It has been reported in the South China Morning Post today that Cathay Pacific (CX) is considering launching an online auction for passengers to bid for seat upgrades.
The pilot programme, which will work similarly to eBay, is designed as a way for the carrier to improve its passenger load factors. Should it be implemented, customers 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 the CX's Marco Polo Club, who typically enjoy free upgrade privileges. Indeed, Business Traveller Asia-Pacific has received a letter from one of its readers, calling the move “another devaluation of frequent flyer benefits.”
A CX spokesperson has confirmed the news with Business Traveller Asia-Pacific but stressed that the project is still in the study phase and no decisions have been made on it. In a statement to the magazine, the spokesperson wrote: “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.”
Subscribers to Business Traveller's UK edition can read Jenny Southan's article - Going Going Gone on whether bidding on premium seats means the death of the free upgrade.
Clement Huang
