Cathay Pacific passengers could soon bid for seat upgrades online if the airline approves a pilot programme under consideration.
The online auction, which will work in a similar way to Ebay, is designed for Cathay Pacific to improve its passenger load factors.
Should it be implemented, passengers will be able to bid for a single-sector, one-cabin upgrade to either premium economy or business class.
The airline will then inform the successful bidder four days prior to departure, when payment is to be made.
The initiative is unlikely to be welcomed by high-tier members of CX's Marco Polo Club, who typically enjoy free upgrade privileges.
A Cathay Pacific spokesperson told our sister magazine Business Traveller Asia-Pacific that the project is still in the study phase and a final decision has yet to be made.
In a statement, the spokesperson said: "At the moment we are examining new initiatives that will allow us to offer passengers, including our Marco Polo Club members, different ways to get an upgrade."
Earlier this month, Cathay Pacific announced it will launch a direct daily service from Hong Kong to Zurich in 2015 (see news, May 19).
Clement Huang
