Apr 2, 2017, 9:28 pm
Last edit by: Bohemian1
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.
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.
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
Aug 8, 2022, 5:24 pm
#1321
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 1,186
Today I noticed an instant upgrade available for $1,700 CAD for the SYD-YVR and figured I'd just do it. The original bid may have been successful in the end, but worth it to me to pay just a touch more for the peace of mind to know I have it and look forward to over the next week, as well as grab one of the last window seats.
Aug 8, 2022, 5:35 pm
#1322
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: YVR - MILLS Waypoint (It's the third house on the left)
Programs: AC*SE100K, wood level status in various other programs
Posts: 6,226
For SQM, "The basis for calculation is the original booking class of the flight segment being auctioned and not the upgraded class of service.".
Ditto for SS access. You get a J seat, but you're not flying a J fare, so no SS either.
Still a decent deal though for that length of flight.
Aug 8, 2022, 5:43 pm
#1323
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 1,186
No and no.
For SQM, "The basis for calculation is the original booking class of the flight segment being auctioned and not the upgraded class of service.".
Ditto for SS access. You get a J seat, but you're not flying a J fare, so no SS either.
Still a decent deal though for that length of flight.
For SQM, "The basis for calculation is the original booking class of the flight segment being auctioned and not the upgraded class of service.".
Ditto for SS access. You get a J seat, but you're not flying a J fare, so no SS either.
Still a decent deal though for that length of flight.
Aug 8, 2022, 6:02 pm
#1324
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: SYD
Programs: Asiana Diamond+, Qantas Gold, Virgin Gold
Posts: 59
No and no.
For SQM, "The basis for calculation is the original booking class of the flight segment being auctioned and not the upgraded class of service.".
Ditto for SS access. You get a J seat, but you're not flying a J fare, so no SS either.
Still a decent deal though for that length of flight.
For SQM, "The basis for calculation is the original booking class of the flight segment being auctioned and not the upgraded class of service.".
Ditto for SS access. You get a J seat, but you're not flying a J fare, so no SS either.
Still a decent deal though for that length of flight.
This first sector is ex-SYD, so no special lounge would be available to me anyway. I'm already Star Gold, so would've had access in PY, but I'm crediting this trip to Virgin Australia as the return trip in even just the original PY is netting me 75% of my retention requirements. The only hiccup is if I'll have any issues entering the AC lounge in YVR with my Star Gold card but crediting to VA on the YVR-DEN segment.
The price is definitely solid... Business has routinely been $10,000AUD+ this northern summer, so given I paid just $2,200 for the return trip in PY, I'd consider it a good deal if I manage to upgrade each way for $1,700, as that'd be more than 40% less than the usual price.
Aug 8, 2022, 6:04 pm
#1325
Moderator, Air Canada; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: YYC
Programs: AC SE MM, FB Plat, WS Plat, BA Silver, DL GM, Marriott Plat, Hilton Gold, Accor Silver
Posts: 16,767
But I just tried a couple of sample bookings and couldn't see whether there are any T&C specific to the instant upgrade option, because they were only offering me bids, no instant option.
Aug 8, 2022, 6:16 pm
#1326
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 1,186
I found a booking that has all three upgrade options on the website: "Upgrade from $xxx", "AC Bid Upgrade", and "eUpgrades". Clicking through the "Upgrade from ..." option would book me into P with:
Unless I'm talking about something entirely different than "instant upgrade"?
Business Class (lowest)fare rules
1 Adult
You've chosen superior comfort and convenience with spacious seating, personalized service, fine cuisine, extra baggage allowance and access to premium airport services.
1 Adult
You've chosen superior comfort and convenience with spacious seating, personalized service, fine cuisine, extra baggage allowance and access to premium airport services.
Aug 8, 2022, 6:20 pm
#1327
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Toronto, ON
Programs: AC 75K
Posts: 6,361
I found a booking that has all three upgrade options on the website: "Upgrade from $xxx", "AC Bid Upgrade", and "eUpgrades". Clicking through the "Upgrade from ..." option would book me into P with:
Unless I'm talking about something entirely different than "instant upgrade"?
Unless I'm talking about something entirely different than "instant upgrade"?
Aug 8, 2022, 6:23 pm
#1328
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: YVR - MILLS Waypoint (It's the third house on the left)
Programs: AC*SE100K, wood level status in various other programs
Posts: 6,226
I found a booking that has all three upgrade options on the website: "Upgrade from $xxx", "AC Bid Upgrade", and "eUpgrades". Clicking through the "Upgrade from ..." option would book me into P with:
Unless I'm talking about something entirely different than "instant upgrade"?
Unless I'm talking about something entirely different than "instant upgrade"?
"Instant Upgrade" is what is offered on the Plusgrade (bid) site.
An upfare is exactly that, an upfare to a higher fare class. The "Upgrade from $xxx" is an example of an upfare.
Aug 8, 2022, 6:25 pm
#1329
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 1,186
Ahh! Thank you for clearing that up! I didn't realise that was an option!
Aug 16, 2022, 4:05 pm
#1330
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: SYD
Programs: Asiana Diamond+, Qantas Gold, Virgin Gold
Posts: 59
Well, well, well: just woke up to find that after asking $515 for an "instant upgrade" on YVR-DEN on the 737 Max, AC in the end accepted the lowest possible bid the system allowed on the bid upgrade ($205) at 48 hours out.
I guess if I have to finally fly the Max, at least it'll be with a free drink.
I guess if I have to finally fly the Max, at least it'll be with a free drink.
Aug 18, 2022, 12:42 pm
#1331
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: PHX
Programs: AAexp, AC75k, HertzPC, NationalEE, Accor/MariottP, Hilton/HyattG
Posts: 3,614
Well, well, well: just woke up to find that after asking $515 for an "instant upgrade" on YVR-DEN on the 737 Max, AC in the end accepted the lowest possible bid the system allowed on the bid upgrade ($205) at 48 hours out.
I guess if I have to finally fly the Max, at least it'll be with a free drink.
I guess if I have to finally fly the Max, at least it'll be with a free drink.
I have flown this pairing a couple times in reverse recently and it's always been on a CR9 on Jazz.
When does it switch to mainline 737Max? thanks!
Aug 18, 2022, 1:29 pm
#1332
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: SYD
Programs: Asiana Diamond+, Qantas Gold, Virgin Gold
Posts: 59
Aug 30, 2022, 9:21 am
#1334
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: YYZ
Programs: A3&O6 Gold,IC AMB & HH Diamond
Posts: 14,132
Is this a glitch?
Trying to bid CDG to YYZ in Business, quoted $850 pp but when I tried to pay it says $1600 pp, what gives?
EDIT: I figured it out. Poor design
Trying to bid CDG to YYZ in Business, quoted $850 pp but when I tried to pay it says $1600 pp, what gives?
EDIT: I figured it out. Poor design
Last edited by Adam Smith; Aug 30, 2022 at 9:42 am Reason: Merge consecutive posts by same user
Aug 30, 2022, 3:43 pm
#1335
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: YYC / random hotel in YYZ
Programs: Back of the bus
Posts: 922