat upgrades to highest bidders on Etihad

Etihad Airways has started a programme that will allow coach and business travellers to bid for seat upgrades online with other passengers.

DUBAI // Travellers who have booked flights on Etihad Airways can now take part in an auction for seat upgrades with fellow passengers.

Under the new online system, customers who have bought Coral economy or Pearl Business class tickets will be eligible for the new service.

Confirmed passengers will be sent an email 10 days before their flight if a seat becomes available in a higher class.

"Guests will be notified on email about potential availability of seats for upgrades, following which they can make their offer," the Etihad website said. "The success of an offer will depend on the amount offered for an upgrade, other competing offers as well as the guest's status within the Etihad Guest program. As always, the higher the offer, the greater the chances."

To take part in the auction, customers must click on the "upgrade now" button on the email. This will take the customer to the main auction website managed by PlusGrade.

Users will then choose how much they want to pay for the upgrade and submit their credit card details. The money is only deducted if the bid is successful.

A bidder's final status will be confirmed two days before the departure date.

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For more information, log on to Etihad Airways website