Cathay Pacific (CX) has begun trialling an online upgrade auction service called “Enhance”, starting with nine selected routes across its network.
Economy and premium economy passengers travelling between the carrier’s base in Hong Kong to Perth, Toronto, Newark, Moscow, Paris, London, Surabaya, Cebu or Seoul are now given the opportunity to bid for an upgrade to the next higher cabin class.
This only applies to bookings made after May 12 this year, for travel between June 20 and November 12, 2014, on cathaypacific.com, dragonair.com, or the airlines' local reservation offices and hotlines.
Do note that only fare classes W, R, E, Y, B, H, K, M, L and V are eligible for the upgrade. Also, as Enhance bids are for the next higher class only, economy passengers booked for a flight with premium economy will not be able to upgrade to business class. Asia Miles redemption bookings are not eligible for upgrades via Enhance.
Eligible customers who have booked their flights via the official CX or KA website will receive an instant invitation to bid on the booking confirmation page. Those who have booked the flight through the airlines’ local reservation offices or hotlines will receive an email invitation seven days before departure.
Upon accepting the invitation, customers will be directed to the Enhance webpage (click here) and asked to submit an offer within a specifically indicated price range. Bidders need to choose a payment option and enter credit/debit card information before participating. According to a spokesperson of the airline, “the bidding price range varies depending on the routes, flights, schedules and seat availability”.
Cathay Pacific will then inform both successful and unsuccessful bidders with notifications of the results by email two days before departure. Payment will be deducted from the successful bidder's credit/debit card and a new electronic ticket will be provided.
For more information, visit cathaypacific.com/enhance
Clement Huang
