Apr 2, 2017, 9:28 pm
Last edit by: Wigg
Moderator note: Any questions regarding availability/fare buckets on a specific flight or flights should be posted in the fare bucket check request thread. Any such posts in this thread will be deleted.
Q: When should I use eUpgrades, and when should I use AC Bid?
A: For starters, you can use both of them on a single booking. If one upgrade is accepted, the other is cancelled at no cost to you. One thing to consider is that eUpgrade priority is highly influenced by your Aeroplan Elite status and the fare class of the original ticket, but AC Bid is influenced by your bid as compared to other people. If you don't have a high Aeroplan Elite status, AC Bid may be the better choice for you.
Q: If I use a Bid Upgrade do I get additional SQM / SQD now for my flights?
A: No.
Q: If I use a Bid Upgrade on an International Flight leaving YYZ/YVR do I get access to the Signature Lounge?
A: No.
Q: When will I find out if my bid was successful?
A: You will be sent an email within 36 to 48 hours prior to your departure.
Q: If I am successfully upgraded, which baggage limit applies?
A: The baggage rules of the upgraded ticket apply. Note that this is different than eUpgrades, where the original tickets baggage rules still apply.
Q: When do I pay for a bid?
A: Your credit card is only charged when the bid is accepted, which will happen no earlier than 48 hours before departure. Note that if your card is declined, even temporarily for a fraud check, you will lose the bid and will not get another opportunity.
Q: Can I cancel an AC Bid?
A: Yes, but only until 48 hours before departure.
Q: If I cancel the booking after successfully bidding for an upgrade, or if I miss the flight, will I get a refund?
A: No.
Q: If Air Canada rebooks me on another flight, what happens to my AC Bid upgrade?
A: You keep it and Air Canada will put you in the upgraded cabin on the new flight. If the new flight does not have Premium Economy, or if there are not enough Business class seats, then your AC Bid will be refunded.
Q: I have a flight going from XXX to YYY on DD-MM-YY and the minimum bid is $ZZZ - what are my chances / what should I bid?
A: No one here really knows how Plusgrade as implemented by AC really 'decides' which bids to accept.
There are so many potential variables that it's best just to bid what you feel the upgrade is worth to you.
Q: I was successful in a Bid Upgrade to the PY cabin. Can I now use my e upgrades to attempt to upgrade to J?
A: No. Only 1 upgrade is allowed. The same applies to a last minute upgrade to PY.
AC Bid Upgrade - FAQs
If your upgrade request is accepted, the fare conditions for the original ticket you purchased shall remain in effect and will be applicable with respect to cancellation policies, change fees, conditions for minimum and maximum stay, and rules relating to the accrual of frequent flyer miles. All other conditions will be per the upgraded fare class.
On the AC website:
"AC Bid Upgrade - Your opportunity to travel in a higher cabin class"
https://upgrade.plusgrade.com/offer/AirCanada
Q: When should I use eUpgrades, and when should I use AC Bid?
A: For starters, you can use both of them on a single booking. If one upgrade is accepted, the other is cancelled at no cost to you. One thing to consider is that eUpgrade priority is highly influenced by your Aeroplan Elite status and the fare class of the original ticket, but AC Bid is influenced by your bid as compared to other people. If you don't have a high Aeroplan Elite status, AC Bid may be the better choice for you.
Q: If I use a Bid Upgrade do I get additional SQM / SQD now for my flights?
A: No.
Q: If I use a Bid Upgrade on an International Flight leaving YYZ/YVR do I get access to the Signature Lounge?
A: No.
Q: When will I find out if my bid was successful?
A: You will be sent an email within 36 to 48 hours prior to your departure.
Q: If I am successfully upgraded, which baggage limit applies?
A: The baggage rules of the upgraded ticket apply. Note that this is different than eUpgrades, where the original tickets baggage rules still apply.
Q: When do I pay for a bid?
A: Your credit card is only charged when the bid is accepted, which will happen no earlier than 48 hours before departure. Note that if your card is declined, even temporarily for a fraud check, you will lose the bid and will not get another opportunity.
Q: Can I cancel an AC Bid?
A: Yes, but only until 48 hours before departure.
Q: If I cancel the booking after successfully bidding for an upgrade, or if I miss the flight, will I get a refund?
A: No.
Q: If Air Canada rebooks me on another flight, what happens to my AC Bid upgrade?
A: You keep it and Air Canada will put you in the upgraded cabin on the new flight. If the new flight does not have Premium Economy, or if there are not enough Business class seats, then your AC Bid will be refunded.
Q: I have a flight going from XXX to YYY on DD-MM-YY and the minimum bid is $ZZZ - what are my chances / what should I bid?
A: No one here really knows how Plusgrade as implemented by AC really 'decides' which bids to accept.
There are so many potential variables that it's best just to bid what you feel the upgrade is worth to you.
Q: I was successful in a Bid Upgrade to the PY cabin. Can I now use my e upgrades to attempt to upgrade to J?
A: No. Only 1 upgrade is allowed. The same applies to a last minute upgrade to PY.
AC Bid Upgrade - FAQs
If your upgrade request is accepted, the fare conditions for the original ticket you purchased shall remain in effect and will be applicable with respect to cancellation policies, change fees, conditions for minimum and maximum stay, and rules relating to the accrual of frequent flyer miles. All other conditions will be per the upgraded fare class.
On the AC website:
"AC Bid Upgrade - Your opportunity to travel in a higher cabin class"
https://upgrade.plusgrade.com/offer/AirCanada
Air Canada Bid Upgrade Program
Mar 26, 2024, 12:28 pm
#1756
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC SE 100K MM; Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Avis Presidents Club
Posts: 1,082
My flight is on Friday to HKG (AC7), and when I go onto the Air Canada site to look for 2 Business Class seats, it is unavailable.
Looking for 1 seat, I can see there are about 5-6 seats available in Business Class.
Is there a way to tell what the chances are that my Bid Upgrade would be successful or unsucessful?
Can you also ask the Kiosk Teller at the Airport for a Bid Upgrade to Premium Economy if Business Class ends up being sold out?
Looking for 1 seat, I can see there are about 5-6 seats available in Business Class.
Is there a way to tell what the chances are that my Bid Upgrade would be successful or unsucessful?
Can you also ask the Kiosk Teller at the Airport for a Bid Upgrade to Premium Economy if Business Class ends up being sold out?
There is no way to tell if your Bid will be successful or unsuccessful, but given that J-1, I wouldn't be hopeful.
Bid Upgrades close and notifications are issued at T-48 so you will know then, and they are not available at the Airport.
The only other thing you can hope for is a LMU at Check-in to either PE or J. There are 5 seats left to sell in PE, so you may or may not get a LMU offer.
Last chance - eUp at the gate!
Mar 26, 2024, 2:16 pm
#1757
Join Date: Mar 2023
Location: Foothills County, Alta
Programs: Westjet, Air Canada, Best Western, Marriott
Posts: 206
My flight is on Friday to HKG (AC7), and when I go onto the Air Canada site to look for 2 Business Class seats, it is unavailable.
Looking for 1 seat, I can see there are about 5-6 seats available in Business Class.
Is there a way to tell what the chances are that my Bid Upgrade would be successful or unsucessful?
Can you also ask the Kiosk Teller at the Airport for a Bid Upgrade to Premium Economy if Business Class ends up being sold out?
Looking for 1 seat, I can see there are about 5-6 seats available in Business Class.
Is there a way to tell what the chances are that my Bid Upgrade would be successful or unsucessful?
Can you also ask the Kiosk Teller at the Airport for a Bid Upgrade to Premium Economy if Business Class ends up being sold out?
Mar 26, 2024, 2:23 pm
#1758
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 318
unless one had a drastic change in their life/financial circumstances, or a work travel requirement, i don't see the rational for buying flex Y and bidding $4100, if one had that kinda money why not just buy it do begin with (and get s suite access, extra points etc)?
i'm on that flight next thursday... because of onward ticket with cathay J was going to be super expensive so we passed on it, waitlisted at the moment and not optimistic. i declined the 1100 min bid
Last edited by tdiddy23; Mar 26, 2024 at 2:47 pm
Mar 26, 2024, 2:52 pm
#1759
Join Date: Mar 2023
Location: Foothills County, Alta
Programs: Westjet, Air Canada, Best Western, Marriott
Posts: 206
Or fly the next day for 3669 cash in J and have everything pretty much guaranteed
unless one had a drastic change in their life/financial circumstances, or a work travel requirement, i don't see the rational for buying flex Y and bidding $4100, if one had that kinda money why not just buy it do begin with (and get s suite access)?
i'm on that flight next thursday... because of onward ticket with cathay J was going to be super expensive so we passed on it, waitlisted at the moment and not optimistic
unless one had a drastic change in their life/financial circumstances, or a work travel requirement, i don't see the rational for buying flex Y and bidding $4100, if one had that kinda money why not just buy it do begin with (and get s suite access)?
i'm on that flight next thursday... because of onward ticket with cathay J was going to be super expensive so we passed on it, waitlisted at the moment and not optimistic
Mar 28, 2024, 12:46 pm
#1760
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: YYZ
Programs: AMEX AC CX UA AA DL
Posts: 3,008
Flying YYZ - HND. My friend's bid was 1380 (with paid exit row economy, not sure if that $100+ is taken into account in the bid).
My bid was 1370 and also requested eUp (status is 25K). I intentionally put in a lower bid because I want him to get upgraded.
His bid was accepted. My eUp also went through when I checked at T-48.
minimum bid was 1300. J9 before T48. J4 after. Economy Flex tickets.
Received bid upgrade reject notification at T-36.
My bid was 1370 and also requested eUp (status is 25K). I intentionally put in a lower bid because I want him to get upgraded.
His bid was accepted. My eUp also went through when I checked at T-48.
minimum bid was 1300. J9 before T48. J4 after. Economy Flex tickets.
Received bid upgrade reject notification at T-36.
Last edited by beep88; Mar 29, 2024 at 6:50 am
Apr 9, 2024, 2:19 pm
#1762
Join Date: Sep 2023
Posts: 378
https://www.aircanada.com/content/da...rements_EN.pdf
Apr 9, 2024, 2:28 pm
#1763
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: EVA Air , * G, QR Privilege Club S
Posts: 5,187
Here is the link to the e upgrade "guide". Pg 6 I think is what you want.
https://www.aircanada.com/content/da...rements_EN.pdf
https://www.aircanada.com/content/da...rements_EN.pdf
Apr 9, 2024, 2:36 pm
#1764
Join Date: Dec 2019
Programs: Air Canada - Super Elite, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 609
The only class they specifically say “no” to in the FAQ’s is Economy Basic, however they also note:
Not all flights may be eligible for an upgrade. Eligible flights and tickets are determined by Air Canada at its sole discretion and depend on a variety of factors including cabin class and seat class availability.
Apr 9, 2024, 3:21 pm
#1765
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: EVA Air , * G, QR Privilege Club S
Posts: 5,187
So one day on that sector it may be available and on another day that class is not available? I do understand that it on the availability of seats but was wondering if I buy anything not basic if there is a possibility of bidding. I know that the success of the bid also depends solely on AC but some fares do not have the ability to make a bid as well.
Apr 10, 2024, 2:54 am
#1767
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC SE 100K MM; Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Avis Presidents Club
Posts: 1,082
IE: You're on a $400 ticket and bid $300, I'm on a $500 ticket and bid $250, only 1 UG to be accepted, who wins? Does status come into play?
Apr 11, 2024, 4:57 pm
#1768
Join Date: Jan 2024
Posts: 18
Hi everyone - I will be flying Y on AC transpacific the coming Thursday and have a few questions on seating and upgrades:
1. I read somewhere that AC will send out an upgrade email a week before the flight; mine is 7 days minus 5 hours from now and I still haven't received anything. Does that mean the premium cabins are all full?
2. Other upgrade options seem to be around online check-in and at the gate. How does the gate option work - will it be announced or I will need to approach a gate agent asking about an upgrade? Will it be a fixed price or another round of bidding?
3. If an upgrade is not available/affordable, I'd like to have the option to change seats in Y as late as possible. If I check in online as normal but choose not to print BP, will I be able to change seats when printing BP at an AC kiosk?
TIA.
1. I read somewhere that AC will send out an upgrade email a week before the flight; mine is 7 days minus 5 hours from now and I still haven't received anything. Does that mean the premium cabins are all full?
2. Other upgrade options seem to be around online check-in and at the gate. How does the gate option work - will it be announced or I will need to approach a gate agent asking about an upgrade? Will it be a fixed price or another round of bidding?
3. If an upgrade is not available/affordable, I'd like to have the option to change seats in Y as late as possible. If I check in online as normal but choose not to print BP, will I be able to change seats when printing BP at an AC kiosk?
TIA.
Apr 11, 2024, 5:05 pm
#1769
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 1,190
Hi everyone - I will be flying Y on AC transpacific the coming Thursday and have a few questions on seating and upgrades:
1. I read somewhere that AC will send out an upgrade email a week before the flight; mine is 7 days minus 5 hours from now and I still haven't received anything. Does that mean the premium cabins are all full?
2. Other upgrade options seem to be around online check-in and at the gate. How does the gate option work - will it be announced or I will need to approach a gate agent asking about an upgrade? Will it be a fixed price or another round of bidding?
3. If an upgrade is not available/affordable, I'd like to have the option to change seats in Y as late as possible. If I check in online as normal but choose not to print BP, will I be able to change seats when printing BP at an AC kiosk?
TIA.
1. I read somewhere that AC will send out an upgrade email a week before the flight; mine is 7 days minus 5 hours from now and I still haven't received anything. Does that mean the premium cabins are all full?
2. Other upgrade options seem to be around online check-in and at the gate. How does the gate option work - will it be announced or I will need to approach a gate agent asking about an upgrade? Will it be a fixed price or another round of bidding?
3. If an upgrade is not available/affordable, I'd like to have the option to change seats in Y as late as possible. If I check in online as normal but choose not to print BP, will I be able to change seats when printing BP at an AC kiosk?
TIA.
3. You can change your seat even after checking in and having a BP.
Apr 11, 2024, 5:22 pm
#1770
Join Date: Jan 2024
Posts: 18
1. There are services you can subscribe to (expertflyer has a free trial) that will tell you number of open seats in the different fare buckets (up to a max of 9 in the case of AC). Or you can simply try to book a business seat and see if AC will sell it to you.
3. You can change your seat even after checking in and having a BP.
3. You can change your seat even after checking in and having a BP.