Last edit by: Adam Smith
If I use a Bid Upgrade do I get additional SQM / SQD now for my flights?
No.
If I use a Bid Upgrade on an International Flight leaving YYZ/YVR do I get access to the Signature Lounge?
No.
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?
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
No.
If I use a Bid Upgrade on an International Flight leaving YYZ/YVR do I get access to the Signature Lounge?
No.
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?
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
#1441
Join Date: May 2022
Programs: AC50K, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 185
Are bid upgrades entitled to meal/snack?
So this was kind of strange and frustrating.
I bid the minimum ($140) about a week ago for AC244 yesterday (YVR to YEG). It got approved 48 hours out.
The flight was J5 at least a full week prior (when I submitted my bid). It was J1 24 hours out, and one person was upgraded at the gate.
They had, maybe, snacks for 7/14 of us (It was an A320-200).
Am I crazy in thinking this is totally unacceptable? The SD was nice. Nothing against her (I've flown with her at least twice before). She got underloaded. But I feel like if I'm upgraded a full 2 days out I shouldn't be getting nothing but almonds on a 90 minute flight (made worse by sitting an extra hour waiting for de-icing). When I'm upgraded at the gate, at least I know there's a legitimate chance of this occurring. There was also no differentiation as far as rev tickets, eups, bids, etc. The front seats got the snacks until they were gone. I could have put myself in Row 1 but chose not to (my mistake, I guess).
I assume there's no actual recourse here, but wanted to know if this is normal.
I bid the minimum ($140) about a week ago for AC244 yesterday (YVR to YEG). It got approved 48 hours out.
The flight was J5 at least a full week prior (when I submitted my bid). It was J1 24 hours out, and one person was upgraded at the gate.
They had, maybe, snacks for 7/14 of us (It was an A320-200).
Am I crazy in thinking this is totally unacceptable? The SD was nice. Nothing against her (I've flown with her at least twice before). She got underloaded. But I feel like if I'm upgraded a full 2 days out I shouldn't be getting nothing but almonds on a 90 minute flight (made worse by sitting an extra hour waiting for de-icing). When I'm upgraded at the gate, at least I know there's a legitimate chance of this occurring. There was also no differentiation as far as rev tickets, eups, bids, etc. The front seats got the snacks until they were gone. I could have put myself in Row 1 but chose not to (my mistake, I guess).
I assume there's no actual recourse here, but wanted to know if this is normal.
#1442
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE MM, UA Gold, Bonvoy Tit LT Sil, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond, Accor Silver
Posts: 42,033
So AFAIK they now have a list of "upgrades". But I don't think it differentiates based on type of upgrade, or when the upgrade occurred. So even if she hadn't gone front to back, I don't think it would have helped.
If it was J1 24 hours out, and there were people waitlisted for J, they "would have" catered it full. Which suggests this was just a catering mishap.
You mentioned it was J5 when you submitted your bid, so there were more than 7 people who were confirmed ahead of you, and we have no idea how many of the other 4 people may have bought a ticket. Unfortunately, in that situation, I just don't think you'd "deserve" one of the seven snacks.
But yeah, I'd write in. I'm sure you'll get somewhere between $50-$200 depending on how the agent feels and how much you actually paid for the upgrade.
If it was J1 24 hours out, and there were people waitlisted for J, they "would have" catered it full. Which suggests this was just a catering mishap.
You mentioned it was J5 when you submitted your bid, so there were more than 7 people who were confirmed ahead of you, and we have no idea how many of the other 4 people may have bought a ticket. Unfortunately, in that situation, I just don't think you'd "deserve" one of the seven snacks.
But yeah, I'd write in. I'm sure you'll get somewhere between $50-$200 depending on how the agent feels and how much you actually paid for the upgrade.
#1443
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Ottawa
Programs: Altitude E50K / *G
Posts: 906
I feel in this case they should at least have handed out snacks / meals based on status but they never seem to do this anymore on short routes.
I would write in but I don't think I would expect much. But saying that I flew YOW - YYZ and they forgot to load any alcohol (?). The FA started to tell me they don't serve drinks on this flight
Anyway I ended up with a $100 eCoupon so I am OK with that. You may get the same.
I would write in but I don't think I would expect much. But saying that I flew YOW - YYZ and they forgot to load any alcohol (?). The FA started to tell me they don't serve drinks on this flight

Anyway I ended up with a $100 eCoupon so I am OK with that. You may get the same.
#1444
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE MM, UA Gold, Bonvoy Tit LT Sil, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond, Accor Silver
Posts: 42,033
I feel in this case they should at least have handed out snacks / meals based on status but they never seem to do this anymore on short routes.
I would write in but I don't think I would expect much. But saying that I flew YOW - YYZ and they forgot to load any alcohol (?). The FA started to tell me they don't serve drinks on this flight
Anyway I ended up with a $100 eCoupon so I am OK with that. You may get the same.
I would write in but I don't think I would expect much. But saying that I flew YOW - YYZ and they forgot to load any alcohol (?). The FA started to tell me they don't serve drinks on this flight

Anyway I ended up with a $100 eCoupon so I am OK with that. You may get the same.
Also grumble grumble for my $50 eCoupon for no meal on SFO-YYZ as SE in paid J.
#1446
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE MM, UA Gold, Bonvoy Tit LT Sil, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond, Accor Silver
Posts: 42,033
#1447
Join Date: May 2022
Programs: AC50K, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 185
So this was kind of strange and frustrating.
I bid the minimum ($140) about a week ago for AC244 yesterday (YVR to YEG). It got approved 48 hours out.
The flight was J5 at least a full week prior (when I submitted my bid). It was J1 24 hours out, and one person was upgraded at the gate.
They had, maybe, snacks for 7/14 of us (It was an A320-200).
Am I crazy in thinking this is totally unacceptable? The SD was nice. Nothing against her (I've flown with her at least twice before). She got underloaded. But I feel like if I'm upgraded a full 2 days out I shouldn't be getting nothing but almonds on a 90 minute flight (made worse by sitting an extra hour waiting for de-icing). When I'm upgraded at the gate, at least I know there's a legitimate chance of this occurring. There was also no differentiation as far as rev tickets, eups, bids, etc. The front seats got the snacks until they were gone. I could have put myself in Row 1 but chose not to (my mistake, I guess).
I assume there's no actual recourse here, but wanted to know if this is normal.
I bid the minimum ($140) about a week ago for AC244 yesterday (YVR to YEG). It got approved 48 hours out.
The flight was J5 at least a full week prior (when I submitted my bid). It was J1 24 hours out, and one person was upgraded at the gate.
They had, maybe, snacks for 7/14 of us (It was an A320-200).
Am I crazy in thinking this is totally unacceptable? The SD was nice. Nothing against her (I've flown with her at least twice before). She got underloaded. But I feel like if I'm upgraded a full 2 days out I shouldn't be getting nothing but almonds on a 90 minute flight (made worse by sitting an extra hour waiting for de-icing). When I'm upgraded at the gate, at least I know there's a legitimate chance of this occurring. There was also no differentiation as far as rev tickets, eups, bids, etc. The front seats got the snacks until they were gone. I could have put myself in Row 1 but chose not to (my mistake, I guess).
I assume there's no actual recourse here, but wanted to know if this is normal.

#1449
Join Date: Aug 2022
Location: YYZ
Programs: Aeroplan
Posts: 124
Do bid-upgrades earn 3x AP points when an AP premium CC is used?
The wording is "Earn 3 points for every $1 of eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada" so I would assume yes. I wanted to see if anyone else could confirm.
The wording is "Earn 3 points for every $1 of eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada" so I would assume yes. I wanted to see if anyone else could confirm.
Last edited by JayTakesOff; Jan 4, 23 at 8:57 am Reason: wording
#1450
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: ARN
Programs: AC, Marriott
Posts: 1,074
They come through as ac.com and got the AC multiplier on my CIBC VIP card.
#1451
Join Date: Jan 2023
Posts: 3
Help with AC bid vs. eUpgrade
Hello, can someone please help me check upgrade availability for business class?
My partner and I are booked on a flight Montreal to Tokyo on AC5 for Jan 7, booked with reward points for premium economy. I have the option of putting in an AC bid or try to use eUpgrade credits. I’m 25K status and currently have 25 credits- the eUp is asking for 34 credits (so I can put in 25 credits and add $400).
The AC bid minimum is $850 and max is $1800.
What will be considered first, AC bid or upgrade bid?
how do I increase my upgrade chances?
many thanks!
My partner and I are booked on a flight Montreal to Tokyo on AC5 for Jan 7, booked with reward points for premium economy. I have the option of putting in an AC bid or try to use eUpgrade credits. I’m 25K status and currently have 25 credits- the eUp is asking for 34 credits (so I can put in 25 credits and add $400).
The AC bid minimum is $850 and max is $1800.
What will be considered first, AC bid or upgrade bid?
how do I increase my upgrade chances?
many thanks!
#1452
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: 5,445
Hello, can someone please help me check upgrade availability for business class?
My partner and I are booked on a flight Montreal to Tokyo on AC5 for Jan 7, booked with reward points for premium economy. I have the option of putting in an AC bid or try to use eUpgrade credits. I’m 25K status and currently have 25 credits- the eUp is asking for 34 credits (so I can put in 25 credits and add $400).
The AC bid minimum is $850 and max is $1800.
What will be considered first, AC bid or upgrade bid?
how do I increase my upgrade chances?
many thanks!
My partner and I are booked on a flight Montreal to Tokyo on AC5 for Jan 7, booked with reward points for premium economy. I have the option of putting in an AC bid or try to use eUpgrade credits. I’m 25K status and currently have 25 credits- the eUp is asking for 34 credits (so I can put in 25 credits and add $400).
The AC bid minimum is $850 and max is $1800.
What will be considered first, AC bid or upgrade bid?
how do I increase my upgrade chances?
many thanks!
So, the bid upgrade would likely be evaluated first, at (in theory) 72ish hours before the flight. With regards to your odds and/or increasing your chances, the upgrade bid process is a bit mysterious, as enumerated in the wiki for this thread.
And there is a possibility that you could be offered an LMU (last minute upgrade) on check-in too.
#1453
Join Date: May 2020
Location: YYZ
Programs: "Fake SE 100k", Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy Plat & LT Silver, National EE
Posts: 763
Hello, can someone please help me check upgrade availability for business class?
My partner and I are booked on a flight Montreal to Tokyo on AC5 for Jan 7, booked with reward points for premium economy. I have the option of putting in an AC bid or try to use eUpgrade credits. I’m 25K status and currently have 25 credits- the eUp is asking for 34 credits (so I can put in 25 credits and add $400).
The AC bid minimum is $850 and max is $1800.
What will be considered first, AC bid or upgrade bid?
how do I increase my upgrade chances?
many thanks!
My partner and I are booked on a flight Montreal to Tokyo on AC5 for Jan 7, booked with reward points for premium economy. I have the option of putting in an AC bid or try to use eUpgrade credits. I’m 25K status and currently have 25 credits- the eUp is asking for 34 credits (so I can put in 25 credits and add $400).
The AC bid minimum is $850 and max is $1800.
What will be considered first, AC bid or upgrade bid?
how do I increase my upgrade chances?
many thanks!
As Bohemian said above, I would not get your hopes up as a 25k to get eUped into J. If you want to sit in J, then putting in a bid amount for the seat will be considered over any eUp requests. You are in PY so you will be ahead of everyone in regular Y but someone with higher status might be in your cabin so hard to tell where you will be on the list. Best of luck and have a good trip!
#1454
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE MM, UA Gold, Bonvoy Tit LT Sil, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond, Accor Silver
Posts: 42,033
#1455
Join Date: Jan 2023
Posts: 3
With this being your first post welcome to FlyerTalk!
As Bohemian said above, I would not get your hopes up as a 25k to get eUped into J. If you want to sit in J, then putting in a bid amount for the seat will be considered over any eUp requests. You are in PY so you will be ahead of everyone in regular Y but someone with higher status might be in your cabin so hard to tell where you will be on the list. Best of luck and have a good trip!
As Bohemian said above, I would not get your hopes up as a 25k to get eUped into J. If you want to sit in J, then putting in a bid amount for the seat will be considered over any eUp requests. You are in PY so you will be ahead of everyone in regular Y but someone with higher status might be in your cabin so hard to tell where you will be on the list. Best of luck and have a good trip!
Does J mean full price business class tickets?
In this case, do you think I should do both- place an AC bid AND an eupgrade request? I’m a little confused as to which will clear first. It says on the website that 25k status for international flights clears 3 days before flight, while AC bid results come out T-48 hours before the flight.