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
Mar 16, 2019, 8:33 pm
#826
Join Date: Apr 2008
Programs: Aeroplan 25K, Marriott Plat
Posts: 343
The pricing for this seems weird. I booked a "comfort" fare from YVR to NAS that's available to bid upgrade. Buying a J ticket would have been $840. The min bid price from comfort to J was $500 on the first segment and $350 on the second. It would have been cheaper to toss my ticket in the garbage and buy one in J then to bid on upgrades.
Apr 16, 2019, 6:22 pm
#827
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 35
Bid Upgrade Question
I'm flying LAX-YVR in 10 days. Reading up on the bid Upgrade, I get the impression I would not get a refund on a Preferred seat if my bid is accepted. Is that the case?
I put in a low bid as a "what the heck" thing. It's only a 3 hr flight, so I won't be mad if I don't get it. But I would like to have a little legroom if I'm in coach. But I don't want to spend $30 or $40 and not get it back if I do get to fly upfront...anyone know if that's how it works?
I put in a low bid as a "what the heck" thing. It's only a 3 hr flight, so I won't be mad if I don't get it. But I would like to have a little legroom if I'm in coach. But I don't want to spend $30 or $40 and not get it back if I do get to fly upfront...anyone know if that's how it works?
Apr 20, 2019, 8:09 pm
#830
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: ORD
Programs: AA EXP & million miler
Posts: 3,992
Bid upgrade on UA ticket stock, and seat map question
Hello,
Does AC allow bid upgrades on 016 tickets? Flying YYZ-MXP on May 11. I can select seats on the AC website but get an 'error' message when i enter the booking locator on the upgrade tool to enter a bid (if even available). Should I periodically check back to see if they're accepting bids?
Also, the AC seat map is showing very different availability (less) that the ExpertFlyer seat map. On EF lots more of the preferred ($) seats in Y are available but on AC seat map they're only selling one of them. Typical?
Thanks so much!
Does AC allow bid upgrades on 016 tickets? Flying YYZ-MXP on May 11. I can select seats on the AC website but get an 'error' message when i enter the booking locator on the upgrade tool to enter a bid (if even available). Should I periodically check back to see if they're accepting bids?
Also, the AC seat map is showing very different availability (less) that the ExpertFlyer seat map. On EF lots more of the preferred ($) seats in Y are available but on AC seat map they're only selling one of them. Typical?
Thanks so much!
Apr 20, 2019, 10:26 pm
#831
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: YYZ
Programs: FOTSG Tangerine Ex E35k (AC)
Posts: 5,612
What $30? You should get a refund. Might have to request from a bid but LMU or eUp is pretty automatic. I think I may have seen that bid works automatically too. After they run the payment which is post flight from what I’ve seem recently.
If it’s AC metal can request or get an LMU order at OLCI. Before... maybe? If you get AC booking code and insert into the website? But not even code is eligible anyway.
Not sure on EF.
Hello,
Does AC allow bid upgrades on 016 tickets? Flying YYZ-MXP on May 11. I can select seats on the AC website but get an 'error' message when i enter the booking locator on the upgrade tool to enter a bid (if even available). Should I periodically check back to see if they're accepting bids?
Also, the AC seat map is showing very different availability (less) that the ExpertFlyer seat map. On EF lots more of the preferred ($) seats in Y are available but on AC seat map they're only selling one of them. Typical?
Thanks so much!
Does AC allow bid upgrades on 016 tickets? Flying YYZ-MXP on May 11. I can select seats on the AC website but get an 'error' message when i enter the booking locator on the upgrade tool to enter a bid (if even available). Should I periodically check back to see if they're accepting bids?
Also, the AC seat map is showing very different availability (less) that the ExpertFlyer seat map. On EF lots more of the preferred ($) seats in Y are available but on AC seat map they're only selling one of them. Typical?
Thanks so much!
Not sure on EF.
Apr 21, 2019, 4:51 pm
#833
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 35
Thanks! I went ahead and paid for a premium seat. According to EF, there are 5 of 16 J seats available, flight is 5 days from now on flt 577 LAX-YVR...can anyone give me an idea if that's average, high or low?
I read earlier in this thread about people not getting bid upgrades, but then being offered LMUs at check in. Is that common?
I read earlier in this thread about people not getting bid upgrades, but then being offered LMUs at check in. Is that common?
Apr 24, 2019, 7:13 pm
#834
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,511
Tried this for the first time and put in the absolute lowest bid...............I was flying YWG - YYC - LAS. I don't have status so figured I would just do it on the first leg to YYC. I am taking a suitcase and a golf bag so getting J class I will cover my baggage fees so it really only ended up costing me $50.00. Just a short haul but worked out for the first time trying it! It was confirmed this morning 3 days ahead. I took a peak and the J cabin is empty so probably why it was approved without a problem on the lowest bid.
May 1, 2019, 9:31 am
#835
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: YOW
Programs: AC-SE100K, AC-3MM, Marriott- LT Titanium, SPG RIP
Posts: 2,958
New feature of Bid Upgrades:... Instant Upgrades
https://upgrade.plusgrade.com/offer/AirCanada
Discover AC Bid Upgrade's newest feature, Instant Upgrade.
By taking advantage of this option, you can easily secure an upgrade to a higher cabin class at a reasonable cost, within a couple of hours of your request.* Instant Upgrade is available on eligible routes and flights 10 to 4 days prior to departure.
From FAQs:
If you requested an Instant Upgrade, we will notify you by email within a couple of hours of your request as to whether it has been accepted.
Anybody use this yet?
https://upgrade.plusgrade.com/offer/AirCanada
Discover AC Bid Upgrade's newest feature, Instant Upgrade.
By taking advantage of this option, you can easily secure an upgrade to a higher cabin class at a reasonable cost, within a couple of hours of your request.* Instant Upgrade is available on eligible routes and flights 10 to 4 days prior to departure.
From FAQs:
If you requested an Instant Upgrade, we will notify you by email within a couple of hours of your request as to whether it has been accepted.
Anybody use this yet?
May 1, 2019, 9:36 am
#836
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: YVR
Programs: AC SE 2MM; UA MP Premier Silver; Marriott Bonvoy LT Titanium Elite; Radisson; Avis PC
Posts: 35,255
New feature of Bid Upgrades:... Instant Upgrades
https://upgrade.plusgrade.com/offer/AirCanada
Discover AC Bid Upgrade's newest feature, Instant Upgrade.
By taking advantage of this option, you can easily secure an upgrade to a higher cabin class at a reasonable cost, within a couple of hours of your request.* Instant Upgrade is available on eligible routes and flights 10 to 4 days prior to departure.
From FAQs:
If you requested an Instant Upgrade, we will notify you by email within a couple of hours of your request as to whether it has been accepted.
Anybody use this yet?
https://upgrade.plusgrade.com/offer/AirCanada
Discover AC Bid Upgrade's newest feature, Instant Upgrade.
By taking advantage of this option, you can easily secure an upgrade to a higher cabin class at a reasonable cost, within a couple of hours of your request.* Instant Upgrade is available on eligible routes and flights 10 to 4 days prior to departure.
From FAQs:
If you requested an Instant Upgrade, we will notify you by email within a couple of hours of your request as to whether it has been accepted.
Anybody use this yet?
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/30214703-post719.html
However, it does not seem that anyone has posted any experience using this feature yet, at least here in this forum.
May 1, 2019, 9:41 am
#837
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: YOW
Programs: AC-SE100K, AC-3MM, Marriott- LT Titanium, SPG RIP
Posts: 2,958
Not new... discussed upthread starting in September 2018:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/30214703-post719.html
However, it does not seem that anyone has posted any experience using this feature yet, at least here in this forum.
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/30214703-post719.html
However, it does not seem that anyone has posted any experience using this feature yet, at least here in this forum.
I thought i was on top of this stuff, but had not heard of it nor seen this in use yet (ie I have not been offered any instant upgrades)
May 1, 2019, 10:12 am
#838
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: MEX
Programs: AC E75K
Posts: 4,171
Not new... discussed upthread starting in September 2018:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/30214703-post719.html
However, it does not seem that anyone has posted any experience using this feature yet, at least here in this forum.
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/30214703-post719.html
However, it does not seem that anyone has posted any experience using this feature yet, at least here in this forum.
May 1, 2019, 1:36 pm
#839
Join Date: Jan 2019
Posts: 7
I saw the Instant Upgrade information when I went to check Bid Upgrade this morning. I wasn't sure if I should bid or wait to see if an instant upgrade option presented itself. Unfortunately the minimum bid doubled over the last few days so my only option is to wait for the instant upgrade now 
Anyone ever see the minimum bid swing back down the closer the date gets?
Anyone ever see the minimum bid swing back down the closer the date gets?
Last edited by KelMM; May 2, 2019 at 9:21 am
May 2, 2019, 7:46 am
#840
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: I'm From Here
Programs: AC*SE & MM/*Wood Gold/HHonors Diamond/Marriott Silver/AirMiles Gold
Posts: 4,567
I hate quoting random copy/paste blogs but I saw this on my feed yesterday.
Seems to work with AC as they use the same system
https://travelingformiles.com/new-fr...ewards-points/
Seems to work with AC as they use the same system
https://travelingformiles.com/new-fr...ewards-points/
